For years, I’d been eyeing the rise of enclosed red dot sights (RDS) for pistols. Improved durability, reduced snag potential, and all-weather reliability seemed like a compelling upgrade to traditional open reflex sights. So, when the Holosun HE509T hit the market, I was eager to get my hands on it. Here’s a breakdown of my experience, including the HE509T’s best features, some drawbacks, and how it performed on the range.
Standing Out in the Crowd
The HE509T boasts a feature set that makes it a serious contender in the RDS market. First up is the robust titanium housing. It oozes confidence, and its lightweight build keeps the weight penalty on my pistol minimal. Speaking of confidence, the sight picture is excellent. The large, clear window offers a generous field of view, and the choice between a 2 MOA dot or a 65 MOA circle-dot reticle lets you tailor the sight to your needs. I found the circle-dot particularly useful for quick acquisition at close range, while the 2 MOA dot excelled for precise shot placement.
Holosun’s Super LED takes center stage here. Not only is the dot crisp and clear, but the company boasts a staggering 50,000-hour battery life. That translates to years of use on a single CR1632 battery – a major plus for those who prioritize long-term reliability. Battery swaps are easy thanks to the innovative side-loading tray – no need to remove the sight from the firearm.
Innovation on Display
Holosun throws in some additional features that elevate the HE509T’s user experience. The automatic brightness adjustment is a game-changer, automatically adapting the dot intensity to ambient light conditions. Shake Awake ensures the sight is ready when you need it, activating from the slightest movement. But the real cherry on top is the solar failsafe. In extremely low-light situations, the solar panel can keep the reticle minimally illuminated, providing a usable aiming point even when the battery is depleted.
The Not-So-Perfect Picture
While the HE509T impressed me overall, there are a couple of things to consider. Some users online have reported minor quality control issues, with a few mentioning imperfections around the lens housing. Thankfully, these seem to be isolated cases, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Another point to note is holster compatibility. The enclosed design can make holster selection a bit trickier. I had to replace my old holster to accommodate the HE509T’s footprint. Thankfully, several holster manufacturers now offer compatible options specifically designed for this sight.
Putting It to the Test
At the range, the HE509T performed flawlessly. Sight acquisition was fast and intuitive, with the large window making target identification a breeze. The dot remained crisp and clear even on bright days, and the automatic brightness adjustment worked seamlessly. The shake awake function was another plus, ensuring the sight was always on when I drew my pistol.
Who is it For?
The HE509T shines for pistol users looking for a durable, feature-rich red dot sight. Its enclosed design makes it ideal for everyday carry or tactical applications. The multiple reticle options cater to a wide range of shooting styles, from competitive pistol shooting to personal defense.
When it comes to firearm compatibility, the HE509T utilizes the common RMR footprint, making it compatible with a wide variety of pistols. Users online have reported successful installations on Glocks, Sig Sauers, Smith & Wessons, and more.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the Holosun HE509T is a fantastic option for pistol red dot enthusiasts. Its combination of a robust build, excellent sight picture, innovative features, and long battery life make it a compelling choice. While there are minor quality control concerns and holster compatibility considerations, the HE509T’s strengths far outweigh these. If you’re looking for a closed emitter red dot sight that can handle anything you throw at it, the HE509T is definitely worth a long look.