Hey Gunners! I recently had the opportunity to test the Holosun HS403R.
This optic, known for its robust build and precision, has caught the attention of many in the shooting community.
My Holosun HS403R Review delves into the intricate details of this sight, from its core specifications to its practical application on various firearms.
Overview
The Holosun HS403R is a remarkable piece of equipment that stands out in shooting optics.
What sets it apart is its technical prowess and its practicality in diverse shooting conditions. This sight is a blend of traditional design and modern innovation, offering a unique experience to the shooter.
Core Specifications of the Sight
| Feature | Specification |
| Reticle | 2 MOA Dot |
| Light Wavelength | 650nm |
| Reticle Color | Red |
| Parallax Free | Yes |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Coatings | Multi-Coated |
| Power Source | CR2032 Battery |
| Battery Life (Hours) | 100,000 |
| Brightness Settings | 10 DL & 2 NV |
| Window Size | 20mm Diameter |
| Dimensions (in) | 2.75×1.43×1.62 |
| Weight (oz) | 3.53 |
| Housing Material | Durable Aluminum |
| Adjustment per Click | 0.5 MOA |
| W&E Travel Range | ±50 MOA |
What’s in the Box?
- HS403R Sight 2 MOA with Rotary Switch
First Look & Impression
Upon first handling the Holosun HS403R, it’s immediately apparent that this is a well-crafted optic. The durable aluminum housing gives a reassuring sense of sturdiness, and the weight is surprisingly manageable.
The rotary dial for intensity adjustment feels intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for quick changes in the field. The sight’s design is sleek and unobtrusive, offering a clear field of view without unnecessary bulk.
Right out of the box, the HS403R inspires confidence and speaks of reliability, a testament to Holosun’s commitment to quality.
Who Should Get Holosun HS403R
The Holosun HS403R is ideal for shooters who value precision and reliability. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or someone who enjoys recreational shooting, this sight offers the versatility and performance needed for various applications.
It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate a balance between advanced technology and ease of use.
Types of Guns Suitable for This Sight
- Rifles with low-comb height
- AR-15 platforms
- Hunting rifles
Features of Holosun HS403R
1. Durability and Build Quality
The Holosun HS403R is a paradigm of rugged durability, encapsulated in its T6061-T6 aluminum housing. This material is not just a standard choice for durability; it’s a testament to the sight’s ability to withstand the harsh realities of field use.
The housing ensures the HS403R is both lightweight and robust, striking a perfect balance for active shooters. Its resilience is further enhanced by the design, which is sleek yet sturdy, ensuring it can handle bumps and knocks without compromising performance.
This robust build quality is essential for a sight that may be exposed to various environmental conditions, from damp forests to sandy terrains, making it a reliable companion for any shooting expedition.
My Testing
During my rigorous testing, I found the HS403R’s build quality to be exceptional. I subjected it to various challenging conditions, including mounting it on an AK for a comprehensive field test.
The sight remained unscathed even after several rounds of shooting and handling. However, it’s worth noting that the aluminum housing, while sturdy, could potentially show wear over time in extreme conditions. But in my experience, the HS403R held up admirably, showcasing its resilience and solid construction.
2. Battery Life and Efficiency
The HS403R boasts an impressive battery life, with a high-capacity CR2032 lithium ion battery powering the optic for up to 100,000 hours. This extraordinary battery life is a significant advantage for shooters who require a reliable sight over extended periods.
The efficient power consumption of the HS403R means less worry about battery changes, ensuring you can focus more on your shooting and less on maintenance. This feature is particularly beneficial for those in competitive shooting or hunting, where uninterrupted performance is crucial.
The sight’s power efficiency doesn’t just extend its operational lifespan; it also represents Holosun’s commitment to creating a practical and user-friendly shooting accessory.
My Testing
My testing confirmed the HS403R’s remarkable battery efficiency. I used the sight extensively, testing it in various light conditions and adjusting the brightness settings frequently.
The battery life didn’t falter, maintaining consistent performance throughout. Although I couldn’t test the full extent of the 100,000-hour claim, the sight’s performance during my tests was promising.
However, users should be aware that extreme brightness settings and colder environments might impact battery life to some degree.
3. Optical Performance and Clarity
The optical prowess of the HS403R is showcased through its multi-coated lens, which ensures maximum light transmission and reduces glare.
This feature is critical in maintaining a clear and bright image, regardless of the ambient lighting conditions. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and well-defined, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition speed.
The sight’s parallax-free design and unlimited eye relief further contribute to its superior optical performance, making it an excellent choice for rapid shooting scenarios. The clarity and brightness of the dot remain consistent across different environments, ensuring reliable performance in varied shooting situations.
My Testing
In my testing, the optical performance of the HS403R was outstanding. The multi-coated lens provided a clear and bright view, and the red dot was sharp and easy to acquire, even in bright daylight. This sight excelled in fast-paced shooting scenarios, where quick target acquisition is vital.
I did notice that for shooters with specific vision impairments, like astigmatism, the dot clarity might vary slightly, but this did not significantly detract from the overall experience. The HS403R maintained its optical integrity throughout my testing, reinforcing its status as a top-tier red dot sight.
4. Brightness Control
The Holosun HS403R distinguishes itself with its rheostat dial, a user-friendly feature for adjusting brightness. This dial offers a tactile and intuitive method for controlling the reticle’s intensity, providing an old-school feel with modern efficiency.
The sight includes 12 brightness settings; 10 for daylight and 2 compatible with night vision – allowing for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
This flexibility is crucial for a shooter who might transition between bright daylight and low-light scenarios. The rheostat dial is not just about adjusting brightness; it’s about giving the shooter control over their visual field, ensuring the red dot is neither too dim in sunlight nor too bright in darker environments, thereby maintaining perfect visibility without straining the eyes.
My Testing
In testing the HS403R’s rheostat dial, I found the brightness adjustments to be smooth and precise. The dial allowed me to find the perfect setting for both indoor ranges and bright outdoor environments.
At setting six, the dot was visible yet not overwhelming in daylight, while higher settings provided a clear and sharp dot even in bright conditions.
The lower settings were ideal for dimmer situations, demonstrating the versatility of the HS403R. However, in extremely bright conditions, like direct sunlight, I found that the highest settings were necessary for optimal dot visibility.
5. Mounting Versatility
Mounting versatility is a standout feature of the Holosun HS403R, making it suitable for a wide range of firearms. It comes with both a lower 1/3 co-witness mount and a low mount, accommodating various rifle types and shooting styles.
The lower 1/3 co-witness mount is ideal for rifles with inline stock designs like AR-15s, while the low mount suits platforms with a lower comb height, like AKs or certain hunting rifles.
This flexibility in mounting options is critical for users who may switch the sight between different firearms or have specific ergonomic preferences. The ease of mounting and dismounting also adds to the convenience, ensuring quick and hassle-free setup changes.
My Testing
During my testing, I appreciated the HS403R’s mounting versatility. I switched between the lower 1/3 co-witness mount and the low mount on different rifles.
The sight seamlessly adapted to each platform, maintaining its zero and offering a comfortable sight picture. The mounts were sturdy and reliable, ensuring the sight stayed secure even after numerous rounds.
This versatility enhances the HS403R’s appeal to a broad spectrum of shooters.
6. Parallax-Free and Unlimited Eye Relief
The Holosun HS403R is engineered to be parallax-free with unlimited eye relief, crucial for rapid target acquisition and shooting on the move. Parallax-free means the reticle’s position remains constant even when you change your eye position.
This feature is vital for maintaining accuracy, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. Unlimited eye relief allows the shooter to mount the sight at various positions on the firearm without worrying about eye strain or injury.
My Testing
My experience with the HS403R’s parallax-free nature and unlimited eye relief was highly
positive. The reticle remained consistent and accurate, regardless of my head position, which was especially noticeable when engaging in quick, off-position shots.
This made the sight extremely forgiving and versatile. The unlimited eye relief was a comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions, as it allowed me to maintain a relaxed posture without compromising on accuracy.
Footprint and Mounting Considerations:
The Holosun 403R features the Aimpoint Micro mounting standard, a widely recognized and trusted mounting system in the optics world.
This standard ensures that the HS403R can be easily fitted onto a wide variety of firearms without the need for specialized tools or adapters.
The compatibility with the Aimpoint Micro footprint also means that users have access to a broad range of aftermarket mounts and accessories, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the sight for different shooting disciplines and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Holosun HS403R
Pros
- Durable T6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Long battery life of up to 100,000 hours
- Multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission and reduced glare
- Parallax-free with a 2 MOA dot size
- Versatile range of intensity with Super LEDs
- Rotary switch for easy reticle intensity adjustment
- Compatible with night vision devices
- Wide range of brightness settings (10 daylight, 2 NV)
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight and compact design
- Compatible with Aimpoint Micro mounts
Cons
- Battery Cap Problem
- Lower brightness settings may not be sufficient for indoor use
Final Verdict
As a professional shooter who has rigorously tested the Holosun HS403R, I can confidently endorse this red dot sight for its remarkable blend of durability, precision, and versatility.
Its intuitive design, coupled with advanced features, makes it a valuable asset for any shooter, whether in competitive environments, hunting, or recreational shooting. The HS403R stands out as a top-tier optic choice, offering reliability and performance that meet the demands of various shooting disciplines.
FAQ’s
What are the features of Holosun 403R?
The Holosun 403R features a Rotary switch for reticle intensity adjustment, Holosun’s Super LED with 50k hour battery life, and a 2MOA dot with 12 reticle intensity settings, suitable for rifle and carbine applications.
What kind of battery does the Holosun 403R take?
The Holosun 403R uses a CR2032 battery.
What is the battery life of the Holosun 403R?
The Holosun 403R boasts a battery life of 50,000 hours with its Red Super LED and multiple reticle intensity settings.
What is the difference between Holosun 403B and 403R?
The 403B features a battery tray on the side and brightness adjustment buttons on top, while the 403R has a rotary battery compartment on the side and a rotary knob for adjusting brightness settings.