In this Holosun 510C Vs EOTech EXPS3 comparison guide, let's see what's their main differences when it comes to aiming and then rest of their features.
Holosun 510C VS EOTech EXPS3 Main Differences
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Holosun 510C is a LED emitter red dot sight and the EOTech EXPS3 is a holographic sight.
In terms of aiming, they appear the same. However, the method of reticle projection is slightly different.
EOTech Specs
Holosun 510C Specs
- Magnification - 1X
- Reticle - 1 MOA + 68 MOA Ring
- Adjustment - 0.5 MOA / Click
- Brightness - 20 DL & 10 NV
- Battery Life - 1,100 hrs
- Lens Material - 1/8" solid glass(Front) 3/16" Laminate (Rear)
- Construction - Aerospace Grade Aluminum
- Body Dimension -3.8" X 2.3" X 2.9"
- Window Size - 1.26" X 0.91"
- Weight - 11.2 oz
Reticle Projection
The EOTech reticle is mirrored a few more times before being visible to the shooter, and the Holosun 510C is a straightforward reticle projection onto the front lens.
However, the EOTech's field of view is less obscured while the brightness settings is dialed up. On the Holosun, the emitter screen starts to mirror all the glare on the front lens during low light conditions.
Winner: EOTech
Aiming Reticles
EOTech features the 68 MOA ring reticle with a 1 MOA center dot. The Holosun 510C features the 65 MOA ring reticle with a 2 MOA center dot.
After doing my own research by contacting EOTech, the 68 MOA is exactly the same as the 65 MOA. See this email response below:
The Holosun 510C offers 3 different reticles that the user can cycle through that the EOTech doesn't feature. So far the single dot works the best for uncluttered field of view.
The 65 ring only mode actually works very well for close range targets, and for shooters with astigmatism, the ring reticle appears much more clear than just looking at a small center dot.
Winner: Tie
Zeroing
Both optics have went through at least 300 rounds each. Each optic was installed on the rifle tight and zeroed for 36 yards. The zeroing process is very simple and the turret dials are very responsive and positive.
The point of impact shifts is expected when the rifle is tilted, and the bore axis is shifted.
To be more accurate, I've used the 3X magnifier scope to see the zeroing target better, and that helped to get at least 1 MOA more accurate than just aiming with my naked eye at 1X.
Winner: Tie
Construction
Both optics are well built. The EOTech EXPS3 is full weatherproof, and the Holosun 510C is an open emitter red dot sight. As far as duty grade use as a primary optic, the Holosun 510C falls short just because of this reason.
It's interesting that both optics feature add on lens hood to protect the main frame. On the EOTech, the lens hood actually protects more than just the frame, it protects the collimating reflector on the roof of the hood because the reticle projection relies on it.
The built in solar panel provides backup power in case the battery dies, but it requires bright ambient light to activate it. In my opinion, this is a cool feature but it's not necessary.
For most normal range use, if the optic dies, I will immediately replace the battery instead of just relying on the solar panel for the next few hours.
Winner: EOTech
Mounting Options
Both optics come with quick release mounts. However, the Holosun 510C is a fixed mount, so the user can't adjust the optic's height besides tightening the QD lever to fit on any top rail.
The EOTech has a detachable QD mount, and users can swap it to something like the Scalarworks LEAP 12 mount for raised optic height.
Both mounts are user friendly.
Winner: Tie
Battery Life
The Holosun 510C has the longest battery life because it's using an LED emitter on a single CR2032 battery. On the other hand, the EOTech is using a single CR123A battery that uses a laser emitter, which drains power much faster than an LED emitter.
Overall, it can last about 800 hours if it's left on all the time. One thing that helps save battery that the EXPS3 has built in is the auto shutoff mode after 8 hours after the last pushbutton interaction. It will also shut off after 4 hours if using the down button when turning it on.
On the Holosun 510C, it's just the shakeawake system that shuts off the optic if there is no motion after 10 minutes. User can also adjust the time by holding down the "+" button for 10 seconds, and then adjust to 1 hour, 12 hour or disable the shakeawake mode entirely.
This is why the EOTech doesn't last longer than a red dot sight.
Winner: Holosun 510c
Price
The Holosun 510C is only under $320, and it's a hot selling large frame open emitter red dot sight. The EOTech EXPS3 is out of reach for many new gun owners at least in the beginning.
EOTech EXPS3 is not marketed to the civilian market even though its an iconic holographic sight that many people know about.
For casual range goers, the Holosun 510C is a much more economic option, and the EOTech EXPS3 is for more serious tactical training and passive aiming night vision users for almost $800.
