[vindibona1]

I wasn't aware of Gideon optics until they popped up on a video the other day. I'm thinking of buying another red dot but they aren't getting any cheaper. No deals seem to be out there, at least on Holosun. I've got a 507k already and like it, but as an afterthought after purchasing I became aware of the EPS carry. And then there is a $40-$90 adapter plater required. Add tax and shipping and it's $350-$400. Yikes.

I see that Gideon has their Valor Mini, which seems to be a knockoff of the EPS carry for $50-$60 less.

The other less expensive option would be the Holosun 407k, which is $70 less than the 407k. I'm still on the fence wondering if I would miss the retical that the 507k has.

Anyone own a Gideon? Any other thoughts?

 

[Johnix]

I looked at those before I bought a Holosun scs

 

[vindibona1]

I looked at those before I bought a Holosun scs

I looked at the SCS series. The one that I would potentially want has no manual brightness setting and is only solar rechargeable.

 

[HR Glock]

I went to a gunshow yesterday just to check out the gideon optics in person. Keep on mind i have a decent amount of corrected astigmatism. I was not impressed by the valor mini. It is a little fuzzier than the eps carry. By far the clearest of the smaller enclosed sights is the Osigh S. Sucks that people are reporting reliability issues with that one.

 

[vindibona1]

I went to a gunshow yesterday just to check out the gideon optics in person. Keep on mind i have a decent amount of corrected astigmatism. I was not impressed by the valor mini. It is a little fuzzier than the eps carry. By far the clearest of the smaller enclosed sights is the Osigh S. Sucks that people are reporting reliability issues with that one.

I can appreciate your astigmatism situation. I still have some residual astigmatism after cataract surgery. My Valor Mini is as clear as my 507k as long as it isn’t set too bright. Having had it for about 10 days and two range trips I am very happy with it. More accurate than I am. Easier to wipe the gunpowder specks off the windows than the 507k. $92 cheaper than the EPS Carry, $48 cheaper than 507k and only $24 more than 407k. But since the Valor Mini doesn’t have MRS then the comparison becomes VM vs 407k, or conversely EPS. One could look at it either way at its price point (w/available discounts) as a cost saving knock-off of the EPS, or an upgraded of the 407 for very little increase in price. I see it as the EPS copy. The only feature that the Gideon doesn’t have is the settings lock. But somehow the lock on the Holosun always got inadvertently unlocked anyway.

 

[pgg00]

The EPS carry uses the same footprint as the 507k / 407k

 

[JJames]

I went to a gunshow yesterday just to check out the gideon optics in person. Keep on mind i have a decent amount of corrected astigmatism. I was not impressed by the valor mini. It is a little fuzzier than the eps carry. By far the clearest of the smaller enclosed sights is the Osigh S. Sucks that people are reporting reliability issues with that one.

I can relate to the astigmatism part as well. A clean, enclosed optic really does make a difference when your eyes aren't perfect. For me, that’s reason enough to go with something that gives the clearest dot possible, even if it costs a bit more. I’ve decided to go with the EPS Carry. It’s not the cheapest, but the clarity and closed emitter design make it worth it in my case. I’d rather spend once and not fight my own vision every time I’m at the range.

 

[vindibona1]

I can relate to the astigmatism part as well. A clean, enclosed optic really does make a difference when your eyes aren't perfect. For me, that’s reason enough to go with something that gives the clearest dot possible, even if it costs a bit more. I’ve decided to go with the EPS Carry. It’s not the cheapest, but the clarity and closed emitter design make it worth it in my case. I’d rather spend once and not fight my own vision every time I’m at the range.

I understand your point and decision.
Ive had the Gideon mounted for several weeks now and am very happy with it. I have a 507k as well which even discounted cost considerably more. I paid up for the MRS over the 407k but don’t use the 32moa reticle much.
And while Holosun has a good reputation their products aren’t perfect. Mine burned thru a battery every two weeks. I sent it in, and in 4 weeks got it back repaired.

If it hasn’t been for the price and promised quality of the Valor Mini I probably would have gone with a 407k, the Vortex Defender CCW has my attention for the next dot…or maybe a Gideon Judge if I want a cheap older model.

 

[Kbaker944]

I have one mounted on my RXM. I wanted an (inexpensive) cheap? Optic for the (inexpensive) cheap? Gun. I have not shot it yet. Comparing the Gideon to my SRO, I’m hopeful that I’ve found a cheap backup optic. I guess I should shoot it and see.