Range Report: Optics Practice, 1/21/26

[BassCliff]

Hello everyone,

I am now the proud owner of two pistols with optics. I brought them both to the range today so that we can all get well acquainted. I enjoyed driving through our winter wonderland to get to the closer range. It's on the left, just beyond the intersection.

I had the range practically all to myself when I arrived so I made myself comfortable in my favorite lane #10.

The stars of our show today, and for the next few range trips, will be the XD9 Mod.3, sporting the Holosun HE507C-GR X2, along with the Echelon 4.5F Comp, sporting the Hex Wasp red dot.

I put 100 rounds of Blazer Brass 124 grain through each pistol today with no runs, drips, or errors. (I forgot that BB does not recommend this ammo for comp'd pistols. Oops.) I used 10-shot strings at 10 yards all session until the very last target. I started with the Echelon since I had just installed the (gear-up bundled) optic and given it a rough zero on my laser range the night before. I also shot this whole session without any corrective lenses. My normal shooting glasses have a "top focal" lens so that I can get a clear sight picture. But the optic allows my old eyes to see the dots pretty well. So, I should have no excuse, right? Well, my first target with the Echelon was so bad that I'm not even going to show it to you. I will tell you that there was only one hit in the black on the first B-8. Embarrassing even for me. Here's target #2.

At least I got a few more in the black on the second target. Here's target #3.

OK, I'm starting to get the hang of this setup. This is still a fairly new pistol for me and a brand new optic. I don't really care for this optic at all. I just may put another Holosun on this Echelon. Here's target #4, a modified 1/3 size USPSA silhouette. I added the heavier lines around the A box for my old eyes.

OK, it seems like my group is starting to tighten up. I'm going to stick on a 4" reactive circle and try to "aim small, miss small". Here's target #5

Oof. Only six hits on the bullseye area and four wide hits. Drat. This is where I usually switch pistols but I'm going to stick with the Echelon for one more target and try to get my ducks in a row. Here's another small silhouette for target #6.

If you'd be so kind as to give me a generous line break, there are only three hits outside the A box. OK, let's move on. We'll come back to the Echelon later. The first target with the Mod.3 was better than the first target with the Echelon, but I'm still not going to show it to you. Here's target #2 from the Mod.3.

Meh. All but one hit are pretty close to the A box. All but one of those hits was covered with a 4" reactive circle. But target #3 wasn't as impressive as I'd hoped.

Drat, half the hits were low off the circle. I can do better than that. For target #4 we get back to a good old fashioned B-8 center.

I guess that's a little better. There are five hits in one hole there by the number 10. Now that I'm getting warmed up, let's see if I can do better with target #5.

I'm going to take a line break and say they are all in the black. You could even say six hits in the 10 ring.

I'm going to split this post. I'll finish up below.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[BassCliff]

Hi! I'm back!

Now let's use an 8" reactive circle just for fun. Here's target #6 with the Mod.3.

More of a spread than I like but they're all in the 8 ring. Now let's try the same thing with the Echelon.

Well I'd say that's pretty respectable. I thought about adjusting the zero on this Hex Wasp but after this, I'm going to let it ride for a while. Let's patch this up and use the Mod.3 again.

Hmm, kinda funny. All the Echelon hits were on the left side and most of the Mod.3 hits are on the right. Maybe I should invest in a good pistol rest so that I can really zero these optics. We'll see. Let's patch this again and use the Echelon.

Ha! Look at that. All the hits are on the left half again. Let's try this one more time with the Mod.3.

I don't know what happened there. I got five hits right at the bullseye with the other five spread out all over creation. My blood sugar must be getting low. Tell you what, let's put up one last target and just go to town on it. I have 20 rounds left for each pistol. I'm going to alternate 10-shot strings with the pistols, all 40 hits on this target.

OK, nothing to write home about but, as quickly as I was shooting, I was doing some damage. I'm going to practice more with these pistols and optics, probably for the next three range trips. Hopefully we'll see some improvement. Next time I'll try my backpack as a rest and take some "me" out of adjusting for zero. Still, it was a fun session, practicing with new gear.

I packed up my kit and said my goodbyes. As I was leaving, this was the first time I noticed a new billboard right next to the range parking lot.

I don't know where "AgreeToAgree.org" got its data, but this government website disagrees:

The Major Causes of Death in Children and Adolescents in the United States - PMC

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

From the above nih.gov report: "Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for children and adolescents, representing 20% of all deaths; firearm-related injuries were the second leading cause of death, responsible for 15% of deaths. Among firearm deaths, 59% were homicides, 35% were suicides, and 4% were unintentional injuries (e.g., accidental discharge)."

Not to go off on a tangent, but this placement seemed purposeful and not entirely true. There are a lot of anti-2A people in this very hunter-friendly state. But I digress. I appreciate you guys stopping by to heckle me about my targets. Blessings to all.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[belladonna]

Great report as always, @BassCliff . It takes a while to learn to shoot well with an optic. I still shoot better with irons, IMHO, but I do want to become better with my optics. Consistent practice is the key...look who's talking .

 

[NMEDGE]

Good shooting Cliff. Optics, optics, who needs optics.

 

[Jester560]

I always enjoy your range reports....thank you!

Since I bought one recently, nice to see how well the Mod3 does. Still haven't shot mine.

Now just a bit of possible advice, if you are aiming a dot, you're doing it wrong. Focus on the target with both eyes open. Let the dot settle, in your field of vision, on the bullseye. It might help to cover the front of the optic with tape, shooting occluded. If you're doing it right, the dot will work as well as if it werent occluded.

 

[Mr. Untactical]

Hi! I'm back!

Now let's use an 8" reactive circle just for fun. Here's target #6 with the Mod.3.

More of a spread than I like but they're all in the 8 ring. Now let's try the same thing with the Echelon.

Well I'd say that's pretty respectable. I thought about adjusting the zero on this Hex Wasp but after this, I'm going to let it ride for a while. Let's patch this up and use the Mod.3 again.

Hmm, kinda funny. All the Echelon hits were on the left side and most of the Mod.3 hits are on the right. Maybe I should invest in a good pistol rest so that I can really zero these optics. We'll see. Let's patch this again and use the Echelon.

Ha! Look at that. All the hits are on the left half again. Let's try this one more time with the Mod.3.

I don't know what happened there. I got five hits right at the bullseye with the other five spread out all over creation. My blood sugar must be getting low. Tell you what, let's put up one last target and just go to town on it. I have 20 rounds left for each pistol. I'm going to alternate 10-shot strings with the pistols, all 40 hits on this target.

OK, nothing to write home about but, as quickly as I was shooting, I was doing some damage. I'm going to practice more with these pistols and optics, probably for the next three range trips. Hopefully we'll see some improvement. Next time I'll try my backpack as a rest and take some "me" out of adjusting for zero. Still, it was a fun session, practicing with new gear.

I packed up my kit and said my goodbyes. As I was leaving, this was the first time I noticed a new billboard right next to the range parking lot.

I don't know where "AgreeToAgree.org" got its data, but this government website disagrees:

The Major Causes of Death in Children and Adolescents in the United States - PMC

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

From the above nih.gov report: "Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for children and adolescents, representing 20% of all deaths; firearm-related injuries were the second leading cause of death, responsible for 15% of deaths. Among firearm deaths, 59% were homicides, 35% were suicides, and 4% were unintentional injuries (e.g., accidental discharge)."

Not to go off on a tangent, but this placement seemed purposeful and not entirely true. There are a lot of anti-2A people in this very hunter-friendly state. But I digress. I appreciate you guys stopping by to heckle me about my targets. Blessings to all.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Fantastic progression! Thank you for laying it out in such an organized fashion so we could follow along!

I enjoyed a recent range trip when we were down in NW FL for the holidays and used an "action" bay, which means I was outdoors and able to move, draw from the holster, transition between targets, etc. I alternated between my Echelon 4.0c Comp, which has the Holosun 407K x2 optic and my Walther PDP F-series (3.5") which has the C&H Precision EDC optic. Both are direct mount and, after spending a little time resetting zero (more on the Holosun, but the Echelon is my EDC now so maybe that's expected?), I feel like I had some pretty respectable results with both.

I'm sold on pistol optics and getting better with them. Most of the misses here were on transitions and when I ramped up my shot string time (i.e. fast follow-up shots) which is one of the wonderful things about an action bay. These were all 7-10 yards depending on what I was doing but most were from 7 (I think).

Interesting side note, I've had a Hex Dragonfly on my XDM Elite Tactical OSP since I got it, but I like it less and less every time I shoot with it. For one thing, it's "just a dot" (the Holosun and C&H Precision are both circle-dot reticles) and second, outdoors in the bright sunlight, I had to set the visibility so high to see it clearly the dot started "scattering." I've purchased an OSIGHT C multi-reticle optic (which I understand is made by Holosun) and it is arriving today. It should help overcome the brightness issue - so I'm told - by being both a circle-dot reticle AND green, which several folks have told me shows better in daylight (we'll see about that). Plus, it's "shake awake" which the Hex Dragonfly is not (at least not the one I have). The OSIGHT is competitively priced (well under $200) and I'll have to see whether I'm a victim of "you get what you pay for" or if it's a genuinely great deal. I'll post up once I've got it mounted and had a chance to shoot it.

 

[Annihilator]

Another great range report there deadeye!

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Fantastic progression! Thank you for laying it out in such an organized fashion so we could follow along!

I enjoyed a recent range trip when we were down in NW FL for the holidays and used an "action" bay, which means I was outdoors and able to move, draw from the holster, transition between targets, etc. I alternated between my Echelon 4.0c Comp, which has the Holosun 407K x2 optic and my Walther PDP F-series (3.5") which has the C&H Precision EDC optic. Both are direct mount and, after spending a little time resetting zero (more on the Holosun, but the Echelon is my EDC now so maybe that's expected?), I feel like I had some pretty respectable results with both.

I'm sold on pistol optics and getting better with them. Most of the misses here were on transitions and when I ramped up my shot string time (i.e. fast follow-up shots) which is one of the wonderful things about an action bay. These were all 7-10 yards depending on what I was doing but most were from 7 (I think).

Interesting side note, I've had a Hex Dragonfly on my XDM Elite Tactical OSP since I got it, but I like it less and less every time I shoot with it. For one thing, it's "just a dot" (the Holosun and C&H Precision are both circle-dot reticles) and second, outdoors in the bright sunlight, I had to set the visibility so high to see it clearly the dot started "scattering." I've purchased an OSIGHT C multi-reticle optic (which I understand is made by Holosun) and it is arriving today. It should help overcome the brightness issue - so I'm told - by being both a circle-dot reticle AND green, which several folks have told me shows better in daylight (we'll see about that). Plus, it's "shake awake" which the Hex Dragonfly is not (at least not the one I have). The OSIGHT is competitively priced (well under $200) and I'll have to see whether I'm a victim of "you get what you pay for" or if it's a genuinely great deal. I'll post up once I've got it mounted and had a chance to shoot it.

I've just started using optics fairly recently. I will be transitioning eventually because of my eyesight. I can see the dot clearly even without any corrective lenses. I agree with you on the Hex optics. It's just a basic dot, no frills at all. But it will work OK for a while as I train with optics. I really like my Holosun on the Mod.3 but I'm not too familiar with other optic units. I'll take a look at the OSIGHT offerings. I'd be glad to get your thoughts after you've put yours though its paces. Thanks.

I used to practice and train outdoors all the time. I've had a 25 yard bay to myself many times. Since moving, my indoor ranges are the most convenient and the classes allow us to scoot-and-shoot to keep all those skills fresh. I try to take one class per month that allows me to run-and-gun.

Nice job on your targets. The shoot-n-see are a special treat for me. I usually bring one for the end of my session so I can see how good/bad I'm doing after practicing.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Jedi54]

excellent range report as always, Sir.

the trickiest part about transitioning to optics is that our eyes want to focus on the dot. Even if we tell ourselves, 'look at the target', year and years of shooting, our eyes will shift focus to the dot. It takes time to practice that but just keep at it and you'll get there.
Best way I heard it put was, "focus on the target and just be aware of the dot"

hex optic: you called it. It's basic, very basic and honestly not really worth running. Look at the Vortex Defender series. for the Echelon I'd recommend the ST or even the XL.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

excellent range report as always, Sir.

the trickiest part about transitioning to optics is that our eyes want to focus on the dot. Even if we tell ourselves, 'look at the target', year and years of shooting, our eyes will shift focus to the dot. It takes time to practice that but just keep at it and you'll get there.
Best way I heard it put was, "focus on the target and just be aware of the dot"

hex optic: you called it. It's basic, very basic and honestly not really worth running. Look at the Vortex Defender series. for the Echelon I'd recommend the ST or even the XL.

Thank you. Both you and Mr. @Jester560 suggest looking through the optic but focusing on the target. I've read a couple of "how to" articles and then sort of doing what comes naturally. Next time I will make a conscious effort to focus on the target. You know me. I love to practice. On a good day I've been able to do this with my Mod.3 and Holosun...

And I've used it in a couple of training classes. But I still need more practice with it. I will definitely upgrade the optic on the Echelon but try to keep the cost in the $250 range. I'll wait for a sale, then pounce. I have yet to use the Echelon in a training class, think I'll wait for the new optic. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[hworth18]

That is some good shooting. The optic can be an adjustment if you're not used to using one. I highly recommend transitioning either to a Holosun or a Vortex optic. I have both on my guns and I really like them, You can also get them in the larger RMR Footprint which will fill the gaps left by the RMSc sized optics. I hear good things about the new Osight optics, but I don't have any experience with them.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

That is some good shooting. The optic can be an adjustment if you're not used to using one. I highly recommend transitioning either to a Holosun or a Vortex optic. I have both on my guns and I really like them, You can also get them in the larger RMR Footprint which will fill the gaps left by the RMSc sized optics. I hear good things about the new Osight optics, but I don't have any experience with them.

Thanks. I have my good days and bad days, but mostly mediocre days. Yes, I'd like to get an optic that will fill the entire cut on the Echelon slide. I'll be keeping my eye on the different Holosun, Vortex, and Osight models. This will not be a competition pistol, hence my budget of approx. $250.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Jester560]

That is awesome shooting! Congrats!

 

[hworth18]

Hi,



Thanks. I have my good days and bad days, but mostly mediocre days. Yes, I'd like to get an optic that will fill the entire cut on the Echelon slide. I'll be keeping my eye on the different Holosun, Vortex, and Osight models. This will not be a competition pistol, hence my budget of approx. $250.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Oh, I do too.. I have more good days than bad, but i try to shoot weekly to keep my old eyes and unsteady hands as firm as possible. I gave up getting a 3" group, as long as I have a nice center-mass group, I'm good with that. I also enjoy shooting, so it's a win-win.
Here is a pic showing the difference of fit between the Holosun K (top gun) and Holosun C (bottom gun) optics. The K series is the RMSc footprint and it's meant for the micro subcompact handgun. The Holosun C series is the RMR pattern and meant for Full-size guns with large optic cuts, it fills the space much better.

 

[hworth18]

Here is another, better pic showing the K optic. I think it is the same fit as the optic you have on your gun now. The optic works with the pin system, so there's no issue with the optic coming off, but I don't care for the gaps in the front and back of the optic cut.

 

[Jedi54]

BassCliff
Vortex and Holosun are about equal
but both are a step above the Osight.

Scheels puts the Defender Xl on sale usually around the holidays, seen it as low as $199 - $249
Holosun, you can shop around and get them for about 250 if I recall correctly. I have to see what I paid for mine last year.


edit: about $280 is what it came out to

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

My thanks to @hworth18 and @Jedi54.

I just got an email ad for a Holosun HE507C-GRN X2, same as on my Mod.3, for $255 and change. Very tempting.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Jedi54]

happy to help Bass.
If possible, consider the Holosun 507comp. Larger window and has the multiple reticle system

it might be worth the extra 30 bucks or so.

 

[Jedi54]

I run the 507 comp on my TTI Combat and one of my Echelons
and recently put a Defender XL on my Mod 2.


Just wanted to give you an idea of the sizes

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I run the 507 comp on my TTI Combat and one of my Echelons
and recently put a Defender XL on my Mod 2.


Just wanted to give you an idea of the sizes

Very nice units. Thanks for showing them off.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff