Holosun 508T V2 (Now X2) Review-Ready to Take The Lead?

In this review, I am excited to give you the low down on the Holosun 508T v2, now the 508T X2.

It is no secret that my affection for Holosun has grown over the last few years, and the HE508T is a significant contributor.

This red dot sight is increasingly becoming an all-time favorite open reflex optic for pistol pros and enthusiasts alike. As always, during our review, we will dive deep to bring you all the specifications, features, and technologies include in this micro red dot sight.

Click here to purchase the Holosun HE508T-RD X2 at Amazon.com.

Holosun 508T Review

The Holosun 508T is an open reflex style micro red dot sight machined from a single piece of Titanium.

The sight weighs mere 2 ounces measuring only 1.78 (in) x 1.15 (in) x 1.15 (in). Multi-coated optics provide a clear viewing experience through a .63 (in) x .91 (in) window.

The 508T operates on a single CR1632 lithium coin battery powering a 2 MOA or 32 MOA reticle dot with an estimated 50,000-hour battery life.

Quality and feature-rich make the Holosun 508T X2 a solid pick for pistol applications in personal defense and duty roles, all for under $500.00 MSRP

As Holosun continues to expand its share of the red dot sight market, one optic has taken the lead in its class and has is increasingly become the preferred optic for a pistol in the self-defense and duty role.

The Holosun HE508T has become the standard for many shooters for a quality, reliable sight that must be taken seriously.

Bottom Line Up Front

Considering a red dot sight for your pistol, then you should seriously consider the Holosun HE508T-RD as the best option for any application. This red dot sight is ready for any role you intend to put it in.

From the construction to the technologies, the 508T will satisfy almost every pistol-packing patriot’s needs. 

If you put one of these red dot sights on your favorite firearm, you will not be disappointed and will likely be inclined to get another one for your second favorite gun.

Of course, I want to give you all the information I can, so keep reading, and I am sure you will agree with me when I say this sight is at the top of its class.

Top Features of the Holosun HE 508T Red Dot Sight

DESIGN

The recent update to the 508T includes a significant design change in the shape of the optic.  In the previous model, the top of the sight was rounded, making it more prone to damage when impacted directly on the optic’s top.

The 508T-RD V2 now the X2 has a square housing design that makes this already rugged optic even more durable. 

The new design coupled with an optic body machined from Titanium alloy makes this red dot sight one of the toughest in this class and suitable for duty use by law enforcement professionals and fit for personal defense role.

This durability and toughness have been demonstrated repeatedly with thousands of rounds fired and multiple impacts to the optic itself from drops and bumps. 

Through all of this abuse the 508T has maintained its ability to remain fully functional  and zeroed. 

The 508T measures 1.78 (in) x 1.15 (in) x 1.15 (in) weighing only 2 oz.

The form factor, size, and weight make your pistol’s employment just as effortless as it was before mounting the optic. 

The sight has an Ingress Protection Code of IP67, which means the unit is submersible in a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour.

As part of the housing design, there are drain holes on both sides of the optic to allow excess water to drain from the sight’s exterior lens surface under wet conditions.

Along with protection against liquid intrusion, the IP67 rating ensures that the red dot sight is resistant to dust and particle intrusion,  safeguarding the internal components and electronics for a reliable on-demand operation.

I found viewing window measuring .63 x.91 large enough for easy target acquisition but not intrusive for situational awareness.  

Lens clarity exceed my requirement, but there is a slight tint that goes mostly unnoticeable.

RETICLE

Like most Holosun Red Dot Sights, the HE508T-RD comes with their patented multi-reticle system consisting of a 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle. These reticle patterns can be used in combination, placing the 2 MOA Dot within the 32 MOA circle or individually. 

For reference, the diameter of the 32 MOA circle represents approximately 32" at 100 yds. (81 cm at 100 m)

The levels and range of brightness options are sufficient to ensure that the dot is visible under various ambient lighting conditions.

The 508T includes Holosuns automatic reticle brightness adjustment mode. When selected, the sight will use its solar array sensor to determine the best reticle brightness level.

POWER

With the incorporation of Super LEDs, you can expect approximately 50,000 hours of battery life when using the single 2 MOA dot or about 10,000 hours of battery life when using the 32 MOA circle dot reticle when using the level 6 brightness setting.

The 508t is powered by a single CR1632 Lithium 3-Volt coin battery.  The battery is easily replaced through the side-mounted battery tray, so you don't have to remove the sight to replace the battery.

Additionally, the sight includes the Holosun Solar Fail Safe dual power system, which allows the optic to operate directly through its solar panel array.  The Solar Failsafe feature increases the sight’s operational time capacity, reserving battery power when operated under sufficient ambient light conditions.

The solar array does not recharge the battery but powers the sight even with a dead battery.

If you notice your reticle blinking slowly, this is an indicator that your battery is below 2.2vdc and needs to be replaced.  I have never had this happen to me as I change all of my batteries every year or so, but a handy feature non-the-less.

OPERATION

To turn on the HE508T red dot sight press and release either button.  To power the sight off, just press and release both the  “+” or “-” buttons. 

When you power off the sight you are also disabling the shake awake feature. Given the battery life and Shake Awake feature, you will not find too many occasions that necessitate you to power off the sight.

Holosun Shake Awake

The 508T  includes Holosun’s Shake Awake feature. This motion-sensing technology is on by default when you turn on your optic. This is a fantastic feature that will extend your battery life and keep your sight ready for action at all times.

By default the sight will enter sleep mode automatically after 10 minutes of no movement. The sight will instantly wake and turn on using the last saved settings with the slightest detected movement. 

There are four default sleep timer settings, which you can adjust by pressing and holding the "+" button for 10 seconds. You can then select 10min, 1hr, 12 hrs or disabled by pressing and releasing  both the  “+” or “-” buttons.

The LED will blink indicating which setting is selected, then press  both the  “+” or “-” buttons to save the settings.

Auto Mode

By default the HE508T-RD is in Auto Mode when initially power the optic on. 

While In Auto Mode, the sight uses the dual power system (Battery and Solar Array), whereas the reticle brightness level is adjusted automatically depending on the ambient light conditions.

If the situation dictates or you prefer to make brightness adjustments manually, press and hold the "+" button for about four seconds, and the reticle blinks once.

In manual mode, you have your choice of 12 brightness levels and is defaulted to level 7 when you first switch to this mode. You can adjust the brightness by pressing the  “+” or “-”  buttons.

Switching back to Auto mode is as simple as press and hold the "+" button for about four seconds, and the reticle blinks once.

There will be light conditions or situations that require manual manipulation of reticle brightness, so this is a handy feature.

To ensure the sight settings are not accidentally changed, Holosun has included a Lock Mode along with the repositioning of the buttons on the sight.

MOUNTING AND SIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The 508T comes with a low rail mount if you need to attach the sight to a Picatinny or Weaver rail. 

If you plan on mounting this to your pistol then its likely you will need a alternate mounting method.

The Holosun 508T  fits within the Trijicion RMR footprint. Depending on you firearm you may need a adapter plate specifically for Holosun. 

There are many optic ready pistols that come with a factory cutout to receive a red dot sight.

If you pistol doesn't have a precut slide you can purchase a new slide with the cut out or have your slide custom milled to the proper specifications.

Another alternative to mount this red dot  is to use a dovetail style mounting system  that requires you to remove the rear sight. 

You can find more information about mounting a red dot sight on a pistol in our guide. 

Mounting

The 508T comes with a low rail mount if you need to attach the sight to a Picatinny or Weaver rail. 

If you plan on mounting this to your pistol then its likely you will need a alternate mounting method.

The Holosun 508T  fits within the Trijicon RMR footprint. Depending on your firearm, you may need an adapter plate specifically for Holosun. 

Many optic ready pistols come with a factory cutout to receive a red dot sight.

If you pistol doesn't have a precut slide you can purchase a new slide with the cut out or have your slide custom milled to the proper specifications.

Another alternative to mounting this red dot is to use a dovetail style mounting system that requires you to remove the rear sight. 

You can find more information about mounting a red dot sight on a pistol in our guide. 

Sight Adjustments 

The 508T comes out of the box factory adjusted to an approximate 25 yard zero to give you a head start. Hopefully, it will require minimal adjustment to achieve zero.

Elevation and windage adjustments are made in 1 MOA increments with an adjustment range of +-50 MOA. 

The elevation adjustment screw is located at the optic’s top rear, while the windage adjustment screw is located on the right side of the sight. 

Adjustments are achieved using the included tool or other small flat edge inserted into the adjustment turret and rotating the desired number of clicks in the desired direction.

DETAILS

Included with your purchase:

Need a copy of the HE508T user manual? You can get it here.

Other Great Features of The 508T

Holosun uses a  multilayer reflective glass; this is manufactured using optical glass treated with  multilayer coatings that reduce glare and facilitate maximum light transmission and wear resistance.

Because the is a HE model (Holosun Elite), this optic comes with the Holosun Limited Lifetime Warranty.

“Your Holosun Elite product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship to the first owner upon registration of the product.

The metal structure/housing and optical system (glass) of your Holosun Elite product is warrantied for the life....

the illumination system (LED and electronics), is warrantied for 10 years from the manufacture date.....“

Specifications for The HE508T-RD X2

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOLOSUN HE508T V2 VS X2?

With the 508T V2 release, the button placement and size were very similar to the Trijicon RMR.  "Trijicon Inc. filed a patent complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission on July 29, 2020, saying that Holosun Technologies Inc., of Los Angeles County, is working with a manufacturer in China to sell “red dot” sights that replicate features on which Trijicon has held a patent since 2013."

The 508T and eight other Holosun sights were cited in the lawsuit for which Holosun and Trijicon ultimately settled.

As part of the settlement, it seems that Holosun changed the location and layout of the buttons on its optics and rebranded the sights X2.

I prefer the V2 button layout, and there are still some of these available in the marketplace.

Pros vs Cons of the HE508T

The Pros

Hands down the best Holosun Red Dot Sight for a pistol with the ruggedness and reliability that makes this sight fit for duty use.

Already long battery life extended and backed up by Holosun's Solar Failsafe system.

The Holosun VIP warranty is pretty solid, although it is not likely to be needed for the most part.

The Cons

The Holosun is priced above the 200 dollar mark, making it more of a commitment for casual users.

The buttons are small and not easy to manipulate, so if you plan on manually adjusting the sight, it could be cumbersome.

I am also not a big fan of the windage/elevation adjustment screw as they are hard to adjust without a tiny flat edge.

Best Place to buy the HE508T

We recommend purchasing the Holosun HE508T-RD Micro Red Dot Sight from Amazon.com.  Get a great price and fast shipping! You will also find even more details, ratings, questions, and answers about this red dot sight.

Customer Feedback

The  Holosun HE508T  has 4.7/5 stars, with 81% of the reviews for this optic at five stars with just over 60 ratings.

Rugged: "it takes a licking and keeps on ticking."

Battery Life: "okay, the battery lasts forever, plus you get solar power."

Still unsure what is the best option, you can check out our Best Red Dot Sight for a Pistol guide.

Variations

The Holosun 508T series of optics comes in two flavors, with the GR variant priced slightly higher.

508T-RD vs 508T-GR

Alternative Red Dot Sights

I would have a hard time recommending an alternative to the 508T, but if you require an optic with the same ruggedness and reliability, then the Trijicon RMR is your best bet. You can check out a full review here.

If your red dot application is casual and does not include a personal defense requirement, then you might consider the Vortex Venom. You can get a full review here.