Product FAQs
In this section you will find frequently asked questions about our products. If you do not see your question(s) in this section, please contact us by calling (734) 741-8868.
What can I mount this on?
Virtually any firearm that has a standard 1" Weaver“ dovetail rail which is THE standard, universal mounting platform used on modern firearms. Within the tactical application this is typically sub guns, M16/AR15 carbines, shotguns, etc. Anyone can mount the HWS on handguns but then the holstering issue generally causes a problem.
The HWS is equipped with an integral mounting platform to interface directly to any standard weaver dovetail (or Picatinny – Mil spec 1913) mounting rail. Some weapon platforms are equipped with the 1" Weaver“ dovetail base on the receiver (like M4/M16 flat-tops). Other options include tapping the gun’s receiver, using a non-gunsmithing add-on mounting platform (which then delivers the dovetail base) or using cantileaver shotgun barrels.
Most standard tactical weaponry we have 1-2 mounting solutions which vary in design to allow co-witness of the iron sights, access of the iron sights, and cheekweld positions.
What is an MOA?
MOA stands for "minutes of angle" and 1 MOA is near 1"at 100 yards. The center dot in the standard reticle is 1 MOA across, and the ring is 65 MOA's across. Each of the adjustment shafts (both windage and elevation) on your HWS move in ½ MOA increments. This means every tactile click or single adjustment of the shaft will move your point of aim ½" at 100 yds; ¼" at 50yds; 1/8" at 25 yds.
How do I mechanically zero my sight?
This exercise is identical to setting up any scope on a firearm. Simply mount this on the rail securely and use the windage and elevation adjustments on the sight to zero the optic at a specific range. The sight has 40 MOA (Minutes of Angle) of travel in every direction from center. This means a complete range of 80 MOA from extreme left to the extreme right range of adjustment. The same range of adjustment is true for the elevation; so 80 MOA from top to bottom.
Since each click or adjustment of the shaft moves the reticle .5 (or 1/2) an MOA, that means there are 160 clicks from extreme left to extreme right (same for top to bottom).
To re-zero the sight, adjust the reticle to one end of the extreme (left or right). You will feel a sudden resistance and a limitation in your ability to move the shaft once you reach the extreme. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE SHAFT IN THE SAME DIRECTION. This will result in a seizure of the windage or elevation shafts, and cause the sight to be inoperable.
Once at that extreme, turn the shaft in the opposite direction 80 clicks. This will move the reticle 40 MOA back to center. Complete the same process for the elevation (top to bottom) and the sight will be re-zeroed.
Is there any light cast on the target (can I be seen)?
No, there is none. Unlike a laser or red dot sights, the holographic image projects no forward light onto the target and thus no position revealing light. The projected reticle is only visible by the operator. The operator remains completely hidden downrange even against night vision systems.
In addition there is no muzzle side reflective glare from coated lenses like on red dot sights, scopes or binoculars. The HWS does not need any costly add-on filters that also significantly reduce the effective light transmission and makes the target less visible.
Can I use this for long range engagement?
Yes, you can. The HWS can be used for engagement out to 300m with extreme accuracy. Unlike a magnified scope the operator achieves a much greater field of view to allow for greater visibility within a tactical engagement area. However, its clear objective advantage is on CQB, close quarter situations where speed is a must. The HWS is an obvious choice for an M16 or M4 where the weapon is used both for CQB and for longer range engagements.
Is this sight waterproof?
Yes, the sights are waterproof but the depth to which each model can be submerged will vary. The HWS is also fog proof with a nitrogen purged optical cavity.
My sight is fogging up, why is this?
When a sight or optic (magnified or not) is called fog proof, it is referring to the inability of the internal housing to retain condensation due to a chemical vacuum on the interior of the sight. In our sight, it is Nitrogen (this is pretty standard). Since no moisture can get into the housing (and there is no air containing moisture inside) there will be no fogging on the interior lenses. This is of great importance, as there is no access or ability to clear the inside of the lens.
We do coat our exterior lenses with three layers of a hydro-static coating; a chemical that makes the surface smoother than glass. It is considered one of the best in the industry, and certainly helps preventing some level of fog build up on the exterior of the lenses. However, there is no glass in any optic that can avoid this condensation build up when the temperature is raised to within 5 degrees of the humidity level. Contrary to popular belief, this does not have to be from one extremely low temperature to a very high temperature. This condensation will occur whenever any optic is raised from any temperature to within 5 degrees of the humidity level (obviously, the greater the difference in temperatures, the more the condensation).
The simple solution is to wipe the lens of the optic clear. Due to our technology, we are at an advantage over other optics, where the reticle image is still usually visible even through the condensation.
If you find that the condensation build up is on the inside, and you are unable to clear it by wiping the lens, call Repair & Service immediately. This is an indication that the seal is damaged on the sight, and you will need to get it repaired at our facility.
What is the battery life of my sight?
The battery life will vary depending on the model you have selected and the type of battery that powers it. Models with 2 batteries will run for well over 1,000 hours and models with 1 CR 123 litium battery will have a run time of about 600 hours. All of these numbers are assuming nominal brightness setting and environmental conditions.
Why is my center dot not round?
Not everyone sees the center dot as a circle or sphere. If your dot does not appear to be perfectly round, the distortion may be caused by the way that your eye perceives the dot, rather than by some mechanical defect. Due to differences in the lenses in different individuals' eyes, round objects that subtend areas near 3 minutes of angle may appear distorted in a variety of ways depending on the individual and other environmental influences. Some may see the center dot like a hub of a bicycle wheel with spokes. If you see this in your sight, look closely at the dot and rotate the sight. If the spokes do not move, it is just how your eye perceives this dot. You can dim the sight and this may be eliminated.
My circle is fuzzy/hazy. Why is this?
That question about our reticle is common. What people usually see on-line or in advertisements are graphic representations of the reticle. What you are seeing is likely normal. The outer circle of the reticle is made up of hundreds of pixels (small dots that form together to make a larger image). This pixilation is key to being able to see the hologram properly, and is inherent in the technology. You should see the center dot as a single MOA.
A couple things might help make the image appear more distinct:
• If you see the image blurry, fuzzy, distorted, having a double image, or having a 'starburst' effect, this usually means the brightness intensity level is up too high for the lighting conditions you're using it in. Dim down the brightness until the reticle is slightly see-through. The outer circle is designed as your reference to center, and acts similar to a ghost ring.
• The reticle is projected out to your target plane. If you pick up a target that is very close (like a photo on the wall), your eyes might not focus properly on the image. Pick up sight pictures 25 to 30 yards out until you become accustomed to the sight. Try them at different eye reliefs, and certainly try these things once the sight is mounted on a weapon.
• If you require corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) to see things clearly at a distance, you will need them to see the reticle clearly. Remember, the reticle is actually projected out to your target plane, so you will see it like anything else at that distance. Also, if you have astigmatism or use bifocals, you may see the image less distinctly.
• Use the sight outdoors, and if possible at the range. Actually acquiring targets with the sight will help your eyes focus properly on the reticle.
Can I switch reticles in my sight?
Unfortunately, no, we cannot switch the reticle image in our sights. Changing the image would require complete housing replacement, and this would be more expensive than purchasing a new sight. Additionally, with the new sight you would have both the latest revision level and a new two year warranty.
Who else is using it?
The HWS has just recently come on the scene in the tactical ranks around 12-15 months ago. Clearly it has provided a real "boost" to operator’s performance and a clear cut advantage over any other optical system in the market. If speed is the requirement – then the HOLO is the answer.
Can the sight take it?
Yes it can. The engineering team designed the sight to handle severe drop tests, physical abuse and punishment, and environmental extremes – all common to the tactical environment. The HWS was designed to withstand Mil-spec drop tests and still remain operational. The HWS uses hardened and corrosive resistant components. The state-of-the-art aerospace composite enclosed the optical and mechanical cavity. The electronics are fully encapsulated in shock absorbing resin compound to adhere to extreme recoil and vibration environments. A ruggedized, "roll bar" hood is secured to protect the heads-up display window. In short, the HWS can take the punishment.
Will use of the GG&G Accucam void my warranty?
The use of the GG&G Accucam will void only a portion of our warranty as it relates to the parts of our sight that the Accucam interfaces with. For example, any problem with the hood screws, hood, base, locking bar, or any portion of the weapon that those parts of the sight interface with will not be covered. However, the electronic, optical, and mechanical function and portions of the sight will still be covered.
How does the sight compare against Red Dots?
There is truly no comparison against Red Dot sights; the HWS is optically, electronically, and the complete package is vastly superior. Our 65MOA ring with a 1MOA dot (finest dot available in any optic) provides an optimal compromise between speed and accuracy. In addition, the tubeless, heads-up display window provides an unlimited and unblocked Field of View which allows operators to maintain critical peripheral vision for engaging multiple threat situations.
In general, the Red Dot style sight has been around for over 30 years with very little enhancement. The HOLOgraphic sight has been around for approximately 10 years; is state-of-the-art and has proven to deliver vastly superior target acquisition speed.
It is difficult to compare the HOLOgraphic sight against the Red Dot sights in general since they are all different in optical performance, construction, etc. For a detailed feature comparison against a particular brand of Red Dot sights, we ask you to contact us directly via email.
What else can this be used for?
The typical applications in tactical environments are for shoulder mounted small arms weapon systems like MP5 style sub guns, M4/M16 and derivatives, tactical shotguns, etc. However, the HWS is now being used extensively on less lethal launching platforms (both 37 and 40 mm) as well as shotgun applications involving bean bag rounds, rubber bullets, and deployment of gas munitions. Other applications include medium caliber (.50) machine gun weaponry, shoulder mounted rocket launchers, and grenade launching platforms. In all cases speed, accuracy, ease of use, and vision maintenance are greatly enhanced with the use of the HWS.
What are the top 3 advantages for CQB?
#1 is speed , speed, and more speed – the HWS is simply the fastest sight in the market today.
#2 is the maintenance of the operator’s peripheral vision with the tubeless HUD architecture and 2 eye open shooting.
#3 is the ease of use to achieve incredible accuracy. This accuracy translates into an controlled confidence in the operator’s shooting ability. Confidence separates the winners from the losers.
Try the HOLO … and raise your performance.
