Though they’ve been around for many years, red-dot optics are currently in their heyday. Any kind of tactical or defensive rifle, shotgun or pistol is more likely than not to be sporting a red-dot these days, and there are more options on the market than ever. If you’re looking to purchase a red-dot optic, how do you choose?
The first thing you’ll notice when you start shopping is that the price ranges are enormous. You can spend as much or as little as you want on a red-dot, and the quality range you’ll find within that spectrum varies almost as widely. The trouble is that, as in many gear categories, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better optic or one that’s best suited for your needs. That makes shopping a little more complicated, but it’s also good news, because it means you don’t have to spend a fortune to get gear that works well. That sweet spot where great quality meets a fair price is where you want to land — a good value.
Quality optics for a lower price are what Holosun does best, and the company’s new ARO-EVO optic is a prime example. Building on the success of the popular ARO (Advanced Rifle Optic), the ARO-EVO is the “EVOlved” version with a larger sight picture, so you get more information for improved performance shooting. Ideal for tactical rifles, it offers a versatile, durable and reliable solution for both short- and intermediate-range engagements.
In this new version, Holosun has redesigned the housing (26mm) and introduced a new lower 1/3 co-witness pedestal mount. The new housing is designed to work perfectly with the company’s magnifier series, and the 2-MOA dot is ideal for accuracy at intermediate distances.
Of course, the ARO-EVO has all the features you’d expect in a quality red-dot sight, including Shake Awake™ technology, a 50,000-hour battery life, and Solar Failsafe™ built into the 6061 aluminum housing — which means you’ve got a solar backup in case the battery fails. It’s rated for water- and dust-resistance and features 12 brightness settings, so you can trust it to function in just about any conditions.
The ARO-EVO comes in a handful of models. Get it with a simple 2-MOA red, green or gold dot, or step up to the even more advanced ARO-EVO SPR (Special Purpose Reticle), which offers a bullet-drop-compensating and ranging reticle if precision is the name of your game.
This is no bargain-basement optic, but considering all of its features and the quality that goes into the ARO-EVO, you might be surprised to hear that it’s not sitting at the top of the price spectrum, either. Rather, at $258 to $353 depending on the model, it’s nestled in the middle price-wise — with quality, durability and reliability you’d be more likely to see at the higher end of the range. And that’s where the value is found: An excellent tactical rifle optic for a price that doesn’t make you cringe. There’s no need to wonder what you’re getting for your money when the features and value are so evident.
Holosun has been in business since 2013, building its reputation by building quality optics with cutting-edge technology that meet customers’ needs without pricing the everyman out of the market. Their philosophy is that you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to get a red-dot optic that works and lasts, and the ARO-EVO is clear proof of that. If you’re in the market for a tactical rifle sight for short- and intermediate-range engagements, check it out and see for yourself how the Holosun ARO-EVO can exceed your expectations without breaking your budget.
