In the world of modern optics, few names stand out like Holosun and for good reason. Known for rugged construction, long battery life, and cutting-edge reticle technology, Holosun has revolutionized red dot sights for both professional and recreational shooters.
Among their most sought-after innovations are BDC-equipped red dot sights, which offer bullet drop compensation to extend accuracy at distance without complicating your shooting process.
Whether you’re running an AR-15, AK platform, or tactical pistol, Holosun’s BDC reticles like the ACSS CQB or Vulcan combine speed, precision, and adaptability for any engagement range.
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| 1) Holosun HS507C ACSS Vulcan |  |
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| 2) Holosun 509 ACSS Vulcan |  |
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| 3) Holosun 507C (MRS) |  |
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| 4) Holosun 507 Comp |  |
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| 5) Holosun 508T (MRS) |  |
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| 6) Holosun HS503G ACSS CQB |  |
What Is BDC in a Red Dot Sight?
BDC, or Bullet Drop Compensation, refers to a reticle feature that helps shooters adjust for the vertical trajectory of a bullet over distance without manually dialing elevation.
In red dot sights, especially those used for AR-15s, PCCs, or even shotguns, BDC allows the shooter to quickly engage targets at varying distances by using predefined holdover points on the reticle.
How BDC Works in a Red Dot
When a bullet is released it falls under the safety of gravity. A BDC reticle has several aiming points or hash marks below the normal point of aim (typically a dot or chevron) and would represent known distances, typically 100, 200, 300, or even 600 yards/meters.
The shooter uses the appropriate BDC mark to calculate the compensation of the bullet drop at a specified range instead of making adjustments on turrets and holdovers.
BDC in Holosun Red Dots
BDC features some Holosun red dot sight-especially those using the ACSS CQB or Vulcan reticles. For example:
- ACSS CQB reticle (on the HS503G): It mixes a chevron tip with BDC dots pre-marked with 5.56, .308, and other common calibers.
- Circle-dot reticles (e.g., MRS or Vulcan): These are technically not BDC, but they aid rapid aiming and offsetting aiming at known distances, and particularly with a magnifier in use.
Key Benefits of BDC in Red Dots
- Faster target engagement at extended ranges
- No need to dial turrets or calculate holdover manually
- Helps with long-range precision on LPVO/red dot platforms
- Simplifies training for new shooters
Holosun Red Dot with BDC
1) Holosun HS507C ACSS Vulcan
Holosun has refined the original Holosun HS507C-X2 that now has the ACSS Vulcan reticle (created in partnership with Primary Arms), and produces an aiming solution that is different yet easy to use on both carbine and pistol in applications.
In essence, the ACSS Vulcan system presents a radical 10 MOA open sight main center with a massive 250 MOA outer circumference.
Once they are properly aligned, it is only the chevron that can be seen and therefore subjected to precise focusing
Made of hardened 7075-T6 aluminum, black hard-coat anodized and fully multi-coated glass to make the HS507C-X2 hard wearing, low weight (~1.5oz), and supported by a limited lifetime warranty
It is powered by a side-load CR1632 battery, which powers 10,000 officially (with outer ring active, up to 25,000 making use of solar failsafe and shake awake technology to save battery life and guarantee immediate availability
With 12 settings of brightness levels (10 to daylight viewing, 2 compatible with night-vision), it covers every light situation and even operates together with night-vision on lower modes
Key Specifications
- Reticle: 10 MOA chevron + 250 MOA outer ring (deactivatable)
- Material: 7075‑T6 aluminum, black anodized
- Weight: ~1.5 oz; Window: 0.63″ × 0.91″
- Battery: CR1632 (side load tray)
- Battery Life: ≈10,000 h (full reticle), ≈25,000 h (chevron only)
- Brightness: 10 daylight, 2 night‑vision
- Eye Relief: Unlimited; Parallax-Free
- Waterproof Rating: IP67; Vibration Resistance: 5000 G
- Adjustments: 1 MOA steps; ±50 MOA travel in windage/elevation
Pros
- Intuitive outer ring guides accelerate target acquisition and reduce alignment guesswork
- Solar failsafe and shake-awake technology keep it reliably powered
- Lightweight yet tough build; IP67-rated for weather resistance
- Very long battery life and side-load tray for easy changes
- RMR-compatible and adaptable across many firearms platforms
Cons
- Mounting plate not included
2) Holosun 509 ACSS Vulcan
Holosun HE509 with the ACSS Vulcan reticle is a combination of the easy sighting clarity of Holosun and an all-enclosed emitter housing to increase the durability of the optic.
It is all about the non-destructive, but incredibly impressive, 10 MOA chevron center aiming point, which is surrounded by a patent-pending 250 MOA reference ring.
The optic is made of 7075-T6 aluminum with hard coat anodizing, providing rugged weather protection and lots of uptime protection features, including solar-failsafe and shake-awake performance.
Has a side-loading CR1632 battery tray that permits changing the battery without the removal of the optic or the need to re-zero.
Its enclosed emitter design prevents rain, dust, or debris, unlike the open emitters, which become obscured in poor weather conditions. Compact in size, others describe its size as larger than average RMR-style dots, and it is moderately heavy
Key Specifications
- Reticle: 10 MOA chevron + ~250 MOA outer ring (deactivatable)
- Material: 7075‑T6 aluminum, hard‑coat anodized
- Weight: ~2.0 oz; Dimensions: ~1.78″ × 1.22″ × 1.14″
- Battery: CR1632 (side-loading); Life: up to 20,000 hours on chevron-only mode (less with ring active)
- Brightness: 12 settings (10 daylight, 2 NV‑compatible); manual or auto adjust
- Features: Solar failsafe, shake-awake, parallax‑free, unlimited eye relief, IP67 (water/fog proof)
- Adjustments: 1 MOA per click; ±80 MOA travel
- Mount footprint: 507C / Glock MOS adapter plate included
Pros
- Outer ring visual feedback accelerates sight alignment and dot recovery, especially under stress or awkward positions
- Enclosed emitter protects from weather and debris, avoiding dot loss in rain or snow
- Solar backup and shake-awake ensure readiness with minimal battery concerns
- Larger window area improves dot visibility, with improved tracking through recoil
- Side-loading battery tray allows replacement without zero shift
Cons
- More bulk and weight than typical RMR-style dots
3) Holosun 507C (MRS)
The Holosun 507C, featuring the Multi‑Reticle System (MRS), delivers outstanding flexibility for fast, precise shooting.
With a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or both combined, it lets you tailor the sight picture to your shooting situation: speed and large reticle guidance, precision dot only, or circle‑dot combo that functions as a built‑in acquisition.
Built from robust 7075‑T6 aluminum with a hard‑coat anodized finish, the 507C balances durability with a compact footprint of just around 2.65 oz.
It uses a CR2032 battery, offering roughly 10,000–50,000 hours of runtime, depending on brightness and auto versus manual mode. Its solar failsafe panel on top not only extends battery life but can power the optic fully in well-lit conditions
It incorporates shake-awake, remembering last brightness setting, and offers auto‑brightness mode that adjusts in real time, or manual lock mode, you can engage to freeze brightness settings
Key Specifications
- Reticle options: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or combined
- Material: 7075‑T6 aluminum, anodized
- Weight: ~2.65 oz (≈75 g)
- Battery: CR2032; Battery life ~10,000 h per middle setting (~50,000 h spec)
- Brightness settings: ≈10 daylight + 2 NV-compatible
- Solar failsafe & shake-awake, auto/manual brightness
- Windage/Elevation: 1 MOA per click, ample travel
- Footprint: Trijicon RMR
Pros
- Versatile MRS reticle system offers both speed (circle) and precision (dot), with combo mode excellent for fast target acquisition
- Solar failsafe plus shake‑awake delivers long battery life and reliability
- Side‑loading battery tray avoids zero shift during swaps
- Highly durable construction: survived drop and recoil tests while holding zero
- Affordable relative to Trijicon and others, street price often in the low $300s
Cons
- Open‑emitter design allows dust, hair, or debris to enter
4) Holosun 507 Comp
The Holosun 507 Comp is designed with a proprietary Competition Reticle System (CRS)-an ultra-thin 2 MOA dot with a choice of 8, 20, or 32 MOA rings. When further tuned inside or outside, there is also an option of 8, 20, and 32 MOA rings in combinations.
One super-large sight window (~1.10 inch x 0.87 inch) makes it so easy to find the reticle even in the instances of dynamic activity or rapid changes in fire when the action is fast and furious.
The life of batteries is extremely long, up to 50,000 hours, powered by a CR1632 battery, which has a side-sliding battery tray to enable battery replacement without having to remove the optic from your firearm
. holosun.com
Although it does not have a solar backup, it has Shake Awake motion-activated power savings and 12 levels of brightness (8 daylight + 2 NV)
The 507 Comp is compatible with Trijicon RMR footprint mounts that are very popular across pistols and PCC platforms
Key Specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot + optional 8, 20, 32 MOA rings (CRS)
- Window Size: ~1.10″ × 0.87″
- Weight: ~1.7 oz
- Dimensions: ~1.8″ × 1.3″ × 1.3″
- Material: 7075‑T6 aluminum, anodized
- Battery: CR1632 (side-loading), ~50,000 h life
- Brightness Settings: 8 daylight, 2 NV-compatible
- Power-saving: Shake Awake; no solar backup
- Adjustment: 1 MOA per click, ±30 MOA travel
- Mounting Footprint: Trijicon RMR
Pros
- Massive window and reticle ring options enable super-fast target acquisition and follow-up transitions
- Competition Reticle System allows customizable combinations to suit precision or speed demands
- Excellent battery life and side-loading tray simplify maintenance without losing zero.
- Shake Awake ensures readiness while conserving power.
- Affordable relative to competitors like Trijicon SRO and DeltaPoint Pro, street prices often under $400
Cons
- No solar backup
5) Holosun 508T (MRS)
The Holosun 508T X2 comes with the Holosun Multi-Reticle System with the ability to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or both (and circle-dot). This use allows quick acquisition of the target and precision when required.
It has a flat-top open-emitter titanium housing, providing outstanding durability and low weight in plinking, pistol, and rifle applications.
The clarity through the lens is excellent in spite of its open design, and reported to have only a slight blue tint, compared with other red dots on the market, such as the Trijicon RMR, a factor that would be much more obtrusive.
Having 12 brightness levels (10 daylight modes + 2 compatible with NV equipment), it helps to operate in various light conditions and is even compatible with night-vision equipment
Key Specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or circle-dot combo (MRS)
- Window: ~0.63 × 0.91″
- Weight: ~2 oz (≈55 g including mount)
- Housing Material: Grade‑5 titanium, anodized
- Battery: CR1632 (side‑loading)
- Battery Life: ~50,000 h (dot only); ~10,000 h (circle-dot)
- Brightness Settings: 10 daylight + 2 NV-compatible (auto/manual)
- Power Features: Solar failsafe, Shake Awake
- Adjustment: 1 MOA clicks, ±50 MOA windage/elevation
- Mounting: RMR footprint; Picatinny / MOS plate compatible,
Pros
- Massive, open field-of-view with fast lock-on using circle-dot reticle
- Titanium housing offers outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and rugged reliability
- Side-loading battery tray, solar backup & Shake Awake deliver convenience and longevity without removing the optic.
- Excellent battery life in dot-only mode; solar panel extends usable runtime
- Frequently praised by gun reviewers and duty users as a top-tier RMR alternative at a lower cost
Cons
- Open-emitter design allows dust/debris accumulation
6) Holosun HS503G ACSS CQB
The Holosun HS503G (also marketed as the Paralow HS503G) integrates the Primary Arms ACSS CQB reticle, blending a 2 MOA chevron with a ~65 MOA horseshoe circle and three bullet-drop-compensation (BDC) dots beneath.
It has both auto-ranging and wind-hold leads, and it can be used to do a fast and intuitive aiming both in the close quarters and the long-range distances (~600 yards) on guns such as 5.56 NATO, .308, .22 LR, and even 12-gauge.
Constructed of rough 6061‑T6 aluminum, with a hard-coat anodized oxidation, weighing about 4.9 oz (including the mounts), and works on a side-loading CR2032 battery. In simple dot mode, the battery life is up to 50,000 hours with Shake Awake motion-sensor power saving (~20,000 hours with full ACSS reticle illuminated)
It does not use solar backup as found on some Holosun products; Brightness is adjusted using buttons mounted on the top (10 daylight – 2 NV compatible)
It includes mounts that include a 1913 Picatinny riser (lower third co-witness) and an extra standard Aimpoint Micro-compatible base, which enables it to be adjusted to accommodate most platforms without modification
Key Specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA chevron, ~65 MOA horseshoe, 3 BDC dots, wind‑hold & auto‑range cues
- Material: 6061‑T6 aluminum, hard‑coat anodized
- Weight: ≈4.87 oz (with mounts)
- Battery: CR2032 side‑loading; up to ~50,000 h (simple dot), ~20,000 h (full reticle)
- Brightness settings: 10 daylight + 2 NV-compatible, top-button control
- Mounts included: Aimpoint Micro‑compatible base + lower-third co‑witness rise
Pros
- Versatile reticle handles CQB and long-distance holds with integrated ranging and wind leads
- Auto-on/Shake Awake preserves battery life and ensures instantaneous readiness
- Mounting flexibility via included riser and Micro-compatible footprint
- Long battery life, rugged build, and reliable performance even after heavy use
Cons
- Brightness can be insufficient in harsh sunlight
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Top-Rated Holosun Red Dot with BDC
- Reticle Type: Chevron, Circle-Dot, ACSS, Vulcan, or MRS
Your aiming system is the most significant component, and the reticle is the most crucial section of it. Holosun has a variety of them:
ACSS CQB (Advanced Combined Sighting System): Chevron tip with built-in BDC, Wind holds, and Range estimation. First-rate at rifles.
Vulcan Reticle: Chevron or dot and a huge outer ring to quickly center a reticle, which can be very useful on pistols or for people with astigmatism.
MRS (Multi-Reticle System): An integration of circle or dot reticle through a 2 MOA dot and a 65 MOA circle having the ability to toggle both, circle and dot only.
- Battery Life and Power Management
Holosun is reliable in its efficiency in power usage:
- As much as 50,000 hours of battery life as dot-only mode.
- Shake Awake goes to sleep automatically, and wakes up when movement occurs.
- (on certain models) Solar Failsafe provides a backup source of power.
Side-loading batteries ( e.g. 507C X2) are easier to access.
- Durability and Housing Material
You optic should be able to withstand recoil, weather and abuse:
- The (Titanium housings e.g. 508T) are extremely strong and not susceptible to corrosion
- 7075-T6 or 6061-T6 aluminum is very lightweight and hard (used in 507C, 503G).
- Majority of the Holosun red dots have IP67/IP68 rating (Waterproof, dustproof, fogproof).
- Mounting Footprints and Compatibility
Make sure you have an optic that has ranged to your weapon platform:
- RMR Footprint (507C, 508T) This is by far the most common pistol type.
- Proprietary Enclosed (509T): Needs an adapter though it also has sealed protection.
- Aimpoint Micro (503G ACSS): re similar to the first one, but better suited to rifles, shotguns, or offset mounting.
Make sure what your firearms cut or rail system is prior to purchase.
- BDC Accuracy and Caliber Compatibility
ACSS BDC is usually optimized to 5.56 NATO, .308, 7.62×39 or 12-gauge.
There are models which are fully optimized toward certain length of barrel and zero level (e.g. 50/ 200 or 100 yards).
The ability to magnify increases the visibility of the BDC; chevrons and hash mark can be very small at 1x.
FAQs
- What is BDC and why is it useful in a red dot sight?
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) allows shooters to adjust for bullet drop over distance using holdover points built into the reticle. This makes it easier to hit targets at 100, 200, or 300+ yards without manually adjusting turrets or estimating elevation.
- Can I use a Holosun BDC optic on a pistol?
Yes, particularly models like the Holosun 509T ACSS Vulcan or 507C ACSS, which are ideal for pistols due to their compact size and fast-acquisition reticles. Ensure your pistol has the correct optic cut or adapter plate.
- Do I need a magnifier to use BDC effectively?
While not required, a 3x magnifier can make BDC marks easier to see and use accurately, especially at 200+ yards. Ideal for rifle platforms using the HS503G or 510C.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right Holosun Red Dot with BDC depends on your firearm setup, preferred reticle style, and how you intend to shoot close quarters, mid-range, or a mix of both.
The ACSS CQB reticle excels on rifles with built-in range estimation and BDC holds, while the Vulcan system shines for pistols, offering unmatched reticle guidance.
Add in features like Shake Awake, Solar Failsafe, and mil-spec durability, and Holosun clearly stands out as a top-tier optics brand.
For shooters who demand both precision and speed, a Holosun BDC red dot is a smart, forward-thinking investment.
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