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Holosun 510C: A Budget Friendly Red Dot {Complete Review}

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Holosun started by producing nice little optics for firearms but there weren’t many differences between them and other brands. Holosun then took the initiative and decided to innovate. It tweaked its offering by providing better products at lower prices, and the market took notice. Even though Holosun started its optics journey in 2013, they have made a name for itself since then. 

Holosun is known for budget-friendly optics, with this Holosun 510C red dot sight also sporting impressive features. Holosun 510c is a versatile reflex sight with enough customizable aspects that allow everybody to be able to tweak for themselves. People love the Holosun 510c for several reasons, and we’ll like to see why as we go through this piece. 

Some years back, if you wanted to buy an optic, you could just go to the counter of your favorite dealer and ask for the type you wanted. They’ll most likely come back with just a few you can choose. The same is not the case today as there are tens of similar models from different manufacturers. Even when you have the Holosun 510c red dot in mind already, you still need to do due diligence before buying it or not.

Here is What We’ve Found Out in Our Research on Holosun 510c Red Dot:

Features of the Holosun 510c Sight

Features of the Holosun 510c Sight
Image Credit: www.reddotsightreviews.com

Holosun 510c is a reflex red dot sight with a budget-friendly price. Aside from its price, we will look at other aspects endearing to its users. 

#1. Two Power Sources

Red dot sights need the power to function. Their illumination will not work without power, and they typically use batteries. Holosun 510c has gone for the kill here by using two different power sources, so you do not run out of power at a critical time. It uses the CR2032 battery and a fail-safe solar panel. 

You can switch between any of the power sources depending on your preference. Leaving the power in automatic mode will see the sight draw power from the solar panel. So, when the sight is in this mode, it automatically adjusts the brightness by utilizing the ambient light. And if you are looking to adjust the brightness manually; you can switch to manual where the sight uses its battery to power it.

There are 11 brightness settings you can use here, including 10 for daytime usage and 2 for night time. The battery gives you between 20,000 to 50,000 hours of runtime, depending on the usage. 

One of the most exciting aspects here is the shake awake feature. This feature helps to conserve battery when not in use while allowing you to quickly get back to action when you pick up the sight. The sight shuts down after a set period of inactivity and restarts again when you shake it. This feature only works if you leave the sight on and do not press the power off button.

#2. Mounting and Installation

Holosun 510C Mounting and Installation
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While the Holosun 510c sight comes with a user manual in its box, you may not even need to reach for it because it is quite easy to install. This sight will fit on any Picatinny rail you have, which means you do not have to buy a special rail just to use the red dot. 

It sports a quick detach feature that immediately disengages it from the mount when you want to remove the sight. It helps you when you want to use the sight on another rifle. To install the sight, push the locking button and mount the sight on the rail. After mounting, you can then lock the lever. Adjust the Torx Socket if it is too loose or tight. 

Another good thing about its installation, aside from the short time it takes you to complete the process, is the position of the buttons. They are all at the side, and this allows you to mount a magnifier on top without obstructing anything.

Also Read: Vortex Viper Red Dot Review in 2022

#3. Reticle

The amazing versatility of Holosun 510c does not stop at the dual power sources but stretches into reticles. Holosun is known for having multiple reticles, which give the user options. This Holosun 510c gives you the option of choosing from 3 different reticles; 2 MOA red dots, 65 MOA circles, and a dot and circle combination.

This type of reticle is similar to the reticle used in high-end EOTech sights known as 0 reticle. It is regarded as one of the best in the market. If you choose to use the 65 MOA circle reticle, it comes with a rangefinder that calculates the distance between the gun and the target. Thus, enabling you to shoot more accurately and faster. The size of this reticle is like that of a grown man at 100 yards. If a man only occupies half of the reticle circle, it means it is at 200 yards. 

Without a magnifier, you can use this red dot sight for distances between 100 and 200 yards. When using the 2 MOA reticle, a magnifier allows you to do more and reach more distances. This reticle type is great when you’re looking to conserve power. 

#4. Durability

Holosun 510C Durability
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If you’re worried about the durability of the 510c red dot sight, worry no more as this is an incredibly rugged sight. It can withstand heavy recoil while producing zero retention when shot by a 12 gauge shotgun. The frame of this sight is crafted from titanium alloy while the chassis is from aluminum. These materials give it that sturdy feel and look. 

Outside elements like dust and water can quickly damage a red dot sight, which is why Holosun uses a Micro Arc Oxidation layer.

#5. Lens

The 510c uses a wide window lean that helps looking through at varying angles, a breeze. You don’t have to strain or be in awkward positions, especially when shooting at an angle. 

The glass is fully multi-coated to improve light transmission through it and produce clearer images. The coatings also prevent dust and scratches from ruining the lens while also reducing glare.

#6. Incredible Performance

The features used here are to help this sight produce better results and deliver. With the variety available in this scope, you get more out of your sight as you can use it for different ranges while maintaining accuracy.

It holds zero at all times, so you can continue your shooting without having to recalculate. The dual power allows you to work twice as much without any interruption.

#7. Accessories

When you buy the Holosun 510c red dot, it comes with additional accessories in its box. This includes a CR2032 battery, Torx wrench, battery tray, adjustment too, and a mount. These tools are needed for mounting the sight and also for its usage. You get to save money with the additional tools.

#8. Physical Dimension

This sight has a window size of 0.91×1.26. The large window size helps your aim and speed. Despite all the features packed in this sight, including the battery, it weighs only 4.94 ounces with a physical dimension rating of 3.3×1.68×1.78 inches.

Also Read: ATN Thor 4 Thermal Scope Review in 2022

Pros and Cons of Holosun 510c

Pros and Cons of Holosun 510c
Image Credit: www.americanfirearms.org

Put in simpler terms, here are what you’ll like and dislike about the Holosun 510c reflex sight. These things can make or mar your buying decision, so you don’t want to miss it.

Pros

  • Easy to mount and quick detach feature means you don’t have to spend a long time mounting or removing your sight.
  • The dual power source fitted in this sight allows you to use this sight for longer without getting any disruption due to a dead battery.
  • Affordable price is already a known feature of Holosun sights, and the 510c did not disappoint.
  • 3 reticle options give you added variety and allow you to shoot multiple ranges. 
  • Rugged build to hold off small bumps and hits.

Cons

  • It may be difficult to operate, considering the two buttons on the side serve more than a single function.
  • It can be difficult for people with astigmatism as the issue of double dots may appear.

Should You Buy it?

Considering the features this sight packs and the price, it feels like a steal. Its durable build and extra variety take it to one of the best red dot sights for its price. It is ideal for semi-automatic weapons like the AR-15 but will work for any weapon that can carry a Picatinny mount.

Before You Buy, Read the Manual

You’ll be shocked by the amount of information the manual of this sight holds. You see the right way to mount, install the battery, use this sight and control the sight using the two available buttons. 

Getting a grasp may prove a little too much for someone without prior knowledge; this is why Holosun puts so much in the manual. 

Summary

Holosun is an amazing sight you’ll find quite useful if you use any sight that can carry a Picatinny mount. It shoots great for ranges around 100 to 200 yards, but you may need a magnifier if you want to reach higher ranges. 

The amazing price point Holosun sights come with is the icing on the cake for this deal. It is one of the reasons it has quickly become a favorite among shooters.

About Author

James Towndrow, a NRA-certified Firearms Instructor. During a career of 18 years had won several shooting competition including major leagues. Taking all those experience down the road, is now a successful Shooting Instructor in Texas, US.