Holosun HS510c review (2023 Updated)

The Holosun HS510C sight is a popular red dot sight that has gained a strong reputation among shooters for its quality and performance. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the Holosun HS510C, covering its features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Holosun HS510C Review

The Holosun HS510C comes with an array of features that make it a standout choice for gun enthusiasts. One of its most prominent features is the 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle reticle, which provides quick target acquisition and allows you to shoot accurately at varying distances. The red dot reticles are visible in all lighting conditions, and they can be used as fast as you need them, thanks to the innovative Shake Awake technology that automatically turns the sight on when it senses motion.

The sight is designed to be durable and rugged, with a 6061-T6 aluminum housing that is shockproof, waterproof, and resistant to fog. It also comes with multi-coated lenses that provide a clear, bright, and wide sight picture, even in low-light conditions. Let’s get in-depth with our review by looking at the most intriguing features of this red dot reflex sight.

FEATURES

Glass Clarity

One of the key features of the Holosun HS510C and any other optics you can think of is high-quality glass. No matter the number of bells and whistles that a sight has, if the glass or lenses are not good, then the sight would be useless because clarity enhances accuracy, which is what we want to achieve from any optic. The Holosun 510C provides a clear, bright, and wide sight picture for all kinds of shooting. The multi-coated lenses of the sight ensure that the target is visible even in low light conditions. Many users of the HS510C have praised the clarity of the glass, stating that it provides a sharp and vivid image of the target when they look through their optics.

Multi Reticle System

The Holosun HS510C is a popular red dot sight that comes equipped with a 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle reticle (also called multi reticle system), which provides quick target acquisition and allows for accurate shooting at varying distances. The reticle is also visible in all lighting conditions. This circle dot reticle combination provides users with a versatile aiming solution for a variety of shooting scenarios.

The 2 MOA dot is a small, precise aiming point that is ideal for shooting at long distances or when pinpoint accuracy is required. The dot is crisp and clear, making it easy to acquire and track targets quickly and accurately. This makes it an excellent choice for competitive shooting or long-range hunting.

The 65 MOA circle reticle is a larger aiming point that is designed for use in close-quarters shooting scenarios. The circle provides a wider field of view, making it easier to quickly acquire and engage targets at shorter distances. The reticle is also ideal for shooting on the move.

The circle dot combination of the 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle reticle allows for quick and accurate shooting. The reticle is also fully adjustable for brightness, allowing users to customize the sight to match their shooting conditions. This means that the sight can be used effectively in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.

The Holosun HS510C’s 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle reticle make it a versatile and effective red dot sight. Whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter, or tactical operator, the HS510C’s reticle will help you to quickly and accurately engage targets at a variety of distances.

Brightness Setting

The Holosun 510C is a red dot sight that comes equipped with multiple brightness settings to help users optimize their sight picture in different lighting conditions. The sight has 12 brightness settings, with the lowest being suitable for use in very low light conditions and the highest being suitable for use in bright daylight. In other words, the sight has 10 DL brightness setting and 2 NV brightness setting.

The brightness settings on the HS510C can be adjusted manually, or the sight can be set to automatically adjust its brightness based on the ambient lighting conditions. This feature is particularly useful for users who shoot in varying lighting conditions and do not want to constantly adjust their sight’s brightness manually.

The sight’s reticle is also fully manually adjustable for brightness, allowing users to customize their sight picture even further. This is especially useful when shooting in very bright or very dark conditions, where the reticle may need to be adjusted to ensure that it is visible and easily seen by the shooter.

Upon further research, I found that there is another similar red dot version of the Holosun HS510C available. The newer HS510C model, also known as the HE510C-GR Elite, has 12 brightness settings, with the lowest setting being for use in very low light conditions and the highest setting being for use in bright daylight. In addition to the brightness settings, the Elite model also features a green reticle color. As you already know, green dots are great for people with astigmatism or other related issues.

Eye Relief

The Holosun HS510C has unlimited eye relief, allowing for comfortable and easy shooting. Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to the point where the sight picture is in focus. A longer eye relief can be beneficial for those who wear glasses or have difficulty with eye alignment. Several users of the HS510C have praised the eye relief, stating that it is comfortable and easy to use.

Durability

The Holosun HS510C is designed to be durable and rugged, with a high-grade aluminum housing material that is shockproof, waterproof, and resistant to fog. The sight can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling without affecting its performance.

Several users of the HS510C have praised the durability of the sight, stating that it is well-built and can withstand heavy use. For example, a recreational shooter who has used the 510C extensively noted that the sight is very durable and reliable, even after years of use. 

Elevation & Windage

The Holosun optic is equipped with adjustable windage and elevation settings that allow for precise adjustments when zeroing in on a target. One user, who is an avid hunter, praised the sight’s ability to hold zero even after multiple rounds fired, saying that he was able to make quick and accurate adjustments on the fly. The Sight has a total of 50 MOA windage and 50 MOA elevation turn with a 0.5 MOA turn per click.

Parallax & Magnification

The HS510C has a parallax-free design, which means that the red dot remains on the target regardless of the angle at which the shooter views it. This feature, combined with the sight’s unlimited eye relief, makes it an excellent choice for quick target acquisition. The sight does not have any magnification capabilities, which may be a drawback for some users.

Battery Life & Shake Awake Technology

The Holosun HS510C reflex sight has impressive hours battery life, which is an important factor to consider when choosing a sighting system. The sight uses a CR2032 battery, which is easily replaceable and widely available.

The HS510C is equipped with Holosun’s “Shake Awake” technology, which helps to conserve battery life by automatically turning the sight off after a period of inactivity and turning it back on instantly when movement is detected. This feature can significantly extend the life of the battery, ensuring that the sight remains functional when needed most.

The CR2032 battery life or power requirements of the HS510C vary depending on the brightness setting being used. At the middle brightness setting (6 settings), the expected duration is approximately 50,000 hours battery life. At the lowest brightness setting, it has up to 100,000 hours battery life. This means that the sight can be left on continuously for years without needing a battery replacement, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice for many shooters.

It is important to note that battery life can be affected by factors such as temperature and usage patterns. However, with its long battery life and energy-saving features, the Holosun HS510C is an excellent choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical operators who require a sighting system that can perform reliably and consistently.

Mounting

The Holosun HS510C red dot sight can be mounted on a variety of firearms using a standard Picatinny or Weaver rail. The sight comes with a QD mount that can be easily attached and detached from the rail without the need for tools. This allows users to quickly switch the sight between different firearms or to remove it for maintenance and cleaning.

The HS510C’s mounting system is designed to be durable and reliable, ensuring that the sight remains securely attached to the firearm, even during recoil or other heavy use. The sight’s mount is made from high-quality materials and is designed to withstand the rigors of tactical use and harsh environmental conditions.

Solar Failsafe

The Holosun optic features a solar failsafe that provides an additional layer of protection against battery failure. The sight’s solar failsafe is designed to automatically switch the sight from battery power to solar power in the event that the battery runs out or malfunctions. This means that the sight will continue to function even if the battery dies or is removed, as long as there is sufficient sunlight available.

The HS510C also features a high-efficiency solar panel that helps to extend battery life and reduce the need for frequent battery replacements. The solar panel is located on top of the sight and captures ambient light to power the sight’s reticle. 

The solar panel on the HS510C is protected by a toughened glass cover that helps to prevent damage from impacts, scratches, or other environmental factors. The sight’s solar panel is also designed to be highly durable and reliable, ensuring that it can continue to operate effectively even in harsh environments or after prolonged use.

The Holosun HS510C’s solar failsafe and high-efficiency solar panel make it a highly reliable sight. Whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter, or tactical operator, the HS510C’s solar failsafe and solar panel can help to ensure that your sight remains functional and reliable in any situation.

Price

The HS510C is priced in the mid to upper range for red dot sights, but users have found it to be a good value for its performance and features. One user, who uses the sight for competitive shooting, said the HS510C is a “game-changer” and worth the investment.

FAQ

Does the Solar panel recharge the battery?

Yes, the Holosun HS510C has a solar panel on top of the sight that can help to recharge the battery. The solar panel is designed to provide additional power to the sight when there is sufficient ambient light available, such as when shooting in daylight conditions. The solar panel does not replace the battery entirely, but it can extend the battery life significantly, especially when the brightness settings are kept relatively low.

When the sight is in use, it will draw power from both the battery and the solar panel, which helps to prolong the battery life. The solar panel also acts as a backup power source, ensuring that the sight will continue to function even if the battery dies or is removed.

How does the Holosun 510C differ from holographic sights?

The Holosun HS510C is not holographic. It is a red dot reflex sight. The red dot is powered by a battery and is reflected off of the glass, allowing the shooter to aim with both eyes open.

Holographic sights are different from reflex sights in that they use holographic technology to create the reticle rather than a simple LED. In a holographic sight, a laser is used to create a holographic image of the reticle, which is then projected onto a glass window. The holographic image appears to be floating in space rather than being projected onto a flat surface and can provide a more detailed and precise aiming point than a simple red dot.

While holographic sights can be more precise than reflex sights, they also tend to be more expensive and less durable due to their complex design. The Holosun HS510C is a reflex sight that offers a balance of performance, durability, and affordability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of shooting applications.

Are Holosun sights made in China?

Yes, Holosun sights are made in China. However, there are claims that the company is not a Chinese company because it has headquarters in the City of Industry, California. Holosun designs and manufactures red dot sights and other optical devices. Holosun is known for producing high-quality, reliable optics that are used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world, as well as by civilian shooters and hunters.

While some shooters may have concerns about purchasing products made in China, it’s worth noting that many well-respected brands in the firearms industry, including Holosun’s competitors, also manufacture their products in China. Additionally, many Holosun products have been tested and reviewed by independent organizations and individual shooters and have received positive feedback for their performance and durability.

Ultimately, whether or not to purchase a Holosun sight or any other product made in China is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors, including budget, performance, and personal values. However, it’s worth considering that Holosun is a reputable company that produces high-quality products and has a strong track record of customer satisfaction.

Does the Holosun Sight fit any firearms?

The Holosun Reflex Sight is a versatile red dot sight that can be mounted on a wide range of firearms. It features a standard Picatinny rail mount, which makes it compatible with most rifles, shotguns, and handguns that are equipped with a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail.

The HS510C model, in particular, comes with an included QD mount, which allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment from the firearm. Additionally, the HS510C features a low-profile design that allows for co-witnessing with iron sights, which can be useful for shooters who prefer to have backup iron sights.

Is there a Green Dot for the Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight?

No, Holosun HS510C does not have a green dot. However, there are other similar models with a green dot reticle like the HE510C. Holosun produces a variety of red dot sights with different reticle options. The HS510C model is available with only red dot reticles. Users cannot switch between two colors. You have to purchase the model that best meets your needs. Some shooters prefer green dot reticles because they can be easier to see in certain lighting conditions, particularly in low-light situations.

It’s worth noting that the choice between a red or green dot reticle ultimately comes down to personal preference, and both options can be effective for different shooting applications. 

Is the Holosun 510C NV Compatible?

Yes, the Holosun HS510C is NV compatible. It features multiple brightness settings, including very low levels specifically designed for night vision devices. This allows the user to adjust the brightness of the reticle to a level that is visible through night vision goggles without causing blooming or other issues that can affect the clarity of the image.

What’s the difference between Holosun HS510C vs. EOTECH?

The Holosun HS510C and EOTECH are both popular red dot sights that offer fast target acquisition and high accuracy for shooters. While both sights share some similarities, there are also several key differences between them.

One of the main differences between the HS510C and EOTECH is their construction. The HS510C features durable aluminum housing material designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, while the EOTech is constructed from rugged materials that meet military-grade standards for durability and reliability.

Another difference between the two sights is their reticle. The HS510C offers a 2 MOA dot reticle or a 65 MOA circle-dot reticle, while EOTECH sights typically feature a 1 MOA dot. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference, with factors such as reticle design, construction, and battery life being key considerations.