Estimated studying time: 7 minutes
Choosing the proper weapon mild might be overwhelming, however the Holosun RAID (Rifle Space Illumination System) stands out with its spectacular efficiency and user-focused design. Tailor-made for long-gun purposes, the RAID delivers a 1,000-lumen output and contains each M-LOK and Picatinny mounts and a strain swap. Powered by a chargeable 18650 battery, it additionally affords compatibility with two CR123A batteries, guaranteeing flexibility in energy sources.
RAID Out of the Field
The Holosun RAID arrives able to go, with all of the necessities included within the field. Alongside the sunshine itself, you’ll discover a single-button Crane port strain swap, M-LOK and Picatinny mounts, a USB-C rechargeable 18650 battery, an Allen wrench, and a cleansing material. This setup ensures you possibly can mount the RAID to most rifles straight away, whether or not your setup makes use of M-LOK or Picatinny rails.
The inclusion of each mounting techniques is especially handy. Each mounts are low-profile but present sufficient clearance to keep away from interference with suppressors, even on slim handguards. I get a little bit of a suppressor shadow as a result of mild not sticking previous the suppressor. Nonetheless, that is just about the usual with manufacturing unit weapon mild mounts.
Preliminary Impressions
Constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum, the RAID feels sturdy and sturdy. The physique is IP68-rated, claiming top-tier mud and water resistance. Aiming to see if the RAID lived as much as this declare, I examined this by submerging the sunshine and its strain pad in frozen water for half-hour.
Not solely did the sunshine stay powered on your entire time, however there was additionally no water ingress into the battery compartment after I opened it. I additionally didn’t discover any degraded efficiency and the sunshine appeared to shine simply as shiny because it did proper earlier than I put it within the water. This sturdiness builds confidence in its capability to deal with harsh environments, whether or not you’re trekking by way of mud, snow, or rain.
Measuring simply 3.20 inches in size, the RAID is comparatively compact and light-weight, guaranteeing it gained’t add pointless bulk to your rifle. Its 1,000-lumen output is paired with a formidable 80,000 candela, creating a good beam sample that excels at illuminating targets out to roughly 200 yards. Nonetheless, the spill is minimal, that means objects outdoors the central beam obtain little mild in comparison with related weapon lights.
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Whereas this makes the RAID a superb possibility for scoped rifles used at longer distances, it’s much less preferrred for close-quarters eventualities the place wider illumination is perhaps most popular. The image under compares the RAID to 2 different standard weapon lights to see how they stack up.
RAID Controls
The RAID affords two management choices: an built-in tailcap button and an included distant strain swap. Each choices are intuitive to make use of, although I seen a slight delay when releasing the button. Activation is instant when urgent the button, however the mild takes about 1/4 of a second to show off upon launch. Whereas not a dealbreaker, this delay is irritating in comparison with different lights with instantaneous response occasions.
One standout function is the lockout mode, which prevents unintended activation. Triple-pressing the button disables the sunshine, and repeating the sequence reactivates it. That is particularly helpful for conditions the place you need to stop an unintended mild discharge. Moreover, the RAID has each excessive and low brightness settings, simply toggled with a double button press. The five hundred-lumen low mode is an effective way to increase battery life when full output isn’t essential. Additionally, the RAID remembers your final brightness setting and returns to it when turned again on.
RAID Battery
The RAID’s energy supply is flexible. Able to utilizing a single 18650 battery—included within the field and rechargeable by way of a USB-C magnetic charging cable—or two CR123A batteries for added flexibility. The rechargeable 18650 battery affords a contemporary and handy method, eliminating the necessity for standalone chargers whereas lowering long-term prices related to disposable batteries. With a number of energy supply choices, the RAID ensures you’re ready for prolonged use in a wide range of eventualities.
Brightness and Beam Efficiency
With 1,000 lumens and 80,000 candela, the RAID delivers a targeted beam that excels in mid-range purposes. I was in a position to illuminate targets as much as 200 yards away, making it a powerful selection for scoped rifle setups. Nonetheless, the shortage of spill limits peripheral visibility, which may very well be an obstacle in close-quarters eventualities.
Sturdiness
Holosun’s use of 7075 T6 aluminum ensures the RAID is constructed to resist heavy use. It’s rated to endure 1,000g of shock, making it appropriate for rifles with notable recoil. The IP68 ranking additional reinforces its ruggedness, withstanding mud, dust, and submersion in water. Throughout my testing, the RAID carried out flawlessly, even after publicity to excessive situations.
SEE MORE: The Micro Weapon Mild Rundown
Holosun RAID Conclusion
The Holosun RAID is a weapon mild tailor-made for long-gun purposes. Its tight beam, rugged housing, and included mounting choices make it a strong selection for shooters who prioritize mid-range illumination. At an MSRP of $199, the RAID affords a compelling mixture of options and efficiency, particularly contemplating the equipment included. For these searching for a dependable, sturdy mild, the Holosun RAID delivers. It’s a strong funding for anybody trying to improve their rifle’s functionality in low-light environments.
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Mitchell Graf is a devoted hunter, aggressive shooter, and firearms fanatic. As a former teacher and president of Oklahoma State’s Sensible Capturing Staff, he has a powerful basis in marksmanship and competitors taking pictures. Today, he spends as a lot time as attainable chasing pigs and coyotes with evening imaginative and prescient and thermal optics.
When he’s not within the subject or on the vary, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer within the Aerospace and Protection trade and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether or not he’s behind a rifle, designing components, or working the land, his drive for precision and efficiency stays the identical.
Expertise:– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time skilled within the Aerospace/Protection trade.– Aggressive Shooter & Teacher – Former President and Teacher of Oklahoma State’s Sensible Capturing Staff.– Night time Imaginative and prescient & Thermal Hunter – Captivated with evening time predator and hog looking.– Half-Time Farmer – Working to offer for my household, and lift meals for this nice nation.
