Holographic Sights

Late one evening, a law enforcement officer takes cover behind his patrol car as firefight involving hostages drags on.

“I WANT ONE MILLION DOLLARS! IN A DUFFLE BAG! IN ONE MINUTE! OR THE HOSTAGES DIE!”

A desperate criminal holds one of their hostages up to the window with his worn Glock 9MM handgun to their head, shouting his demands.

The demands are impossible. Shots have already been fired. One officer is wounded. At least one hostage is dead. Ten more are inside.

Time is running out.

The officer needs to act quickly and decisively to save an innocent life.

With adrenaline pumping and his heart pounding, he knows that a single mistake could have disastrous consequences.

In one fluid motion his muscle memory guides him to act.

Standing from his cover, he takes aim with his Daniel Defense DDM4V7 AR-15 style rifle.

The target’s forehead quickly aligns with the officer’s EOTech EXPS3 holographic sight. Even in these low-light conditions he acquires the target rapidly.

His finger smoothly squeezes the Geissele SSA trigger.

One precise deadly shot rang out.

The suspect is downed without harming the hostage.

The outcome of this life-and-death situation hinged on the officer’s skill, training, and the advanced technology of the holographic sight mounted on his rifle.

This intense scenario is just one example of the many use cases for holographic sights. In this article, we’ll explore the history, technology, and benefits of these innovative optics, as well as their differences from other weapon sights. We’ll also guide you through the top brands, and provide you with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect holographic sight for your needs.

A Brief History of Holographic Sights

To understand holographic sights, we first need to take a step back and look at the history of holography.

Invented in the 1940s by a Hungarian-British scientist named Dennis Gabor, holography is a technique that records and reproduces 3D images using light waves.

It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, when lasers were developed, that holography really took off.

In the early 1990s, a company called EOTech started working on the idea of using holography in weapon sights.

By 1996, they introduced the world’s first holographic weapon sight. These sights quickly gained popularity among military and law enforcement personnel, as well as civilian shooters, thanks to their unique features and ease of use.

How Holographic Sights Work

Now that we know a bit about the history of holographic sights, let’s explore how they actually work. A holographic sight uses a laser to create a hologram of a reticle (the aiming point) inside the sight. This hologram is then projected onto a piece of glass in front of the shooter’s eye, allowing them to see the reticle superimposed on their target.

The magic of holographic sights lies in the fact that the reticle appears to be floating in mid-air, making it easy for the shooter to quickly acquire and track their target. Another advantage is that the reticle stays the same size regardless of the distance to the target, ensuring consistent accuracy.

Modern Uses of Holographic Sights

Holographic sights have become popular among various groups of shooters, thanks to their unique advantages. Let’s take a look at some of their modern uses:

  1. Military and law enforcement: Holographic sights are widely used by military forces and law enforcement agencies around the world. These sights provide quick target acquisition, which is crucial in high-pressure situations. The durability and reliability of holographic sights make them ideal for use in harsh conditions.
  2. Competitive shooting: Many competitive shooters choose holographic sights for their speed and ease of use. In fast-paced shooting sports, being able to quickly acquire and engage targets can make a big difference in the final scores.
  3. Hunting: Holographic sights can be an excellent choice for hunters, especially those who hunt in close quarters or fast-moving environments, like hunting wild boars or deer in thick brush. The quick target acquisition and wide field of view provided by holographic sights make them well-suited for these situations.
  4. Home defense: For those who keep a firearm for home defense, a holographic sight can be a valuable addition. In the high-stress environment of a home defense situation, the ability to quickly acquire a target can be crucial.

Holographic Sights vs. Other Types of Weapon Sights

Now that we’ve explored the history, technology, and uses of holographic sights, let’s compare them to other types of weapon sights:

  1. Iron sights: Iron sights are the traditional, non-optical sights found on many firearms. While they can be accurate and reliable, they often require more practice to use effectively, and target acquisition can be slower compared to holographic sights.
  2. Red dot sights: Red dot sights use an LED to project a simple red dot onto a lens, which the shooter then uses to aim. While red dot sights also provide quick target acquisition, they don’t use holography and may have a smaller field of view compared to holographic sights. However, red dot sights tend to be lighter, more compact, and have longer battery life than holographic sights.
  3. Magnified scopes: Magnified scopes, such as telescopic sights, use lenses to magnify the target, allowing for greater precision at longer distances. These scopes can be highly accurate but may be slower to use and less effective in close-quarters situations than holographic sights. Additionally, the eye relief (the distance from the eye to the scope) can be more critical with magnified scopes, making them less forgiving in terms of shooting positions.
  4. Prism sights: Prism sights use a prism to focus the image and can offer some magnification, usually between 1x and 5x. They are generally more compact and rugged than traditional magnified scopes. However, like magnified scopes, prism sights may be slower to use in close-quarters situations compared to holographic sights.

Each type of weapon sight has its advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on the shooter’s needs and preferences.

Holographic Sights Buyer’s Guide

Now that you’re well-versed in the world of holographic sights, you might be considering adding one to your firearm. To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide with our top tips for choosing the right holographic sight:

  1. Determine your primary use: Before you start shopping, think about your main use for the holographic sight. Are you a competitive shooter, a hunter, or using it for home defense? Your primary use will help guide your decision-making process, as different sights cater to different needs.
  2. Reticle design: Different holographic sights offer various reticle designs. Some may have a simple dot, while others feature more complex patterns for range estimation or bullet drop compensation. Choose a reticle that suits your intended use and personal preferences.
  3. Size and weight: Holographic sights come in different sizes and weights. Consider your firearm’s size and weight, as well as your intended use, when selecting a sight. A smaller, lighter sight may be preferable for a compact rifle or pistol, while a larger, more robust sight may be better suited for a full-size rifle.
  4. Battery life: Holographic sights require batteries to function. Check the battery life of the sight you’re considering and choose one that offers a balance between battery life and performance. Some sights may have an auto-off feature or adjustable brightness settings to help conserve battery life.
  5. Durability: Holographic sights can be subjected to harsh conditions, especially in military or law enforcement applications. Look for a sight that is built with durable materials and has a rugged design to withstand the rigors of your intended use.
  6. Price: Holographic sights can range in price from affordable to high-end. Set a budget and consider the features you need, then look for a sight that offers the best value for your money.
  7. Research reputable brands: There are numerous brands that manufacture holographic sights, but not all are created equal. Stick with well-known and reputable brands like EOTech, Vortex, and Holosun, which have a proven track record of producing high-quality sights.
  8. Read reviews: Customer reviews can be a valuable source of information when choosing a holographic sight. Look for reviews from people who have used the sight in similar situations to your intended use. This will give you an idea of how the sight performs in real-world conditions.
  9. Consider compatibility: Make sure the sight you choose is compatible with your firearm’s mounting system. Many holographic sights use a standard Picatinny or Weaver rail, but it’s essential to double-check that the sight you’re considering will work with your gun.
  10. Try before you buy: If possible, test out a holographic sight before purchasing it. Visit a local shooting range or gun store that allows you to try out different sights. This will give you a hands-on feel for the sight’s performance and help you make a more informed decision.
  11. Warranty and customer support: A good warranty and responsive customer support can be essential when investing in a holographic sight. Look for a sight with a solid warranty, and make sure the manufacturer has a reputation for excellent customer service.
  12. Don’t forget accessories: When purchasing a holographic sight, consider any additional accessories you may need. This might include lens covers, a killflash (anti-reflective device), or a magnifier to extend the sight’s effective range. Keep these additional costs in mind when setting your budget.

By following these tips and doing thorough research, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect holographic sight for your needs. Happy shooting!

Popular Holographic Sight Brands and Their Top Models

To help you navigate the vast world of holographic sights, we’ve compiled a list of popular brands and their top models. These brands have built a reputation for quality, performance, and durability, making them excellent choices for your next holographic sight.

EOTech

EOTech is the pioneer of holographic sights and continues to be a leading brand in the industry. They offer a wide range of holographic sights designed for various applications, from tactical to hunting. Some of their top models include:

  • EOTech EXPS3: This compact, lightweight sight is popular among military and law enforcement personnel for its quick target acquisition, durability, and night vision compatibility.
  • EOTech 512: A versatile and budget-friendly option, the EOTech 512 is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable holographic sight without breaking the bank.
  • EOTech Vudu: For those looking for a magnified holographic sight, the EOTech Vudu series offers models with magnification ranges from 1-6x to 5-25x, providing options for various shooting scenarios.

Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics is well-known for producing high-quality optics at an affordable price. Their holographic sight, the Vortex AMG UH-1, combines durability, performance, and value, making it a popular choice among shooters.

  • Vortex AMG UH-1: This sight features an integrated quick-release mount, a large viewing window, and a reticle with a 1 MOA center dot for precise aiming.

Holosun

Holosun is another reputable brand offering reliable and affordable holographic sights. With innovative features and advanced technology, Holosun sights provide excellent performance for their price.

  • Holosun HS510C: This open reflex sight features a 2 MOA center dot with a 65 MOA circle reticle, offering versatility for both close-quarters and mid-range shooting. The HS510C also boasts a solar panel for battery backup and an impressive 50,000-hour battery life.

Aimpoint

Although Aimpoint is best known for its red dot sights, they also offer a holographic sight called the Aimpoint ACRO P-1.

  • Aimpoint ACRO P-1: This compact, enclosed reflex sight is designed for use on pistols, but it can also be mounted on rifles or shotguns. The ACRO P-1 is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions.

Trijicon

Trijicon, a brand renowned for its high-quality optics, offers the Trijicon SRS (Sealed Reflex Sight), which uses a combination of LED and solar power to provide a reliable, always-on reticle.

  • Trijicon SRS: This sight is built with military-grade durability and features a large field of view, making it a popular choice for tactical and competitive shooting.

These popular brands and their top models represent some of the best options on the market for holographic sights. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you’ll be able to find the perfect sight from one of these trusted manufacturers.

Conclusion

Holographic sights have come a long way since their invention in the 1990s. They offer unique advantages in terms of quick target acquisition and ease of use, making them popular among military personnel, law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, hunters, and home defense enthusiasts.

Understanding the history, technology, and differences between holographic sights and other types of weapon sights can help you make an informed decision when choosing the best sight for your needs. So, whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting, give holographic sights a try and experience the difference they can make in your shooting adventures!