Which Enclosed EPS Optic Is Right for You?

The Holosun EPS and EPS Carry have become two of the most popular enclosed-emitter pistol optics available. The full-size EPS provides a larger viewing window, while the EPS Carry offers a smaller housing designed for slimline and subcompact pistols.

Holosun is now adding a third option to the family: Holosun EPS CORE.

The EPS CORE combines the large viewing window of the full-size EPS with a EPS Carry body intended for slim pistols. It also introduces a lower starting price, a new 3 MOA dot-only option and automatic brightness adjustment across the EPS CORE lineup.

However, the EPS CORE is not necessarily a replacement for the EPS or EPS Carry. Each optic serves a slightly different purpose, and there are important differences involving window size, mounting footprint, housing material, reticle options, overall dimensions and price.

In this comparison, we will explain what all three optics have in common, what makes the new EPS CORE different and which model makes the most sense for your pistol.

Starts at $229.99 Buy Holosun EPS CORE At The Best Price

Starts at $329.99 Buy Holosun EPS Carry At The Best Price

Starts at $329.99 Buy Holosun EPS At The Best Price

Holosun EPS CORE vs. EPS vs. EPS Carry: Quick Comparison

What Do the EPS CORE, EPS and EPS Carry Have in Common?

Before looking at the differences, it is important to understand how much these three optics share.

All three are part of the EPS enclosed-emitter family. Instead of leaving the LED emitter exposed like a traditional open reflex sight, the emitter is sealed inside the optic’s housing.

This helps prevent rain, dust, lint, dirt and other debris from blocking the emitter or interfering with the reticle. That makes all three optics excellent options for concealed carry, duty use and pistols that may be exposed to difficult environmental conditions.

Shake Awake

All three optics use Holosun’s Shake Awake technology.

When the optic remains still, the reticle can automatically turn off to preserve battery life. As soon as the firearm moves, the optic turns back on and returns to its previous brightness setting.

This allows the optic to remain ready without requiring the shooter to manually turn it on every time the pistol is carried or removed from storage.

Side-Loading CR1620 Battery

The EPS CORE, EPS and EPS Carry all use a side-loading CR1620 battery tray.

The side tray allows the battery to be replaced without removing the optic from the slide. Because the optic does not need to be removed during a normal battery change, you are less likely to disturb the mounting screws or lose your zero.

Holosun lists up to 50,000 hours of battery life at brightness setting six when using the dot-only reticle. Actual battery life can vary depending on brightness, reticle selection, environmental conditions and how frequently the optic is activated.

Twelve Brightness Settings

Each optic provides 12 brightness settings:

• Eight daylight settings
• Four night vision-compatible settings

All three families also include manual brightness control, memory, automatic shutoff and Lockout Mode.

Lockout Mode helps prevent an accidental button press from changing the optic’s settings while it is being carried or used.

Red, Green and Gold Reticle Options

The EPS CORE, EPS and EPS Carry are all available with red, green and gold reticles.

This gives shooters the ability to select the reticle color that is easiest for them to see based on personal preference, eyesight and shooting environment.

Multi-Reticle System Options

All three optic families are available with Holosun’s Multi-Reticle System.

The MRS models use a standard Holosun reticle configuration consisting of:

• A 2 MOA center dot
• A 32 MOA circle
• A 2 MOA dot with the 32 MOA circle

The shooter can cycle between the three reticle choices depending on whether they prefer a simple precision dot, a large circle for faster acquisition or the complete circle-dot combination.

Solar Failsafe on MRS Models

The Multi-Reticle System versions of all three optics include a top-mounted solar panel and Solar Failsafe.

The solar system provides supplemental power and works with the optic’s light sensor in changing lighting conditions.

The standard dot-only EPS and EPS Carry models do not include a solar panel. The dot-only EPS CORE also does not include a solar panel, but it still has a forward-facing light sensor.

IPX8 Waterproofing and 5000G Vibration Rating

All three optics have an IPX8 waterproof rating and a listed 5000G vibration resistance rating.

Although the housing materials are different, Holosun designed each model to withstand recoil, moisture and demanding everyday use.

The Biggest Difference: Window Size and Overall Housing

The most noticeable difference between these optics is the size of the viewing window.

The Holosun EPS CORE and full-size EPS both have a window measuring:

0.90" × 0.63"

The smaller EPS Carry has a window measuring:

0.77" × 0.58"

Based on the listed rectangular measurements, the EPS CORE and full-size EPS provide approximately 27% more viewing area than the EPS Carry.

A larger viewing window gives the shooter more room to locate and track the reticle. It can be especially helpful when presenting the pistol quickly, shooting from an awkward position or recovering the dot during recoil.

This is one of the main reasons the EPS CORE exists. Many shooters like the compact-pistol application of the EPS Carry but want a larger window that is more forgiving during presentation.

Is the EPS CORE the Size of an EPS Carry?

In some ways, yes.

The EPS CORE starts with a base that is similar in size to the EPS Carry, which allows it to use a true RMSc footprint and mount more naturally on slimline and subcompact pistol slides.

However, the housing widens as it moves upward toward the viewing window. This flared or curved upper section gives the EPS CORE enough room to use the same 0.90" × 0.63" window as the full-size EPS.

The easiest way to think about it is that the EPS CORE has an EPS Carry-style base with a full-size EPS-style top and viewing window.

This design gives shooters the mounting benefits of a smaller RMSc-style base while still providing the larger and more forgiving sight picture of the full-size EPS.

Because the upper housing widens around the window, some overhang may still be visible on especially narrow slides. However, the base itself should fit the slide more naturally than mounting a full-size K-footprint EPS with an additional adapter plate.

The exact appearance and amount of overhang will depend on the width and shape of the individual pistol slide.

True RMSc Footprint vs. Holosun K Footprint

Another major difference is the mounting footprint.

The EPS and EPS Carry use Holosun’s K footprint, sometimes described as a modified RMSc footprint.

The K footprint uses the same screw spacing as RMSc, but it removes the rear recoil-lug pockets and is designed around shortened front recoil lugs. Because of those differences, a K-footprint optic may require an adapter plate when installed on a slide with a true RMSc cut.

The EPS CORE instead uses a true RMSc footprint.

That means the EPS CORE can mount directly to many RMSc-cut pistols without the adapter plate normally needed by the EPS or EPS Carry.

Examples include the Glock 43X MOS, Glock 48 MOS and Springfield Armory Hellcat.

Can the EPS CORE Fit a Holosun K Cut?

Yes the EPS Core can fit on any slide or adapter plate for the Holosun K footprint optics. So if you already have a Holosun 407K, 507K, SCS Carry, EPS Carry, or EPS, then the EPS Core will fit.

Reticle Options

All three optic families offer Multi-Reticle System models as well as simpler dot-only models.

EPS CORE Reticle Options

The EPS CORE is available in two reticle configurations:

• Multi-Reticle System
• 3 MOA dot only

Both configurations are available in red, green and gold.

The EPS CORE MRS uses Holosun’s standard Multi-Reticle System. The shooter can select a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle or the complete 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle combination.

The dot-only EPS CORE uses a 3 MOA reticle.

A 3 MOA dot provides a middle ground between the smaller 2 MOA dot and the larger 6 MOA dot. It is slightly easier to locate than a 2 MOA dot while remaining more precise than a 6 MOA dot at longer distances.

EPS and EPS Carry Reticle Options

The full-size EPS and EPS Carry provide three reticle configurations:

• Multi-Reticle System
• 2 MOA dot only
• 6 MOA dot only

The MRS versions use the same 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle configuration as the EPS CORE MRS.

The 2 MOA dot is the most precision-oriented choice. It covers less of the target and can be useful for shooters who prioritize accuracy at longer distances.

The 6 MOA dot is larger and generally easier to locate quickly, making it a popular option for concealed carry, defensive shooting and shooters who prefer a bold and highly visible aiming point.

The EPS CORE does not currently offer separate 2 MOA and 6 MOA dot-only models. Its single-reticle option is the new 3 MOA dot.

Automatic Brightness and the Forward-Facing Light Sensor

The EPS CORE introduces another important difference: every EPS CORE model has a forward-facing light sensor.

On the standard 3 MOA model, the sensor automatically adjusts reticle brightness based on the lighting conditions in front of the shooter. This is available even though the 3 MOA version does not have a solar panel.

The EPS CORE MRS adds Solar Failsafe to the forward-facing light sensor and automatic-brightness system.

With the full-size EPS and EPS Carry, the forward-facing light sensor, automatic brightness and Solar Failsafe are limited to the MRS versions. The standard 2 MOA and 6 MOA versions rely on manually selected brightness settings.

This makes the EPS CORE 3 MOA especially interesting. It gives the shooter automatic brightness without requiring the more expensive solar-equipped MRS configuration.

A forward-facing sensor can also respond more appropriately when the shooter is standing in a dark location and aiming into a brighter environment. Instead of measuring only the lighting around the optic, the sensor can account for the light closer to the target.

Shooters who prefer complete control can still use the manual brightness settings.

6061 vs. 7075 Aluminum Housing

The lower price of the EPS CORE involves a tradeoff.

The EPS CORE uses a 6061 aluminum housing, while the EPS and EPS Carry use stronger 7075-T6 aluminum housings.

7075 aluminum generally provides greater strength and impact resistance than 6061 aluminum. This gives the original EPS and EPS Carry an advantage for shooters who prioritize maximum housing durability.

That does not automatically mean the EPS CORE is fragile.

6061 aluminum is commonly used in accessories and other products that must balance durability, weight, machinability and cost. The EPS CORE also maintains the same listed IPX8 waterproof rating and 5000G vibration resistance as the other EPS models.

However, the difference in material should still be considered. Shooters selecting an optic for demanding duty use, frequent impact exposure or the harshest possible conditions will prefer the additional strength of the 7075 housing.

There is also more glass area in the EPS CORE than in the EPS Carry. A larger window provides a better sight picture, but it also means there is physically more lens surface exposed to a possible impact.

At this point, it would be premature to claim that the EPS CORE window is more likely to break. Long-term durability and independent impact testing will provide a better answer once the optic has been used extensively in the real world.

Size and Weight Differences

The EPS CORE and full-size EPS both weigh approximately 1.4 ounces.

The EPS Carry weighs approximately 1.23 ounces, making it the lightest option in the comparison.

The EPS Carry is also the narrowest because of the EPS CORE's larger top.

• EPS CORE width: 1.18 inches
• Full-size EPS width: 1.19 inches
• EPS Carry width: 1.07 inches

Those who prioritize the smallest and narrowest possible enclosed optic may still prefer the EPS Carry.

Those who prioritize a larger and more forgiving viewing window may prefer the EPS CORE or full-size EPS.

Price Difference

Price is one of the strongest arguments for the new EPS CORE.

Current EPS CORE pricing ranges from approximately:

• $229.99 for the 3 MOA version
• Up to $299.99 for the green MRS version

By comparison, the EPS and EPS Carry generally range from approximately:

• $344.99 for select 2 MOA and 6 MOA versions
• Up to $429.99 for the green MRS versions

Depending on the exact color and reticle, the EPS CORE can cost approximately $100 to $130 less than an EPS or EPS Carry.

There are other enclosed pistol optics from other brands available near the EPS CORE’s price, but many do not include the same combination of features.

Even the basic EPS CORE provides:

• A full-size viewing window
• An enclosed emitter
• Automatic brightness
• A forward-facing light sensor
• Shake Awake
• Manual brightness control
• Lockout Mode
• A side-loading battery
• 12 brightness settings
• Four night vision-compatible settings
• IPX8 waterproofing
• A true RMSc footprint
• Red, green and gold reticle choices

The MRS version adds the selectable 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle reticle system along with Solar Failsafe while remaining priced below many existing premium enclosed optics.

Holosun appears to be responding directly to demand for more affordable enclosed optics without removing many of the features that made its products popular.

Which Holosun EPS Should You Choose?

None of these optics is automatically better than the others. The best option depends on the pistol, intended use and features you value most.

Choose the Holosun EPS CORE If:

The EPS CORE makes the most sense when you want:

• A large full-size EPS window
• A true RMSc footprint
• Direct mounting on compatible slimline pistols
• Automatic brightness on a non-solar dot-only model
• A 3 MOA dot-only option
• A standard 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle MRS option
• A lower purchase price
• Red, green or gold reticle options

It fills the gap for shooters who want a large window on a compact or subcompact pistol but do not want to pay the full price of an EPS or EPS Carry.

Choose the Holosun EPS Carry If:

The EPS Carry makes the most sense when you want:

• The narrowest EPS housing
• The lightest EPS model
• A 7075-T6 aluminum housing
• A 2 MOA or 6 MOA dot-only option
• A standard MRS option
• An optic specifically designed around slimline and subcompact pistols
• Minimal physical width on the slide

The EPS Carry remains the better choice when keeping the optic as narrow and lightweight as possible is more important than maximizing window size.

Choose the Full-Size Holosun EPS If:

The full-size EPS makes the most sense when you want:

• A full-size viewing window
• A 7075-T6 aluminum housing
• A 2 MOA or 6 MOA dot-only option
• A standard MRS option
• An enclosed optic for a full-size or compact pistol
• Maximum housing strength within the standard EPS family

The full-size EPS remains an excellent choice for duty-size pistols, full-size handguns and shooters who want the larger window without moving to a 6061 housing.

Starts at $229.99 Buy Holosun EPS CORE At The Best Price

Starts at $329.99 Buy Holosun EPS Carry At The Best Price

Starts at $329.99 Buy Holosun EPS At The Best Price

Final Thoughts

The Holosun EPS CORE may be one of Holosun’s most important new pistol optics because it addresses several requests shooters have made for years.

People wanted a true RMSc footprint that could direct mount to more slimline pistols. They wanted the larger EPS window on compact and subcompact setups. They also wanted an enclosed optic at a more affordable price.

The EPS CORE addresses all three requests.

It delivers the same 0.90" × 0.63" window as the full-size EPS, automatic brightness across the lineup, a direct RMSc footprint and a starting price of approximately $229.99.

The EPS CORE MRS also retains the familiar Holosun Multi-Reticle System with a 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle and combined circle-dot option.

There are compromises.

The 6061 aluminum housing is not as strong as the 7075-T6 housing used by the EPS and EPS Carry. The EPS CORE is also nearly as wide as the full-size EPS, so it should not be presented as having the exact narrow body of the EPS Carry.

The EPS Carry remains the smallest and lightest option. The full-size EPS remains the stronger large-window option. The EPS CORE sits between them as the value-oriented choice for shooters who want a large window and better direct-mount compatibility on an RMSc-cut pistol.

Rather than making the EPS and EPS Carry obsolete, the EPS CORE gives shooters another option with a different balance of window size, mounting compatibility, durability and price.

For its intended customer, Holosun appears to have knocked this one out of the park.