SHOT Show 2023 Accessories Winner: Holosun Steps Into Night Vision and Thermal
The video wraps up Classic Firearms’ SHOT Show 2023 coverage by spotlighting accessories, naming Holosun’s new night vision and thermal optics as a standout winner. Holosun is described as a brand that built its reputation on budget-friendly, reliable red dots and is now pushing into the traditionally high-cost world of night vision and thermal imaging. At a JK Armament event, the hosts shot with both Holosun night vision and thermal units, noting there are two thermal iterations, including a higher-resolution pro-style version that has not yet been formally named. The optic’s compact footprint is compared to an EOTech, with a small housing and a separate camera mounted on top. This design brings trade-offs, such as a limited thermal detection range of roughly 68 meters, but the presenters stress that the price is dramatically lower than the tens of thousands of dollars often associated with legacy night vision and thermal systems, positioning Holosun as a disruptive, accessible option.
Compact Dual-Use Optic: Thermal Modes, Recording, and Multiple Zeros
Holosun’s new optic is presented as a compact, dual-role system that combines night vision and thermal capabilities while remaining a functional red dot at its core. The hosts emphasize that Holosun is breaking from the traditional high-cost model by offering this technology at a much lower price point, making it more attainable for everyday shooters and hunters. The optic includes onboard recording, allowing users to capture hunts, drills, and range sessions for platforms like YouTube and Rumble. At SHOT Show, attendees used it to view thermal signatures of people walking around the venue. It supports common thermal viewing modes such as white hot and black hot, with an effective thermal range of about 68 meters, which the presenters consider reasonable given the optic’s small size and cost. On the thermal side, it offers up to 8x digital magnification. The optic also provides separate reticles so users can maintain different zeros, such as one for standard daylight use and another for nighttime or specialized configurations.
Secondary Reticles, Battery Life, and Entry-Level Night Vision Value
The discussion turns to how the optic’s secondary reticle can be used when switching to a silencer or different ammunition. One reticle can remain zeroed for unsuppressed use, while the second is dedicated to suppressed fire or alternate loads, reducing the need to constantly re-zero. The presenters explain that they cannot state the exact price on YouTube but repeatedly describe it as phenomenal and far more affordable than expected for a combined night vision and thermal system. Battery life is detailed: approximately 10 hours on the Pro version and 20 hours on the standard version, with the night vision variants offering around 10 and 5 hours respectively. The units run on two rechargeable 18350 batteries that can be quickly swapped in the field. While acknowledging that the optic is not perfect, the hosts frame it as an impressive first step into a new market segment, offering compact size, multiple capabilities out of the box, and a far more approachable alternative to the bulky, expensive night vision gear of earlier generations.
Range Performance, Brand Reputation, and Giveaway Details
Holosun’s night vision and thermal red dot is highlighted as a more compact and affordable option compared to offerings from major competitors, aligning with Holosun’s reputation for delivering reliable optics at roughly half the price of some big-name brands. The hosts suggest that adding a solar panel to this optic would be very on-brand, helping maintain battery charge during daytime use. They describe shooting an AR equipped with the optic at night, engaging heat-sensitive targets around 50 yards and a non-thermal steel target. The optic appeared properly zeroed and effective in this limited testing, though they stress it has not been torture tested and they are not ready to fully endorse it as duty-grade. The segment also covers their SHOT Show accessories winner selection and an ongoing giveaway hosted via cfcontest.com and classicfirearms.com. Due to YouTube restrictions on showing installation of accessories, the giveaway video is hosted on Rumble, and viewers are given the code word “rumble” to enter.
Rumble Code Word, Honorable Mention Accessory, and HK Rifle Setup
The presenters reiterate that hosting videos on an alternative platform like Rumble allows them to upload content without risking bans, and they confirm the giveaway code word as “rumble.” They then move to honorable mentions from SHOT Show, highlighting a night vision-related accessory from Gytech or Geekch. This product impressed them by breaking the mold, using tank-style technology mounted directly on a barrel, offering a different approach to night vision than traditional helmet or rail-mounted systems. Viewers interested in more details are directed to a separate Top 5 Accessories from SHOT Show video. The episode closes with a brief showcase of an HK MR56A1 rifle build. The rifle is outfitted with a Nightforce 1-8 ATACR first focal plane optic, a Tekk 10 sling for carry, a BCM grip for improved ergonomics, and a Surefire Mini Scout Light with a pressure pad for low-light illumination, underscoring the channel’s focus on practical, well-equipped rifle setups.
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