In this guide, we will explain the footprint and mounting of the Holosun 510C red dot so you can be sure it is compatible with your firearm.
Red dots are not made to a particular industry standard, so it is important to know which red dot is compatible with the firearm you want to use it with.
We will cover what to look for on your firearm and the specifics for mounting the Holosun 510C red dot.
Firearm Requirements for Mounting the Holosun 510C
The Holosun 510C red dot was designed to be used on carbines, pistol caliber carbines (PCCs), shotguns, and AR platform pistols. This red dot is a full-size red dot and too large for handguns like the Glock 17, Sig P320, or 1911s.
First, your firearm must have a standard Picatinny rail mounting system. Military spec AR platform uppers have a standard Picatinny rail machined into them. Many tactical type shotguns also have a standard Picatinny rail.
The picture below shows the standard Picatinny rails on an AR rifle and a shotgun.
Mounting The Holosun 510C Red Dot
The Holosun 510C has a Quick Disconnect (QD) Picatinny rail mount. This is one of the most common mounting systems for full size red dots. It has a center lug with a stationary rail on one side and a clamp on the other.
In the picture below, you can see the bottom of the optic beside a standard picatinny rail.
Note that the clamp on this optic is a QD clamp and does not require a tool to mount or remove it from a firearm. However, the first time that this optic is mounted, the clamp should be adjusted to make sure it is secure.
First, loosen (but do not remove) the clamp adjustment screw that is on the opposite side of the clamp arm. Then, mount the optic to the rail on your firearm and close the clamp. If the clamp lever is hard to close, loosen the screw more. After the clamp arm is closed, tighten the adjustment screw, but do not overtighten. Around 5-10 in-lbs is recommended, which is slightly more than finger tight with the included tool.
The position on the rail that you mount the optic on your firearm is also important. On AR platforms, we recommend mounting it to the rail on the receiver, and not on the handguard. The exact position largely depends on the shooter and the type of firearm. The position of this optic can be easily adjusted since it has a QD mount.
This optic includes an absolute co-witness mount, so it can be used with backup iron sights. We recommend mounting the rear iron sight before mounting the optic so the spacing can be evaluated.
Will the Holosun 510C Red Dot Fit your Firearm?
The Holosun 510C will fit any firearm that has a standard Picatinny rail mounting system. All military spec AR platform rifles, carbines, and pistols and most tactical style shotguns have a Picatinny rail. This red dot will not fit on compact pistols like Glocks and 1911s.