If you're looking at Magnifiers for you AR or other picatinny mounted platform then you probably came across the Holosun Magnifiers. These 3X magnifiers pack a lot of punch for an affordable price. What you may realize is there are two versions, an aluminum and a titanium version. What you might not understand is - what's different and what's the same on both of them.
In this article we are going to give you a side by side photo comparison and write up explaining the features and benefits of each, and their differences.
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Holosun HM3X Aluminum 3X Magnifier
Buy the Holosun 3X Aluminum Magnifier HM3X At The Best Price |
Holosun HM3XT Titanium 3X Magnifier
Buy the Holosun 3X Titanium Magnifier HM3XT At The Best Price |
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- Why we like Holosun Magnifiers vs other brands
- Why run a red dot + magnifier set up?
- What's the same on the Holosun Titanium & Aluminum 3X Magnifiers?
- What's different between the Holosun Titanium & Aluminum 3X Magnifiers?
- Which is best for you?
What's great about the Holosun Magnifiers vs other brands?
The first thing we'll start with is why we like the Holosun Magnifiers compared to other options like Bushnell, Vortex, Burris, or even EOtech.
- First, they have Quick Disconnect mounts. To me, having a quick disconnect mount on a magnifier makes it that much more convenient. This means you don't need to keep it on all the time. Doing something CQB? Take it off. Planning on doing something longer range? Pop it back on. Having a QD mount on a magnifier to me is an absolute must and the Holosun Magnifiers have it.
- Second best thing about the Holosun 3X magnifiers is their flip to side design. It's dead simple to engage and disengage, flip it to the side by pushing it, flip it to the other side by pushing it. There are no buttons to push to engage or disengage. It's all tension (which is adjustable). To me this is another CRITICAL feature for a magnifier. Who has time to fumble with buttons to press to engage or disengage. I don't, and that's why I love the simple "flip" to side for both engagement and disengagement. It doesn't get any simpler.
- Third is their price point. The titanium magnifier is a little pricier, but the aluminum version at $199.99 is a very affordable magnifier for what it offers.
- Fourth is their glass quality. The glass on the the Holosun Magnigiers is crystal clear.
- Fifth is their build quality and limited lifetime warranty. Holosun has a great track record for optics, and they didn't take any shortcuts on their Magnifiers. They are both built like tanks with strong aluminum or titanium housings, precision machining, solid lock up systems, and flip to side mount.
What are the benefits of running a red dot + magnifier set up?
We like the magnifier + red dot combo for a few reasons
Versatility
Being able to take a magnifier off when it's not needed and put it on when it is needed is flexibility we really like. Compare this to a LPVO (low powered variable optic) or dedicated prism scope and you're basically "stuck" with that set up.
Durability
Second is durability. Red dots are very durable, and magnifiers are very durable. Both together, we would argue, are more durable than a LPVO set up. Compared to a prism set up they are probably about equal.
Weight Savings
An important factor for us is weight. If you do some weight calculations on LPVO + mount you realize you are in the 20oz+ range. If you have a prism optic you are again close to the 20oz range unless you have a Primary Arms Micro Prism Scope which is around 8oz, but then you are at a fixed magnification.
With a magnifier + red dot combo you are sitting at about 15oz for a variable powered set up, which is the lightest variable powered set up you can have. A red dot weighs about 5oz and the magnifier about 10oz.
So compared to all the other options this gives you the lightest weight, variable powered optic set up. Combine that with the fact you can take the magnifier off when you really don't need it, and it makes even more sense.
What are the similarities of the Holosun Titanium & Aluminum 3X Magnifiers?
Both magnifiers have many similarities, here are some of them.
Same Features
- Flip to side design
- Crystal clear glass
- QD Mount + Spacer for 1/3 cowitness
- Adjustment tool built in
- Strong durable housings
- Great build quality
- Same 2.42" height
- Same 1.7" width
Same Tech Specs
- Waterproof: IP67 (1M water depth/30min)
- FOV: 37 ft at 100 yards
- Eye Relief: 2.75 inches (70mm)
- Exit Pupil: 2.99 inches (7.6mm)
- Magnification: 3X
- Vibration: 1000G
- Working Temp: -20℃~51℃
- Storage Temp: -20℃~65℃
- Transmittance: 75%
- Diopter: ±3D
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
What are the differences between the Holosun Titanium & Aluminum 3X Magnifiers?
The main differences you will find are the length, weight, material, and price.
Length
The HM3XT (Titanium) version is 3" long while the HM3X (Aluminum) version is 4" long. So with the titanium version you save 1" of rail space.
Weight
The HM3XT (Titanium) version weight 10.5oz while the HM3X (Aluminum) version weight 10.9oz. So the titanium version saves .4oz.
Material/Durability
The HM3XT (Titanium) version is made out of titanium while the HM3X (Aluminum) version is made out of durable aluminum. Both are tough and rugged, however the titanium version is stronger. It should also be noted that the titanium version has a titanium mount also, the whole unit is made out of titanium, not just the magnifier itself.
Price
The HM3XT (Titanium) version comes in at $299.99 while the HM3X (Aluminum) version comes in at $199.99.
Which is best for you?
As you can see, there are quite a few similarities and differences between the titanium and aluminum Holosun magnifiers.
The titanium one is more expensive, shorter, and the most durable. The aluminum one is still durable, more affordable, and has some extra length to it.
Both are great, both have crystal clear glass, awesome quick disconnect mounts, a great warranty, and great build quality.
You can't go wrong with either. We just recommend choosing what you feel best suits your needs.
If you have any questions or comment please reach out to us on chat.
Thanks for reading!