Red dot sights continue to surge in popularity among shotgun shooters due to their ability to provide quick target acquisition and precision in fast-paced shooting environments. There are so many models available on the market today and in this guide, we will explore some of the best Holosun red dots for a shotgun and help you find a model that blends best with your shooting needs.
When selecting a red dot sight for a shotgun, the model that you choose is crucial for enhancing target acquisition, accuracy, and overall performance. Holosun has established itself as a leader in manufacturing high-quality red dot sights, offering durable, feature-rich, and reliable optics for tactical and hunting applications.
Their red dot sights are known for their rugged construction and long battery life that guarantees uninterrupted performance during long glassing periods. Additionally, these red dot sights have advanced reticle options that make them ideal for the robust recoil and fast-paced action associated with shotguns.
Why a Red Dot Sight for Shotguns
A red dot sight on a shotgun can greatly enhance your shooting speed and accuracy. Here are a few reasons why adding a worthy red dot sight is beneficial for shotguns:
- Rapid Target Acquisition: This is the primary benefit of adding a red dot sight on a shotgun. It allows for quick alignment on the target for easy acquisition.
- Improved Accuracy: A red dot simplifies aiming by providing a single focus point. Traditional shotgun sights require lining up the bead sight, but a red dot allows you to keep both eyes open and maintain situational awareness while focusing on the target.
- Versatility: Red dot sights are effective for various shotgun uses from hunting to tactical shooting and self-defense. Additionally, they can be used in low-light conditions, making them pragmatic for a wide range of environments.
- Aiming with Both Eyes Open: Furthermore, these optics allow shooters to maintain peripheral vision and improve their awareness and responsiveness to surroundings. This is crucial in high-pressure situations or for tracking moving targets.
Best Holosun Red Dots for a Shotgun
1) Holosun HS507K-X2 Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Light Wavelength: 540nm
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 0.58×0.77
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Surface Finish: Anodize
- Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±30 MOA
The Holosun HE507K-GR X2 is the best Holosun red dot for a shotgun. It is an open-reflex optical sight designed for a wide range of applications where it excels in virtually all light conditions.
The multi-reticle system adds to its versatility making it easy to acquire targets in different environments. The large circle allows for a hold-over reference and helps guide your eye to the 2 MOA dot. Furthermore, the sight features a Lock Mode that locks the buttons preventing inadvertent setting changes.
This high-performance red dot sight is built to last. It has durable housing that is made from 7075 Aluminum, a hard-wearing material that is also lightweight. Moreover, the sight is fully waterproof and weather resistant to ensure use in all weather conditions.
To complement the robust construction, the sight features a high-capacity 1632 battery housed in a side-mounted tray for easy replacement when needed. Moreover, the Shake Awake feature extends battery life by deactivating the optic’s LED while not in use.
Pros
- Multi-reticle system (2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both), offering versatility
- Solar Failsafe feature that provides power backup via solar energy
- Durable construction and IP67 water and dust resistance
- Long battery life
- Side-mounted battery compartment for easy battery replacement without removing the sight
- Crisp, clear glass for enhanced visibility
Cons
- None
2) Holosun HS510C Open Reflex Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle
- Light Wavelength: 540nm
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 0.91×1.26
- Housing Material: Aluminum & Titanium Hood
- Adjustment per Click: 0.5 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±50 MOA
If you are looking for a multi-purpose optic for long gun applications, look no further than this model. It is at home on carbines, PCCs, and shotguns due to its durable design and precise aiming point.
This gun sight is crafted with durability and longevity in mind. It has an aluminum housing with a titanium hood for added shock resilience and includes a QD absolute co-witness mount (1.41″ dot height). Furthermore, it is packed with Solar Fails and Shake Awake to preserve battery life.
Another impressive feature of this optic is the multi-reticle system. This system lets you select a fast-sight picture for shorter distances with a 65 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot. The large circle allows for a hold-over reference and helps guide your eye to the 2 MOA dot. Besides, the large ring can be deactivated leaving just the 2 MOA dot for an uncluttered sight picture and increased precision.
This red dot sight features unlimited eye relief for easy target finding and comfortable shooting with both eyes open. It is also built with 12 adjustable brightness settings, two of which are compatible with night vision gear.
Pros
- Motion-activated, conserving battery when not in use
- Open design that gives a broad field of view
- Extended battery life
- Easy to install and remove without tools
- IP67 waterproof rating ensures reliability in harsh conditions
Cons
- The open design leaves the lens more susceptible to dust and debris
3) Holosun HE503CU Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle
- Light Wavelength: 540nm
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 20mm Diameter
- Housing Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Adjustment per Click: 0.5 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±50 MOA
As one of the best Holosun red dots for a shotgun, the HE503CU-GR offers the perfect balance of value and performance. It features Holosun’s ultra-efficient 540nm Green Super LED with up to 50k hour battery life and a plethora of other cutting-edge features to hone your skills and enhance your precision.
With 12 reticle intensity settings, the sight is ideal for use in all lighting conditions. The multi-reticle system adds to its versatility and enables easy target acquisition in different environments. The extended battery life also keep the reticle optimally illuminated, even during lengthy shooting sessions.
Holosun optics are built with durability in mind and this model is no different. Its housing is made from 6061 aluminum and includes both a lower 1/3 co-witness mount (1.63″) and a low mount (.75″) for low-comb height rifle applications. The rugged construction makes it not just recoil proof but also resistant to dirt, dust, and smudges.
For added convenience, the sight features a Shake Awake technology that extends battery life by deactivating the optic’s LED while not in use. If the battery fails, this green dot sight has a backup power source when natural or artificial light is available.
Pros
- The multi-reticle system allows you to switch between a 2 MOA dot and a 65 MOA circle dot, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios
- Durable construction from tough aluminum with an anodized finish
- Long battery life up to 50,000 hours
- Rated for outdoor use in wet and tough conditions (IP67 rating)
Cons
- Slightly larger in size than micro red dots
4) Holosun Paralow Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2 MOA Dot
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 20mm Diameter
- Housing Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Adjustment per Click: 0.5 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±50 MOA
- Finish: Black
Here is another micro-sight designed for rifle and carbine applications. The Holosun HE403B-GR is a 20mm red dot sight that is optimized for value and versatility. It is suitable for most hunting and shooting applications in all lighting and weather conditions.
The highlight of this red dot sight is its optical performance. It is manufactured using optical-quality glass lenses with multilayer coatings applied to facilitate maximum light transmission and wear resistance while reducing glare and facilitating reduced power requirements. As a result, the sight produces industry-leading reticle intensity, clarity, and battery efficiency.
With up to 50k hour battery life, the sight guarantees unimpeded performance in lengthy shooting periods. The 2 MOA reticle provides the best balance of speed and precision in all environments. On top of that, you can tailor the reticle intensity in 12 different settings to match the ambient lighting conditions and preferences.
Regarding construction, the housing is made from 6061 aluminum and includes both a lower 1/3 co-witness mount (1.63″) and a low mount (.75″) for low-comb height rifle applications. The solid construction coupled with the weather-resistant design makes the sight operable even in adverse weather conditions.
Pros
- Durably built with high-strength aluminum housing
- Long battery life up to 50,000 hours of battery life on a single CR2032 battery
- Multiple brightness settings, including night vision compatibility
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to mount on various firearms
- Crisp 2 MOA dot provides a precise aiming point for both close and mid-range shooting
Cons
- No Solar Power Backup: Unlike some other Holosun models, it doesn’t feature solar backup
5) Holosun OPMOD HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 0.63×0.91
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Surface Finish: Anodize
- Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±50 MOA
Holosun OPMOD HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight offers exceptional performance for both tactical and recreational shooting. It is built with ease of use in mind to accommodate all shooters, even beginners.
This optic features a 1x magnification with a 2 MOA dot and a 32mm lens. It provides a clear, crisp sight picture that enhances target acquisition and accuracy. Moreover, it is equipped with Holosun’s advanced Solar Fail-safe technology, which ensures reliable operation even in low-light conditions by automatically adjusting brightness levels based on ambient light.
Another feature that makes it one of the best Holosun red dots for a shotgun is its user-friendly design. It includes Shake awake feature that conserves battery life by activating the sight with minimal movement. Furthermore, the optic features a streamlined control system with easy-to-use buttons for adjusting brightness and reticle options, ensuring quick and intuitive operation.
Construction-wise, this red dot sight boasts a robust and lightweight aluminum housing that can withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for various environments and firearms. The sight’s parallax-free design guarantees accuracy at any distance, while its rugged construction and IPX7 waterproof rating add to its reliability in adverse conditions.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Extended battery life
- Shockproof and rated for extreme conditions (IP67 rating)
- Parallax-free which means no distortion or shift in reticle when looking at different angles
- Easy to access side-mounted buttons for quick adjustments
- Lock mode that prevents accidental adjustment of settings
- Versatile mounting options for different shotguns and rifles
Cons
- Limited Night Vision Compatibility: Not as night vision capable as some advanced Holosun models
Next Read: Best Red Dots for Shotgun Recoil
Key Features to Consider in a Holosun Red Dot Sight for Shotguns
Consider the following features when looking to get a Holosun red dot sight for your shotgun.
Durability
Shotguns, especially when firing heavy loads, produce substantial recoil. This calls for a Holosun sight that is built to withstand shock, impact, and extreme conditions, Look for models made from aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability. The best Holosun red dots for a shotgun should also be sealed to provide adequate protection against water and dust.
Reticle Options
Holosun offers multiple reticle options, including their signature Multi-Reticle System (MRS) that enables users to switch between a simple 2 MOA dot or a circle-dot reticle (2 MOA dot with a 65 MOA circle). This flexibility is particularly useful for shotgunners, as the circle-dot reticle aids in faster target acquisition, especially when shooting moving targets such as birds or clays.
Battery Life and Solar Failsafe
Holosun’s Solar Failsafe technology ensures that your red dot will continue to function even when the battery is depleted by utilizing solar power. Paired with the Shake Awake feature, these sights conserve battery life by automatically turning off when not in use and instantly powering back on when motion is detected. Many Holosun sights also boast up to 50,000 hours of battery life that is long enough to ensure reliable performance in the field or at the range.
Compact and Lightweight Design
Given that shotguns can already be quite weighty, a lightweight red dot is preferred to maintain balance and maneuverability. Look for a model that is lightweight but rugged. Furthermore, the best Holosun red dots for a shotgun should have a compact size to not get in your way of shooting.
Parallax-Free and Unlimited Eye Relief
The best Holosun red dots for a shotgun are designed to be parallax-free. This means the point of aim stays accurate regardless of the angle from which you view the reticle. Coupled with unlimited eye relief, you can quickly acquire targets without the need to perfectly align your eye with the sight, which is essential for fast-moving shotgun scenarios.
How to Maintain Holosun Red Dots for Shotguns
Here’s a guide for maintaining Holosun red dot sights on shotguns
Regular Cleaning: Use a lens brush or a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris. Clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution.
Inspect Mounting: Check the mounting screws periodically to ensure they are tight and secure. Verify that the mount is properly aligned and free from any movement.
Regular Battery Replacement: Replace the battery regularly, even if it hasn’t died, to prevent unexpected failure. Clean the battery contacts and ensure they are free of corrosion.
Weather Protection: If the red dot sight is not waterproof, avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions.
Safe Storage: Store the red dot sight properly when not in use to lengthen its lifespan.
FAQs
- How do I mount a Holosun red dot sight on my shotgun?
Most Holosun sights come with mounting options that are compatible with standard Picatinny or Weaver rails. Ensure that you use the appropriate mount and ensure it’s securely attached to your shotgun.
- Can I use a Holosun red dot sight on different types of shotguns?
Yes. Most Holosun red dot sights are multi-platform friendly. This makes them compatible with a wide variety of shotguns, including pump-action, semi-automatic, and tactical shotguns.
Final Words
To wrap it up, the market is saturated with red dot sights from different brands and the ideal model for your shotgun largely depends on your budget, shooting needs, and preferences. All the Holosun models listed above offer wide compatibility with shotguns and excel in durability, performance, and ease of use. Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the ideal model for your needs.