Overall Score 8.1
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
⭐️ Verdict: Compact Enclosed Emitter Sight (8.1)
Let’s dive into the Holosun EPS Carry, a sight I’ve had the chance to test out thoroughly. Tailored for subcompact handguns, it boasts an aspheric lens and an ultra-low dot height, ensuring a clear sight picture.
The durability of its 7075 aluminum build and the convenience of an RMSc-to-K footprint adapter are notable.
During my testing, I put this sight through its paces, including a battery of range tests and some tough durability checks. It held up impressively well against drops and rough use, maintaining its zero. The adjustments were responsive and tactile, adding to the ease of use.
Pros
Clear aspheric lens
Durable 7075 aluminum construction
RMSc-to-K footprint adapter
Solar Failsafe
User-friendly, with tactile adjustments
Enclosed Emitter
Cons
Reticle distortion at the edge of the lens
Potentially inconvenient brightness adjustment location for left-handed users
This model is a significant step up, tailored for the growing subcompact handguns like the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat market.
Holosun’s promise of robustness and performance in a compact form is a bold claim in a competitive market.
Performance Analysis of Holosun EPS Carry
1. Optical Quality
The Holosun EPS Carry’s optical prowess is a mixed bag.
On the one hand, its aspheric lens offers a crystal-clear sight picture, and the closed emitter design is a boon, especially in adverse weather conditions, minimizing issue like water droplets or dust affecting the reticle visibility.
The sight’s ability to shift seamlessly between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle is commendable, providing versatility in various shooting scenarios.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The most noticeable shortfall is the reticle distortion when viewed at the edge of the lens, a consequence of its dual-lens system.
This can be a bit disconcerting, especially when precision is critical.
In terms of market comparison, while the EPS Carry holds its own against the likes of RMR and other micro red dots, this distortion issue is something its competitors don’t commonly exhibit.
From a shooter’s perspective, the clarity and brightness of the dot are impressive, and adjusting it to match lighting conditions is straightforward.
Yet, the starburst effect in overly bright settings and the distortion detract from what could have been an impeccable optical experience.
Score: 7/10
2. Durability and Build Quality
The Holosun EPS Carry stands out for its robust construction. Made from CNC-machined 7075 T6 aluminum, it’s a durable piece of equipment built to withstand real-world challenges. In my hands-on experience, this sight proved its mettle.
I conducted several drop tests, ranging from waist to shoulder height, replicating common scenarios for a concealed carry pistol.
The result? The EPS Carry took it all in stride. Despite some cosmetic damage, its performance remained uncompromised, a testament to its build quality.
Its resilience is remarkable compared to other sights in the market, though some might find it slightly bulkier.
However, it’s essential to mention that no optic is indestructible. The EPS Carry held up well in my tests, but excessive or severe impacts could still pose a risk.
As a shooter who values reliability, I found the EPS Carry’s durability reassuring, giving me confidence in its ability to maintain zero and function flawlessly even after rough handling.
Score: 9/10
3. Weight and Size
The Holosun EPS Carry strikes a fine balance between size and functionality, making it an ideal choice for subcompact pistols.
Weighing in at a mere 1.23 oz, it’s impressively lightweight, an essential factor for a sight designed for everyday carry.
The dimensions are compact, too, with a modest protrusion over the slide, ensuring it doesn’t snag or add unnecessary bulk.
In comparison to its competitors, the EPS Carry holds its own.
It’s small enough not to significantly alter a subcompact pistol’s handling characteristics but large enough to provide a clear and effective sighting solution.
From my experience, this sight feels barely there, making it a comfortable choice for extended periods of carry.
| Aspect | Measurement |
| Weight | 1.23 oz |
| Length | 1.62 inches |
| Width | 0.95 inches |
| Height | 1.07 inches |
| Window Size | 0.58×0.77 inches |
Score: 8.5/10
4. Battery Life
The Holosun EPS Carry’s battery life is a notable feature, boasting up to 50,000 hours on a CR1620 battery.
In practical terms, this equates to about 200 days of continuous use, which is decent but not exceptional in modern red dot sights.
From a user’s perspective, the convenience of not having to frequently change batteries is significant, especially for a sight designed for everyday carry.
The solar failsafe feature is a smart addition, providing backup power and peace of mind, particularly in situations where battery reliability is crucial.
In my experience, the battery life has been reliable, and the solar power option is a welcome feature that enhances the sight’s usability in varied lighting conditions.
Score: 9/10
5. Reticle
The reticle of the Holosun EPS Carry is a standout feature, offering a versatile and clear sighting experience.
The sight’s Multi-Reticle System (MRS) allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
The reticle’s brightness is adjustable, with eight daylight and four night vision settings, catering to various lighting conditions.
In practical use, the reticle’s crispness and clarity are impressive.
The 2 MOA dot is precise and easy to acquire, while the 32 MOA circle is useful for rapid target engagement at closer distances.
The ability to deactivate the large ring or dot, leaving only one active, is a thoughtful design choice that enhances the sight’s adaptability.
However, one downside is the reticle distortion at the edges of the glass, especially when the sight is pushed to its limits.
This distortion can impact precision shooting, particularly at longer ranges or critical situations where accuracy is paramount.
Score: 7/10
6. Ease of Use
The Holosun EPS Carry excels in ease of use, an essential factor for any sight, especially for subcompact pistols often used in high-pressure situations.
The sight’s design is intuitive, with large, tactile buttons on the left side for adjusting brightness and settings, making it user-friendly even under stress.
These buttons remain flush with the housing, minimizing accidental adjustments, a thoughtful feature for a carry sight.
Mounting the sight is straightforward, thanks to the included adapter plate and pre-applied Loctite on the screws, which is a plus for ensuring a secure fit.
The sight’s adjustments for windage and elevation are audible and precise, albeit not as refined as some high-end scopes, yet more than adequate for a pistol sight.
However, the placement of the brightness adjustment on the left side may be less convenient for left-handed shooters.
Also, the starburst effect at very high brightness settings could be distracting. These are minor Problems in an otherwise well-designed product.
Having tested this sight extensively, I appreciate its balance of simplicity and functionality. The ease of use enhances the shooting experience, making it a reliable choice for novice and experienced shooters.
Score: 8/10
7. Price
This price range places it in a competitive position in the market, especially considering its features like the enclosed emitter, solar failsafe, and Multi-Reticle System.
It’s a strong contender regarding value for money, offering advanced features usually found in more expensive models.
Comparing it to other sights in the same category, the EPS Carry’s price is justified by its robust build, innovative technology, and versatility.
From my perspective, the Holosun EPS Carry offers a lot of bang for the buck.
Its performance, durability, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those looking for a reliable sight for everyday carry.
Its versatility further enhances its value, fitting a range of subcompact pistols and being suitable for various shooting applications.
Score: 8/10
See Detailed Comparison of Holosun EPS or EPS Carry.
Final Verdict
After rigorous testing and thorough evaluation, the Holosun EPS Carry emerges as a solid contender in the realm of micro red dot sights.
Specifically designed for subcompact handguns, it brings a commendable blend of durability, functionality, and ease of use.
Its aspheric lens provides a clear sight picture, and the robust 7075 aluminum construction ensures resilience against everyday wear and tear.
However, the EPS Carry isn’t without its flaws. The reticle distortion at the lens edge and the shorter battery life compared to some rivals need improvement.
The Holosun EPS Carry scores high on most fronts, particularly in build quality and optical clarity. It is a worthy investment for those seeking a reliable, compact red dot sight.
FAQ’s
What footprint does the Holosun EPS Carry use?
The Holosun EPS Carry uses Holosun’s popular K footprint and includes an RMSc-to-K footprint adapter plate for maximum compatibility.
Is the EPS Carry waterproof?
Yes, the Holosun EPS Carry is waterproof, featuring a Shake-Awake and Parallax-Free Enclosed Sight design suitable for subcompact handguns.
Does the EPS Carry have solar?
Yes, the EPS Carry is equipped with Holosun’s Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology, enhancing battery life and reliability.
What is the brightness of the EPS Carry?
The Holosun EPS Carry offers 12 reticle brightness settings, with levels 1 to 4 being NV compatible and level 12 being the brightest.