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Sits low, eliminates adapter plates – and the necessity for battery exchanges
The Holosun SCS dot sight is common, and for good motive. When you’re questioning if it could possibly be the proper alternative for you, contemplate my expertise that I’ll element beneath.
Generally known as “miniaturized red-dot sights” – MRDS for brief – at this time’s decisions abound selecting a winner may be powerful. Past their varied “footprints,” sturdiness, reticle design and measurement are concerns, usually together with co-witnessing. The latter refers back to the top of the optical sight’s window and dot, relative to the firearm’s unique sights. If each are nonetheless usable, the set of “irons” can present insurance coverage if a reticle out of the blue dies.
However even with cautious procuring, the proof is typically within the set up. A couple of MRDS variations that I put in turned out to be lower than passable via no fault of their very own. My admittedly choosy issues have been associated extra to the firearms on which they have been mounted. Living proof a reasonably current 2022 buy. After perusing numerous small optical sights, I ordered a promising prospect for a brand new 9mm pistol, an S&W M&P 2.0 Optics Prepared, 4-inch Compact mannequin.
I’d been on the lookout for a reasonably-sized MRDS that might accommodate battery exchanges with out a dismount which typically ends in lack of zero. Holosun’s side-loading 507-C match this invoice and, as a result of its footprint (the design of its base) was suitable with the adapter- equipment that shipped with the S&W OR Compact, its set up seemed to be a easy undertaking.
Having tracked down the Holosun, I sorted via S&W’s adapter equipment and positioned the right plate, utilizing its included chart. The subsequent step was the elimination of the slide’s beauty optics-cut filler (see picture) so the undertaking might proceed. And total, the result was deemed profitable.
HS507C X2 Evaluation
The Holosun co-witnessed properly with the S&W’s optic/suppressor-height (tall) sights, seen within the decrease portion of its lens. Powered by a CR1632 battery, the optical sight’s life is prolonged as is, however a built-in photo voltaic panel extends it even additional. Additionally, the reticle may be programmed to close off after a user-specified interval of idleness (10-minute default-setting).
Nonetheless, because of the 507’s “shake awake” characteristic, it can reactivate from the slightest motion. And three decisions can be found: a 32-moa circle, circle/dot, or a exact 2-moa dot.
So, what’s to not like? Effectively, possibly nothing – however typically small issues can get beneath your pores and skin. Because it turned out measurement can matter. My sole gripe was a matter of scale. Of a comparable measurement to different such sights – just like the Leupold DeltaPoint Professional on a second 5-inch M&P – the 507-C is a pure for a full-sized pistol.
However the S&W Compact turned out to be much less “compact” with a standard-sized dot-sight mounted to its slide. Thus, when Holosun debuted a smaller model of the 507 sequence, my curiosity was instantly piqued.
Holosun SCS-MP2-GR
The brand new SCS retains lots of the 507-C’s options however, past its smaller total measurement, it sits decrease. The diminished top is feasible as a result of the SCS mounts on to the pistol’s slide – assuming it’s an acceptable optics-ready model. As a result of slide-cuts differ by producer, SCS decisions will likely be restricted to the strongest sellers. The 2 listings I discovered to have been designed particularly for Glock MOS-series pistols and S&W M&P 2.0s.
I sprung for an SCS MP-2 GR (“GR” for inexperienced reticle), however ’ve since dealt with an SCS MOS mannequin. Designed particularly for manufacturing unit optics-ready Glocks, it seems to be nearly an identical with a bonus of matching slide serrations.
Options
My SCS arrived properly packaged, in a small field. As a result of it direct mounts, its contents have been minimal. Foam slots contained the digital sight, a fundamental T10 Torx wrench/sight adjustment device, two mounting screws, a lens clot, and small set of clear instructions.
The SCS is operated by only one small push-pad on the left facet of its housing. It’s the gateway to a few reticle choices (much like the 507-C) which, for this model, are inexperienced as an alternative of purple. So, scratch the same old MRDS reference. Perhaps MRGDS as an alternative?
The housing of the SCS MP-2 is milled from 7075 aluminum (whereas the Glock-MOS model is claimed to be a Titanium alloy). Marketed as “IP 67 waterproof”, probably the most outstanding characteristic is the photo voltaic panel on its deck.
Elevation and windage may be adjusted by a pair of flush-mounted dials. Surrounded by 1-moa scales, their corresponding clicks are distinct, and each may be accessed in shut proximity to a rear sight.
Photo voltaic Dependency
Past the elimination of extraneous mounting {hardware}, the SCS can sit low as a result of it lacks a traditional battery compartment – and even the means to put in one. SCS apparently stands for “photo voltaic charged sight,” the supply of its renewable energy. Run time is claimed to be near-endless and, supposedly, even temporary intervals of sunbathing will rejuvenate its inner battery.
Co-witnessing & Dimension
Due to its shallow deck, co-witnessing must be potential with many standard-height sights. No looking for an identical adapter plate both; “direct mount” means simply that. Being mannequin particular, the SCS fastens on to an optics-ready slide by way of the 2 included screws. As mounted to my M&P 2.0 Optics Prepared Compact, the underside fringe of the lens sits a scant 0.100” above its slide (0.240” for the 507-C).
From its backside to the decrease fringe of its lens, my SCS MP-2 measures an ultra-shallow 0.200”. The dot sits at .540”. The window is a smallish 0.58 x 0.77 inches. General size is about 1.980”. Width is about one inch. It weighs a feathery 1.3-ounce.
Set up, Zero, & Operation
When you’re ranging from scratch, merely take away the slide’s filler-plate to show the pair of threaded holes corresponding with the SCS. The included screws are pre-coated with a blue thread sealant however, taking part in it protected, I utilized a further dab to every. Additionally, as an alternative of utilizing Holosun’s device, I adopted their advice and used a torque wrench (T10 bit), set to fifteen inch-pounds. The method nearly appeared too easy – proper all the way down to the zero course of.
Sighting-in
Holosun says the sight “has been manufacturing unit zeroed to roughly 25 yards”. Evaluating the M&P’s sights to the dot on a 12” bore-sighting goal, each regarded darned shut, so I left the windage and elevation settings alone pending the vary session.
Reside-fire commenced utilizing the exact 2-moa dot setting. The primary three rounds, fired from 25-yards off sandbags, produced a tidy group at 2:00, roughly 2 ½-inches from my aiming level. From there, utilizing the Holosun device, it was only a matter of counting clicks. At 25-yards every 1-moa click on interprets to ¼” of adjustment. Following the directional arrows, 12 clicks per dial produced a well-centered group. That was just about it. Full vary of adjustment is marketed as 30 moa per dial – roughly 30-inches at 100 yards.
After all, past exact sight changes, zeros come extra simply with correct firearms. The above course of was a breeze because of the M&P’s aftermarket barrel, an Apex Grade model (put in by yours really).
Utilizing the “Multi Reticle System”
A one-second press of the push-pad powers up the SCS to show its “default” setting, the primary of three obtainable reticles:
Circle & dot: The default reticle is a “massive” 32-moa circle surrounding a fantastic 2-moa dot.
Dot solely: A subsequent 1-second press produces the 2-moa dot alone, the higher alternative for exact shot placement and/or diminished energy consumption.
Circle: A 3rd press produces the 32-moa circle with its 4 “positioning factors.”
Turning off the sight requires biking it via all of the three reticle settings. The fourth one-second press turns it off.
SCS Decision
The reticle’s depth is auto regulated by a built-in sensor. I skilled no difficulties resolving the 2-moa dot in principally sunny situations in opposition to white silhouette targets. However to realize a brighter reticle, 30-minute will increase may be acquired by way of momentary pad depressions.
Vague reticles and/or flaring appear to be frequent dot-sight maladies. I usually want a set of fundamental OTC studying glasses to attain a transparent dot however, fortunately (for me anyway), the SCS labored in reverse. Sans glasses, slight flaring was changed by a crisp inexperienced dot – excellent news since I don’t put on readers whereas wandering about.
Being considerably purple colour blind, the inexperienced reticle was an anticipated plus however, truly, it took a little bit of getting used to – in all probability resulting from years of red-dot expertise. Fast transition although.
The larger challenge could also be a “busy” picture, particularly with the dot/circle – my preliminary take as a result of smallish lens and set of suppressor-height iron sights. I had little curiosity within the circle settings – at first. However they turned out to be smokin’ quick on metal silhouettes at fight distances. That mentioned, the dot stays my choice. And the iron sights have been quickly tuned out – as they need to be. Moderately than try to float the dot on the entrance sight, simply place the dot on the goal and press the set off.
Energy Expectations
One factor I failed to notice throughout the buy was the absence of an auto-shutoff/shake-awake characteristic (per the 507-C). An in depth chart within the guide covers energy consumption however, being technically challenged, I’ll provide Holosun’s shorter model: “Throughout regular use there’s just about no want to fret about battery energy consumption”. Claimed run time is 20,000 hours utilizing solely the battery’s reserve.
Additionally, the plain dot consumes much less juice – solely about one third that of the circle & dot. In any case, low-battery warnings seem with ample time for a photo voltaic recharge, starting at 30 % remaining energy (single flashes/one second intervals). However, sooner or later within the distant future, the interior battery will lose its pizzazz – and that may require a visit again to Holosun for a free substitute.
SCS Professionals and Cons
Cons embrace a presumably busy picture (for some), and the dearth of an auto-shutoff. And once more, an eventual journey again to Holosun for a substitute battery.
Professionals? The SCS is straightforward to put in and nil. Dimension sensible, it doesn’t overwhelm a handgun, and its minimal mass could contribute to extra optimistic pistol operate. Additionally, it comes with a “restricted Lifetime Guarantee” that covers issues in need of negligent abuse.
Parting Pictures
As a result of the SCS is a direct-mount system its availability will likely be restricted to common handguns. As of Might 2023, past full-size Glock MOS and M&P 2.0s, it’s provided for the SIG P320, Walther PDP 2.0, and H&Ok’s VP-9 – all that includes optic-cut slides.
However, its larger brother, the 507-C, may be mounted to a lot of at this time’s handguns. Mine turned out to be an excellent match for my bigger S&W 5-inch 9mm Efficiency Heart C.O.R.E. (Competitors Optics Prepared Slide).
As a result of this PC M&P shares the identical OR slide reduce as my Compact, the change was a cinch. The 507-C did require an adapter-plate, however the S&W equipment contained a match (#1). Aesthetics apart, the 507-C additionally has a bigger window. So, total, it’s a greater choose for a standard-size pistol. The bigger 507-C additionally provides further options associated to reticle depth, shut-off delays, and so forth. Then once more, the identical may be mentioned for numerous competing optics…
Extra Dot-Sight Insanity?
The above S&W PC M&P 5” 2.0 began off with a Leupold DeltaPoint Professional – a high quality MRDS. However (being choosy once more) regardless of its tall manufacturing unit sights, the Leupold’s thick deck (0.500”) precluded their use – the principle motive I swapped it out for the Holosun 507-C.
Nonetheless, the DeltaPoint Professional wasn’t homeless for lengthy. It’s presently mounted to a 6-inch S&W Mannequin 686 .357 Magnum looking revolver – which, in fact, required a special adapter. The answer, Leupold’s DP/S&W Traditional Mount, replaces an S&W’s rear sight. Its obstruction is thus rendered moot, however the system is greater than passable. The DP-Professional additionally eradicated a battery-exchange problem associated to the S&W’s predecessor; a still-serviceable however older bottom-loading Burris FastFire.
In the meantime, I’m sitting on a surplus dot-sight and Weigand/S&W base. Each will little question be repurposed, however the SCS positive does seem to be an easier different to those dot-sight shenanigans!
