In this review, I am excited to give you the low down on the Holosun 508T V2, now the 508T X2. It is no secret that my affection for Holosun has grown over the last few years, and the HE508T is a significant contributor. This red dot sight is increasingly becoming an all-time favorite open reflex optic for pistol pros and enthusiasts alike. As always, during our review, we will dive deep to bring you all the specifications, features, and technologies included in this micro red dot sight.
We will also provide you with a list of pros and cons associated with the 508T and take a look at what other gunslingers have to say about this sight. Plus I will cover the difference between the 508T V2 vs. 508T X2 and why Holosun made this change.
Holosun 508T Review
The Holosun 508T is an open reflex style micro red dot sight machined from a single piece of Titanium. The sight weighs mere 2 ounces measuring only 1.78 (in) x 1.15 (in) x 1.15 (in). Multi-coated optics provide a clear viewing experience through a .63 (in) x .91 (in) window. The 508T operates on a single CR1632 lithium coin battery powering a 2 MOA or 32 MOA reticle dot with an estimated 50,000-hour battery life. Quality and feature-rich make the Holosun 508T X2 a solid pick for pistol applications in personal defense and duty roles, all for under $500.00 MSRP.
As Holosun continues to expand its share of the red dot sight market, one optic has taken the lead in its class and has increasingly become the preferred optic for a pistol in the self-defense and duty role. The Holosun HE508T has become the standard for many shooters for a quality, reliable sight that must be taken seriously.
Bottom Line Up Front
Considering a red dot sight for your pistol, then you should seriously consider the Holosun HE508T-RD as the best option for any application. This red dot sight is ready for any role you intend to put it in. From the construction to the technologies, the 508T will satisfy almost every pistol-packing patriot’s needs.
If you put one of these red dot sights on your favorite firearm, you will not be disappointed and will likely be inclined to get another one for your second favorite gun. Of course, I want to give you all the information I can, so keep reading, and I am sure you will agree with me when I say this sight is at the top of its class.
Top Features of the Holosun HE508T Red Dot Sight
Design
The recent update to the 508T includes a significant design change in the shape of the optic. In the previous model, the top of the sight was rounded, making it more prone to damage when impacted directly on the optic’s top. The 508T-RD V2 now the X2 has a square housing design that makes this already rugged optic even more durable.
The new design coupled with an optic body machined from Titanium alloy makes this red dot sight one of the toughest in this class and suitable for duty use by law enforcement professionals and fit for personal defense role. This durability and toughness have been demonstrated repeatedly with thousands of rounds fired and multiple impacts to the optic itself from drops and bumps. Through all of this abuse the 508T has maintained its ability to remain fully functional and zeroed.
The 508T measures 1.78 (in) x 1.15 (in) x 1.15 (in) weighing only 2 oz. The form factor, size, and weight make your pistol’s employment just as effortless as it was before mounting the optic.
The sight has an Ingress Protection Code of IP67, which means the unit is submersible in a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour. As part of the housing design, there are drain holes on both sides of the optic to allow excess water to drain from the sight’s exterior lens surface under wet conditions. Along with protection against liquid intrusion, the IP67 rating ensures that the red dot sight is resistant to dust and particle intrusion, safeguarding the internal components and electronics for a reliable on-demand operation.
I found the viewing window measuring .63 x .91 large enough for easy target acquisition but not intrusive for situational awareness. Lens clarity exceeded my requirement, but there is a slight tint that goes mostly unnoticeable.
Reticle
Like most Holosun Red Dot Sights, the HE508T-RD comes with their patented multi-reticle system consisting of a 2 MOA Dot and 32 MOA Circle. These reticle patterns can be used in combination, placing the 2 MOA Dot within the 32 MOA circle or individually.
For reference, the diameter of the 32 MOA circle represents approximately 32 inches at 100 yards (81 cm at 100 m).
Holosun’s 508T comes with a red Super-LED illuminated reticle; model HE508T-RD X2 or is available with a green Super-LED illuminated reticle; model HE508T-GR X2. Either model has 12 reticle brightness settings. Ten of those settings are considered daylight settings, with 2 of the settings reserved as night vision compatible.
The levels and range of brightness options are sufficient to ensure that the dot is visible under various ambient lighting conditions. The 508T includes Holosun’s automatic reticle brightness adjustment mode. When selected, the sight will use its solar array sensor to determine the best reticle brightness level.
Power
With the incorporation of Super LEDs, you can expect approximately 50,000 hours of battery life when using the single 2 MOA dot or about 10,000 hours of battery life when using the 32 MOA circle dot reticle when using the level 6 brightness setting. The 508T is powered by a single CR1632 Lithium 3-Volt coin battery.
The battery is easily replaced through the side-mounted battery tray, so you don’t have to remove the sight to replace the battery. Additionally, the sight includes the Holosun Solar Failsafe dual power system, which allows the optic to operate directly through its solar panel array.
The Solar Failsafe feature increases the sight’s operational time capacity, reserving battery power when operated under sufficient ambient light conditions. The solar array does not recharge the battery but powers the sight even with a dead battery.
Operation
To turn on the HE508T red dot sight press and release either button. To power the sight off, just press and release both the ”+” or ”-” buttons.
Holosun Shake Awake
The 508T includes Holosun’s Shake Awake feature. This motion-sensing technology is on by default when you turn on your optic. This is a fantastic feature that will extend your battery life and keep your sight ready for action at all times.
By default the sight will enter sleep mode automatically after 10 minutes of no movement. The sight will instantly wake and turn on using the last saved settings with the slightest detected movement.
Auto Mode
By default the HE508T-RD is in Auto Mode when initially powering the optic on. While in Auto Mode, the sight uses the dual power system (Battery and Solar Array), whereas the reticle brightness level is adjusted automatically depending on the ambient light conditions.
If the situation dictates or you prefer to make brightness adjustments manually, press and hold the ”+” button for about four seconds, and the reticle blinks once. In manual mode, you have your choice of 12 brightness levels. Switching back to Auto mode is as simple as pressing and holding the ”+” button for about four seconds.
Mounting and Sight Adjustment
The 508T comes with a low rail mount if you need to attach the sight to a Picatinny or Weaver rail. If you plan on mounting this to your pistol then it’s likely you will need an alternate mounting method.
The Holosun 508T fits within the Trijicon RMR footprint. Depending on your firearm, you may need an adapter plate specifically for Holosun. Many optic ready pistols come with a factory cutout to receive a red dot sight.
The 508T comes out of the box factory adjusted to an approximate 25 yard zero to give you a head start. Elevation and windage adjustments are made in 1 MOA increments with an adjustment range of +-50 MOA.
Details
Included with your purchase:
- HE508T-RD X2
- Low Mount
- T10 L Key
- User Manual
- CR1632 Battery
- Lens Cloth
Other Great Features of the 508T
Holosun uses a multilayer reflective glass; this is manufactured using optical glass treated with multilayer coatings that reduce glare and facilitate maximum light transmission and wear resistance.
Because this is a HE model (Holosun Elite), this optic comes with the Holosun Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What is the Difference Between the Holosun HE508T V2 vs X2?
With the 508T V2 release, the button placement and size were very similar to the Trijicon RMR. Trijicon Inc. filed a patent complaint, and as part of the settlement, Holosun changed the location and layout of the buttons on its optics and rebranded the sights X2. I prefer the V2 button layout, and there are still some of these available in the marketplace.
Customer Feedback
The Holosun HE508T has 4.7/5 stars, with 81% of the reviews for this optic at five stars with just over 60 ratings.
Rugged: “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
Battery Life: “Okay, the battery lasts forever, plus you get solar power.”
Easy to Operate: “I put it on, turned it on, and was on target in 20 minutes.”
Variations
The Holosun 508T series of optics comes in two flavors, with the GR variant priced slightly higher.
- HE508T-RD X2 — Red dot, Button/Auto operation, Solar
- HE508T-GR X2 — Green dot, Button/Auto operation, Solar
Alternate Options
I would have a hard time recommending an alternative to the 508T, but if you require an optic with the same ruggedness and reliability, then the Trijicon RMR is your best bet. If your red dot application is casual and does not include a personal defense requirement, then you might consider the Vortex Venom.
