Welcome to the Holosun 508t vs Trijicon RMR comparison.
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of red dot sights, more specifically, the Holosun 508T and the Trijicon RMR. These are two heavy hitters in the optics game, but how do they stack up against each other? Well, that’s exactly what I aimed to find out.
I took both optics out for an extensive field test, running them through drills, checking for durability, and pushing them to their limits.
With performance, longevity, and ease of use on the checklist, let’s dig in and see which of these takes the win.
508T vs RMR: Quick Table Comparison
Specification | Holosun 508T | Trijicon RMR |
Material | Titanium | Aluminum |
Item Weight | 5.92 Ounces | 1 Ounce |
Battery Life | 50,000 Hours | Up to 4 Years |
Mounting Type | Picatinny Mount | Picatinny Mount |
Reticle Options | 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle | 3.25 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot |
Brightness Settings | 10 Daylight, 2 Night Vision | 5 Daylight, 2 Night Vision |
Durability | Waterproof up to 1m for 30min | Waterproof up to 20m |
Lens Clarity | Crystal-clear | Blue tint |
Overview of Holosun 508T Vs Trijicon RMR
The sight accessories may differ according to the particular model and shipment you buy, but generally, the box of Holosun 508t and Trijicon RMR sight ought to contain the following items:
Holosun 508T
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The Holosun 508T is a high-end, open-reflex sight designed primarily for handguns. It’s built with a grade 5 titanium housing and packed with cutting-edge features.
Dimensions and Features:
- Material: Metal (Titanium)
- Item Weight: 5.92 Ounces
- Magnification: 1x
- Mounting Type: Picatinny Mount
- Light Wavelength: 650nm
- Battery Life: 50,000 Hours
- Reticle: Red 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake Technology
- Multi-Reticle System (MRS)
- Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief
Trijicon RMR
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The Trijicon RMR is a ruggedized red dot sight with an aluminum housing specifically engineered for both hunting and law enforcement. It’s known for its dependable electronic design and robust construction.
Dimensions and Features:
- Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: 1 Ounce
- Magnification: 1x
- Mounting Type: Picatinny Mount
- Battery Conservation Mode
- 3.25 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot
- 8 Adjustable Brightness Settings
- Unique Patented Housing Shape
- Button Lockout for Automatic Mode
- Battery Life: Over 4 Years of Continuous Use at Setting 4 of 8
Features Of Trijicon RMR Vs Holosun 508t
1. Durability and Toughness
Holosun 508T
The Holosun 508T is crafted from titanium, giving it unparalleled durability. From my experience on the range, this red dot optic seemed almost impervious to the rough and tumble of everyday use.
The titanium housing seems like it could easily take the brunt of accidental bumps, drops, or worse. It’s also rated waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The windage and elevation controls are recessed, preventing accidental adjustments. Add to that the shockproof nature suited for a handgun slide, and you’ve got something that feels like it could survive a war zone.
Trijicon RMR
When it comes to durability, the Trijicon RMR is also a beast. Forged from aluminum, it’s highly resistant to impact. On the range, the RMR Type 2 showed no signs of faltering despite being subject to high-recoil rounds.
The sight is rated for waterproofing up to 20 meters, which surpasses the Holosun 508T. While not as light as titanium, the aluminum does a fine job keeping the sight lightweight. It also has recessed controls for windage and elevation, making sure accidental knocks don’t mess up your zero.
Winner
Though it’s a close call, the 508T takes the win for its titanium construction. Titanium offers a better strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum, making the 508T a slightly more resilient choice.
2. Lens Clarity and Reticle
Holosun 508T
The 508T comes with a crystal-clear lens, offering a vivid sight picture devoid of the common blueish tint seen in other red dot sights.
From my own shooting tests, the clarity was indeed impressive. The Multiple Reticle System (MRS) provides three reticle options: a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA ring, and a combo of both.
Personally, the combo reticle allows for rapid target acquisition without sacrificing precision. It’s an all-in-one solution that most shooters would appreciate.
Trijicon RMR
The RMR’s lens clarity is decent, but it features a distinctive blue tint, which Trijicon claims helps with contrast. My tests confirmed that this tint doesn’t hinder performance, but it’s not my preference.
The RMR provides two reticle options: a 3.25 MOA dot and a 6.5 MOA dot. While both are suitable for quick target acquisition, they don’t offer the same level of versatility as the 508T’s MRS.
Winner
The 508T wins out for its clearer lens and versatile MRS, which allows you to adapt your reticle to your shooting needs on the fly.
3. Size and Weight
Holosun 508T
The 508T’s dimensions are reasonable for a miniature reflex sight, measuring at a height of 1.08 inches, width of 1.21 inches, and length of 1.77 inches.
The weight is 5.92 ounces, which adds very little to your weapon’s overall weight. From my hands-on experience, it’s compact enough to allow for easy carry without feeling bulky on your handgun’s slide.
Trijicon RMR
The Trijicon RMR’s dimensions are quite comparable to the 508T, but it has the advantage in weight, coming in at just 1.2 ounces.
While testing, I barely noticed the sight, even during rapid transitions. It measures a height of 1.0 inches, a width of 1.2 inches, and a length of 1.8 inches, making it a compact powerhouse in its own right.
Winner
The RMR just edges out the 508T in this category due to its lighter weight, which is a significant advantage when you’re aiming for quick, precise shots.
4. Battery & Brightness
Holosun 508T
What sets the 508T apart? First off, its 1 CR1632 battery runs an impressive 50,000 hours when set at level 6. That’s no joke. Plus, changing the battery is a snap, thanks to a side-loading tray.
That means you can swap the battery without taking the optic off your gun. No fuss, no muss. And get this: the 508T comes with Shake Awake technology.
Your sight shuts off when not in use and wakes up the moment you move your gun. Talk about convenience! Additionally, this sight also has a Solar Panel on top, acting as a backup power source and helping you save battery life at the range. Brightness-wise, you get 10 daylight settings and 2 for night vision.
Trijicon RMR
Switching gears to the RMR, its 1 CR2032 battery lasts up to 4 years. Not too shabby. But here’s the catch: changing the battery is a bit of a project.
You need to take the optic off the gun, swap the battery, remount, and re-zero. Yeah, that’s some work. The RMR offers 5 daylight settings, an extra bright setting, and 2 night vision settings.
Winner
Battery-wise, both are strong competitors, but the 508T takes the win for convenience and added features like Shake Awake and Solar Panel technology. The 508T is the winner here.
5. Price
Holosun 508T
The Holosun 508T offers a package that balances both quality and affordability. It doesn’t compromise on essential features like battery life, ease of battery replacement, or additional functionalities like the Shake Awake technology and a Solar Panel.
If you’re searching for an optic that brings you a rich set of features without breaking the bank, the 508T is a compelling choice. It’s a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it appealing to both new and experienced users alike.
Trijicon RMR
The Trijicon RMR comes with a reputation for ruggedness and quality but at a higher price bracket. It’s a proven choice in the world of optics and a go-to for many professionals.
However, the higher cost doesn’t necessarily bring you more or better features compared to the 508T. Battery life and ease of battery replacement are comparable, and in some aspects, the RMR is even slightly behind.
The decision to opt for the RMR would likely be based on brand reputation and specific use-case requirements rather than a clear advantage in features per dollar spent.
Winner
The winner in this feature, when considering value for the money, is the Holosun 508T. The reason is fairly straightforward: it offers a wide array of features that are not only useful but also innovative, such as the Shake Awake technology and the Solar Panel.
Pros & Cons: Trijicon RMR vs Holosun 508T
Pros & Cons of Holosun 508T
Pros
- Built from titanium for exceptional durability
- Impressive battery life of 50,000 hours
- Multi-Reticle System (MRS) for versatility
- Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology
- Easy battery replacement with a side-loading tray
- Waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
Cons
- Slightly heavier than the RMR
Pros & Cons of Trijicon RMR
Pros
- Built from rugged aluminum
- Exceptional waterproof rating up to 20 meters
- Proven reputation in law enforcement and military applications
- Lighter weight at 1.2 ounces
- Unique patented housing shape offers resilience
Cons
- Shorter battery life compared to Holosun 508T
- Battery replacement requires optic removal
Similarities between Holosun 508T & Trijicon RMR
- 1x magnification for both
- Picatinny mount compatible
- Recessed windage and elevation controls
Differences between Holosun 508T & Trijicon RMR
- Holosun is made of titanium; RMR made of aluminum
- Holosun has a 50,000-hour battery life; RMR lasts up to 4 years
- Holosun offers Shake Awake technology; RMR does not
- Holosun features Solar Failsafe; RMR lacks solar backup
- Holosun has a Multi-Reticle System; RMR has fixed reticle options
- Holosun weighs 5.92 ounces; RMR weighs 1.2 ounces
Final Verdict
After spending extensive time with both the Holosun 508T and the Trijicon RMR, running them through various tests and real-world scenarios, I’ve reached my verdict.
The sight that consistently came out on top in most of the categories is the Holosun 508T. While both are exceptionally well-crafted, high-performance optics, the 508T just seemed to offer a more complete package.
It made the most sense to me, from how intuitive the features are to the actual performance in the field. In my book, the Holosun 508T emerges as the clear winner and my go-to choice for a red dot sight.
FAQs
Is the Holosun 508T the same footprint as the RMR?
Yes, the Holosun 508T has the same mounting footprint as the RMR, allowing for easy swapping.
Is the 508T better than the 407K?
Yes, the 508T is generally recommended over the 407K due to its more extensive features.
Does Trijicon make an RMR with a green dot?
Yes, Trijicon offers an RMR Dual Illuminated Reflex Sight with a green 9.0 MOA dot.
What is the difference between Holosun 508T and 507K?
The 508T is better suited for rifles, while the 507K is more ideal for pistols and has a smaller window size.