Hey Freedom Gorillas, if you’re looking for enclosed optics, two options that may have popped up on your radar are the Aimpoint ACRO and Holosun EPS (Enclosed Pistol Sight). But when it comes to the Aimpoint ACRO vs. Holosun EPS, which is the right optic for you?
In this article, we’re going to break down the main specifications of each optic and what makes them similar and different in order to help you find the optic that fits your needs.
TLDR
The main differences between the Aimpoint ACRO and the Holosun EPS are the options when it comes to models. The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 is the main model of the ACRO and comes in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Sniper Grey, or Sniper Grey Tiger Stripe. It has a red 3.5 MOA dot only reticle. The Holosun EPS has a full size version and an EPS Carry which is a smaller version.
Both the EPS Full Size & EPS Carry have multiple reticle options, in either red or green reticles. There is a circle + 2 MOA dot version (MRS reticle), a 2 MOA dot only version, and a 6 MOA dot only version. The EPS Carry has an additional FDE colored housing model.
Aimpoint ACRO P-2 is manufactured in Sweden while the Holosun EPS is made in China/Malaysia. The Aimpoint ACRO uses the ACRO footprint, a clamping design, to mount on pistols, and with very few pistols cut with an ACRO footprint it means it requires adapter plates to attach to most pistols.
The Holosun EPS has a K-series footprint a.k.a. modified RMSc footprint that can directly attach to K series footprint pistols (the EPS Carry comes with an RMSc adapter plate, and the EPS Full Size comes with an RMR adapter plate). Both optics have a similar battery life at 50,000 hours, but the Holosun EPS MRS features a solar failsafe where the ACRO doesn’t have that option.
The ACRO is built to be duty rated and can be submerged up to 115 feet of water for prolonged amounts of time where the Holosun EPS as a waterproof rating of IPX8, meaning it can be continuously submerged in over 1 meter of water. The Holosun EPS Carry and Full Size both have a larger window than the Aimpoint ACRO.
Since more slides are designed to fit the K series footprint, RMR footprint, or RMSc footprint, than ACRO footprint, co witnessing and mounting will be easier with the Holosun EPS/Carry; the ACRO will most likely require an adapter plate, which will increase deck height and add to expense.
Aimpoint Acro P2 Main Specs
The Aimpoint ACRO series was the first fully enclosed pistol sight, protecting the LED emitter. This optical has these main specifications:
- 3.5 MOA Dot Size
- Red Color Reticle
- Fully Enclosed
- ACRO Footprint
- Made of 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Available in Black or FDE
- 10 Brightness Settings: 6 Daylight and 4 Night VIsion Compatible
- Submersible to 115 feet
- Replaceable Battery
- 50,000 Hour Battery Life
- Height: 1.2”
- Width: 1.3”
- Length:1.9”
- Weight: 2.1 oz
Holosun EPS (Full Size and Carry) Main Specs
The Holosun EPS, or enclosed pistol sight, comes in two main models: the carry and the full size. Both are closed emitters and come with multiple reticle options. Here are the main specifications:
- EPS Full Size Available in: MRS (Red or Green Reticle), 6 MOA (Green or Red Dot), and 2 MOA (Green or Red Dot)
- EPS Carry Available in 2 MOA Dot (Red or Green), 6 MOA Dot (Red or Green), or MRS 2 MOA Dot and 32 MOA Circle (Red or Green)
- Color Options:
- Holosun EPS Carry Available in Black and FDE (Holosun EPS Carry MRS Only)
- Holosun EPS Full Size only available in Black
- Enclosed Emitter
- K Series Footprint (Modified RMSc)
- IPX8 Waterproof
- Shake Awake
- Replaceable Battery
- 20,000 - 50,000 Hours of Battery Life
- 12 Brightness Settings: 8 Daylight and 4 Night VIsion Compatible
- Solar Failsafe (Some Models)
- Holosun EPS Full Size Dimensions:
- Height: 0.99”
- Width: 1.18”
- Length: 1.61”
- Weight: 1.2 oz
- Holosun EPS Carry Dimensions:
- Height: 0.95”
- Width: 1.07”
- Length: 1.62”
- Weight: 1oz
*Further Reading: Holosun EPS Review
Footprint for Fitment
One major difference between the two optics is their footprint and how they mount onto the pistol. The Holosun EPS (Carry and Full Size) uses a modified RMSc or K series footprint, so it can attach to pistols with a K-series footprint like the Sig P365, Ruger Max 9, and Canik Mete MC9.
Also, the Holosun EPS Carry comes with the RMSC adapter and the Holosun EPS Full Size comes with a RMR adapter, which allows for more fitment options since the RMSc and RMR are the two most popular footprints available.
The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 uses the ACRO footprint, which uses a clamping mechanism to mount to a direct ACRO footprint or ACRO adapter plate. You can find our selection of ACRO adapter plates.
The Right Type of Pistol for Each Optic
The Holosun EPS Full Size is intended to fit compact and full size pistols such as the Glock 45/15 or Glock 19 while the EPS Carry is intended for subcompact and microcompact pistols like the Glock 43X, Sig P365, and Springfield Hellcat.
The Aimpoint ACRO is intended for full size and compact pistols. With the right adapter plate, the ACRO can also fit on smaller micro or subcompact pistols, but since it’s a larger optic, it’s important to note that this will result in overhang on those pistols.
Reticle System
Let’s discuss the reticle system for each optic. The Aimpoint Acro is available with a red dot reticle. This optic has a 3.5 MOA dot only reticle. The housing is available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Sniper Grey, and Sniper Grey Tiger Stripe color.
The Holosun EPS has two main models: Full Size and Carry. Both the Full Size and Carry are available with a red or green reticle color with reticle options of an MRS (Multi Reticle System) with 2 MOA Dot and 32 MOA Circle, a 6 MOA Dot, or a 2 MOA Dot. The EPS Carry also comes in an additional FDE housing color.
Window Size
Something to keep in mind when it comes to the Aimpoint ACRO vs. Holosun EPS is the difference in window size. The ACRO has a square window 0.59”x0.59”. This is smaller than the Holosun EPS Carry, which has a window size of 0.58”x0.77”, and especially the Holosun EPS Full Size, which has a window size of 0.63”x0.91”.
Composition and Material
The Aimpoint ACRO’s anodized 7075 T6 aluminum housing is designed to be duty rated and can withstand extreme temperatures (-49°F to 160°F), high G-Force, is sealed to protect it from dust, mud, sand, etc., and can be submersible to 115 feet (35 meters) of water.
The bumps and contours of The ACRO’s patented housing protect it against high impact and rough conditions making it standard issue for police and military.
The Holosun EPS has a housing made of 7075 T6 Aluminum that is anodized and uses multilayer reflective glass. It has a IPX8 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter, but doesn’t meet the same waterproof capabilities as the ACRO.
Shut-Off Feature
The Holosun EPS uses Holosun’s Shake Awake technology, a shut-off feature that will turn the optic off after a selected time of inactivity (between 10 minutes and 12 hours). Movement will turn the optic back on having saved your last brightness setting. This feature can be deactivated as well.
For the ACRO, Aimpoint stands by the “always on” philosophy, ensuring that your optic is on and ready to go, so unlike the Holosun, it doesn’t have an auto turn off feature. Instead the optic can be manually turned on and off.
Battery, Battery Life, and Solar Failsafe
The Aimpoint ACRO uses a CR2032 replaceable battery. The battery can be accessed on the side of the optic, with a vertical side tray, and easily replaced while the optic is attached to the pistol. The battery can last for up to 50,000 hours, or over 5 years, of constant operation.
The Holosun EPS uses a CR1620 replaceable battery that can last up to 50,000 hours as well. The battery is located on the side of the housing making it easy to access and replace while attached to a pistol.
The main difference you will notice is that the Holosun EPS Full Size and the Holosun EPS Carry MRS feature a solar failsafe on the top of the optic. This keeps it operational outside in sunlight if the battery dies. Some of the Holosun EPS Carry models and EPS Full Size models do not feature this, and the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 doesn’t have this failsafe.
Brightness Settings
Both the Holosun EPS Carry and Full Size have 12 brightness settings: 8 daylight settings and 4 night vision compatible settings. The brightness can manually be adjusted by two buttons on the side of the unit.
For the Holosun EPS MRS models with the solar failsafe there is an additional “auto brightness” mode as well.
The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 has 10 brightness settings, 6 daylight and 4 night vision compatible. These can also be adjusted with buttons on the side of the optic.
Which One Do I Buy?
The optic you choose depends on your personal preference and what you need. Although the sights share some similarities, there are many differences that may sway you. Here is a list of the similarities and differences, starting with price:
Pricing
The Holosun EPS is more affordable than the Aimpoint Acro, with most Carry and Full Size versions coming in under $500:
Freedom Gorilla Pricing
- Aimpoint ACRO:
- Black Color: $599.00
- FDE Color: $649.00
- Holosun EPS:
- Holosun EPS Carry 2 MOA Green Dot: $344.99
- Holosun EPS Carry 2 MOA Red Dot: $329.99
- Holosun EPS Carry 6 MOA Green Dot: $344.99
- Holosun EPS Carry 6 MOA Red Dot: $329.99
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Red Reticle (FDE): $399.99
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Green Reticle (FDE): $429.99
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Red Reticle (Black): $399.99
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Green Reticle (Black): $429.99
- Holosun EPS Full Size 2 MOA Red Dot: $329.99
- Holosun EPS Full Size 2 MOA Green Dot: $344.99
- Holosun EPS Full Size 6 MOA Red Dot: $329.99
- Holosun EPS Full Size 6 MOA Green Dot: $344.99
- Holosun EPS Full Size MRS Red Reticle: $399.99
- Holosun EPS Full Size MRS Green Reticle: $429.99
Website Pricing:
- Aimpoint ACRO:
- Black Color: $599.00
- FDE Color: $649.00
- Holosun EPS:
- Holosun EPS Carry 2 MOA Green Dot: $405.87
- Holosun EPS Carry 2 MOA Red Dot: $388.22
- Holosun EPS Carry 6 MOA Green Dot: $405.87
- Holosun EPS Carry 6 MOA Red Dot: $388.22
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Red Reticle (FDE): $399.99
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Green Reticle (FDE): $429.99
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Red Reticle (Black): $470.58
- Holosun EPS Carry MRS Green Reticle (Black): $505.87
- Holosun EPS Full Size 2 MOA Red Dot: $388.00
- Holosun EPS Full Size 2 MOA Green Dot: $405.87
- Holosun EPS Full Size 6 MOA Red Dot: $388.22
- Holosun EPS Full Size 6 MOA Green Dot: $406.00
- Holosun EPS Full Size MRS Red Reticle: $470.58
- Holosun EPS Full Size MRS Green Reticle: $505.87
Similarities
- Both are enclosed emitters
- Both are made of anodized 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Both have adjustable brightness that can be adjusted by side buttons
- Both have a removable battery that can be accessed while attached to the pistol
Differences
- The Holosun EPS Full Size and Carry have a larger window than the Aimpoint ACRO.
- The water proof rating is higher for the ACRO which can be submerged in up to 115 feet (35 meters) of water for prolonged amounts of time where the Holosun EPS can be submerged in just over 1 meter of water.
- The Aimpoint ACRO is bulkier than both EPS models with a greater height, length, and weight. However, that bulk is due to the design being more durable and duty rated.
- The Holosun EPS has the Full Size for full size and compact pistols and the Carry for subcompact and micro compact pistols and multiple reticle options while the Aimpoint ACRO has one main model that is more suited to full size or compact pistolst.
- The Aimpoint ACRO does not mount directly to many pistols and requires adapter plates. The Holosun EPS mounts directly to pistols compatible with a K series or modified RMSc footprint. The EPS Full Size comes with an RMR plate and the EPS Carry comes with an RMSc adapter plate.
- The Aimpoint ACRO only comes in a red reticle while the Holosun EPS comes in red or green.
- The Holosun EPS is more affordable than the Aimpoint ACRO.
- Some EPS models have a solar failsafe while the Aimpoint ACRO does not.
- The Holosun EPS uses an automatic shut-off feature while the Aimpoint ACRO has a manual on and off feature.
*Further Reading: Comparison between the Holosun 507K and the Holosun 507C
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this comparison article helpful at deciding whether the Aimpoint ACRO or the Holosun EPS is best for you.
As you can see the biggest differences are going to be that the Aimpoint ACRO is more expensive than the EPS and uses an ACRO clamp design that doesn’t attach directly to many pistols. The Holosun EPS uses a K-series footprint that can attach directly to multiple pistols and with the addition of the RMR or RMSc adapter, it fits most pistols on the market..
The Aimpoint ACRO is bulkier, has a smaller window size, and has a longer optical alley than the Holosun EPS Carry and Full Size. The Holosun EPS comes with more reticle options and has the option between a green or red reticle while the Aimpoint ACRO only comes in red.
Both have a battery that can be replaced while still mounted the pistol and have a durable design made of 7075 T6 Aluminum.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
Thanks for reading!
