Preface
I’ve jumped into the red dot world with both feet at this point, and fully embraced optics ready handguns. This has resulted in a wide variety of red dots making their way into my collection, and today I am bringing another one to you. Today’s subject is the new Holosun SCS Carry red dot.
The SCS Carry Red Dot is a compact RMS-C sized red dot that will fit onto compatible footprints. Like other Holosun K optics, this red dot is ideal for compact carry guns. But this little unit has some additional features you’re going to like, as did I.
The Holosun SCS Carry Red Dot
The SCS (Solar Charging Sight) uses solar energy to power itself for an indefinite period of time. Perhaps in the dystopian future, in the fight against the machines, someone will find one of my old pistols discovering a curious green glow.
The SCS Carry has an internal rechargeable battery good for over 20,000 hours. And since it is constantly recharged by the solar cell on top of the unit, you can count on it outlasting your ammo supply. In addition to the power cell, the SCS uses multi-directional light sensors to adjust reticle brightness depending on ambient light.
Holosun is very popular for their reticle options, and this one is no different. The SCS comes with a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle around it. I like this pattern and have used it extensively in my Holosun 507 Comp red dot on another gun. This model also features an enclosed emitter for reliability, as well as a notched base to stand-in as a rear sight.
Other traditional Holosun red dot features are also incorporated, things like the 1X magnification, lens coatings, unlimited eye relief, and parallax free viewing.
Holosun SCS Specifications
OPTICAL SPECS
| Reticle | 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle |
| Light Wavelength | 540nm |
| Reticle Color | Green |
| Parallax Free | Yes |
| Unlimited Eye Relief | Yes |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Multi-Coatings | Yes |
PHYSICAL SPECS
| Window Size | 0.90Ć0.63 |
| Dimension (in) | 1.6×0.98×0.95 |
| Weight (oz) | 1.05 |
MECHANICAL SPECS
| Housing Material | 7075 T6 Aluminum |
| Surface Finish | Anodize |
| Adjustment per Click | 1.5 MOA |
| W&E Travel Range | Ā±30 MOA |
ENVIRONMENT SPECS
| Storage Temperature | -40ā~70ā |
| Working Temperature | -30ā~60ā |
| Submersion | IPX8 |
| Vibration | 5000G |
Assorted Models
Aside from the model shown here today, there are also other models of the SCS Carry. There is a non-enclosed emitter version that is less obtrusive and surely lighter. And there are also firearms specific models as well, with SCS Carry dots made to fit: Smith & Wesson, Walther, Sig Sauer, H&K, and CZ pistols respectively. These custom fitting sights likely reduce your need to use adaptor plates, and other mounting hardware. Both simplifying the install, as well as reducing the weight of your CCW handgun. The SCS family also incorporates Holosun’s Super LED technology, matching visual wavelengths of light best seen by most eyes.
Mounting the Holosun SCS Carry
Mounting the SCS Carry was easy using the provided tools and fasteners. I chose my Taurus TX 22 Toro as a host for the SCS, mainly because it was available and needed a red dot. In addition to that situation, the TX 22 is an incredibly fun gun to shoot, you can read more about it here.
I lined up the reticle as best I could while torqueing down the mounting screws. This would help reduce the adjustment needed to zero the optic, and with a few clicks it co-witnessed perfectly with the iron sights. I could adjust it a little more once on the range. I also appreciated that they kept the base thin enough to still be able to see my iron sights through the optic.
After mounting, I took a moment to go through the operating instructions. Its convenient to not worry about brightness settings, and I was amazed at the instant adjustment of the auto-brightness controls.
Shooting the Holosun SCS Carry red dot
Once in my shooting spot, I started loading magazines to pour a fresh layer of lead on my targets. The bright green reticle of the SCS was easy to see even in the bright mid-day sun. After a couple adjustments, it was dead on. We spent the afternoon burning through ammo, and drawing down on targets.
I also keep that pistol close during hunting season. Its always nice to have a suppressed 22 handy for quietly dispatching pests without scaring away the elk and deer. It also gave me something to do around camp, plugging mice in the dark with a Surefire X300 weapon light attached to the pistol.
Shootability
I like the big-windowed red dots, so it was a little bit more restrictive using the smaller window of the SCS. That is of course to be expected with a smaller optic, it also requires you to be a little bit more judicious when presenting the pistol, making sure it’s lined up. The SCS Carry is ideal for a carry sized pistol, its width is similar to many compact guns, and its edges aren’t snaggy.
The enclosed emitter is nice, as it keeps debris from getting between the lens and the LED. I did notice a tiny bit of blur when shooting, though I’m not sure if it was due to looking through two pieces of glass or something else. I know most of these optics are supposed to be parallax free, but occasionally it feels like maybe they aren’t. Or perhaps my eyes are starting to go…
Either way, the SCS Carry was great for shooting. Always ready, always on.
Reliability
Which brings us to our next point, in all my shooting the SCS was fixed in its place. Never did I have the need to re-zero or adjust anything. Nor did I have any issues with the controls. Its simple, which I have on good authority is good for stupid’s like me.
Being exposed to freezing temps, vibrating for miles and miles on ATV’s didn’t slow down the SCS Carry. The only maintenance needed was to clean the front lens occasionally due to suppressed shooting.
Accuracy
As I mentioned already, I never had to readjust the SCS Carry. It maintained zero throughout all this. While the recoil of the TX22 is not as significant as some of your spicy CCW 9mm pistols, it still endured lots of shooting. Maintaining zero is very important for all sights, but particularly for CCW sights.
Also I mentioned window size and my preferences. Training with what you are going to carry and shoot is probably more important than preferences. And shooting accurately with the Holosun SCS Carry was perfectly attainable with proper practice. The reticle details also gives you a few advantages as well.
The MRS from Holosun is a nice customizable feature, the Multiple Reticle System gives you options. You can select just the 2 MOA dot for more precise shooting, or you can use just the circle to bracket targets. Or a combination of the two if you choose.
Value
There are untold hordes of red dot sights on the market now, making it very competitive. I can appreciate that Holosun’s Optics have maintained a great position of authority in that market. They continually push the boundaries, innovating and bringing new features and options. Basically they seem to be the ones to beat. The Holosun SCS Carry line of red dots are not the most affordable red dots made by Holosun, but I wouldn’t expect a dedicated CCW sight to be so. Sure you can get cheaper red dots, even from Holosun. But the feature-rich and maintenance-free SCS Carry is well worth the extra cheddar in my opinion. If you’re looking for a good sight for your CCW pistol, the street price between $350 and $400 for these is a great choice. It’s no surprise they have a “best rated” tag on Optics Planet.
Pros and Cons
There was very little I could come up with that I didn’t like about the Holosun SCS Carry red dot. I’d mentioned earlier some possible blurriness, though I’m not sure if its me, dirty lenses, or something else. It was certainly not enough for me to worry about.
Everything else about the SCS Carry was great for me. I love the simple operation, never needing to worry if it’s on, or having to adjust the brightness when I go indoors or out. It fits a wide variety of guns, it’s emitter is enclosed for less cleaning and maintenance, and I like the bigger reticle. And it comes with most everything you need to mount and adjust it, adding to my collection of red dot mounting hardware and tools.
Conclusion
If you haven’t gathered by now, I think Holosun has hit the target with this little optic. It gives great performance with no complications. It adds just enough to your CCW pistol to be beneficial and give you the upper hand when aiming. While shopping for your next pistol sight, consider the Holosun SCS Carry as a solid option. I’m not sure if this one will stay on my 22, or if I’ll move it over to my CZ P-10S.
-CBM
