Holosun AEMS Optic [Archive] - pistol-forum.com

Lex Luthier

09-01-2021, 01:19 PM

Subscribed for interest. It looks like a really useful and functional optic, if it is as described.

Generally speaking, how are the rifle-centric Holosun offerings holding up with time & use?

I could easily see grabbing myself a Vortex UH-1 based on futzing with one in a retail shop; and I like the EoTech EXP-2 and -3 examples I've examined (but don't intrinsically trust them, plus my P-F heroes tend to hate on 'em).
I am told that the Vortex unit is US made, too.

I've also messed with the Holosun HS510c, and rather liked the view and overall footprint, but am somewhat put off by the number of failed units I've heard about.

Default.mp3

09-01-2021, 01:29 PM

I could easily see grabbing myself a Vortex UH-1 based on futzing with one in a retail shop; and I like the EoTech EXP-2 and -3 examples I've examined (but don't intrinsically trust them, plus my P-F heroes tend to hate on 'em).
I am told that the Vortex unit is US made, too.I don't see the UH-1 and EOTechs being comparable, due to size and differing technologies. The AEMS is an RDS, while the UH-1 and EOTechs are HWS; I'm not really sure what the draw of HWSes are these days outside of niche uses like passive use under NODs or specifically for pairing with a magnifier. The AEMS will have much better battery life, and can be left on like an Aimpoint, particularly with the ShakeAwake feature. That being said, I'm curious as to the mounting footprint; if it's proprietary, that would probably limit its draw.

Lex Luthier

09-01-2021, 01:51 PM

I don't see the UH-1 and EOTechs being comparable, due to size and differing technologies. The AEMS is an RDS, while the UH-1 and EOTechs are HWS; I'm not really sure what the draw of HWSes are these days outside of niche uses like passive use under NODs or specifically for pairing with a magnifier. The AEMS will have much better battery life, and can be left on like an Aimpoint, particularly with the ShakeAwake feature. That being said, I'm curious as to the mounting footprint; if it's proprietary, that would probably limit its draw.

Fair enough, and you are of course correct about them being differing tech*. I included them because the view area and targeting displays are becoming so similar between the two systems.

*I understand that the UH-1 has battery life more comparable to an RDS, but still nowhere near Aimpoint numbers.

helothar

09-01-2021, 01:54 PM

*I understand that the UH-1 has battery life more comparable to an RDS, but still nowhere near Aimpoint numbers.

Not to derail the thread but my second generation 2 UH-1 is going back to vortex under warranty for phantom battery drain. The first went through a cr123 in a week while powered off, the second took about a month before the battery was dead

HCM

09-01-2021, 04:01 PM

I don't see the UH-1 and EOTechs being comparable, due to size and differing technologies. The AEMS is an RDS, while the UH-1 and EOTechs are HWS; I'm not really sure what the draw of HWSes are these days outside of niche uses like passive use under NODs or specifically for pairing with a magnifier. The AEMS will have much better battery life, and can be left on like an Aimpoint, particularly with the ShakeAwake feature. That being said, I'm curious as to the mounting footprint; if it's proprietary, that would probably limit its draw.

Not much info on these yet but I believe Steve Fisher mention it’s a proprietary mount.

DMF13

09-01-2021, 07:59 PM

Looks interesting, but that mount is a no go. I prefer absolute co-witness, not lower 1/3.

Nephrology

09-01-2021, 10:16 PM

I don't see the UH-1 and EOTechs being comparable, due to size and differing technologies. The AEMS is an RDS, while the UH-1 and EOTechs are HWS; I'm not really sure what the draw of HWSes are these days outside of niche uses like passive use under NODs or specifically for pairing with a magnifier. The AEMS will have much better battery life, and can be left on like an Aimpoint, particularly with the ShakeAwake feature. That being said, I'm curious as to the mounting footprint; if it's proprietary, that would probably limit its draw.

I feel like HWS offer a really generous eyebox esp vs older tube design RDS sights which is an advantage. They're also just kinda cool. But yeah I don't own any right now for a reason...

Greg Bell

09-01-2021, 10:45 PM

I will give one a try. I have a few guns that need rationally priced optics.

Default.mp3

09-01-2021, 10:48 PM

I feel like HWS offer a really generous eyebox esp vs older tube design RDS sights which is an advantage. They're also just kinda cool. But yeah I don't own any right now for a reason...If you want big eyeboxes beyond the HWSes, there's also the SIG ROMEO 8H/8T, DI Optics DCL30, and the Steiner DRS 1X. The Leupold LCO, too, if you can find it.

The most curious part about the AEMS is how light it is for its window size; it's between an Aimpoint T-2 and CompM5 in weight, while over half the weight of the comparable RDSes and HWSes if looking at window size. Wonder how well it will hold up.

Nephrology

09-01-2021, 10:52 PM

If you want big eyeboxes beyond the HWSes, there's also the SIG ROMEO 8H/8T, DI Optics DCL30, and the Steiner DRS 1X. The Leupold LCO, too, if you can find it.

The most curious part about the AEMS is how light it is for its window size; it's between an Aimpoint T-2 and CompM5 in weight, while over half the weight of the comparable RDSes and HWSes if looking at window size. Wonder how well it will hold up.

I've been curious about the Sig Romeo 8 series but like a lot of their nicer RDSes they seem to be unobtanium. Have not looked into DI optics products very seriously but I am curious now.

StraitR

09-02-2021, 10:08 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpsHR3P-Xww

GJM

09-03-2021, 07:55 PM

https://youtu.be/KINvaBa2UKQ

Trukinjp13

09-07-2021, 02:42 AM

Will this work with a magnifier?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tokarev

09-07-2021, 09:24 AM

I'm not really sure what the draw of HWSes are these days....

EO Tech says the holographic sight is faster than a projected red dot because the reticle appears to the shooter to be at the same distance as the target.

https://youtu.be/6LBm30ZUkr4

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Lex Luthier

10-18-2021, 02:48 PM

Looks like Primary Arms has them in stock as of this writing, at $399:

https://www.primaryarms.com/holosun-aems-circle-dot-red-dot-sight

Biggy

10-20-2021, 12:18 PM

I ordered one through Brownell’s. It will be going on a Unity Tactical riser so I can use it with my Unity Tactical magnifier mount and Eotech G33 magnifier. From what I hear we will probably be seeing aftermarket 1.930” and 2.26” high mounts for the AEM in the next 6 months.

TicTacticalTimmy

10-20-2021, 08:21 PM

If anyone picks one of these up, would you mind weighing it? I'm very intrigued by the claim that it is within an ounce of a Micro in weight, with a 'full size' window

Biggy

10-28-2021, 06:51 PM

Here is a Pic of the new Holosun AEM red dot sight that I received today. It weighs 5.6 oz's on my scale. It works fine with and without my EOTECH G33 magnifier. Nice sharp 2 min dot, circle dot or circle reticle and it's larger size window is nice. We shall see how it does going forward.

https://i.imgur.com/pvpp1nih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oHtqfJ4h.jpg

GJM

11-09-2021, 07:57 PM

Like!

79684

WobblyPossum

11-09-2021, 08:19 PM

I’m interested in hearing your thoughts when you get some more time on the optic GJM. I’m eventually going to need to find a red dot for my APC9 and was intrigued by this one when I heard about it.

ldunnmobile

11-09-2021, 10:13 PM

Anyone tested one for passive aiming with a PVS14 compared to say an Eotech?

HCM

11-09-2021, 10:52 PM

Like!

79684

How do you like that Hyper Fire trigger ?

GJM

11-09-2021, 11:09 PM

How do you like that Hyper Fire trigger ?

I have a pair of these carbines, built by Aaron Brekke. He builds for Max Leograndis. Aaron specs each component, including this trigger. I also have them in two MPX carbines. Great pull characteristics. I broke one in an MPX, and they gave me a new one. As you know, a PCC is tough on triggers.

GJM

11-10-2021, 04:31 PM

I took the AEMS on my PCC to the range today. Really enjoyed the optic as it has reticle versatility, a big window, small footprint and weight.

One thing I was curious about was a possible group shift between circle and dot.

This is five rounds of 115 PMC at 25, using just the dot.

79734

Then I shot another five rounds from 25, on the same target as above, using just the 65 moa circle. Using circle only is very fast because you naturally center the target in the big circle.

79735

Tokarev

11-10-2021, 05:37 PM

Haley is running one on an AK. Looks like he could use a slightly lower mount. With that said this might be fine when wearing a pro mask, NVGs, etc.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211110/fe5a42263c5107981c4437b5075428d8.jpg

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

GJM

11-10-2021, 05:46 PM

The AEMS sits higher than, for example, the Holosun 512C with its integral mount. On an AR style carbine, for me that is a feature not a bug.

Biggy

11-12-2021, 12:51 PM

This RDS optic and magnifier setup is finally finished. The Holosun AEM and the 3x Aimpoint magnifier line up within .010" of each other. Clear, sharp optics, good defined dot, and good eye relief and eye box using the Aimpoint 3x Mag-1 magnifier.

https://i.imgur.com/MhyFtTjl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zV8OY8Cl.jpg

Tokarev

11-14-2021, 02:30 PM

Biggy

11-14-2021, 07:37 PM

Yes and no. The Unity magnifier mount is a 2.26" height, from top of Pic rail to optic centerline, just like their FAST Aimpoint Micro mount. I like it. This is on a 11.5" suppressed upper. I will be putting my Kahles K16i G4B in a Reptillia Corp *1.700"* high mount on my either my 12.5" or 14.5" uppers as soon as the mount become available, probably sometime in Feb. I will also be adding an ACRO P2 at either 12:00 or 1:30 to the setup when they become available around the same time. I have been spending money like a drunken sailor lately. Early Christmas I guess.

Tokarev

01-30-2022, 11:37 AM

https://youtu.be/RTJKgUVk6ig

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Biggy

02-03-2022, 04:28 PM

I got one right after they came out. It weighs 5.6 oz's with it's mount on my scale. It works fine with magnifiers and *for me* has a nice sharp, defined 2 min dot, circle dot or circle reticle and it's larger size window size is quick to use. We shall see how it does going forward, but so far no issues or real complaints about it at all. I will be using the AEMS with a Kinetic Development QD mount (which together is the same height as the Unity Tactical FAST magnifier mount) on my 11.5" barreled rifle. They are also useing larger screws on the battery compartment door/tray. Tactical Development ( see the link below) along with other companies will be releasing lower and higher mounts for it in the not to distant future. Here are a few vid reviews of it.

https://tactical.dev/collections/ar15-products/products/low-profile-mount-for-holosun-aems

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/the-aems-holosuns-mini-monster/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KINvaBa2UKQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d37z1SEsJyQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTJKgUVk6ig

https://i.imgur.com/iO2bd9Ml.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zV8OY8Cl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MhyFtTjl.jpg

HCM

02-04-2022, 09:10 PM

Holosun is now offering a budget version, the ARMS CORE with a dot only reticle.

83806

Kyle Reese

02-05-2022, 08:46 AM

Holosun is now offering a budget version, the ARMS CORE with a dot only reticle.

83806

Holosun keeps knocking it out of the park.

HeavyDuty

02-16-2022, 11:28 AM

Primary Arms is offering the original circle dot version right now for $400 and $100 bongo bucks back, effective cost $300.

mrozowjj

02-21-2022, 07:31 PM

Holosun also just annouced they are releasing a factory low mount you can buy seperatly. They say it will reduce the height .420” providing a 1.21” centerline optic height (versus 1.63” lower 1/3 co-witness)

Too low for an AR but just the right height for anything else with a drop in the stock.

GJM

02-21-2022, 09:20 PM

mrozowjj

02-22-2022, 01:25 PM

This the right height for a SCAR 16?

I mean... maybe? I've never used a SCAR. I was just generalizing that for me most guns with a drop in the stock (i.e. don't have a buffer tube in line with the top rail) I find optics at AR height to be too tall.

My PCCs and AK platform all have Holosun or Sig Romeo red dots that use the T1/T2 mount so I can use ADM or MI low mounts.

I saw a picture of someone that mounted a 1.93" something or other red dot to his B&T APC9 and that just seemed silly tall to me; like there's having an upright head shooting stance and then there's "my head doesn't even touch the gun/stock/whatever at all"

JCN

02-24-2022, 11:09 AM

Can someone help me understand the decision tree between selecting a 512 versus an AEMS?

pastaslinger

02-28-2022, 06:57 AM

Can someone help me understand the decision tree between selecting a 512 versus an AEMS?

I was in this boat while trying to make a setup lighter than the current LPVO + offset red dot it currently carries. My friend has a 512 but I do not know anyone that has an AEMS. The 512 is pretty nice and slightly cheaper than the AEMS right now, but it weight almost double, comes at absolute cowitness, does not have the ability to take other mounts, and is pretty chunky. The AEMS is very light for a full window red dot, comes at 1/3 cowitness which is what I want, and is supposed to have a very large window relative to the body size.

Erick Gelhaus

02-28-2022, 08:38 AM

I was in this boat while trying to make a setup lighter than the current LPVO + offset red dot it currently carries. My friend has a 512 but I do not know anyone that has an AEMS.

I just got mine on Friday. However, I haven't been able to do anything with it beyond un-boxing it. That said, it appears to have potential. I'm looking forward to the short base for a shotgun.

OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor

02-28-2022, 09:30 AM

I just got mine on Friday. However, I haven't been able to do anything with it beyond un-boxing it. That said, it appears to have potential. I'm looking forward to the short base for a shotgun.

A SG eh, happy w/ my AP R1 on the 1301 & was looking to put a green ret AEM on a PCC but things can always change so waiting for that feedback.

DaBigBR

02-28-2022, 11:22 PM

Can someone help me understand the decision tree between selecting a 512 versus an AEMS?

The decision is probably to grab an AEMS Core. I don't get the 512..it's large, there is no first party riser to get it to lower 1/3 (like there is for the 510C if you can find one), and it's heavy. Unless you're in love with its aesthetics, the AEMS beats the 512C in every aspect.

JCN

02-28-2022, 11:31 PM

The decision is probably to grab an AEMS Core. I don't get the 512..it's large, there is no first party riser to get it to lower 1/3 (like there is for the 510C if you can find one), and it's heavy. Unless you're in love with its aesthetics, the AEMS beats the 512C in every aspect.

I’m using it on an MPX and not using BUIS.

The way I’m set up, I want reduced height over bore for reduced holdover variation so the height of the 510 is perfect.

I think an AEMS core will be perfect once I can get a not red color and a lower riser.

The 512 gold I got is nice but I definitely notice the weight.

Compared to the 510c (plus hood) it’s within 1 oz.

The listed weight of the 510c doesn’t include the rail clamp base.

85278

85279

DaBigBR

03-01-2022, 10:47 AM

That application makes sense. I'd like to see them put the gold emitter in some other optics.

pastaslinger

03-03-2022, 11:18 AM

I just got mine on Friday. However, I haven't been able to do anything with it beyond un-boxing it. That said, it appears to have potential. I'm looking forward to the short base for a shotgun.

I just got mine and love it. Well worth the ~$365 I paid. I would easily take it over any other large window red dot I have used or any holographic, based on just playing with it at home. I need to take it to the range this weekend for zeroing. The weight is really quite impressive.

Biggy

03-07-2022, 12:38 PM

I am still loving mine, I have had no issues with it and have no complains about it.

https://i.imgur.com/zV8OY8Cl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MhyFtTjl.jpg

OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor

03-07-2022, 08:36 PM

Biggy is that a 3X AP magnifier & it works good w/ the AEMS?

Biggy

03-07-2022, 10:02 PM

Biggy is that a 3X AP magnifier & it works good w/ the AEMS?

Yes, for me the Aimpoint 3x magnifier and the AEMS work fine together, no issues.

GJM

05-13-2022, 07:12 PM

I put a recently purchased AEMS on a Taran PCC, but found the OEM mount put the dot too low for my liking. I ordered the ADM mount, and am pleased with the mount and height.

Interestingly, when I first went to zero the OEM mount, it took a lot of windage adjustment to get it zeroed. When I put the optic on the ADM mount, I had to back that all out.

88814

LittleLebowski

05-13-2022, 08:40 PM

I really like this on my Rattler.

Casual Friday

05-15-2022, 10:46 AM

This is the only product from Holosun that interests me.

theJanitor

11-29-2022, 07:36 PM

Any other firsthand reports on how this optic is faring? Opinions on value, etc?

Clusterfrack

11-29-2022, 07:55 PM

Any other firsthand reports on how this optic is faring? Opinions on value, etc?

Cdub_NW?

Cdub_NW

11-29-2022, 08:36 PM

Any other firsthand reports on how this optic is faring? Opinions on value, etc?

I've have the green reticle model mounted on a sig rattler canebrake for a few months and really am impressed. Zero issues with clarity, holding zero or Night Vision. I'd absolutely purchase another.

For what it is worth, I also am using the factory mount... Will be swapping it out to a slightly taller option in the near future but the optic is staying on that rifle.

ldunnmobile

11-29-2022, 08:42 PM

I have one I’m testing right now but initial impressions are good. I’m using it for passive NV, so pretty demanding on red dots. I’m very pleased.

GJM

11-29-2022, 09:35 PM

One on a 5.56, two on PCC's. All performing well.

Exiledviking

11-30-2022, 01:45 AM

I've only got a weekend on my AEMS, but it looks like it'll be one of my favorite red dot sights for my use on a PCC. Zeroed it Saturday morning right before shooting a very abbreviated local 2 stage Steel Challenge match. I really like the light weight, the large (for its size) window, and clear lenses. The shell of optic seemed to disappear when I was running it at speed. I was enamored enough with it that I'm working on getting another with a low mount for a Ruger PC Carbine. I have 3 other Holosun red dots (508T, 515GM, and a 509T) and the AEMS to me is the best one they've made thus far.