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Holosun EPS on 590a1?

I have some Bass Pro gift cards saved up and since I can use them for firearms or ammo I was thinking about picking up a red dot sight for my 590A1. I understand that this is totally unnecessary but I thought it would be fun to add a red dot that can be mounted on a pistol as well. I have heard a lot about the Holosun 507C but not much about the EPS. I like the idea of a closed sight better but was wondering if anyone has any experience with the closed sights on a shotgun.
 
Big Jake, just a couple of thoughts. One of the big considerations is the environment you are operating in. A closed optic really protects from rain, dirt and other debris. Plus if you're using a sling to carry the gun then the optic will rub against clothing and gear thus subject to more debris and fuzz from clothing. Probably best to choose a closed system if exposed to the elements.

Now if you're only shooting on the range in nice weather not a big issue. Either will do well.

The other consideration is weight (open system is less weight) but when mounted on a shotgun vice a pistol then this really isn't an issue.

If you're using the shotgun mainly for HD and not exposed to the elements then an open system will work fine.

Clarity is really a personal preference and you probably should look through both optics at typical ranges you might use to see which one provides the best sight picture and most importantly the quickest acquisition of the target.

Hope these thoughts help.

Regards
 
Big Jake, just a couple of thoughts. One of the big considerations is the environment you are operating in. A closed optic really protects from rain, dirt and other debris. Plus if you're using a sling to carry the gun then the optic will rub against clothing and gear thus subject to more debris and fuzz from clothing. Probably best to choose a closed system if exposed to the elements.

Now if you're only shooting on the range in nice weather not a big issue. Either will do well.

The other consideration is weight (open system is less weight) but when mounted on a shotgun vice a pistol then this really isn't an issue.

If you're using the shotgun mainly for HD and not exposed to the elements then an open system will work fine.

Clarity is really a personal preference and you probably should look through both optics at typical ranges you might use to see which one provides the best sight picture and most importantly the quickest acquisition of the target.

Hope these thoughts help.

Regards
Good points thank you. I have a sling setup but keep it detached for HD. Sling is mainly for range practice. I suppose I do need to go look through both. I like the idea of the closed optic for lower maintenance but I cant really see myself operating in bad conditions.
I recently added an Olight Valkyrie via picatinny rail to my Magpul forend. Do you know if lights affect the red dot visibility and whether or not open or closed sight makes a difference?
 
Big Jake, I haven't used that particular light however there has been a tendency over the last few years for folks to use very high powered lights which can wash out not only the red dot but impact your own night vision.

Red dots typically out preform green dots in brighter light conditions. Green dots have a tendency to wash out in sunlight and under bright illumination. However, some folks can see a green dot much better than a red dot. Red dots also have a tendency to bloom if the scope intensity is turned up too high. So that's another thing that you need to adjust to the lowest level that you can plainly see in all conditions.

Here's a test you might try with your light. In your house at night and at typical HD distances shine your mounted light on a white wall to observe the intensity and how much bounce back you get. If your light has different intensity levels try to find the lowest one that gives you good illumination of the target area without any washout or reflection. Many of us old guys are still using lights with around 300 lumens. Yes, I know that's not in vogue these days but you will be surprised how effective it can be.

Plus the big issue is light discipline. Try one second or less on then off and move, then again one second on and then off again, This is a real test for the best light intensity. If it's too bright you will have a tendency to loose your night vision or take to much time for your eyes to recover once the light is off. You really want to get to a point that during the cycles your eyes don't need to readjust and you have the minimum amount of light to operate for the situation.

Again, hope this helps.

Regards
 
Big Jake, I haven't used that particular light however there has been a tendency over the last few years for folks to use very high powered lights which can wash out not only the red dot but impact your own night vision.

Red dots typically out preform green dots in brighter light conditions. Green dots have a tendency to wash out in sunlight and under bright illumination. However, some folks can see a green dot much better than a red dot. Red dots also have a tendency to bloom if the scope intensity is turned up too high. So that's another thing that you need to adjust to the lowest level that you can plainly see in all conditions.

Here's a test you might try with your light. In your house at night and at typical HD distances shine your mounted light on a white wall to observe the intensity and how much bounce back you get. If your light has different intensity levels try to find the lowest one that gives you good illumination of the target area without any washout or reflection. Many of us old guys are still using lights with around 300 lumens. Yes, I know that's not in vogue these days but you will be surprised how effective it can be.

Plus the big issue is light discipline. Try one second or less on then off and move, then again one second on and then off again, This is a real test for the best light intensity. If it's too bright you will have a tendency to loose your night vision or take to much time for your eyes to recover once the light is off. You really want to get to a point that during the cycles your eyes don't need to readjust and you have the minimum amount of light to operate for the situation.

Again, hope this helps.

Regards
That makes a lot of sense. They are constantly selling higher lumens with more distance but you don't really need that for HD or most shotgun distances. I really appreciate the feedback.
 
Big Jake,
For home defense you don’t need high intensity flash light. You best bet is to find a good balance between shooting distance and illumination that works for your situation.
 
Big Jake, the other thing that will help you is developing your primary focal point when scanning a hallway or a room. Try not to focus on the brightest center point of the light's beam. Focus your eyes on the beam's edges and even move the center point left or right or up and down quickly as needed. In a room or hallway most of the time you can eliminate a large portion of the space especially if there are no stairs. Thus a majority of the threats will be at your eye level or down. Not many 9 foot tall people.

Find the weapon's muzzle level which suit you and practice moving through your house or out buildings with the front bead within your vision. With a completely empty and checked weapon do several walk throughs to get the feel of the property at normal night time lighting levels. Then do the same thing with all light off in complete darkness to simulate a power outage. Most poeple will be amazed at the differences especially if your are use to outside or street ligths providing illumination.

Practice your transitions from your front bead scanning position to obtaining the target with the red dot. See if the red dot truely enhances your operations. If not, try the bead only. You may want to install a larger and more visible bead on the gun. Lots of us have painted the front beads for better visibility.

Once you've positively identify the threat then light it up and take the appropriate action. But always be aware that there may be mulitple threats.

Again, hope this type of discussion helps. I have no idea reagrding your current proficiency so please don't take offense.

It takes a lot of practice to become proficient! And the other issue is ammo selection!

Regards
 
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