Holosun AEMS Review: Is This the Best Enclosed Sight?

The red dot sight market keeps getting more crowded each year. But when Holosun launched their AEMS (Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight), people started paying serious attention. This compact powerhouse has become a favorite for AR-15 owners, PCC enthusiasts, and tactical shotgun users across the country.

Based on extensive research and user feedback, we're taking a deep dive into what makes the AEMS special. Does it live up to the hype? Is it worth your hard-earned cash? Let's find out if this might be your next optic upgrade.

What Is the Holosun AEMS?

The AEMS (Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight) represents Holosun's answer to shooters wanting something between bulky holographic sights and tiny micro dots. When Holosun announced this optic, they created quite a buzz with an aggressive marketing campaign that promised big performance in a small package.

With a price tag around $399, the AEMS sits in the mid-range optic category - not budget, but not breaking the bank either. You can find it at retailers like Primary Arms, Brownells, and Sportsman's Guide, often with occasional sales that make it even more attractive.

Compact Yet Powerful – The Size Advantage

Size matters when you're mounting gear on your firearm, and the AEMS gets this equation right. This little powerhouse measures just 2.2 inches long, 1.4 inches wide, and 2.59 inches tall. Those numbers might not mean much until you compare them to the competition.

At just 3.9 ounces, the AEMS weighs less than half of an EOTech XPS2's 9 ounces! That weight difference becomes noticeable after a long day at the range or during extended field use.

But here's the impressive part - despite its compact size, the AEMS offers a generous square window measuring 1.1 inches by 0.87 inches. The EOTech XPS2 has a slightly larger window at 1.2 by 0.8 inches, but the overall optic is much bigger (3.8 inches long, 2.1 inches wide). 

The AEMS delivers nearly the same sight picture in a package that's significantly smaller and lighter. That's engineering done right.

If you’re weighing whether the AEMS is right for you, it helps to see how it stacks up against other setups. Our overview of the best AR-15 optics covers everything from entry-level to advanced options.

Why the Square Window Matters

"Why not just use a tube-style red dot?" Good question! Square-shaped windows offer distinct advantages that tube designs can't match.

First, that squared-off design provides a wider field of view. Yes, many people shoot with both eyes open. It makes field of view less critical for standard range work. But try shooting around barriers, from awkward positions, or through tight spaces - suddenly that extra viewing area becomes invaluable.

USPSA PCC competitors know this well. Watch top shooters making those yoga-like contortions around stages, and you'll spot many using square-window optics. The design lets you find your dot faster from odd angles and unconventional shooting positions.

The square window also helps during transitional shooting. Moving between multiple targets becomes smoother because you can track your reticle movement more easily across that wider viewing area.

For those using night vision gear, square windows typically offer better compatibility too. Trying to align your eye through two tubes (your NOD and a circular red dot) can get frustrating fast.

Key Features of the Holosun AEMS

Shake Awake Technology

Ever forget to turn off your optic and come back to a dead battery? The AEMS has you covered. Its shake awake technology automatically powers down after periods of inactivity, then instantly springs back to life when it detects movement.

The optic remembers your last brightness setting too, so you're ready to go exactly as you left it. This feature alone saves batteries and eliminates that sinking feeling of picking up your gun only to find a dead optic.

Solar Failsafe

On top of the AEMS sits a solar panel that acts as a backup power source. This isn't just for sunny days at the range - it works under indoor lighting too, though not as efficiently. However, solar is not as reliable in low-light conditions, so it's important to carry spare batteries.

If your battery dies unexpectedly, the solar panel keeps your reticle visible. It's like having a backup generator for your optic. Smart design for serious users who can't afford equipment failures.

Multi-Reticle System

The AEMS comes with three reticle options:

• A precise 2 MOA dot
• A large 65 MOA circle
• Both combined (the most versatile choice)

Switching between them is simple using the optic's buttons. The combined circle-dot configuration gives you speed at close range thanks to the large circle, plus precision at distance with the center dot.

For shotgun users, the 65 MOA circle works beautifully for visualizing buckshot patterns. You can quickly learn where your pattern will land at various distances by relating it to that circle size.

Manual & Auto Brightness Control

With eight daylight brightness settings and four night vision compatible settings, the AEMS adapts to any lighting condition. You can set it manually or let the auto-adjustment handle things.

One thing to note: the auto-adjust feature doesn't work perfectly with weapon lights. When you activate a bright weapon light in a dark environment, the sensor reads the ambient light level rather than what you're seeing through the optic. For tactical applications, manual adjustment remains the better choice.

Battery Life

How does 50,000 hours of runtime sound? That's over five years of continuous use from a single CR2032 battery. Combined with the shake awake feature, most users will measure battery life in years, not hours or days.

Mounting Options and Drawbacks

Now for one downside - the AEMS uses a proprietary mounting system. The included mount provides a lower 1/3 co-witness height for AR-platform rifles, which works great for most users.

But if you want to mount it at a different height or on a non-standard platform, options are currently limited. This breaks from Holosun's previous practice of using industry-standard mounting patterns like those from Aimpoint or Trijicon.

Holosun promises more mounting options in the future, but as of now, the selection remains restricted. For users with specialized needs, this could be a dealbreaker.

Zeroing Experience

The AEMS makes zeroing straightforward with its included adjustment tool. The slotted, uncapped turrets deliver precise 0.5 MOA clicks that feel tactile and positive.

User reports confirm that zeroing doesn't require excessive rounds or adjustments. Many owners report achieving a solid zero with just 9 rounds, using a 3-round group, making adjustments, firing another group, and then confirming with a final group.

For AR-15 platforms, a 50-yard zero works well, letting the user take advantage of the AEMS's reticle features for holdovers at extended ranges. PCC users often prefer a 25-yard zero given the ballistic limitations of pistol calibers.

Even on hard-recoiling platforms like tactical shotguns, users report the zero holds rock-solid. The turret adjustments prove true to their 0.5 MOA specification. It makes math-based zeroing predictable and efficient.

Range Performance and Field Testing

Lens Clarity and Durability

The AEMS features excellent glass clarity that users consistently praise. Even better, it comes with built-in flip-up lens covers that are transparent. You can leave these closed during use for extra protection without compromising your sight picture.

Should these covers become damaged, Holosun offers replacements - a thoughtful touch for an item likely to see hard use. Many users report keeping the covers closed except when using a magnifier.

On Shotguns

Shotgun owners love pairing the AEMS with tactical scatterguns like the M&P 12. The 65 MOA circle reticle serves as an excellent reference for buckshot patterns at various distances.

User feedback confirms the optic handles punishing shotgun recoil without losing zero or experiencing failures. Rapid target transitions with buckshot become much more intuitive than with traditional bead sights.

On PCCs and AR-15s

The AEMS really shines on modern sporting rifles and PCCs. The combined circle-dot reticle makes failure drills (two to the body, one to the head) fast and intuitive. The large outer circle gets you on target quickly, then the precise center dot lets you refine your aim for accuracy.

Box drills and target transitions benefit from the square window design. Tracking your reticle as you move between targets becomes second nature, and users report their split times improving after switching to the AEMS.

At close range, the bottom portion of the reticle helps compensate for mechanical offset (the height difference between your barrel and optic). This means accurate shots even at extremely close distances which is a common challenge for red dot users.

Short & Long Range Engagements

For close-quarters work, the large 65 MOA circle gets you on target instantly. Users report making consistent T-zone headshots at close range thanks to the intuitive reticle design.

At extended ranges, the AEMS continues to perform. On 5.56mm platforms, users report consistent hits on 10-inch targets at 100 yards during rapid fire. The crisp 2 MOA dot provides enough precision without obscuring targets at distance.

For PCC users, the circle can serve as a ballistic reference. The space between the center dot and the bottom of the circle helps estimate holdovers for 9mm at 100 yards, where drop becomes significant.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The AEMS boasts impressive durability specs, including:

• IPX8 waterproof rating (submersible beyond 1 meter)
• Shock resistance rated for 1000Gs

These aren't just numbers on paper. User reports confirm the optic performs flawlessly in rain, humidity, and rough handling. The huge adjustment buttons remain easy to manipulate even with gloves or in adverse conditions.

The housing itself feels solid without adding unnecessary weight. The anodized aluminum construction balances durability with practical weight considerations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely wide field of view in a compact package
• Shake awake technology eliminates dead batteries
• Solar backup power provides redundancy
• 50,000-hour battery life
• Multiple reticle options for different applications
• Performs equally well on rifles, PCCs, and shotguns
• Rock-solid durability and weatherproofing
• Transparent flip covers protect lenses without hindering use

Cons

• Proprietary mount limits mounting options
• $400 price point higher than early Holosun optics
• Large Holosun logos on both sides feel like billboards
• Auto-brightness doesn't work optimally with weapon lights
• Currently limited to lower 1/3 co-witness height

Is the Holosun AEMS Worth It?

At around $400, the AEMS costs more than budget red dots but less than premium options like EOTech or Aimpoint. For that price, you get features that match or exceed those higher-priced competitors.

Competition shooters appreciate its wide field of view and quick target acquisition. Home defense users value its bombproof durability and never-dead battery system. Tactical users benefit from its night vision compatibility and clear glass.

Compared to an EOTech XPS2 at $500+ or an Aimpoint T2 at $700+, the AEMS represents excellent value. You get nearly all the performance at a significantly lower price point.

The only users who might pause are those needing specialized mounting solutions. Until Holosun expands their mounting options, some niche applications may be better served by optics with more established mounting patterns.

While the AEMS shines in its feature set, some shooters may prefer simpler options. Our budget red dot guide highlights models that balance price with reliability.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

So is the Holosun AEMS the best enclosed sight available today? Based on extensive research and user feedback, it makes an extremely strong case.

The AEMS combines the best features of much larger, more expensive optics into a compact, lightweight package. It offers an exceptional field of view, multiple reticle options, bullet-proof durability, and smart power management.

Yes, the proprietary mount presents limitations, and the price sits higher than budget options. But considering the performance and feature set, these drawbacks seem minor for most users.

For anyone seeking a do-it-all enclosed red dot that balances size, weight, features, and cost, the AEMS deserves a spot at the top of your list. It's not just another red dot - it's a glimpse at where optics technology is headed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Holosun AEMS be used with magnifiers?

Yes, the AEMS works great with magnifiers. Just flip open the rear lens cover for optimal clarity. The square window design pairs especially well with 3x and 5x magnifiers.

How does the AEMS compare to an EOTech?

The AEMS offers a similar field of view in a smaller, lighter package at a lower price point. EOTech has a slight edge in reticle crispness, but the AEMS counters with better battery life, solar backup, and more reticle options.

Does the AEMS work with night vision?

Absolutely. The AEMS includes four dedicated night vision settings that provide appropriate brightness without washing out your NODs. Users report excellent compatibility with various night vision systems.

Can I mount the AEMS on a pistol?

The AEMS is designed for rifles, PCCs, and shotguns. Its footprint is too large for most pistol mounting systems. For handguns, consider Holosun's dedicated pistol optics like the 507C or 509T.

How long does the auto-shutoff take to activate?

The shake awake feature can be programmed for different timeframes, typically between 10 minutes and 12 hours of inactivity. Once set, the optic powers down after that period and instantly reactivates with movement.

Is the AEMS compatible with AR-15 iron sights?

With the included mount, the AEMS provides a lower 1/3 co-witness with standard-height AR-15 iron sights. This means you can see your iron sights through the bottom third of the optic window as a backup.