Thermal imaging is an incredibly powerful technology, whether it’s getting used for hog hunting, tracking fugitives from a helicopter, or locating enemy troops on a battlefield. It illuminates warm-blooded creatures immediately, even in the event that they’re visually camouflaged and motionless. At SHOT Show 2023 this week, Holosun unveiled an exciting latest hybrid optic called the Holosun DRS (Digital Reflex Sight) that integrates a thermal or digital night vision overlay onto a typical red dot. Although it is not ready for retail release yet, there are a handful of prototypes undergoing testing, and we got our hands on each variants on the SHOT Show Range Day. Before we go on, enroll for our free email newsletter to not sleep so far on all the newest gear and emergency preparedness info!
Holosun DRS Red Dot Hybrid Optic
The latest Holosun DRS (formerly generally known as the DMS in its prototype phase) appears to be based on the favored Holosun AEMS, a compact, enclosed-emitter red dot with flip-down lens covers. However, on this case the front cover is opaque as an alternative of clear. When it’s flipped down, the optic works identical to a traditional red dot with adjustable brightness and Holosun’s selectable dot or circle-dot reticles.
When the front lens cover is flipped up, you possibly can press a button to activate the DRS’s secondary optical system, which will probably be projected onto the black window behind the red dot reticle. Since the red dot is independent of the background image, the optic maintains the identical zero in any respect times, day or night.
DRS Versions
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We checked out two Holosun DRS sub-models, each with a unique secondary overlay:
- DRS-TH – Thermal optic with various image modes
- DRS-NV – Digital night vision camera (think along the identical lines because the Sionyx Aurora Pro) with infrared illuminator
DRS Capabilities
The red dot and secondary thermal or NV optic are independent of each other, so throughout the day you possibly can leave the secondary optic disabled to conserve battery life. Speaking of batteries, the unit is powered by two 18350 rechargeable lithium batteries, which may be charged directly contained in the DRS optic via a built-in USB port on the fitting side of the housing.
That USB port also offers the power to stream footage to a secondary screen in real-time, so you can connect your DRS to a tablet and use it to look at a static position without getting behind the weapon.
DRS Performance
Initial performance impressions were good, with a transparent image and fast refresh rate. The DRS-NV image appeared somewhat dim during our morning trip to the range, but that is comprehensible resulting from the intense daylight conditions; it ought to be much easier to see at nighttime conditions it was designed for. The DRS-TH showed body heat prominently within the daylight, with a brilliant red dot on top.
Holosun hasn’t finalized the designs and features of those optics, but we’re told the DRS-NV ought to be priced under $1,000. That’s impressive considering an AEMS red dot is sort of half that without the additional optical system on top. As for the thermal DRS-TH, there will probably be a typical model available for about $1,600 and a premium, higher-resolution DRS-TH Pro model available for about $2,300. We’ll keep you posted once we’ve more details about availability, and we’re already planning a radical review as soon as final production samples can be found from Holosun.
Update: Holosun Wins “Best of SHOT Show 2023” Award
After walking through the manufacturer booths at SHOT Show 2023, the Recoil staff discussed which product would win their “Best of Show” award. Since the Holosun DRS brings advanced thermal and night vision technology to the buyer market at an attainable price, our editors agreed it should receive this coveted title. Check out the video below from RecoilTV to look at the award announcement:
FAQ
- Q: When will the Holosun Thermal DRS be released?
A: Their has not been an official announcement, but there is concept that it’s going to release Q4 of 2023. - Q: How much does a Holosun Thermal DRS cost?
A: As of October 2023, the DRS-TH remains to be expected to cost about $1,599, and the the night vision version, the DRS-NV costs about $999. - Q: Is Holosun a Chinese company?
A: Holosun is a U.S. company; nevertheless, their manufacturing, like most U.S. based corporations, takes place in China. - Q: Which Holosun is utilized in the military?
A: Holosun is utilized by 1000’s of military and law enforcement personnel. According to some sources, the highest three models utilized in these professions are the 509T, the EPS, and the 508T.
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