Red dots and reflex sights provide a host of advantages for turkey guns, and I would argue that improved accuracy tops the list. Sure, running a traditional bead gives you peace of mind, and you don’t have to worry about a battery dying. It’s as simple as point and shoot, right?
But what if your gun’s point of impact isn’t exactly down the barrel? It might not be a problem when you’re Joe Cool peppering paper turkey targets at the range, but throw a real thunderous gobbler into the mix, and even the best turkey hunters can turn to mush.
Microdots, like Holosun’s HE508T X2, can help eliminate some of those issues when you’ve got a longbeard on the other end of your barrel. With control lock settings, a failsafe solar strip, and a low profile, the HE508T X2 makes bagging a longbeard as simple as pointing and shooting. Even if you don’t form the best cheek weld or have a dead-center POI, this parallax-free reflex sight won’t move.
In short: The rugged, failsafe Holosun HE508T X2 can stand up to the rigors of the turkey woods and eliminate the guesswork when it’s time to pull the trigger.
- Battery life: 50,000 hrs.
- Reticles: 2 MOA Dot and 32 MOA Circle
- Reticle colors: Red or green (depending on model)
- Parallax free:
- Power source: CR1632, backup solar strip
- Weight: 2 oz.
- Dimensions: 1.78" x 1.15" x 1.15"
- Housing material: Titanium
- Adjustments: 1 MOA
- Shake Awake Technology:
- 12 brightness settings (manual mode):
- Modes: Auto, Manual, and Lock
Pros
- Low profile
- Solar backup
- Control lock setting
- Holds zero
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Significant dot bloom
- Starburst on higher settings
- Controls a bit small for large hands
Holosun HE508T-GR X2 Reflex Sight Review
Sight Features
Most red dot manufacturers now offer some type of solar failsafe or backup on a handful of models. It’s a response to the “my red dot failed in the field” complaint, and the Holosun HE508T X2 demonstrates another iteration of that. The solar strip on this microdot isn’t designed to power the red dot on its own. It’s more of an insurance policy.
In my experience testing red dots, they typically require a fair amount of light to power an optic, and cloudy days are a no-go. The same goes for the HE508T X2, which Holosun doesn’t shy away from. If your battery runs low, it’s best to use the 2 MOA dot, which requires less power.
Multiple Reticle System
The HE508T X2 (available in green or red) offers three different reticle options: 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA Circle (with or without the 2 MOA Dot). Simply hold the (-) button for 3 seconds to toggle between reticle options. It does require the full 3 seconds, so don’t be surprised when it doesn’t automatically change. While not quick, this control ensures that you don’t accidentally switch to another reticle.
Auto, Manual, and Lock Modes
Three different operation modes allow you to fine-tune your reticle and brightness settings. Hold the (+) button down for 3 seconds to switch between them. Auto mode automatically adjusts to the available ambient light, making your reticle brightness increase or decrease within 10 brightness settings.
Manual mode allows you to choose between 12 brightness settings on your sight and set it to your preference. Lock mode allows you to adjust your settings and lock them so no accidental or intentional button pushes change them.
Shake Awake Technology
Holosun isn’t breaking any ground here. Other manufacturers offer this feature as well, but in addition to the solar strip, it’s another way to conserve your battery life. The sight automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity, so it won’t die if you forget to turn it off manually, and when it senses movement, it fires up on the last setting.
Testing the Holosun HE508T-GR X2
Every year I test and hunt with multiple red dots by sighting them in at the range and subjecting them to the rigors of turkey season. I did the same for this one.
This year, I used the Meadow Creek Mount to test this red dot. Unlike saddle mounts or rails, it mounts directly to the rib on a shotgun, which maximizes your field of view and maintains a low profile. This made the already streamlined HE508T X2 feel even smaller on my Remington 870.
Sighting in the HE508T X2 required just three shots. The windage and elevation dials turned smoothly and without any grit. Clicks are tactile and turn with just enough ease, so there’s no guesswork when you’re making adjustments. After setting the red (or, in my case, green) dot, I ran half a box of turkey load through it to test the zero, which didn’t budge.
On my first turkey hunt after mounting the HE508T X2, I was lucky enough to notch one of my turkey tags. I struck a gobbler during the middle of the day, and after just a few calling sequences, he strutted into view. The HE508T X2’s small profile provided an ample field of view, and I had zero issues tracking the gobbler’s head with the 2 MOA dot as he bobbed through the timber.
Where the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 Excels
The low profile and crisp dot on the Holosun HE508T X2 makes it an excellent option for turkey hunters looking to shed weight on their current rigs. Unless you’re running a Meadow Creek Mount or mounting it directly to your gun, you’re not getting the full benefits from this microdot.
Price-wise, the HE508T X2 falls right in line with competitors that offer similar features in a reflex sight.
Where the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 Can Improve
I’m a huge fan of this microdot’s footprint. After all, it’s supposed to be small. However, the recessed controls might be challenging for hunters with larger hands to operate. I have medium-sized hands and often found myself hitting both buttons at the same time when I needed to make adjustments.
There’s a significant starburst effect on all the brightness settings above 6 and a fair amount of dot bloom on the 2 MOA reticle, though this could vary depending on the batch. The dot bloom isn’t enough to muddy the sight picture on lower settings, but it is worth noting.
Final Thoughts
There are a host of capable microdots for turkey hunters. Over the years, I’ve owned and hunted with several Holosun models among other manufacturers. If you’re looking for a rugged, low-profile option to keep the weight to a minimum, the HE508T X2 checks those boxes.
