Holosun 509T X2 Review: Is It The Ultimate Budget Enclosed Red Dot Sight?

Welcome to our review of the Holosun 509T X2, a top choice for those seeking a budget-friendly closed emitter RDS. In this article, we’ll explore the 509T X2’s design, advanced features, performance, and overall value. We’ll evaluate if it truly stands out as the ultimate enclosed emitter RDS for precision and reliability. Whether you’re a hobbyist, competitive shooter, or law enforcement, read on to see if the Holosun 509T X2 is right for you.

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Unboxing
3. Features and Technology
4. Design and Build Quality
5. Installation and Setup
6. Performance and Accuracy
7. Overall Rating
8. Final Thoughts

Overview

The HE509T X2 is a cutting-edge reflex sight from Holosun, designed specifically for handguns. Encased in rugged, grade 5 titanium, this sight offers exceptional durability and is purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging. It features Holosun’s Super LED, providing a clear visual with Multi Reticle options featuring a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle dot reticle, underpinned by a long battery life of up to 50,000 hours.

Further enhancing its functionality, the HE509T X2 incorporates advanced technologies such as Solar Failsafe, which keeps the sight operational in ambient light, and Shake Awake, which activates the LED upon motion and deactivates it when static, conserving battery life. The sight is equipped with 12 brightness settings to accommodate varying lighting conditions, including settings compatible with night vision devices, making it versatile for different environments and operational needs.

Unboxing

The Holosun 509T X2 arrives in a sturdy plastic case, encased within a sleek slim white cardboard sleeve that prominently displays the 509T labeling. Upon opening the plastic box, you are greeted with the sight and its essential accessories neatly arranged. Inside the box, you will find:

• 509T Red Dot Sight
• RMR-to-509T Adapter
• T10 L Key
• User Manual
• CR1632 Battery
• Lens Cloth

Features and Technology

Super LED

The heart of the 509T X2 is Holosun’s Super LED, which provides a bright and crisp reticle. This technology ensures visibility in various lighting conditions and extends battery life up to 50,000 hours, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Multi-Reticle System (MRS)

One of the standout features is the Multi-Reticle System (MRS). Users can easily switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. Modes can be switched by holding the dim button down for a few seconds. This flexibility allows for quick target acquisition and adaptability to different shooting scenarios.

Solar Failsafe

The integrated Solar Failsafe technology ensures that the sight remains operational even when the battery power is low. It automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light, providing optimal visibility without manual adjustments.

Shake Awake Technology

Shake Awake technology is another innovation by Holosun that conserves battery life. The sight enters sleep mode after a period of inactivity and reactivates with the slightest motion, ensuring that it’s always ready when you need it.

Titanium Housing

The 509T X2 features a grade 5 titanium housing, offering exceptional durability while keeping the sight lightweight. This robust construction is designed to withstand harsh conditions and rigorous use.

12 Brightness Settings

The sight includes 12 brightness settings, two of which are compatible with night vision devices. This range allows for adaptability in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to low-light environments.

Convenient Battery Access

The battery compartment is strategically placed for easy access, enabling quick battery changes without needing to remove the sight from its mount. This feature is crucial for maintaining zero and ensuring continuous operation.

RMR Adapter Plate

The included RMR adapter plate ensures compatibility with RMR cutouts, enhancing the sight’s versatility. The adapter plate is made of high-quality materials, fitting perfectly and securely.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design and build quality, the Holosun HE509T-RD X2 really impresses me. First off, it’s lightweight and not to bulky for an enclosed reflex sight. The sight window is a decent size, and the glass is clear with just a slight hint of blue tint, which doesn’t interfere with target acquisition.

However, I did notice that the solar panel on top could have been better aligned, it’s a bit crooked in its slot, which is a minor flaw in an otherwise well-constructed optic. But the OCD can be real with this one! The brightness buttons have a nice, firm feel, and while they don’t make an audible click, you can definitely feel each adjustment.

The battery door design is a feature I love. It’s easily accessible, allowing for quick battery changes without the need to remove the sight from the mount, a huge plus in my book. The included RMR adapter plate is high quality and fits perfectly in an RMR cutout, making installation a breeze. The mounting and clamping system provided a secure and tight fit with no play in the optic once installed.

Even though I think Holosun went a bit overboard with the branding, having ‘Holosun’ engraved on the top, front, and side, the overall aesthetic is still pleasing. Personally, I think just having the branding on the side would have been enough, but it doesn’t detract too much from the overall look. In summary, the Holosun 509T-RD X2 strikes a great balance between durability, functionality, and style while being constructed from high quality parts.

Installation and Setup

Installation

Installing the Holosun 509T X2 on my Glock 17 was a straightforward process, thanks to the included RMR adapter plate. This adapter plate fits perfectly into the RMR cutout on the slide, eliminating the need for additional purchases. Here’s how the installation went:

1. Mount the RMR Adapter Plate: Using the two supplied screws, I securely mounted the RMR adapter plate to the slide of my Glock 17. The fit was perfect, and the plate sat flush without any gaps or play.
2. Attach the 509T Red Dot Sight: Next, I positioned the 509T sight onto the adapter plate. The clamp screw provided a very secure and tight clamp to the plate, ensuring there was no play or movement in the optic once installed.
3. Rough Sighting: To get a rough sighting, I aligned the red dot with my co-witness iron sights. This step involved moving the rear iron sight to match the front sight, ensuring that the red dot was roughly aligned before heading to the range for fine-tuning.

Zeroing

Zeroing the Holosun 509T X2 was a smooth and efficient process. Here’s how I zeroed the sight:

1. Initial Setup: At the range, I set up at a distance of about 15-20 yards. This distance is ideal for initial zeroing of a red dot sight, providing a good balance between accuracy and ease of adjustment.
2. Shooting Groups: I fired a few 4-shot groups to assess the initial alignment of the sight. The 509T’s adjustment knobs felt great and worked very well, providing a firm, tactile feel with each click.
3. Making Adjustments: Based on the shot groupings, I made the necessary adjustments to the windage and elevation knobs. The audible clicks from the adjustment knobs were particularly helpful in ensuring precise adjustments.
4. Final Zero: After a few iterations of shooting and adjusting, the red dot was perfectly zeroed. The 509T maintained a tight and consistent alignment, enhancing accuracy and confidence in its performance.

Performance and Accuracy

After zeroing in the Holosun 509T X2, it was time to put some rounds downrange and assess the sight’s performance. I started with the 32 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot reticle. While this combination was excellent for close-range shooting, offering quick target acquisition using the circle and then refining the shot with the dot as I moved further back while firing. I did find when target shooting at round 30 yards I much rathered the 2 moa dot alone over the combo of the circle and dot.

Over the course of a few hundred rounds, and testing the sight’s durability by dropping it a few times. Remarkably, the 509T X2 proved to be extremely rugged, maintaining its zero perfectly. Throughout testing, I experienced no malfunctions, flickers, or shutdowns, which is a significant plus for reliability.

One critical feature I tested was the memory retention of the sight’s settings. I set the reticle to the 2 MOA dot only and then powered the sight off. Upon turning it back on, the sight retained my preferred setting, eliminating the need to cycle through reticles again. This memory retention is a huge advantage, ensuring that your sight is always ready with your preferred settings.

I was curious about its potential on a shotgun. Specifically, I wondered how well the 32 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot would work for quick target shots on a shotgun. For this test, I used the Wilson Combat Rob Haught Special. (For a full review of the Wilson Combat Rob Haught Special click here.) We mounted the sight using a Picatinny rail and adapter, and the results were impressive. The 32 MOA circle proved perfect for fast target acquisition, and the 2 MOA dot provided the precision needed for more accurate shots.

Overall Rating

Reliability: 5/5

The Holosun 509T X2 excels in reliability, earning a perfect score. Throughout extensive testing, it experienced no malfunctions, flickers, or unexpected shutdowns. The sight’s ability to retain memory settings after being powered off and back on is a significant advantage, ensuring it’s always ready with your preferred configuration.

Sight Picture: 4.4/5

The sight picture provided by the 509T X2 is decent. The glass is clear with a slight blue tint, and the sight window is of a good size. The reticle options, including a 32 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot, a single 2 MOA dot or just the circle, offer versatility for different shooting scenarios. This adaptability makes the sight picture highly effective, though there’s a slight room for improvement.

Appearance: 3.7/5

While the Holosun 509T X2 looks good and isn’t overly bulky for an enclosed RDS design. The sight has ‘Holosun’ engraved on the top, front, and side, which feels a bit overdone to me, especially with the top already featuring a slightly misaligned solar panel. A more subtle branding approach would enhance its aesthetic appeal along with a bit more attention to detail on the solar panel.

Ergonomics: 4/5

As an enclosed RDS design, the 509T X2 is inherently bulkier than traditional open emitters. However, it manages to remain lightweight and is less bulky compared to other closed emitters on the market. Its width is slightly greater than a Glock 17 slide, but overall, it balances size and functionality well, making it ergonomically sound.

Value: 4.2/5

With an MSRP of $505.87, the Holosun 509T X2 offers good value, especially considering it can be found for around $429.99 at retailers like Optics Planet and Euro Optics. When matched against other closed emitter designs, it provides excellent quality for the price. The inclusion of the RMR adapter plate and other accessories further enhances its value proposition.

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Final Thoughts

The Holosun HE509T-RD X2 excels in reliability and versatility, making it a top choice for various shooting applications. Its robust titanium construction and enclosed emitter design ensure durability, while features like the multi-reticle system and memory retention enhance its functionality. The sight offers a clear and adaptable sight picture, with options that cater to both close-range and long-distance shooting. Despite minor aesthetic drawbacks, such as excessive branding and a slightly misaligned solar panel, the sight maintains its high performance and reliability. Overall, the Holosun HE509T-RD X2 stands out as a durable, precise, and budget friendly red dot sight, making it a worthwhile investment for competitive shooters, hunters, and law enforcement professionals alike.

To see our last Review Click Here: Wilson Combat Rob Haught Special Shotgun Review

We Want to Hear From You!

Have you had a chance to try the Holosun 509T X2? What are your thoughts on its performance and features? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below to help others in the community make informed decisions.

Stay Updated

Don’t miss out on our Monthly Giveaways, upcoming reviews and expert insights into the latest in firearms technology. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with a vibrant community of firearms enthusiasts and experts.