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Aimpoint Acro P2 vs Holosun 509T: Pistol Optic Shooter Comparison 2024

Author: Chris G.
Date: November 21, 2023

Looking to enhance your handgun with a rugged enclosed red dot sight? Stuck choosing between the Aimpoint Acro P2 vs 509t? This comprehensive comparison guide has got you covered.

We'll examine every feature from battery life to durability to real user reviews. By the end, you'll know which of these ultimate optics pairs best with your pistol.

I've tested them both side-by-side and will give you the inside scoop. We'll look at key factors like:

  • Battery life and solar backup power options
  • Optical clarity and brightness
  • Size and weight for your setup
  • Toughness and real-world durability
  • Cost comparison
  • Accessory options for customization

Don't spend a dime before reading this complete Aimpoint vs Holosun breakdown. Let's get started and find the perfect sight for your handgun!

Durability Comparison: Aimpoint Acro P2 vs 509t

When it comes to durability, both the Aimpoint and Holosun are tanks. I've beat the heck out of them, and they just keep ticking. But there are some key differences in their toughness factors.

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t 
MaterialAluminumTitanium
Waterproof RatingUp to 25 metersUp to 1 meter

Aimpoint Acro P2's Durability

The Aimpoint Acro P2 is designed specifically to handle life on a semi-auto slide. We're talking 40,000+ EAA Witness cycles without losing zero. No problem for this bad boy.

That said, I've heard some users complain about issues with the Acro P2 crapping out under heavy recoil. Not ideal for a "duty ready" optic. Though it is waterproof up to 25 meters - great if you plan on diving with your handgun!

Holosun 509t's Durability

Now the Holosun 509t, while not rated quite as ruggedly, has impressed me with its durability thanks to the fully enclosed emitter design. This protects the LED from elements that might render other dots useless.

The 509t has survived all my tests from dropping it onto concrete to baking it in the heat. The closed design keeps dust and debris from fouling it up.

Downside is the 509t is only waterproof to 1 meter depth. Way less than the Aimpoint. But honestly, unless you're a Navy SEAL, how often are you really submerging your handgun?

Which Offers Superior Durability?

For me, I put durability and dust/debris protection ahead of maximum waterproofing. So the Holosun 509t gets my pick for superior toughness - that enclosed emitter housing is genius. But you can't go wrong with either if you want a dot that keeps ticking!

Optical Clarity and Performance Comparison

When testing out new optics, crystal clear glass is my number one priority. How do the Acro P2 and 509t stack up?

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t
Reticle3.5 MOA dotMultiple options (2 MOA and 32 MOA)
Window Size.63x.63 inch square window.66x.9 inch screen

Clarity and Brightness in Aimpoint Acro P2

With the Aimpoint, I was impressed by the crisp 3.5 MOA dot. Minimal color distortion too thanks to the light blue/grey tint. Makes target acquisition a breeze.

That said, I did feel the clarity wasn't quite as sharp as I expected based on the hype. For pinpoint accuracy at longer ranges, it left me wanting more.

Clarity and Brightness in Holosun 509t

The Holosun 509t delivers where it counts with amazing glass quality. The 12 brightness settings make it easy for me to adapt to any lighting.

My only complaint is some finicky issues I picked up on with the auto brightness mode. I found it more reliable to set it manually.

Which Provides Better Optical Clarity?

For long distance shots, I’ll go with the Acro P2 for that distortion-free lens. But if I know I'll be in low light or dirty conditions, the Holosun is my pick thanks to the glare-free enclosed emitter design.

Battery Life and Power Efficiency: Aimpoint Acro P2 vs 509t

Keeping your optic powered up is a must for me. A dead battery means a useless sight.

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t
Battery TypeCR2032CR1632
Battery Life50,000 hours50,000 hours
Power SourceBattery onlyBattery and solar panel

Battery Performance of the Aimpoint Acro P2

When it comes to battery life, the Aimpoint Acro P2 is a real powerhouse in my experience. It touts an unbelievable 50,000 hours of operation on just a single CR2032. That's over 5 years of constant running!

The battery tray on the side also makes swaps super convenient without ever losing zero. Once it's dialed in, you likely won't have to mess with it for years.

One thing I noticed is the battery drains faster if you use the highest brightness settings. To get the full life from it, I keep the illumination lower when there's sufficient ambient light around.

Battery Performance of the Holosun 509t

The Holosun 509t also claims 50,000 hours on a CR1632 battery. However, I found the actual life varies wildly depending on the reticle used. The circle-dot mode absolutely chews through the battery. But just the 2 MOA dot can extend it big time.

The game changer for the 509t is the built-in solar cell. Even with a dead battery, it keeps running using any available light. This backup power gives me huge peace of mind.

Which Offers Longer Battery Life?

Overall, both the Aimpoint and Holosun deliver stellar battery life. But the solar charging capability of the 509t means I never have to worry about a useless dead optic again. For that reason alone, the Holosun is my top pick when it comes to keeping the power on!

Size and Weight Comparison: A Closer Look

When choosing a pistol optic, you want something that doesn't add a ton of bulk or weight to your setup. Heading out for a day of carrying and shooting, those ounces make a difference! Let’s take a close look at how the Aimpoint Acro P2 and Holosun 509t compare in terms of size and portability.

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t
Size (L x W x H)1.9 x 1.3 x 1.2 inches1.6 x 1.16 x 1.13 inches
Weight2.1 ounces (60 g)1.72 ounces (49 g)

Dimensions and Weight of Aimpoint Acro P2

When you're lugging your gear around all day, every ounce counts. I did a side-by-side weigh-in to see how the Acro P2 and 509t compare size-wise.

The Aimpoint comes in at 1.9 x 1.3 x 1.2 inches. Crazy compact for an enclosed dot sight. And it tips the scales at just 2.1 oz without a mount. Easy to pack without adding much bulk.

Dimensions and Weight of Holosun 509t

Now the Holosun is a hair trimmer at 1.6 x 1.16 x 1.13 inches. It's shorter in length which I dig. And even lighter at 1.72 oz.

Which is More Portable?

While both are super lightweight, those fractions of an inch and ounce do make a difference if you're packing for the field. The Holosun 509t gets my nod as the more convenient and packable pick of the two. Can't even feel it on there!

When your EDC gear needs to be as minimal as possible, those slight size and weight differences really matter in my experience. And the Holosun delivers the most portability without sacrificing performance.

User Reviews: Aimpoint Acro vs Holosun 509t

After putting both optics through rigorous testing, here's the inside scoop from our team's hands-on impressions.

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t
Lens ClaritySome concerns reportedExcellent clarity reported
Brightness SettingsSufficient for most usersSome issues with auto brightness reported

Feedback on Aimpoint Acro P2

Our team found the Acro P2 delivers a clear sight picture for fast target acquisition. The long battery life and quick on/off also make it super convenient. Though some members did note a lack of fog resistance without added lens covers.

Feedback on Holosun 509t

The 509t earned praise from the staff for its flawless glass clarity and adaptable brightness settings. The solar backup power is a handy feature other optics lack. We did have to be careful not to lose the battery cap during weapon manipulations.

Verdict

Overall, we found both optics to be extremely durable choices more than capable of withstanding tactical use. The 509t edges out the Acro P2 for its sealed emitter and solar power backup. However, the Acro P2 is a formidable alternative at a more budget-friendly price point. Depending on your needs and budget, our team agrees either pistol sight would prove a sound investment.

Accessories and Additional Features: What's Included?

Tricking out your pistol optic with accessories can really take its functionality to the next level. Let's see how the Acro P2 and 509t compare when it comes to add-ons and extra goodies.

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t
Included AccessoriesNoneRMR adapter plate
Additional FeaturesNight vision compatibleSolar failsafe feature

Accessory Options for the Aimpoint Acro P2

For the Acro P2, I'm a big fan of the solid front flip lens cover with anti-reflection device (ARD). It protects the glass when not in use. The transparent rear and front covers are nice too. All the covers have a spring-loaded flip mechanism for smooth operation.

One bummer is that the Acro doesn't come with a mounting plate. You'll likely need to buy one separately or get your slide milled specifically for it. Additional cost to consider.

Accessory Options for the Holosun 509t

The 509t delivers more value with accessories right out of the box. It includes an RMR footprint adapter plate for easy mounting on multiple slides. Huge time and money saver!

It also offers flip covers, kill flashes, and extra battery trays as add-ons. But that included mount is the 509t's big advantage.

Which Pistol Optic Has Better Accessories?

For value, the Holosun 509t wins hands down. That RMR mount it ships with makes installation a breeze and saves you cash. The titanium housing also gives it leg up on durability over the Acro's aluminum. However, the Aimpoint is proven for duty use if size and name brand reputation are priorities. But for accessories and adding functionality, the 509t gets my pick!

Cost Analysis and Value for Money: Aimpoint Acro vs Holosun 509t

Let's break down the price tags on these high-performance pistol optics to see which offers the best bang for your buck.

FeatureAimpoint Acro P2Holosun 509t
PriceHigherMore Affordable
Value for MoneyHigh, but more expensiveHigh, and less expensive

Cost Breakdown of Aimpoint Acro P2

The Acro P2 will run you about $599. Now that buys you an optic purpose-built to survive atop a pistol slide. We're talking torture testing with over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W. The 50,000 hour battery life is a nice plus too.

Cost Breakdown of Holosun 509t

For the Holosun 509t, expect to spend $430-460. What does that get you? A multi-reticle system with circle-dot and dot options, so it's like getting two optics in one. The 12 brightness settings kick things up a notch.

And the 509t's hidden superpower - that solar backup cell to keep things powered in an emergency.

Which Offers Better Value for Your Dollar?

Both are awesome optics, no doubt. If your uses call for maximum ruggedness and non-stop operation, the Acro P2 warrants the higher price. But if versatility and off-grid power matter more, the 509t gives you better bang for your buck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between Aimpoint Acro P2 and Holosun 509t?

The biggest differences between the Aimpoint Acro P2 and Holosun 509t come down to size, battery type, housing material, and waterproof rating.

The Acro P2 is larger and heavier than the 509t. It uses a CR2032 battery compared to the 509t's CR1632. The Acro has an aluminum housing while the Holosun uses titanium.

And the Acro P2 is rated waterproof up to 25 meters deep versus just 1 meter for the 509t.

Which is better for beginners: Aimpoint Acro P2 or Holosun 509t?

For beginners, I generally recommend the Holosun 509t. The price tag is lower than the Acro P2, so it's less investment upfront. And the multiple reticle options let you switch between precision dot and quick target acquisition circle-dot modes.

How do environmental factors affect the performance of these optics?

Environmental factors like water, dust, and grit can impact optic performance. The 509t's fully enclosed emitter makes it less prone to fouling in messy conditions. But the Acro P2's superior waterproof rating gives it an edge for maritime use.

Conclusion and Best Choice

After testing out both the Aimpoint Acro P2 and Holosun 509t, I've gotta give my final vote to the Holosun.

Here's why I think the 509t is the best pick:

That fully enclosed emitter gives it superior protection from the elements. No worrying about dust or sand fouling the lens during matches.

The solar power backup feature is a total game changer. Never have to stress about running out of juice mid-competition.

Having both a dot reticle and circle-dot is awesome. It's like getting two optics in one depending on my needs.

Finally, the 509t delivers amazing glass clarity and a streamlined design - all for over $100 less than the Acro P2.

For me, the Holosun checks all the boxes: durability, versatility, clarity, and value. The solar power cell puts it over the top.

The Aimpoint Acro P2 is an amazing optic as well and built like a tank. It can't be beat for no-fail constant-on reliability. But the Holosun's flexibility and off-grid power capabilities make it my hands-down choice.

The name's Chris. Just a regular dude who loves firearms. I've been shooting since I was a kid. My old man taught me the ropes. I'll never forget the first time I missed an easy shot on a buck, thanks to a bum scope. The image was fuzzier than my dog's butt. After that, I got obsessed with understanding scopes. What makes the good ones tick and the bad ones trash. After a few years and a few thousand bucks, I learned what separates the winners from the losers. Once I had a good stockpile of knowledge, I launched this site.

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