For a while, I’d been wanting a red dot sight that offered the versatility of a holographic sight, but in a more compact package. Enter the Holosun AEMS. This little red dot has been getting a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. Here’s a breakdown of my experience with the AEMS, including its best features, some drawbacks to consider, and how it performs in the field.
Best Features and Functionality
Right off the bat, what struck me about the AEMS was its build quality. The housing is made from 7075 aluminum, a high-grade material that feels incredibly sturdy. It’s also fully enclosed, which should provide excellent protection against bumps, scrapes, and even the occasional drop. Plus, it comes with a set of flip-up lens covers for added peace of mind.
The AEMS boasts a unique 65 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot in the center. This reticle design bridges the gap between a traditional red dot and a holographic sight. The circle offers a larger aiming point for quick target acquisition at close range, while the center dot allows for precise aiming at distance. It’s a great option for shooters who want a versatile sight for various situations.
Another big selling point for me is the AEMS’ battery life. Thanks to Holosun’s solar failsafe technology, the sight can automatically adjust the brightness based on ambient light conditions. This not only extends battery life significantly, but also ensures a properly illuminated reticle regardless of the lighting. Plus, it has a good selection of manual brightness settings, including a night vision mode.
Pros and Performance
Putting the AEMS to the test, I found it to be a pleasure to use. The sight picture is crisp and clear, with a good balance between the size of the circle and the precision of the dot. The controls are easy to reach and manipulate, even with gloves on. And the shake awake feature is a nice touch, automatically activating the reticle when it detects movement.
In terms of durability, the AEMS seems to live up to its reputation. I haven’t babied it, and it’s held up well through range sessions and some tactical training exercises. The reticle stayed zeroed throughout, and the sight itself shows no signs of wear and tear.
Downsides to Consider
While I’m very impressed with the AEMS overall, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the reticle might not be for everyone. Some shooters might prefer a simple red dot, while others might find the circle a bit too large. It’s definitely worth trying out different reticles before settling on the AEMS.
Second, the AEMS uses a somewhat uncommon mounting system. While it comes with a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, it won’t necessarily be compatible with all existing mounts you might have.
What Others Are Saying
Customer reviews online largely echo my experience. Praises often point to the AEMS’ durability, the versatility of the reticle, and the excellent battery life thanks to the solar backup. However, some users do mention the reticle being a bit too busy for their taste, and a few have raised concerns about the longevity of the mounting system due to its non-standard design.
Alternatives and Applications
If the AEMS’ reticle doesn’t quite suit you, Holosun offers a variety of other red dot sights with different reticle options. Another popular option in a similar size class is the Aimpoint Micro T-2. However, keep in mind that the Aimpoint won’t have the solar failsafe or the circle-dot reticle.
As for what guns the AEMS works well with, its compact design makes it a great choice for AR-15 platforms. However, its versatility also means it could be a good option for shotguns, pistols with pistol red dot sights (RDS) mounting plates, or evenPCCs (pistol caliber carbines).
The Verdict
Overall, I’m very happy with the Holosun AEMS. It’s a feature-packed red dot sight that offers excellent performance in a compact and durable package. The unique circle-dot reticle might not be for everyone, but for shooters who want a versatile sight with great battery life, the AEMS is a top contender. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense red dot, there might be better options, but if you want something feature-rich and innovative, the AEMS is definitely worth considering.