Hey Freedom Gorillas, today we wanted to discuss two red dot rifle optics from Holosun: the 510C and the 512T. These optics at face value can seem similar, which can make it difficult to decide which one is best for you, so we wanted to break down the main specifications and what makes them different.
So, let’s get into which optic is best for you when it comes to the Holosun 510C vs. 512T:
TLDR
The 510C and 512T are very similar. The 512T is a super premium optic made out of grade 5 titanium. The 512T is the titanium version of the 512C which has been discontinued. The simplest explanation is that the 512T is essentially an enclosed 510C with a stronger housing.
The 510C is an open reflex sight; it has a titanium hood, an aluminum housing, and a Quick Detach mount. The 512T doesn't have a QD mount. The 512T is a really super tough optic. It’s more like an alternative to an Eotech or an AEMS.
You'd want the 512T if you wanted a titanium large window type optic. It's going to be a bit heavier. The 510C is a great budget optic, with a lot of value. It has the large window, MRS reticle, QD mount, comes in FDE or black, but it’s an open emitter. The 512T is also kind of rare and niche.
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Starts at $309.99 
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Starts at $499.99 
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Holosun 510C Main Specs |
Holosun 512T Main Specs |
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The Holosun 510C is an open emitter rifle optic designed to mount on long guns like PCCs, shotguns, and carbines. Here are the main specifications: |
The Holosun 512T is an enclosed emitter rifle optic that is also designed for long guns and like the Holosun 510C comes with an absolute co-witness mount. Here are the main specifications. |
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Want to dive deeper into the 510C's performance and real-world testing? Our comprehensive Holosun 510C review breaks down exactly why this optic delivers exceptional value for its price point.
Mounting
Both the 510C and the 512T are designed to fit any 1913 Picatinny compatible rifle, the main difference is how they fit. The Holosun 510C comes with a built-in quick detach Picatinny rail mount. It has a latching design that easily and quickly allows you to mount the optic as well as release it from the rail.
The 512T has a standard clamp design which requires a torx to be mounted and removed. The tool is included with the optic, but it just means that it requires more time to remove from the rail.
Reticle System
Both the 510C and the 512T have the option of a red or green reticle and also have a multi-reticle system (MRS). The MRS allows you to toggle between a 2 MOA dot only, a 65 MOA circle only, or both the 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle at the same time.
Composition and Material
The composition and material of both Holosun optics may be the deciding factor for many people. The 510C’s housing is made of 6061-T6 aluminum and the hood is made of TItanium. This gives it extra protection while keeping it light.
The Holosun 512T’s housing is made completely of Grade 5 Titanium, giving the optic more durability and protection, but also giving it more weight.
Enclosed Vs. Open
Another way these optics differ is their structure and shape. The 510C is an open emitter.
The 512T is a closed emitter with the housing completely covering and protecting the LED emitter system. This gives the 512T more of a mailbox shape and more bulk than the 510C.
An open emitter allows elements such as dirt, dust, debris, mud, snow, rain, or lint to obstruct the LED emitter. A closed emitter uses a second pane of glass to fully enclose the LED emitter to protect it against elements like this which could leave the optic unusable if the LED emitter were to become obstructed.
For those interested in Holosun's enclosed emitter design philosophy applied to pistol platforms, our Holosun 509T X2 review explores the most durable enclosed emitter pistol red dot, showcasing similar titanium construction and protection benefits in a handgun optic.
Waterproof Rating
When it comes to waterproof rating for the Holosun 510C vs. 512T, the 512T has a higher submersion rating. The 510C is rated IP67 compared to 512T’s IPX8 rating.
This means the 510C is resistant to temporary water immersion of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes while the 512T can be submerged deeper than 1 meter.
Window Size
Something we want to highlight about both optics is their window size. Both the 512T and 510C have a window size of 0.91”x1.26”. This size helps with quick target acquisition.
Battery and Battery Life
Both the 510C and 512T share a similar battery life of 50k hours, and since both have a muti-reticle system, the battery life will range based on the reticle setting (circle, dot, or circle and dot) you use most frequently. This places the battery life for both optics in a range of 20k to 50k hours.
The most notable difference when it comes to the battery on these optics is how they are accessed. The Holosun 512T uses a quick release latch for battery access.
The 510C requires a torx (tool included) to access the battery tray.
Solar Failsafe
A feature on both the Holosun 510C and the 512T is the solar failsafe. This takes the form of a solar panel that keeps the optic operational if the battery dies. The Holosun 510C has the solar panel behind the hood where the emitter is located. The 512T has the solar panel on the top of the hood
Brightness Settings
The Holosun 510C and the Holosun 512T have the same number of brightness settings: 10 for daylight and 2 night vision compatible, 12 all together. The brightness of these optics can easily be adjusted.
Both also have manual or auto brightness settings.
Button Placement
Both optics have a plus(+) and a minus(-) button on the left side of the housing. These two buttons allow you to toggle through brightness settings and reticle options. You can cycle through the reticle pattern by holding down the minus(-) button for three seconds and then pressing and holding to cycle to the next option.
Shake Awake
Both the Holosun 510C and 512T use Holosun’s patented Shake Awake Technology. This tech automatically turns off the optic after a period of inactivity and turns it back on when the optic detects movement.
This feature can be deactivated, causing the optic to stay on until you manually turn it off. When on, there are three settings you can choose between on both optics for the sleep timer: 10 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours.
Which One Do I Buy?
Now, when it comes to the Holosun 510C vs. 512T which one is right for you? This comes down to preference. Let’s look at the main deciding factors which include price, similarities, and differences.
Price
The Holosun 510C is the more affordable option out of the two and comes with more options since it also comes in FDE. Here is a breakdown of the pricing:
Holosun 510C:
- Holosun HS510C Red Dot: $309.99
- Holosun HS510C Green Dot: $339.99
- Holosun HS510C Red Dot (FDE): $309.99
- Holosun HS510C Green Dot (FDE): $339.99
- Holosun HS510C Red Dot + HM3X Magnifier Combo Pack: $484.99
- Holosun HS510C Green Dot + HM3X Magnifier Combo Pack: $514.99
Holosun 512T:
- Holosun 512T Red Dot + HM3XT Magnifier Combo Pack: $799.98
- Holosun 512T Green Dot + HM3XT Magnifier Combo Pack: $829.98
Similarities
- Both have Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology with four settings: 10 minutes, 1 hour, 12 hours, or OFF
- Both have a 2 MOA Dot and 65 MOA Circle with the option to toggle between just the dot, just the circle, or both circle and dot.
- Both have a solar failsafe
- Both come in red or green colored reticles
- Both have the same window size of 0.91”x1.26”
- Although not the exact same size, both are very similar in size
Differences
- The 510C is an open emitter while the 512T is an enclosed emitter
- 510C has a quick release mount for quick detachment and the 512T requires a tool to loosen the optic from the rail.
- The 512T has a quick side access battery that doesn’t require tools while the 510C requires a tool to access or change the battery.
- 512T is nearly twice the weight of the 510C
- The Holosun 510C has an aluminum housing and titanium hood while the 512T is completely made of Grade 5 Titanium making it extremely durable
- Holosun 512T has a higher submersion rating of IPX8 compared to the 510C’s rating of IP67.
- Both are available in Black, but the 510C is also available in Flat Dark Earth
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Starts at $309.99
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Starts at $499.99
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Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this comparison article helpful at deciding which red dot rifle optic is right for you: the Holosun 510C vs. 512T.
As you can see the biggest differences are going to be that the 510C is an open emitter and the 512T is an enclosed emitter, making it bulkier. The housing of the 512T is also made completely of Grade 5 titanium making it more durable and heavier than the 510C which is made mostly of 6061-T6 aluminum with a hood made of titanium. The 512T is a great an alternative to an Eotech or an Holosun AEMS if you wanted extreme durability.
The 510C uses a latch for quick mounting and dismounting of the optic while the 512T uses a clamp that requires a torx tool to mount and remove. Side battery trays are used for both optics, but the 512T uses a latch for quick access to the battery while the 510C requires a torx tool to access the battery.
Both come with shake awake technology, have 12 brightness settings (2NV and 10DL), 20k to 50k hours of battery life, solar failsafe, MRS (2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle), and come in black with an option of a red reticle or a green reticle. The 510C also comes in a Flat Dark Earth housing color.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
Thanks for reading!
