As an avid shooter and firearms enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing a variety of red dot sights over the years. Recently, I spent considerable time with the Holosun HS403B, and I’m excited to share my in-depth review of this red dot sight.
Straight out of the box, the Holosun HS403B gives off a strong impression of quality. It's compact and lightweight, yet it feels solid and durable.
The matte black finish looks sleek and should blend well with most firearms. The packaging includes the sight, a low mount, a high mount, and a tool for adjustments, making it a complete setup ready for immediate use.
The Holosun HS403B boasts a range of features that make it a competitive option in the red dot sight market:
2 MOA Dot Reticle: The small dot size ensures precision without obstructing your view.
Shake Awake Technology: The sight powers on with motion and powers down when still, saving battery life.
Parallax-Free: Designed to minimize parallax, making target acquisition easier and more intuitive.
Multiple Brightness Settings: 12 brightness settings, including 10 for daylight and 2 for night vision.
Robust Construction: Made from 6061 aluminum, it is both lightweight and sturdy.
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours of battery life on a single CR2032 battery.
Waterproof: Rated IP67, meaning it's protected against dust and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep.
Performance
I mounted the HS403B on my AR-15 and took it to the range for some extensive testing. Zeroing the sight was quick and easy, and it held zero perfectly through several range sessions and hundreds of rounds. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and clear, allowing for quick target acquisition and precise shooting.
The Shake Awake feature is particularly impressive. The sight was always ready when I picked up my rifle, and I never had to worry about turning it on or off.
The transition between different brightness settings was smooth, and the sight performed well in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions.
User Experience
The Holosun HS403B is user-friendly with intuitive controls. Adjusting the brightness settings is straightforward, and the buttons are responsive.
The sight window, while compact, provides a good field of view, which is essential for dynamic shooting scenarios.
The sight’s compact size and lightweight design make it a great fit for a variety of firearms without adding unnecessary bulk.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Exceptional Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours on a single battery.
Compact and Lightweight: Doesn’t add bulk to your firearm.
Innovative Features: Shake Awake technology.
Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh conditions.
Cons
Limited Mounting Options: Comes with low and high mounts, but might require additional mounts for specific setups.
Dot Size: While 2 MOA is great for precision, some users might prefer a larger dot for faster target acquisition.
FAQs
Q: Is the Holosun HS403B compatible with night vision devices?
A: Yes, it has 2 night vision-compatible settings.
Q: How do I change the battery?
A: The battery compartment is located on the side, making it easy to replace the battery without removing the sight from your firearm.
Q: Is the HS403B waterproof?
A: Yes, it is IP67 rated, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Q: Does it come with a mount?
A: Yes, it comes with both a low and a high mount, providing flexibility for different mounting options.
Alternatives
If the Holosun HS403B doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are several alternatives worth considering:
Aimpoint Micro T-2: Known for its exceptional durability and performance, though at a higher price point.
Sig Sauer Romeo5: Offers similar features at a comparable price, with the addition of MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination).
Vortex Sparc AR: Another affordable option that provides solid performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Overall, the Holosun HS403B is an outstanding red dot sight that combines innovative features with reliable performance. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a law enforcement officer, or a civilian looking for a dependable optic for self-defense, the HS403B is a worthy contender. Its robust construction, impressive battery life, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice in the market of red dot sights.