Typically when I write a review for a firearms product, I like to have used the item to the point that I feel I can give an honest review. I get a kick out of the guys who mount an accessory to a firearm, or at best make a single trip to the range, and give a full on positive/negative review of an item. I'm by no means an expert, but after using the Holosun Micro Red Dot for several months and shooting approximately 600-700 rounds through it, I think I've gotten familiar enough with the optic to give it a fair review.
The Holosun red dot is not perfect, and I'll do a quick pros/cons rundown, but to me its important to keep the features and expectations of an item on par with its pricepoint. And in the case of this item, I would argue that this optic is by far one of the best deals on the market. As noted, I've put several hundred rounds through the optic, I've removed it and placed it back on the rail for various reasons, and through it all its held 100% zero. A quick disclaimer as well, I am by no stretch of the imagination "easy" on my guns or the accessories on them. The actual red dot reticle has not once failed to turn on by the time I've grabbed and raised the rifle (which I can promise I've tested countless times), and overall I'm impressed with the dot and the diode that projects it (see more in pros/cons).
The overall body of the optic is impressive as well. It feels very substantial and well assembled, and according to the manufacturer is waterproof up to 100 ft, although I haven't tested this beyond the optic getting rained on. The two mounts are included in the box, but truthfully are nothing too special. They definitely serve their purpose but overall feel like the cheapest thing about the optic. Unfortunately on the particular optic I bought (HS403A) the screw pattern is proprietary to Holosun and the optic won't work with any other brand of Aimpoint style mount. The two buttons located on the top of the red dot are very tactile and can easily be used with gloves, although with the auto awake feature I've only used them a handful of times.
Despite a lot of people complaining about the location of the battery on the optic, I won't even mention this because frankly I not only disagree, (A} where else was it supposed to go? B} with the battery life how often will you need to change it?) I find it to be a positive. After shooting this optic for several months I recently picked up a friend's rifle with an Aimpoint Micro attached. I looked through it and realized the brightness knob on the side of an Aimpoint is very distracting when shooting with both eyes open, and seems very clunky and unnecessary after shooting the more streamlined Holosun. I'm sure I'll make some enemies with that statement but frankly, I think Holosun has an overall design improvement that is very unique and functional in the "Aimpoint clone" circle.
There's a lot to like about the Holosun HS403A red dot. Like I said it's not perfect, but it shouldn't be for its price range. And let's face it- is there such a thing as a perfect optic? The Eotech and Aimpoint owners of the world may argue so (both of which I have or currently do own), and they certainly have valid points when it comes to quality control and real world usage. But its important to remember that any electronic optic WILL FAIL, its just a matter of how frequently and under what conditions. I'm not saying I would put my life on the line with the Holosun red dot (I'm also not saying I wouldn't), but for the average range user this optic will more than serve its purpose at a price that literally can't be beat by any other manufacturer.
PROS:
-Price
-Quality
-Limited lifetime warranty (according to manufacturer website)
- Battery Life (obviously I haven't personally tested this feature but I have no reason not to think I won't get years of life out of a battery, and frankly, if Holosun weren't confident in the battery life it would be a suicidal claim to make in my opinion.)
-Sight window is very clear and the diode "mound" barely appears in the sightline
-Turret caps double as windage adjusters, not typical for budget optics in my experience
CONS:
-Lack of mount compatibility on some models
-Mounts included are more than adequate but do have the cheapest feel of anything about the optic
-Overall dot is very crisp but I find it to be somewhat "starry" at certain times/brightness settings
-If I'm being picky, the QR bar code on the side is a little bit gimicky and unnecessary (when scanned it simply takes you to the website)
| Brand | HOLOSUN |
|---|---|
| Color | black |
| Sport | Hunting |
| Item Weight | 4.16 ounces |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Magnification Minimum | 1 x |
| Compatible Devices | Handgun |
| Mounting Type | Weaver Mount |
| Night vision | No |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.9 x 3.7 x 3.2 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.23 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.36 x 1.57 x 2.95 inches |
| Brand Name | HOLOSUN |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Manufacturer | HoloSun Technologies Inc. |
| Part Number | HS403A |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
