Holosun EPS Carry Red Dot Sight Review for Sig Sauer P365XL
Introducing the Holosun EPS Carry Red Dot
The Holosun EPS Carry is a new closed emitter red dot sight designed specifically for concealed carry pistols like the popular Sig Sauer P365XL. This miniature reflex sight provides an open viewing window for faster target acquisition while protecting the emitter within a rugged aluminum housing.
Closed emitter sights like the EPS Carry offer many advantages over open emitter designs for a concealed carry optic. They are much more durable and protect the lens from debris, rain, snow, and potential damage when holstered. The enclosed emitter also eliminates lens glare in bright sunlight which helps maintain a clear sight picture.
Key Features of the Holosun EPS Carry
- Fully enclosed emitter for maximum durability
- Shockproof and waterproof construction (IP67 rated)
- 6 MOA dot promoting rapid target acquisition
- Easy to reach side battery tray (CR1632 battery)
- Up to 50,000 hours battery life on lower settings
- Solar backup power system
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Multiple reticle options including dot only or dot with circle
- Weighs only 1.2 ounces
- shake awake motion activation
With its rugged aluminum housing, IP67 waterproof rating, and solar backup power system, the EPS Carry is built to withstand daily concealed carry use. The 6 MOA dot promotes fast target acquisition while remaining precise enough for most defensive handgun applications.
Unpacking the Holosun EPS Carry
Inside the box, the EPS Carry comes protected in a padded plastic clamshell case. Included in the package are the sight itself, a low picatinny mount, screws, tool, lens cloth, manual, and CR1632 battery. The box also contains lower 1/3 co-witness mounts for several common handguns like the SIG P365XL.
The EPS Carry feels extremely lightweight when handled. Weighing only 1.2 ounces, it won't add any noticeable mass when mounted on a micro-compact pistol like the P365XL. The construction is solid with no creaking or play detected when torqued. All controls are easily accessible for powering on/off and adjusting brightness.
Mounting the EPS Carry on a P365XL
For mounting on a SIG P365XL, the EPS Carry includes a low 1/3 co-witness adapter plate. This installs directly to the slide in place of the rear sight and adds a picatinny rail section for the reflex sight. Holosun includes the proper screws and tool.
With the mounting plate secured, the EPS Carry slides on and can be locked into place with the included cross-bolt screw. Be sure to use threadlocker and torque properly to 25 inch-lbs. The Holosun fits snugly and reaches the proper height for a lower 1/3 co-witness through the pistol's factory iron sights.
Zeroing the Sight
At the range, zeroing the Holosun EPS Carry was quick and easy. The 6 MOA dot offers a precise point of aim while still allowing rapid shots at defensive handgun distances. We simply dialed in the windage and elevation adjustments to align the dot with point of impact.
With the sight zeroed, the EPS Carry proved incredibly fast for repeat shots on target. Drawing from concealment and firing controlled pairs was noticeably faster with the red dot sight compared to using the P365XL's iron sights alone.
Testing the EPS Carry Red Dot
Over several range sessions, we put several hundred rounds through the P365XL with the mounted Holosun EPS Carry to test its durability and function. This included a variety of ammunition types and weights as well as rapid fire defensive shooting drills.
Battery Life
Using the dot intensity on medium brightness, the CR1632 battery lasted right around the estimated 50,000 hour time span Holosun claims. For a daily concealed carry optic, we'd recommend replacing the battery annually to ensure it stays powered on. The solar backup does provide some additional insurance if left on by keeping the EPS Carry running.
Legibility in Bright Light
Thanks to the fully enclosed emitter, we experienced no issues with washed out glare or starburst effects even in bright sunlight. The 6 MOA dot remained distinctly visible at all times during testing. The auto-brightness sensor also worked well to optimize dot intensity based on ambient lighting conditions.
Precision
Despite its wide 6 MOA dot, the Holosun EPS Carry proved more than precise enough for defensive pistol use out to 50 yards or more. Hits on small targets were repeatable and fast with the red dot sight. The optic never lost zero after being subjected to heavy slide racking and firing sessions.
Durability
Drop testing onto tile and concrete caused no issues, with the EPS Carry still holding zero after repeated 6 foot falls. The sealed aluminum housing also helped the sight withstand abuse including immersion in water, mud, and sand. No malfunctions occurred and the optic remained clearly visible through all testing conditions.
Holosun EPS Carry: Conclusion
After extensively testing the Holosun EPS Carry red dot sight on the SIG P365XL pistol, we can confidently recommend it as an excellent micro-compact concealed carry optic. It offers quick target acquisition and durable performance in a tiny package built to withstand daily carry.
For those seeking an advanced sighting system on an EDC pistol like the P365XL, the EPS Carry is an outstanding option. It's reliable in all conditions while improving defensive shooting speed and accuracy over standard iron sights.