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Holosun is known for its durable and reasonably priced red dots. Let’s look at Holosun’s HM3XT and see if the reputation of economic reliability extends to its magnified offerings.
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Preface To the Holosun Titanium Magnifier
Whenever talking to newer shooters about guns and gear I always try to help them avoid the mistakes and pitfalls I have fallen victim to. My most common advice is to not cheap out on your major accessories like an optic and light.
After spending nine hundred dollars on a nice AR, the novice will assume the expensive part is over. Then, a short time later, they will be met with utter horror as they realize a quality magnified optic will cost just as much if not more than the rifle itself. At this point, the eBay specials and Airsoft knockoffs start to look pretty enticing.
This is my advice for someone daunted by the cost of setting up a rifle. First, get a mid-tier red dot like a Holosun HS403R. For around two hundred dollars you will get a durable red dot that won’t end up in the junk drawer as soon as you save up for something better.
Next, buy a good weapon light because you can’t shoot what you can’t identify. My go-to for the last few years has been the Streamlight HL-X. Just over a hundred dollars for a reliable light that competes with others that average twice the price.
Outfitted with a red dot and light, their rifle is now in the most basic configuration for defensive use. So, what about the magnifier? One of the best attributes of a magnifier is the flexibility it grants the owner. It can be added to existing setups when the need is present and even swapped between multiple rifles. This allows the user to outfit a basic rifle and then when desired, buy the magnifier to increase its capability.
HM3XT General Overview
The first thing I noticed as I unboxed this Holosun Titanium magnifier was its robust construction. The entire body is constructed from titanium which lends it quite a sturdy disposition. The unit as a whole weighs 11.6 ounces which is about three ounces heavier than its aluminum counterpart.
The overall footprint is relatively compact at only 3.15 inches long and 1.67 inches wide. When folded to the side it does not obstruct the view through the optic and aligns nicely when rotated back into place.
An included spacer allows the magnifier to interface with a variety of optics. Install the spacer to use it with lower ⅓ red dots or leave it out for absolute co-witness height optics.
The HM3XT includes a high-quality quick detach mount. It fits snugly to my rail and includes a locking tab on the lever to ensure it doesn’t accidentally pop off.
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The unit has an IP67 rating which means it can be submerged in up to a meter of water for thirty minutes. To test this I tossed the magnifier in a bowl of water, tapped it around a bit, and left it to soak. The internals were still completely clear of moisture after half an hour.
Easy To Operate
This Holosun Titanium magnifier is very simple to operate. After mounting it behind your red dot simply adjust the turrets on the side of the magnifier until the dot is in the center of the image. This only changes how the magnifier looks through the red dot and not its zero. If you adjust the windage or elevation on the red dot you may need to recenter the dot in the magnifier.
A little screwdriver is stored in the base of the magnifier for making these adjustments but I found the turrets too stiff for the tiny tool to be of any use. Instead, I just used the turret caps from my red dot which include a similar flat-head tool.
Optics
The clarity of this magnifier on its own is quite good. On a recent trip to the NorthWest, I detached the magnifier from my rifle and just carried it as a monocular.
The HM3XT has a diopter adjustment that focuses the magnifier to your particular vision. With it properly adjusted you will immediately see a clear magnified image without having to let your eye adjust.
How well it does as a whole is greatly dependent upon what optic you pair it with. Any imperfections or discoloration in your red dot will only become more apparent with the magnifier behind it. With the magnifier behind my HS403B, you can see the image take on a blue hue from the red dot’s notch filter. This is always noticeable but only becomes an issue in low light.
Conclusion On The Holosun Titanium 3X Magnifier
Overall, I have quite enjoyed using this optic. I appreciate the unique flexibility that a magnifier provides and how easily it adds a great deal of utility to a rifle. And to the HM3XT specifically, I think it is a great choice. With an MSRP of $388, I think it is a good value especially when you consider its rugged construction.
I would not hesitate to recommend this magnifier to anyone who is in the market. Head over to Holosun’s Website for more information on this or any of their many other products.
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It’s worth noting that investing in a reliable and high-quality optic can greatly enhance accuracy and performance. While the cost may seem high initially, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and the value it brings to the shooting experience.