This is your comprehensive guide to Holosun rifle optics. Here, we explain the defining features of all Holosun rifle red dot sights and recommend the best applications and setups for each of them.
Holosun Rifle Optic Lineup At a Glance
- Holosun AEMS PRO X2: Combines a compact profile with a large viewing area, designed for flexibility across multiple firearm platforms. Best for tactical setups and low-profile mounting.
- Holosun AEMS CORE X2: Stripped-down version of the AEMS with essential features.
- Holosun ARO: Compact and durable with seamless compatibility for magnifiers, perfect for rapid target acquisition and competition shooting.
- Holosun ARO-EVO: Upgraded with a larger sight picture, bullet-drop compensating reticle, and anti-reflection system.
- Holosun MP3X: Fixed 3X magnification prism optic with etched reticle and BDC functionality, designed for both CQB and medium ranges.
- Holosun SCRS: A lightweight and ultra-compact tube sight featuring advanced light sensors and compatibility with third-party mounts.
- Holosun 403: Entry-level 20mm red dot with a 2 MOA dot reticle and simplicity in design.
- Holosun 503: Adds MRS functionality, offering both a 2 MOA dot and a 65 MOA circle-dot.Â
- Holosun 510: Open reflex sight with a massive field of view, perfect for carbines and shotguns.
- Holosun 512: Wide-view enclosed red dot optimized for durability and enhanced field applications.
- Holosun 515: Premium tube sights with titanium or aluminum housings, offering MRS options and versatile reticle customization.
- Holosun 530: Heavy-duty titanium optic with 30mm lenses and advanced brightness settings built for extreme-duty use cases.
Also, read: Finding the Best Holosun Sight for Your Pistol [Guide]
Holosun Symbols, Naming, Features & Specs Cheat Sheet
Shake Awake
Holosun’s Shake Awake feature activates with the slightest motion, ensuring your reticle is ready to perform. You can also program the sleep timer to save battery during long downtime.
Solar Failsafe
The Solar Failsafe technology keeps your optic operating seamlessly by harnessing ambient light while adjusting reticle brightness to match conditions. Non-Solar-Failsafe Holosun rifle red dots use manual controls to adjust brightness.
Multi-Reticle System (MRS)
Switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, and a circle-dot combo depending on your shooting needs. Ideal for everything from CQB drills to precision long-distance shooting.
Holosun Aluminum vs Titanium Housings
- 6061 T6 Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, ideal for general use.Â
- 7075 T6 Aluminum: +50% stronger and better suited for harsh environments.Â
- Grade 5 Titanium: Ultimate strength, lighter weight, and corrosion resistance. Built for MIL/LE use and extreme durability. Holosun’s titanium housings withstand seawater and are 5 times stronger than 7075 aluminum.
Holosun Naming System
- First Digit: Indicates reticle type. 4 = dot-only; 5 = Multi-Reticle System (MRS).Â
- Second Digit: Accessories. 0 = Standard (e.g., bikini lens covers); 1 = Upgraded (e.g., QD mount, kill flash).Â
- Third Digit:
- 403, 503 = Rifle Optics (20mm lens).Â
- 407, 507 = Pistol Optics.Â
- 510, 530 = Advanced Rifle Optics (30mm lens).
- Letters:
- C = Solar FailsafeÂ
- T = Titanium HousingÂ
- K = Subcompact SizeÂ
- M = 7075 Aluminum Housing + Enhanced Water ResistanceÂ
- G = Side Battery Tray + Low-Profile TurretsÂ
- R = Rotary Brightness Adjustment
- B = Side mounted battery tray secured with two screws
- O = Open Circle Reticle
- U = Shrouded turrets for better impact resistance
Example: The 515CM features a MRS Reticle (5), Solar Power (C), and a 7075 Aluminum Housing (M).
Open-Emitter vs. Closed-Emitter OpticsÂ
Holosun rifle optic lineup includes both open-emitter and closed-emitter optics. If you’re new to this lingo, here’s a quick breakdown.
- Open-Emitter Optics: Features a single exposed pane of glass. Compact, lightweight, and well-suited for environments where debris isn’t a major concern. E.g., 510.
- Closed-Emitter Optics: Fully encases the emitter for added protection against elements and impacts. E.g., 512, AEMS, ARO.
Holosun Green Dot Rifle Sights
Green reticles provide better visibility for those with red-green color blindness, astigmatism, or in high-light conditions. HE models indicate green options, offering more efficient battery usage in daylight.
Green dot emitters consume less energy compared to red dots in bright environments.
Comparing Holosun Rifle Red Dot Sights
Holosun AEMS Series
The AEMS (Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight) lineup offers a large viewing area in a surprisingly lightweight, compact form factor. With double the lens surface area of standard 20mm red dots, the Holosun AEMS balances a huge field of view with minimal distortion, all packaged in a durable aluminum body.
- AEMS PRO X2 features a Multi-Reticle System (MRS) with options for a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or a combination of both as well as Shake Awake, Solar Failsafe, and 12 brightness settings (8 for daylight and 4 for night vision). Unlike the CORE, the AEMS PRO X2 features a tougher 7075 T6 Aluminum housing and sports a flip down protective lens cover.
- AEMS CORE X2, made from cast aluminum, is a stripped-down, budget-friendly version with a 2 MOA dot-only reticle, no solar backup, and 2 NV brightness settings out of 12.
Best For: Tactical shooters and those who need lightweight, enclosed optics with enhanced field of view on their rifles or carbines.
![Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide]](https://blog.gritroutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/scrs.jpg "Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide] 4")
Holosun SCRSÂ
The SCRS (Solar Charging Rifle Sight) is an ultra-compact 20mm tube sight at the heart of which is a solar panel that continuously recharges the internal battery. Basically, this means the red dot has an infinite battery power. The SCRS comes in two options, with a plain 2 MOA dot reticle or the MRS (2 MOA/65 MOA Circle-Dot combo). The SCRS is user friendly, offering automatic brightness adjustments with Manual Mode buttons for full control in case the sight fails to adjust the brightness when the light conditions change quickly. The sight sports a robust 7075 aluminum housing.
Best For: Minimalists or backpack hunters who need a lightweight, compact tube optic with indefinite battery power.
![Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide]](https://blog.gritroutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/aro-evo.jpg "Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide] 6")
Holosun ARO and ARO-EVOÂ
The ARO series was designed off Holosun’s 403 and 503 series. ARO models sport a 22mm housing and are compatible with Holosun magnifiers for mid-range shooting. The ARO comes with either a classic 2MOA dot or a Multi-Reticle System (MRS).
Meanwhile, the ARO-EVO, its evolved counterpart, features a larger 26mm housing for a broader field of view and Solar Failsafe technology (the original ARO has only the Shake Awake). Also, the ARO-EVO boasts a newly developed Special Purpose Reticle (SPR) ideal for ranging and bullet-drop compensation (although, models with a simple 2 MOA dot are available).
Both ARO and ARO-EVO are available in a red, green, or gold reticle color.
Best For: The ARO suits general-purpose use, while the ARO-EVO excels in precision shooting at close and mid ranges and scenarios requiring fast target acquisition.
![Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide]](https://blog.gritroutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/530.jpg "Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide] 8")
Holosun 515 and 530 SeriesÂ
Both series offer heavy-duty tube sights. The core difference between them is the sight window size – the 515 is 20mm, while the 530 is 30mm.
In the 515 lineup, the 515 CM and 515 GM sport a 7075 T6 aluminum housing, and for those who demand even more resilience, the 515 GT and 515 CT boast titanium housings. The 530 lineup comes in titanium entirely. The C models in the 515 and 530 series sport Solar Failsafe and have automatic brightness adjustment; the G models allow manual brightness adjustments.
All these optics feature Shake Awake, MRS reticle, lens caps, and kill flash inserts.
Best For: Tactical, law enforcement, and military professionals who need an indestructible sight for heavy-duty, high-stakes scenarios.
Holosun 510C
The 510C is arguably one of Holosun’s most iconic models. Known for its wide-field, open-reflex design, it stands out in CQB scenarios where fast target acquisition is key. Constructed with a titanium hood, this series is ideal for rifle setups where performance in harsh environments is expected. Sporting a Multi-Reticle System and unlimited eye relief, it’s perfect for rifles, carbines, and even shotguns. Also available in FDE.
Best For: Shooters needing maximum situational awareness for close engagement or competitive shooting.
Holosun 512 Series
For those who prefer enclosed reflex sights, the 512 series steps in. These sights combine a 32mm wide window with a sturdy titanium housing and feature integrated Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake, and the MRS. Also, they allow for tool-less battery replacement.
Best For: Dusty, rainy, or generally rugged environments where enclosed optics shine.
![Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide]](https://blog.gritroutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mp3x.png "Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide] 11")
Holosun MP3X
The MP3X is Holosun’s new prism optic. Designed for fixed 3x magnification, it combines practical features like etched reticles with ranging BDC holdovers, dual illumination (red and green), and 7075 T6 aluminum construction. While not strictly a red dot but rather a fixed power LPVO, it complements shooters seeking precision over distance.
Best For: Precision rifle owners who want etched reticles for intermediate ranges or astigmatism-friendly optics.
![Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide]](https://blog.gritroutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/drs.jpg "Which Holosun Rifle Optic for My Setup? [2025 Guide] 12")
DRS-TH & DRS-NV
The Digital Reflex Sight (DRS) series stands out for combining Holosun’s red dot expertise with advanced imaging features. The DRS-TH integrates thermal imaging, excelling in hunting applications and low-visibility scenarios, while the DRS-NV leverages digital night vision ideal for tactical use. Both models boast video recording capabilities, multiple zoom levels, and Holosun’s intuitive controls.
Best For: Low-light shooting and hunting at short to medium ranges.
Holosun 403 & 503 Series – Discontinued
A superb entry-point into the world of Holosun, the 403 series offers budget-friendly, compact, and lightweight red dot optics in durable aluminum housings. The 403 sights feature 2MOA reticle with 12 brightness settings (two night vision-compatible). The 403C submodels include Solar Failsafe, while the 403R incorporates rotary switch controls for brightness adjustments. The 503 series builds on the 403 with the inclusion of the MRS.
Best For: First-time buyers seeking reliable, compact red dots or recreational shooters looking for solid performance without splurging.
Choosing the Best Holosun Rifle Optic for AR-15
Holosun AEMS
- Praised for reliability under recoil and large sight picture.
- Favored for home defense and tactical builds due to its balance of affordability and performance.
Key Features:
- Closed-emitter design for durability in harsh environments.
- Green reticle (circle-dot or MRS variants) for shooters with astigmatism.
- Lightweight and compatible with magnifiers (e.g., Vortex Juliet 4).
Holosun 512 Series
- Considered a budget-friendly alternative to EOTech. Durable, variable reticle.
- Often paired with magnifiers (e.g., HM3X) for hybrid setups.
Key Features:
- Enclosed design with large window.
- Titanium housing.
- Circle-dot reticle (similar to EOTech) for versatility at varied ranges.
Holosun 403 / ARO
A good entry-level rifle dot with all the must-have technologies. Highly durable.
Key features:
- IP67 rating and shockproof construction
- Shake Awake
- Available in Red, Green, or Gold reticle
- 403: Rotary control in 403R; Solar Failsafe in 403C
Honorable Mentions
Holosun 510C:
- Open-emitter design with large sight window and magnifier compatibility.
- Praised for glass clarity and value in mid-range setup.
Holosun HE515GM:
- Aimpoint Micro alternative with solar backup and QD mount.
- Favored for compact builds and night vision compatibility.
Picking Best Holosun Rifle Sight for Other Setups and Applications
- Duty/Hard-Use Environments, Mil/LE
Look at the 515 or 530 for robust builds and premium features.
- Hunting
Choose the 510C open reflex design for easy scanning and fast shots.
- Precision Shooting
Combine the ARO-EVO with a magnifier for confidence across mid-to-long ranges, or consider the MP3X prism optic that delivers 3x magnification and etched reticle in red and green.
