Holographic Sights for Hunting and Sport Shooting

Holographic sights for hunting and sport shooting

Holographic sights, often called holo sights, display an illuminated reticle over the scene viewed through the sight window. They normally provide no magnification and can be used with both eyes open. When choosing a model, compare the reticle, battery life, weight, mounting height and compatibility with any magnifier you intend to use.

The underlying technology matters: a rectangular viewing window does not automatically make an optic holographic. If you are looking for variable magnification, you can also explore our selection of hunting rifle scopes.

What is a holographic sight?

A holographic sight uses a laser to illuminate a recorded hologram and reconstruct the reticle image seen by the shooter. Looking through the sight, the reticle appears superimposed on the target.

It does not project a visible aiming point onto the target like a laser sight, and the viewing window is not a screen displaying a digital image of the surroundings.

Most holographic sights operate at 1×, without magnification. They allow aiming with both eyes open, although the appearance of the reticle depends on the brightness setting, lighting conditions and individual eyesight.

Holographic sight vs red dot: what is the difference?

A conventional LED red dot sight uses light from an LED reflected by an optical surface. A true holographic sight uses a laser and a hologram. Both technologies can offer similar-looking reticles, so appearance alone does not identify the operating principle.

LED reflex sights can also have rectangular windows and ring-and-dot reticles. Always check the technology specified for the exact model.

To compare other optical designs, browse our range of red dot sights for hunting and sport shooting.

EOTech HWS: sights and magnifiers explained

HWS stands for Holographic Weapon Sight in the EOTech range. Individual models differ in battery type, control placement, reticle, mounting height and night-vision compatibility.

An EOTech magnifier is an accessory that adds magnification behind a compatible sight. It is not a standalone holographic sight and does not replace an aiming optic with its own reticle.

Compare the exact model designation and supplied components in our selection of EOTech sights and accessories.

Reticle design, centre dots and MOA

Depending on the version, a holographic reticle may feature a centre dot, an outer ring or additional aiming references. Check the reticle specified for the individual product: different versions within the same sight family may use different designs.

MOA, or minute of angle, is an angular measurement. One MOA corresponds to approximately 2.91 cm at 100 metres, or 1.047 inches at 100 yards. On a sight, it can describe the nominal size of the dot or other reticle elements; it does not guarantee the accuracy of the complete firearm and optic setup.

An excessively bright setting can make the reticle appear larger or less defined without changing its nominal dimensions. The aiming reference should remain visible without unnecessary glare.

For a fuller explanation of angular measurements and how they differ from adjustment values, read our guide to MOA, reticle size and scope adjustments.

Battery life, power supply and controls

Battery life figures should be compared under equivalent conditions. Brightness level, battery type and temperature can all affect operating time.

• Battery type: check which battery is required and how readily it is available.
• Battery access: establish whether the battery can be replaced without removing the sight.
• Controls: consider access with gloves and any additional accessories fitted.
• Automatic shut-off: check the model’s available settings and operating modes.
• Low-battery warning: confirm whether an indicator is provided and how it works.
• Operating conditions: compare the manufacturer’s temperature and water-resistance specifications.

A feature offered on one model should not be assumed to apply to every version in the same range.

What does night-vision compatibility mean?

On a suitably equipped sight, night-vision compatibility refers to low reticle brightness settings intended for use with compatible external night-vision devices.

It does not turn the holographic sight into a night-vision device. The sight does not automatically gain image intensification, thermal imaging or a digital view of the surroundings. Check the specifications for both the sight and the proposed device combination.

Holographic sights for rifles and shotguns

On a rifle, the sight, mount and rail or base must work together as a compatible system. The sight height should suit the stock and allow an appropriate cheek weld. Overall weight and length also affect the balance of the firearm.

On a shotgun, distinguish between a receiver-mounted base and a mount designed for the barrel rib. These are different mounting solutions and must match the exact firearm configuration.

Check the manufacturer’s intended applications and recoil specifications for both the sight and the mount. An apparently suitable clamp or a general “hunting” description is not enough to establish compatibility.

Rails, mounting interfaces and sight height

Before buying, identify the required mounting interface, whether a mount is included and whether an additional base or adapter is needed. Mounting height can differ between otherwise similar sights.

Weaver and Picatinny are not universally interchangeable. Compatibility must be confirmed for the individual mount. A higher sight is not automatically more comfortable: its optical centreline needs to suit the stock and the rest of the equipment.

Our guide to scope mounts, rings and rails explains the main interfaces and mounting-height considerations. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product.

Using a holographic sight with a magnifier

A magnifier adds magnification behind a compatible aiming optic. It normally has no aiming reticle of its own and is not intended to replace the primary sight.

Before selecting a combination, check:

• Optical compatibility between the sight and magnifier.
• Matching optical centreline heights, including both mounts.
• Available space for the devices and access to their controls.
• Magnifier eye relief and the required viewing position.
• Total weight and dimensions of the complete setup.

The fact that both devices fit the same rail does not establish compatibility. A magnifier also introduces more specific eye-position requirements and changes the field of view. This combination should therefore not be treated as automatically equivalent to a variable-power riflescope.

What to compare before buying

• Actual technology: holographic or LED reflex.
• Exact reticle: pattern, dot size and additional aiming references.
• Comparable battery figures: operating conditions and battery type.
• Mounting requirements: interface, height and supplied components.
• Ergonomics: access to controls and the battery compartment.
• Manufacturer specifications: recoil suitability, temperature range and water resistance.
• Accessory compatibility: particularly magnifiers and night-vision devices.
• Warranty and support: terms applying to the individual product.

The most expensive model is not necessarily the most suitable. Choose according to the firearm, mounting arrangement and intended use.

Buy holographic sights at Carbin Store

Compare holographic sights for hunting and sport shooting by their exact model specifications, including reticle, battery type, mount and supplied accessories. Distinguish complete sights from magnifiers and mounting components sold separately.

For advice on compatibility, provide the exact firearm model, its existing rail or base and whether you intend to use a magnifier. These details help identify a suitable combination of firearm, mount and optic.