In this video, we take a look at the Holosun 509t version 1 versus version 2 and compare the differences to see if you need to upgrade.
| Get the gear in this review |
Holosun 509t
https://bit.ly/PAHolosunTLD (Primary Arms)
https://bit.ly/BRNHS509tv2 (Brownells)
| Training |
| Discounts |
Defense Mechanisms
Discount Code: TLDco
Tracer Tactical
Discount Code: TLDco
Wilder Tactical Battle Belts
Discount Code: TLDco
| TLD Merch |
The first thing to note about the two versions of the 509t is the similarities they both share. Both version 1 and version 2 have the exact same housing with the enclosed emitter to protect the laser from dirt and debris that may occlude the optic.
Also on both versions is the same functionality of the laser and reticle. Both versions have the ability to cycle through the different modes by holding the plus (+) button on the side of the optic. This cycles the optic function from automatic brightness, to manual brightness, to lock out mode.
The automatic brightness mode can be a bit wonky and not always be where you want, depending on if you’re looking at a bright area from a dark area. The manual mode then allows you to set a solid middle brightness level and then the lockout mode won’t change the brightness at all if the buttons are bumped or nudged.
Additionally, on both versions, they share the same mounting method. Unlike previous optics, the 509t does not mount directly to the slide and instead mounts to a 509t adapter plate. This can cause serious issues though. Many slides already use adapter plates to mate from some sort of universal profile. So this can mean you’ll have your universal plate to move to the RMR style and then the 509t rmr adapter plate…and then the optic.
This can often result in an optical solution that isn’t usable or is way too high. Due to this, the consumer needs to be aware that the optical solution basically requires a custom plate for your weapon system. If you don’t have a custom mounting solution, you could have a lot of odd stuff going on.
Looking at the two optics side by side, it is easy to notice the various differences between the too optics. The v2 cleans up a lot of the blue coloring and has more uniform glass to give the v2 of the 509t a much more improved appearance.
I will say though, that I really only noticed these significant differences when I was doing this review. In practical real-life shooting, you rarely even notice these problems and it wasn’t until I really broke down each optic bit by bit did I even really observe most of these issues.
Your mileage may vary but I didn’t see a reason to upgrade the v1 to a v2 if you already had one. They both perform phenomenally. And if I could still save a ton on a v1 over a v2, I’d probably go for the v1. But if you’re just crazy for the absolute best image quality from a 509t, version 2 is where it’s at.
…just remember to shoot with both eyes open. It’ll really help.
(DISCLAIMER: This post may contain paid advertisements or affiliate links. An affiliate link means that if you follow one of the gear links, Thin Line Defense Co receives a small portion of that purchase but incurs no extra cost to you. This helps us make the channel grow and get more great gear to review just for you! Thanks for the amazing support.)
Music by: @Barren Gates