If you are looking for an optic that will get you on target quickly, a holographic sight is your ideal choice, the best holographic sights for pistols increase accuracy in all conditions and reduce the amount of time one takes to find and acquire the target. They also offer multi-reticle systems so you can choose a specific reticle that works best for your shooting needs.
What is a Holographic Sight?
A holographic sight is an optic that uses a laser hologram of pre-recorded reticle style. The hologram is usually recorded onto a holographic film during manufacture.
The reticle hologram is then built into the window that you look through when you want to aim and fire. Also included is a built-in laser that illuminates the reticle during use.
Since holographic sights use more advanced technology, they are quite costly compared with red dot or reflex sights. However, the price is reasonable and worth given the multiple benefits you get from these devices.
Holographic sights are ideal for close to medium-range engagements out to 300 yards. In addition to drastically enhancing your target acquisition speed, these optics go a long way to make you a better shooter. Besides, they are ideal for a wide range of applications including home defense, hunting and tactical operations.
In this post, we have a list of the best holographic sights for pistols. The performance, value and dependability of these sights are second to none. They are also very simple to use irrespective of your shooting skills or experience.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Best Holographic Sights for Pistols
1) EOTech HHS-II Holographic Hybrid Reflex Red Dot Sight
First up, we have the EOTech HHS-II Holographic Hybrid Reflex Red Dot Sight. This compact but powerful optics is packed with tons of high-quality features that make it one of the best holographic sights for pistols.
The sight boats a large viewing window to ensure that nothing is left undiscovered. Furthermore, it has unlimited eye relief to enhance the speed of target acquisition and also increase your front and rear awareness.
This versatile optic has an aiming point of 1 MOA red dot in a 68 MOA outer ring. With this multi-reticle design, your point of aim is simplified with or without magnification. Besides, the sight has 20 different intensity levels that you use to tailor the reticle based on your needs and the ambient lighting condition.
For added convenience, the holographic sight comes with a quick-release Picatinny/Weaver mount for simple installation, removal and remounting. It also features a rugged body housing that is waterproof, submersible and fog resistant to be usable even in harsh weather conditions.
Features
- 68 MOA circle with 1 MOA aiming dot
- Quick release Picatinny/Weaver mount
- 5 MOA per click correction
- Red reticle illumination
- 20 different brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- 40 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Outstanding quality and durability
- Easy to install, remove and remount
- A broad field of view
- Simple to use
Cons
- Expensive
2) EOTech Holographic Non-Night Vision Weapon Sight
The EOTech EXPS2 is a compact and lightweight holographic weapon sight that pairs well with most pistols. It offers lightning-fast target acquisition and reliable performance in virtually all environments.
The compact size offers convenience for shooters and law enforcement officers looking for an optic that is easy to carry and conceal. Furthermore, the sight offers quick adjustability for the reticle in different lighting conditions but it is not night vision compatible.
To ensure precision at any range, the reticle doesn’t expand with magnification. On top of that, the optic has a large viewing window and unlimited eye relief that enhances situational awareness by letting you shoot with both eyes open. This optic is also designed to be easy to mount and detach for added convenience.
Features
- Adjustable brightness
- 1 MOA dot reticle with 68 MOA ring
- Waterproof and submersible to 10ft
- Large viewing window
- Compatibility with 1” weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Precision at every range
- Easy to set up
- Long battery life
Cons
- Not night vision compatible
3) EOtech XPS3 Transverse Circle Dot Reticle Red Dot Sight
The EOTech XPS3 Red Dot Sight is built for precision and speed. It has a multi-reticle system that included 1 MOA red dot reticle and a 68 MOA ring to boost your shooting accuracy in virtually all environments. It also has 20 different brightness settings that keep the reticle illuminated in all lighting conditions.
This optic is engineered for heavy use. It has an aluminum chassis that is rigid enough to weather whatever rough use you subject it, and light enough to scatter high recoil effectively. It is also fully waterproof, dustproof and fog resistant to be usable in any weather condition.
Furthermore, the sight has a compact form for portability and convenience. It is also designed with a single lithium battery compartment that leaves behind more rail space for mounting a rear iron sight, magnifier, or other accessories that you would want.
Features
- 1/2 MOA impact point correction
- 1 MOA red dot reticle with 68 MOA circle
- Single lithium battery compartment
- Robust aluminum housing
- 20 adjustable brightness settings
- Waterproof and submersible to 10m/33ft
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Compact and light design
- Night vision functionality
- Battery included
Cons
- None
4) Eotech XPS2 Holographic Red Dot Sight
As one of the best holographic sights for pistols, the Eotech XPS2 provides a large sight window and a spacious field of view that allows for both eyes open shooting. It is built to save valuable rail space and has an integrated Picatinny/Weaver rail mount for easy installation.
The reticle in this red dot sight features a 68 MOA ring with quadrant stadia, and a crisp 1 MOA center aiming dot that guarantees great precision even at long ranges. To get you on target hastily, the sight has its impact point of correction made at 0.5 MOA per click.
Besides, it has a windage and elevation adjustment range of 40 MOA to compensate for terrain and wind conditions. Optically, the optic features anti-reflective coated optics to increase light transmission and provide clear views of both the target and the red dot.
Both the rear and front windows are fog resistant to keep the field of view clear in all environments. They are also shatter-resistant for added protection in the field. To top it all off, the sight has durable aluminum housing that is fully waterproof and submersible to 10’.
Features
- Red laser-illuminated reticle
- Durable and anodized aluminum housing
- Unlimited eye relief
- Anti-reflective coated optics
- Waterproof, fog proof and submersible to 10’
- 68 MOA circle with 1 MOA aiming dot
- Integrated Picatinny/weaver rail mount
- 20 adjustable brightness settings
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Crisp clear red dot
- Quick and easy to set up
Cons
- Not night vision compatible
5) Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
Carrying the renowned and highly respected Vortex name, the Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight is another incredible holographic sight for pistols. It is ideal for close to a mid-range shooting where it provides a simplified point of aim.
One of the defining features of this holographic sight is the night vision functionality. The 1 MOA EBR-CQB red dot reticle can be set into 15 different brightness levels based on the ambient lighting conditions. Four of the lowest settings are night vision compatible for use with night vision gear.
Furthermore, the sight has a massive windage and elevation range of 100 MOA with a 1/2 MOA point of correction to fine-tune your shooting accuracy by accommodating wind and terrain changes. Optically, the sight features several layers of anti-reflective coatings to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Quality construction is another thing that makes the sight stand out. It has an anodized aluminum body that is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. Other than that, this product has unlimited eye relief that maximizes situational awareness when you shoot with both eyes open at close ranges.
Features
- IPX8 is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Armortek protective lens coatings
- 1 MOA red dot reticle
- Parallax-free design
- Quick release mount
- Anodized aluminum housing
- XR plus fully multi-coated optics
- Unlimited eye relief
- 15 adjustable brightness settings
Pros
- Durable construction
- Night vision compatible
- Easy to install and operate
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- None
6) EOTech HWS EXP3 Circle Red Dot Sight
The EOTech HWS EXP3 is another operator-grade holographic weapon sight built for close to mid-range engagements. It has a compact size that pairs well with most pistols, and excellent optics quality that enhances its performance.
This compact and versatile optic is built to meet the demands of serious precision shooters. It offers unrivaled precision at different ranges and decreases the time it takes to find and acquire targets.
Better yet, the sight is designed with a 7mm raised base for iron sight access and at short ranges, you can acquire targets with both eyes open and increase your situational awareness.
The all-weather readiness of this battle-proven optic is outstanding. It is waterproof and fog-proofed to endure tough environments.
It also has an anti-reflection coating on the exterior lenses to enhance light transmission, cut on glare and protect the glass from scratches.
Above all, the sight features a durable yet lightweight aluminum housing that is rigid enough to not just take the beating, but also scatter recoil effectively.
Features
- Aluminum housing
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Antireflection lens coatings
- 7mm raised base for iron sight access
- 30 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
Pros
- Built to last
- Crisp clear dot
- Stunning low-light visibility
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short battery life
How to Choose the Best Holographic Sights for Pistols
Explained below are the important things you need to take into account when looking to purchase a holographic sight for your pistol.
Usage
Holographic sights are built with versatility in mind. They make a handy glassing tool for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications.
It is therefore important to consider what you will be using the sight for when making a purchase. Being activity specific goes a long way to make your purchase process simpler and less time-consuming.
Other than shooting, consider the types of weapons that you have and if you would want to use the sight with those firearms other than the pistol.
Durability
Durability is very important when looking for the best holographic sights for pistols. Invest in durability even if you have to pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
When you end up getting a premium-quality holographic sight, it is a guarantee that the device will withstand high levels of use and give you many years of reliable performance.
Battery Life
The next thing to consider is battery life. All holographic sights run on batteries but the battery capacity is different from one product to the other.
Irrespective of the kind of shooting you plan to use the sight for, ensure that it has decent battery life. That way, it won’t fail in the middle of use when you need it the most.
Weatherproof
If you plan to use the holographic sight for hunting or any other outdoor use, ensure that is it built to endure outdoor elements.
The holographic sight should be sealed to offer waterproof and dustproof performance. It needs to also be filled with an inert gas that keeps the optics stable from thermal and humidity changes.
Size and Weight
Another important thing to consider is size. Holographic sights tend to have a larger size than red dots and this is because of the complex technology they have. But not all models are big and heavy.
Look for a compact device that when mounted on the pistol will not affect its balance or look weird.
A holographic sight for pistols should also be lightweight so it doesn’t interfere with the pistol’s accuracy or get in your way of shooting.
Advantages of Holographic Sights for Pistols
- Fast target acquisition. A holographic sight will significantly reduce the time it takes to find and acquire a target in any condition.
- Unrivaled accuracy. The high-end technology that holographic sights incorporate makes the highly accurate
- Holographic sights just like red dots are pairable with magnifiers. But the beauty of it all is the MOA maintains the same size with magnification so it won’t obscure the target.
- Both eyes shooting. A holographic sight will let you shoot with both eyes open and increase your situational awareness.
Conclusion
Choosing the best holographic sights for your pistols doesn’t have to be a headache. When you are well-informed, it will be easier to find a device that works best for your needs.
Factor in the activity you will be using the optic for then use this guide to find a product that will change how you shoot for the better.
Read Also: 5 Best AR-15 Red Dots with Night Vision