For many, a mid-size optic on an AR-15 rifle, like the Holosun SCRS or Swampfox Raider, is a perfect size—not too big and heavy but large enough to be functional and practical. I’ve used larger optics, micro-reflex sights, and everything in between on my AR rifles and pistols. I’m not sure I can say any specific size is better than the other. It all comes down to which optic feels right on the gun you mount it on.
For AR pistols, I tend to use smaller optics more than I do full-size ones because of the weight. Finding the right one, however, is a chore that takes some time to figure out. It’s also hard to read about optics and know exactly what you want without using them first. After all, each person will have their own views and like different things. My goal with this article isn’t to tell you which optic to purchase but to provide some information about each one.
Hopefully, that information will be of some use during your journey to finding the perfect optic for your weapon.
Today’s discussion is regarding the Holosun SCRS and Swampfox Raider Micro Prism Scope. Both optics have a feature I really like so it makes each one stand out in a crowded optics world. One optic doesn’t need power to use, and the other doesn’t need a battery for power. Ok, well, technically, the SCRS has a battery, but you don’t need to change it.
Holosun SCRS
The SCRS (Solar Charging Rifle Sight) is the smaller of the two sights. Perfect for those compact, short-barrel AR-15 pistols, but also works on full-size AR-15 rifles as well. I’ve done reviews on this optic before, and it’s a tough cookie. I’ve frozen it, cooked it in the oven, soaked it in water, and more. It’s just a little over one and a half inches long, so when I say it’s compact, it really is. The cross-bolt style mount that comes with it raises it up to 2 and a half inches from the rail of your gun.
Operating controls are about what you would expect. Push either button to turn it on, and then use the plus/minus buttons to adjust the reticle brightness. You can choose from 10 seconds or 1 hour for auto shut-off, and an auto feature is available for automatic brightness adjustment. I purchased the SCRS RD-2 which has a 2 MOA red dot only. If you want to pay a little more, you can get a green dot or a multi-reticle option.
Besides the overall shape and size of the SCRS, the battery power system stands out to me the most. Holosun made solar charging optics a thing with what they call “Solar Failsafe” technology. In most Holosun optics, the solar charging system extends the battery life but doesn’t replace it. With the SCRS, the solar system doesn’t eliminate the battery but does remove the need to change it every so often.
Swampfox Raider
Swampfox has been making impressive products over the past few years, and there are no signs of slowing down. I carried the Sentinel II handgun optic on duty for almost a year to see how it held up. It’s still running great and is one of my favorites to this day. I was excited to get my hands on the Raider 1X20 micro prism scope and put some time in with it at the range.
The Raider is larger than the SCRS, but it’s way smaller than most prism scopes. It’s even on the small side for most rifle red dots. In fact, I let a friend shoot my AR pistol at the range, and he thought it was a red dot. Because it’s a prism scope, there is no reflection on the glass like in standard red dot optics.
Swampfox also etched the reticle into the glass, allowing it to be used without power. A nearly full circle and three reference points for various distances are visible on the reticle. This allows for 50-200 yards on the top marker, 15 yards on the second, and 10 yards on the third. I used the Raider on the range for a while without ever turning the illumination on. When you turn it on, the reticle illuminates red over the top of the etched reticle. This makes it easy to see at night.
The Raider’s illuminated reticle uses a CR2032 battery and has some of the same features as standard red dots. This includes “Shake N’ Wake” illumination, which shuts the optic off after four minutes and turns it back on when movement is sensed. There are a total of 10 illumination settings, including two that are night vision-compatible.
Solar Failsafe Technology vs. Etched Reticle
Two different reliability options make it hard to pick one. Prism scopes need more power to run than red dot sights. But with etched reticles, you don’t need the illumination unless it’s dark out. Holosun has made electronic optics more reliable with its power system, which is an internal rechargeable battery that gives the optic an “unlimited” run time.
Other Holosun optics have solar technology, but they only extend battery life. Holosun has managed to make this strong enough to power the optic and recharge the battery at the same time. Unless the rechargeable battery goes dead, the SCRS will keep running. This may come down to personal preference, but I would call them both a reliable system.
So Many Choices
On the range, both optics are easy to use and make hitting those targets a sinch. Because of the auto-off/on feature on the SCRS, it can always be left on. I took this into account when thinking about these two optics for home defense use. If you need to turn an optic on as an incident unfolds, you’re already behind the game. The etched reticle on the Swampfox may be hard to see during the night hours in a home, requiring illumination. But because both optics have auto-on features, they are both suited for the job.
Zeroing each one is easy, and both have flush windage and elevation adjustments. So, there are no caps to remove and keep track of while changing the settings. You can purchase the Holosun SCRS RD-2 for about $275, and the Swampfox Raider retails for $279.00. It may be hard to decide which option is best, but I’m guessing you will be happy with either choice. I decided to use the SCRS on my smallest AR pistol and the Raider on one of the larger platforms.
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