Holosun 508t Review – Is It The Best Pistol Red Dot In 2024?

I’ve had the chance to test the Holosun 508T, and this open reflex sight is designed with standout features, including a sturdy titanium body, high illumination, and Holosun’s signature Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technologies. 

The solar panel is a game-changer, extending battery life significantly. The titanium housing adds robustness, and the Multi-Reticle System (MRS) offers excellent versatility.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The size can be a bit bulky for some users, particularly when mounted on smaller handguns. 

And while the price is reasonable for its features, it might still be a stretch for those on a tight budget. 

Performance Testing of Holosun 508T

1. Optical Quality

Optical quality is paramount in the realm of red dot sights, and the Holosun 508T X2 delivers impressively in this department. 

Testing this sight on various firearms, I noticed that the clarity of the 2 MOA dot and the 32 MOA circle was sharp and distinct. 

The brightness settings offered 10 daylight and 2 night vision compatible levels, allowing for excellent visibility in different light conditions. 

However, a noticeable blue tint across the field of view might be off-putting for some shooters. 

Comparing it to other products in the market, the Holosun 508T X2 stands its ground, especially considering the price-to-performance ratio. 

The tilted lens design, ensuring a parallax-free experience, works as promised, enhancing target acquisition speed and accuracy. 

While it delivers on most of its promises, the slight blue tint and the somewhat bulky size might not appeal to all, especially those used to more compact sights. 

Personally, I find the optical performance of the Holosun 508T X2 commendable, striking a balance between functionality and affordability.

Score: 6/10

2. Durability and Build Quality

Durability and build quality are critical for any shooter relying on their equipment in various conditions. 

With its titanium housing, the Holosun 508T X2 is built to endure. 

During my field tests, it handled various environmental stresses admirably, living up to its IP67 dust and water resistance rating. 

The overall construction feels solid and well-crafted. Compared to other red dot sights in the market, the use of titanium in the 508T X2 puts it a notch above many competitors, especially in its price range.

The sight maintained its zero after repeated recoil exposure, and the larger, more accessible buttons for operation are a significant improvement over the previous model. 

However, its robust build adds to its size, which might not be suitable for smaller firearms or shooters who prefer a more compact profile.

In my experience, the durability of the 508T X2 is one of its strongest points. It feels reliable and sturdy in hand, reassuring in its build quality. 

Holosun seems to have struck the right balance between ruggedness and functionality, though at the cost of increased size.

Score: 8/10

3. Weight and Size

Weighing in at approximately 5.92 oz, it’s not the lightest sight on the market, but this weight directly results from its robust titanium construction. 

However, the trade-off comes in the form of unmatched durability and strength. The larger size can be a drawback for shooters who prefer more compact sights or for those using smaller firearms.

While the weight and size did take some getting used to on smaller pistols, the added heft gave a sense of solidity and reliability. 

It’s a matter of preference: if you value sturdiness and resilience in your gear, the 508T X2’s weight and size are more than justified.

Feature	Measurement
Weight	5.92 oz

Score: 6/10

4. Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for any electronic sight, and the Holosun 508T X2 excels in this area without any problem. 

Promising up to 50,000 hours of battery life at a mid-level brightness setting sets a high bar for endurance. 

In practice, this translates to years of use without needing a battery change, especially with the Solar Failsafe feature that extends battery life further. 

The Shake Awake feature, which deactivates the LED when not in use, also significantly conserves battery life. 

The transition from the CR2032 to a CR1632 battery, with the compartment now on the side, simplifies battery replacement without having to unmount the sight. 

The sight never faltered from my testing, showing no signs of power loss or dimming even after extended use. 

The peace of mind knowing that the sight will be ready and operational whenever needed, without constant battery concerns, is a significant advantage for any shooter. 

The Holosun 508T X2’s battery life is not just a promise; it’s a reliable feature that stands up to rigorous use.

Score: 9/10

5. Reticle

The Holosun 508T X2’s reticle system is where it truly shines. 

A versatile Multi-Reticle System (MRS) offers a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle, which can be used individually or in combination. 

This versatility is a significant advantage for various shooting scenarios. 

The reticle’s brightness and clarity are consistent in bright daylight or dimmer conditions. 

While using this sight, I found the ability to switch between reticles incredibly useful, especially for quick target acquisition. 

However, the reticle might appear too cluttered for shooters who prefer a simpler sight picture, and in extremely bright conditions, the red dot could be sharper. 

Compared to its competitors, the 508T X2 holds its ground well, offering more flexibility than many other sights. 

The tactical advantage of having a switchable reticle is undeniable, particularly in dynamic shooting environments or for rapidly changing targets. 

My experience with the 508T X2’s reticle has been largely positive, and I appreciate its adaptability and clarity in various settings.

Score: 7.5/10

6. Ease of Use

In terms of user-friendliness, the Holosun 508T X2 is designed with the shooter’s convenience in mind. 

The side-mounted battery compartment is a thoughtful addition, allowing for battery changes without the need to remove the sight from the firearm.

This is a huge plus, saving time and ensuring the sight remains zeroed. 

The larger and more accessible buttons for brightness adjustment and mode switching make operation straightforward, even in stressful or rapid shooting scenarios. 

Comparatively, the 508T X2 is on par with, if not superior to, other red dot sights in terms of ease of use, especially with its advanced features like Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe.

From my experience, once accustomed to the sight’s functionalities, it becomes an extension of the firearm, intuitive and responsive in various shooting conditions. 

The balance between advanced features and user-friendly operation in the 508T X2 is commendable.

Score: 9/10

7. Price

The Holosun 508T X2 is priced at a figure that positions it as a highly competitive option in the red dot sight market. 

When you consider the features it packs: titanium housing, advanced solar cell, multi-reticle system, and more; this price point is quite attractive, especially when compared to its high-end counterparts like the Trijicon RMR. 

Typically, the Trijicon RMR can cost significantly more, making the 508T X2 a more budget-friendly choice for shooters who don’t want to compromise on quality.

In my experience, the performance of the 508T X2 relative to its price has been impressive.

It provides a robust set of features that are often found in more expensive models. 

The sight’s durability, optical quality, and the added convenience of features like the Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe technologies offer great value for its cost. 

It performs exceptionally well against pricier competitors, offering a blend of affordability and quality that is hard to beat.

Score: 9/10

Alternatives Of Holosun 508T

1. Holosun HS507C-X2

The Holosun HS507C-X2 is another popular red dot sight from Holosun, sharing many features with the HE508T-X2. Both sights have the Solar Failsafe technology, Shake Awake technology, and Multi-Reticle System.

However, the HS507C-X2 has an aluminum housing instead of the titanium housing found on the HE508T-X2. This difference makes the HS507C-X2 slightly lighter but potentially less durable than the HE508T-X2.

See the detailed comparison of Holosun 507c and 508t.

2. Trijicon RMR

The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight is a well-known alternative to the Holosun HE508T-X2. The RMR is renowned for its durability and reliability, featuring a forged aluminum housing that can withstand harsh conditions.

It offers a single 3.25 MOA dot reticle and has an auto-adjusting brightness feature, though manual adjustments are also available. One downside of the RMR is its battery placement, requiring dismounting of the sight for battery replacement, unlike the side-mounted battery tray of the HE508T-X2.

Additionally, the RMR typically comes at a higher price point than the HE508T-X2.

See the detailed comparison of Holosun 508t Vs RMR.

3. Holosun HE509T

The Holosun HE509T is a more recent addition to Holosun’s lineup of red dot sights. Like the HE508T-X2, the HE509T features a CNC machined titanium housing, Solar Failsafe technology, Shake Awake technology, and a Multi-Reticle System.

However, the HE509T has a fully enclosed design, which provides added protection to the lens from dirt, debris, and other environmental factors. This feature makes it an attractive option for those who require added durability and protection in harsh conditions.

The HE509T also has a slightly different battery compartment design, requiring the removal of a small cover rather than a side-mounted tray.

See Detailed comparison of Holosun 508t and 509t.

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing the Holosun 508T X2, I’m impressed with its performance and features. 

This sight balances affordability with a high-quality build, making it a standout option in the red dot sight market. Its titanium housing and advanced solar cell are particularly noteworthy, providing durability and extended battery life. 

Its performance in various conditions and user-friendly features like Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe make it a valuable tool for any shooter.

Overall, it scores high in durability, optical quality, battery life, and ease of use, making it a highly recommended sight.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between Holosun 507K and 508T?

The Holosun 507K is more suited for pistols with its smaller size and window, while the 508T, being larger, is ideal for rifles but can also be mounted on pistols.

Is the Holosun 508T a closed emitter?

No, the Holosun 508T X2 is an open emitter optic, unlike the 509T X2 which is an enclosed emitter optic.

Does the 508T use RMR footprint?

Yes, the Holosun 508T X2 uses the Trijicon RMR mounting standard, making it compatible with a wide range of firearms.

Is the Holosun 508T waterproof?

Absolutely, the Holosun 508T X2 is waterproof as well as dustproof and shock-resistant, thanks to its robust titanium housing.