Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of the most popular red dot sights on the market, The Holosun 509t vs Trijicon RMR.
We all know that the right red dot sight can make all the difference when you’re out in the field.
It can give you that precise aim and quick target acquisition you need, whether you’re hunting, sport shooting, or anything in between.
Today we’re diving deep into a comparison of two leading red dot sights: the Trijicon RMR Type 2 and the Holosun 509T. I got my hands on both and tested them rigorously. So let’s cut to the chase and find out which one comes out on top.
Core Specifications: Holosun 509t vs Trijicon RMR
| Trijicon RMR | Holosun 509T | |
| Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Sight Window | 0.87 x 0.63 in | 0.66 x 0.9 in |
| Adjustments | 1 Click = 1 MOA | 1 Click = 1 MOA |
| Reticle Size | 3.25 MOA Dot | 2 MOA and 32 MOA |
| Reticle Color | Red | Red or Green |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 1.8 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches | 1.6×1.16×1.13 |
| Material | Aluminum | Titanium |
| Adjustment Range | 150 MOA Total Travel | +/- 30 MOA |
| Weight | 1.17 oz or 1.2 oz (w/ battery) | 1.72 oz |
| Illumination Source | Battery | Solar and Battery |
| Battery | CR2032 Lithium | CR1632 Lithium |
| Battery Life | 4+ Years | 5+ years |
| Brightness Settings | Automatic and 8 Adjustable Settings | 10 DL and 2 NV |
Overview: Trijicon RMR VS Holosun 509T
Trijicon RMR
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the epitome of ruggedness and precision, a staple in military and law enforcement applications.
Dimensions and Features:
- Magnification: 1x
- Sight Window: 0.87 x 0.63 in
- Adjustments: 1 Click = 1 MOA
- Reticle Size: 3.25 MOA Dot
- Reticle Color: Red
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 1.8 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Adjustment Range: 150 MOA Total Travel
- Weight: 1.17 oz or 1.2 oz (w/ battery)
- Illumination Source: Battery
- Battery: CR2032 Lithium
- Battery Life: 4+ Years
- Brightness Settings: Automatic and 8 Adjustable Settings
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Holosun 509T
The Holosun 509T packs innovative technology like solar power and Shake Awake into a titanium housing.
Dimensions and Features:
- Magnification: 1x
- Sight Window: 0.66 x 0.9 in
- Adjustments: 1 Click = 1 MOA
- Reticle Size: 2 MOA and 32 MOA
- Reticle Color: Red or Green
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 1.6×1.16×1.13
- Material: Titanium
- Adjustment Range: +/- 30 MOA
- Weight: 1.72 oz
- Illumination Source: Solar and Battery
- Battery: CR1632 Lithium
- Battery Life: 5+ years
- Brightness Settings: 10 DL and 2 NV
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What’s The Difference Between Trijicon RMR Vs Holosun 509T?
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 and the Holosun 509T have the following main differences.
- The housing of the Holosun 509T is CNC-machined titanium, in contrast to the forged aluminum housing of the Trijicon RMR.
- The Holosun 509T has several reticle choices, including a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, and a mix of dot and circle reticle, in contrast to the Trijicon RMR’s single, 3.25 MOA dot reticle.
- The Trijicon RMR has a battery life of approximately 4 years on a single CR2032 battery, whereas the Holosun 509T has a battery life of up to 5 years due to its solar power system and Shake Awake feature.
- Trijicon RMR happens to be more costly than the Holosun 509T.
In conclusion, the Holosun 509T is famous for its titanium housing, a variety of reticle options, and prolonged battery life, whereas the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is famous for its tough aluminum housing and accurate dot reticle.
Both sights have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to take note of your specific shooting demands before choosing.
Top 6 Aspect Comparison RMR Vs 509T
1. Durability
Trijicon RMR
Durability is where the Trijicon RMR shines. With its tough-as-nails aluminum housing, this sight feels like it could survive anything.
I’ve taken this bad boy through mud, rain, and extreme temperatures, and it still functions flawlessly. The lens is scratch-resistant, ensuring clear vision no matter what. Even the battery housing is robust.
The sight feels like it was built with the serious shooter in mind, not just for casual plinking. Its durability makes it a solid pick for anyone who needs a sight that can endure rough and tumble situations without losing zero.
Holosun 509T
The Holosun 509T also packs a punch in the durability department. CNC-machined titanium forms the outer shell, and that alone speaks volumes about its toughness. During my tests, the sight held up really well. And yes, titanium is tougher than aluminum.
Winner: Trijicon RMR
2. Reticle Options
Trijicon RMR
When it comes to reticle options, Trijicon RMR offers a 3.25 MOA dot, and that’s pretty much it. Sure, it’s a clean and crisp dot, good for fast target acquisition. I find it sufficient for both short and mid-range shooting, but a little diversity would have been nice.
Holosun 509T
In contrast, the Holosun 509T has different reticle options. You can switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle or even combine them.
It’s like having multiple sights in one. While testing, I found the 2 MOA dot great for precision shots and the circle perfect for rapid target acquisition. You’re not stuck with one style, which is fantastic.
Winner: Holosun 509T
3. Power Source and Battery Life
Trijicon RMR
The Trijicon RMR uses a CR2032 battery, and it’s designed to last. We’re talking about a whopping 4 years here. That’s impressive.
I’ve used it for extended periods without any power issues. The brightness settings also adjust automatically to the lighting conditions, which is a nice touch.
Holosun 509T
The Holosun 509T takes power to another level. Not only does it use a battery, but it also harnesses solar energy. During my tests, I found this to be super useful in bright conditions. The solar panel kicks in when needed, saving your battery life for when you really need it.
There’s also a nifty feature called Shake Awake, which puts the sight to sleep when not in use and wakes it up when you move your firearm. Battery life? Up to 5 years.
Winner
The Holosun 509T is the winner when it comes to battery life. Dual power sources and intelligent features make it the king of longevity.
4. Size and Weight
Trijicon RMR
The Trijicon RMR is a master of compactness. Its dimensions are a trim 1.8 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches, and it weighs only around 1.2 ounces, battery included.
Trust me, as someone who’s had their fair share of range time, the small footprint and lighter weight are real game-changers.
Your hands won’t tire as easily, making it easier to hold a steady aim. Plus, its smaller size means it won’t hog precious rail space, leaving room for other accessories.
Holosun 509T
The Holosun 509T is a tad larger and heavier, with dimensions of 1.6 x 1.16 x 1.13 inches and a weight of 1.72 ounces.
That extra weight comes from its tough-as-nails titanium housing. Yeah, it might add a smidgen more weight, but it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for added durability. Also, the extra size makes for an easier-to-use control panel.
Winner
In terms of sheer size and weight, the Trijicon RMR takes the win. If you’re looking for a sight that’s easy to lug around for extended periods, the RMR is the way to go.
5. Lens and Glass Clarity
Trijicon RMR
When it comes to the lens and glass clarity, the Trijicon RMR delivers. The lens is crystal clear, with an anti-reflective coating that ensures better light transmission. That means a brighter and clearer reticle for you. No distortions or weird reflections to mess up your aim. For those long-range shots, this is a lifesaver.
Holosun 509T
The Holosun 509T holds its own in this category too. It features a high-quality glass lens that’s resistant to smudges and scratches.
Plus, it offers multi-layer coatings that minimize glare and maximize light transmission. This might not be a big deal for some, but for those who’ve dealt with glare in critical moments, it’s a huge relief.
Winner
Honestly, it’s hard to declare a winner in this category. Both sights offer exceptional clarity and anti-glare properties, making either one a solid choice for your shooting need
6. Ease of Use and Controls
Trijicon RMR
Let’s talk buttons and dials. The RMR keeps it straightforward with just two buttons for adjusting brightness levels. You press one to brighten the reticle, and the other to dim it.
What’s also handy is the fact that it remembers your last brightness setting even after you’ve turned it off. Next time you’re up for some shooting, it’s already set just how you like it. Pretty neat, huh?
Holosun 509T
Now, the Holosun 509T spices things up a bit. It comes with buttons to adjust brightness too, but guess what else? It’s got a solar panel on top! That’s right when the battery is low or you’re out in natural light, the sight automatically switches to solar power.
The control panel is a bit more elaborate, giving you a bit more customization but requiring a bit more time to master.
Winner
For sheer ease of use, the Trijicon RMR nails it. It not only makes it versatile but also ensures you’re not left hanging in critical moments due to a dying battery. So, in this department, the RMR steals the spotlight.
Pros & Cons: Trijicon RMR Vs Holosun 509T
Pros & Cons of Trijicon RMR
Pros
- Extremely durable with aluminum housing.
- Crystal-clear lens with anti-reflective coating.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Impressive 4-year battery life.
- Automatic brightness settings and memory function.
Cons
- Limited reticle options.
- Slightly higher price point.
Pros & Cons of Holosun 509T
Pros
- Multiple reticle options for flexibility.
- Titanium housing for maximum durability.
- Dual power source (solar and battery).
- Up to 5-year battery life.
- Shake Awake feature for smart energy consumption.
Cons
- Slightly heavier and larger dimensions.
- Battery life might vary in extreme conditions.
- More complicated controls.
Similarities between Trijicon RMR & Holosun 509T
- Both offer 1x magnification.
- Both have 1 MOA adjustment click.
- Both are designed for durability and ruggedness.
Differences between Trijicon RMR & Holosun 509T
- Different materials: Aluminum vs. Titanium.
- Reticle options: Single vs. Multiple.
- Battery Life: 4 vs. 5 years.
- Size: Smaller vs. Larger dimensions.
- Weight: Lighter vs. Heavier.
- Power: Battery-only vs. Dual source (solar and battery).
Final Verdict
After spending ample time testing both the Trijicon RMR and the Holosun 509T, I’ve found that each has its own unique strengths.
However, the Trijicon RMR came out on top. Why? Because it pushes the envelope on what a red dot sight can offer. While the Holosun 509T is still an excellent sight and a reliable choice, the RMR delivers a little more precision for the premium price you are paying. So, if you’re looking for something that goes the extra mile, my best choice is undoubtedly the Trijicon RMR.
FAQ’s
Does the Holosun 509T use RMR footprint?
Yes, the Holosun 509T can be mounted on an RMR footprint with the use of an adapter plate.
Is Holosun as good as Trijicon?
Holosun offers innovative features and is comparable in quality to Trijicon, but the right choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the Holosun equivalent to the RMR?
The Holosun 507C is an RMR red-dot sight with a very similar footprint to the Trijicon RMR.
Does the Holosun 508T have the same footprint as the RMR?
Yes, the Holosun 508T has the same mounting footprint as the RMR.
the 509T come with an RMR plate?
No, the 509T does not come with an RMR plate; you’ll need to use an adapter.