Hey Shooters! Welcome to my review of Holosun 508t Vs 509t.
Red dot sights have become increasingly popular among gun owners and shooters thanks to their fast and accurate target acquisition. They are ideal for use in self-defense situations, competitions, and hunting.
Holosun is a brand that has been making waves in the world of red dot sights, and their 508t and 509t models are some of the most popular ones on the market.
This comparison aims to help you understand the features, pros, and cons of the Holosun 508t and 509t. I will also compare the two models to help you make an informed decision when choosing a red dot sight. I will consider factors such as durability and reliability, size and weight, reticle, battery life, brightness, footprint, and price.
Specification Chart
| Holosun 508t | Holosun 509t | |
| Reticle Type | 2 MOA Dot | 2 MOA Dot |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours | Up to 50,000 hours |
| Battery Type | CR1632 | CR1632 |
| Brightness Settings | 12 (2 nv) | 12 (2 NV Compatible) |
| Housing Material | Metal | Titanium |
| Weight (oz) | 2 | 3 |
| Dimensions (in) | 1.78 x 1.2 x 1.08 | 1.6 x 1.2 x 1.3 |
| Footprint | RMR | Proprietary (with adapter plate) |
Brief Overview of the Holosun 508t and 509t
The Holosun 508t and 509t red dot sights are designed for pistols, shotguns, and rifles. They are versatile and can be used for various applications, including self-defense, hunting, and competition shooting. Both models have similar features, but they also have some distinct differences that set them apart.
Holosun 508t
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The Holosun 508t is a compact and lightweight red dot sight designed for pistols, shotguns, and rifles. It has a titanium housing that makes it durable and resistant to impact and corrosion. The sight features Elite TI V2 Reflex Multi-Reticle System, allowing you to switch between two reticles. The 508t also has solar failsafe technology that helps extend the battery life by using solar power when there is sufficient light.
Pros
- The Holosun 508t is lightweight and compact, making it easy to mount on a variety of firearms.
- The titanium housing makes the sight durable and resistant to impact and corrosion.
- The Multi-Reticle System (MRS) allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- The solar cell technology helps extend the battery life, making the sight ideal for long shooting sessions.
Cons
- The 508t’s reticle can be difficult to see in bright sunlight.
The sight buttons are not as intuitive as other red dot sights, making it difficult to change settings quickly.
Holosun 509t
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The Holosun 509t is a rugged and durable red dot sight that is designed for use on pistols, shotguns, and rifles. It has a CNC-machined titanium housing that is resistant to impact and corrosion. The sight features Holosun’s Shake Awake technology that helps conserve battery life by turning the sight off when, not in use and turning it on instantly when movement is detected. The 509t also has a multi-reticle system (MRS) that allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle.
Pros
- The Holosun 509t has rugged and durable titanium housing that is resistant to impact and corrosion.
- The Shake Awake technology helps conserve battery life and makes it easy to use the sight quickly.
- The multi-reticle system (MRS) allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- The sight has a large window that provides a wide field of view for fast target acquisition.
Cons
- The Holosun 509t is slightly larger and heavier than the 508t.
Main Differences between Holosun 508t and 509t?
The major differences between the Holosun 508t and 509t are
- Housing Material: The Holosun 508t has a 6061-T6 aluminum housing, while the Holosun 509t has a more durable titanium housing.
- Window Size: The Holosun 509t has a slightly larger window size than the Holosun 508t, which can make it easier to acquire targets and improve situational awareness.
- Footprint: The Holosun 508t has an RMR footprint, which is compatible with many different firearms, while the Holosun 509t has a proprietary footprint with an adapter plate that allows it to be mounted on various firearms.
- Price: The Holosun 509t is generally more expensive than the Holosun 508t due in part to its higher-quality housing material and larger window size.
Features Comparison of Holosun 508t and 509t
1. Durability and reliability
Both the Holosun 508t and 509t are built to withstand impact and corrosion, making them suitable for use in a wide range of shooting scenarios. Both sights feature titanium housing, which is a lightweight and durable material that provides excellent resistance to impact and corrosion.
However, the Holosun 509t takes durability to the next level with its CNC-machined titanium housing, which is slightly more robust than the 508t’s titanium housing. The CNC machined titanium housing of the 509t ensures that the sight can withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for military and law enforcement applications.
Winner: 509t
2. Size And Weight
The size and weight of a red dot sight can be an important consideration, especially for those who use their firearms for extended periods of time. I compared the size and weight of the Holosun 508t and 509t and found that the 509t is slightly larger and heavier than the 508t.
The Holosun 508t measures 1.77 inches in length, 1.21 inches in width, and 1.08 inches in height, making it a compact and low-profile sight. The sight weighs in at just 2 ounces, making it one of the lightest red dot sights on the market. The compact size and light weight of the 508t make it a great option for those who want a sight that won’t add unnecessary bulk or weight to their firearm.
The Holosun 509t, on the other hand, measures 1.6 inches in length, 1.2 inches in width, and 1.35 inches in height, making it slightly taller than the 508t. The sight weighs in at 3 ounces, which is still relatively lightweight for a red dot sight. The 509t’s larger size and slightly heavier weight may make it a better option for those who prefer a larger sight or for those who have larger hands and need a larger grip on their firearm.
Winner: Tie
3. Reticle
The reticle of a red dot sight is an important factor to consider when choosing between the Holosun 508t and 509t. Both sights have a multi-reticle system (MRS) that allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle. However, there are some differences between the two sights that may affect their performance in certain shooting scenarios.
The Holosun 508t has a crisp and clear reticle that is well-suited for precision shooting at close to medium ranges. The 2 MOA dot allows for precise aiming, while the 32 MOA circle reticle is useful for acquiring targets quickly at closer ranges. The reticle is also parallax-free, which means that the point of aim will stay consistent no matter the shooter’s eye position or angle.
The Holosun 509t has a similar reticle to the 508t, with a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle that can be easily switched between. However, the 509t’s reticle is slightly larger and brighter than the 508t’s reticle, making it more visible in low light conditions.
Winner: Tie
4. Battery life
Having experienced many red dots that died on the range, I understand the significance of uninterrupted battery life. When it comes to serious defensive situations, there is simply no room for error. So, investing in an optic with good battery life is a must.
Both the 508t and 509t have a maximum battery life of up to 50,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery, which is an impressive amount of battery life. Additionally, both sights feature Shake Awake technology, which automatically turns the sight on when it detects motion and turns it off when the firearm is at rest to help conserve battery life.
There is no clear winner in this category as both sights have the same battery and the same features.
Winner: Tie
4. Brightness
After comparing the brightness of the Holosun 508t and 509t, I cannot declare a clear winner.
It is clear that both sights offer excellent brightness features. Both sights have ten daylight settings and two night vision settings, as well as automatic brightness adjustment. Additionally, both sights offer a wide range of brightness settings, making them suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
In terms of brightness, the Holosun 508t and 509t are very similar, and the choice between the two sights is likely to come down to other factors, such as durability, size and weight, reticle, and price.
Winner: Tie
5. Footprint
The Holosun 508t actually has an RMR footprint, while the Holosun 509t has a proprietary footprint.
Having an RMR footprint is an advantage for the Holosun 508t, as it means that it can be mounted on a wider variety of firearms, as many manufacturers make their slides to fit RMR sights. This allows for greater flexibility when choosing a firearm to pair with the Holosun 508t.
On the other hand, the proprietary footprint of the Holosun 509t may limit its compatibility with certain firearms. However, it should be noted that the Holosun 509t comes with an adapter plate that allows it to be mounted on a variety of different firearms.
Winner: Holosun 508t
Final Winner Overall
Both the Holosun 508t and 509t are excellent red dot sights, and the choice between the two will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a compact, durable, and reliable sight with a proven track record, the Holosun 508t is an excellent choice. It is affordably priced, has an RMR footprint for greater compatibility with firearms, and offers a range of features that make it a versatile and dependable sight for a variety of shooting applications.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a sight with a larger window size, a titanium construction for added durability, and a Solar Failsafe backup power system, the Holosun 509t is an excellent choice. While it is a bit more expensive than the Holosun 508t, it offers some additional advantages that may be worth the extra cost.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the Holosun 508t and 509t, I would go with the Holosun 508t because of its affordability, RMR footprint for greater compatibility with firearms, and range of features. It is an excellent value for its price point and offers reliable performance in a variety of shooting situations.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Holosun 508t and 509t?
The Holosun 508t has an RMR footprint for greater compatibility with firearms, while the Holosun 509t has a proprietary footprint. The 508t is also typically more affordable, while the 509t offers additional features such as titanium construction and a Solar Failsafe backup power system.
Is the Holosun 508t discontinued?
Yes.
Is the Holosun 508t waterproof?
yes