Frequently Asked Questions
What can I mount this on?
Virtually any firearm that has a standard 1" Weaver“ dovetail rail which is THE standard, universal mounting platform used on modern firearms. Within the tactical application this is typically sub guns, M16/AR15 carbines, shotguns, etc., (see mounting solutions). Anyone can mount the HWS on handguns but then the holstering issue generally causes a problem.
The HWS is equipped with an integral mounting platform to interface directly to any standard weaver dovetail (or Picatinny – Mil spec 1913) mounting rail. Some weapon platforms are equipped with the 1" Weaver“ dovetail base on the receiver (like M4/M16 flat-tops). Other options include tapping the gun’s receiver, using a non-gunsmithing add-on mounting platform (which then delivers the dovetail base) or using cantileaver shotgun barrels.
Most standard tactical weaponry we have 1-2 mounting solutions which vary in design to allow co-witness of the iron sights, access of the iron sights, and cheekweld positions.
Can I set this up and zero it myself?
Yes. This exercise is identical to setting up any scope on a firearm. Simply mount this on the 1" Weaver dovetail base securely and use the windage and elevation adjustments on the sight to zero the optic at a specific range.
Is there any light cast on the target (can I be seen)?
No, there is none. Unlike a laser or red dot sights, the holographic image projects no forward light onto the target and thus no position revealing light. The projected reticle is only visible by the operator. The operator remains completely hidden downrange even against night vision systems.
In addition there is no muzzle side reflective glare from coated lenses like on red dot sights, scopes or binoculars. The HWS does not need any costly add-on filters that also significantly reduce the effective light transmission and makes the target less visible.
Can I use this for long range engagement?
Yes, you can. The HWS can be used for engagement out to 300m with extreme accuracy. Unlike a magnified scope the operator achieves a much greater field of view to allow for greater visibility within a tactical engagement area. However, its clear objective advantage is on CQB, close quarter situations where speed is a must. The HWS is an obvious choice for an M16 or M4 where the weapon is used both for CQB and for longer range engagements.
Is this sight waterproof?
Yes, in fact it is submersible down to 33 feet – indefinitely. The HWS is also fog proof with a nitrogen purged optical cavity.
Who else is using it?
The HWS has just recently come on the scene in the tactical ranks around 12-15 months ago. Clearly it has provided a real "boost" to operator’s performance and a clear cut advantage over any other optical system in the market. If speed is the requirement – then the HOLO is the answer.
Can the sight take it?
Yes it can. The engineering team designed the sight to handle severe drop tests, physical abuse and punishment, and environmental extremes – all common to the tactical environment. The HWS was designed to withstand Mil-spec drop tests and still remain operational. The HWS uses hardened and corrosive resistant components. The state-of-the-art aerospace composite enclosed the optical and mechanical cavity. The electronics are fully encapsulated in shock absorbing resin compound to adhere to extreme recoil and vibration environments. A ruggedized, "roll bar" hood is secured to protect the heads-up display window.
In short, the HWS can take the punishment
How does the sight compare against Red Dots?
There is truly no comparison against Red Dot sights; the HWS is optically, electronically, and the complete package is vastly superior. Our 65MOA ring with a 1MOA dot (finest dot available in any optic) provides and optimal compromise between speed and accuracy. In addition, the tubeless, heads-up display window provides an unlimited and unblocked Field of View which allows operators to maintain critical peripheral vision for engaging multiple threat situations.
In general, the Red Dot style sight has been around for over 30 years with very little enhancement. The HOLOgraphic sight has been around for approximately 10 years; is state-of-the-art and has proven to deliver vastly superior target acquisition speed.
It is difficult to compare the HOLOgraphic sight against the Red Dot sights in general since they are all different in optical performance, construction, ect. For a detailed feature comparison against a particular brand of Red Dot sights, we ask you to contact us directly via email.
What else can this be used for?
The typical applications in tactical environments are for shoulder mounted small arms weapon systems like MP5 style sub guns, M4/M16 and derivatives, tactical shotguns, etc. However, the HWS is now being used extensively on less lethal launching platforms (both 37 and 40 mm) as well as shotgun applications involving bean bag rounds, rubber bullets, and deployment of gas munitions. Other applications include medium caliber (.50) machine gun weaponry, shoulder mounted rocket launchers, and grenade launching platforms. In all cases speed, accuracy, ease of use, and vision maintenance are greatly enhanced with the use of the HWS.
What are the top 3 advantages for CQB?
#1 is speed , speed, and more speed – the HWS is simply the fastest sight in the market today.
#2 is the maintenance of the operator’s peripheral vision with the tubeless HUD architecture and 2 eye open shooting.
#3 is the ease of use to achieve incredible accuracy. This accuracy translates into an controlled confidence in the operator’s shooting ability. Confidence separates the winners from the losers.
Try the HOLO … and raise your performance.