Chinese-Made Optics: Are They Any Good? [Hands-On Tested]

When choosing optics, the origin of the product often sparks heated debates among shooters.

Many shooters have preconceived notions that Chinese-made optics are often labeled as cheap, unreliable, or of low quality.

But is this always the case?

The goal of this blog is to give you a better idea of what to look for when purchasing shooting-quality optics [reliability, performance, and value] without regard to where they're made.

Why You Should Trust Checkmate Defense

Our goal is to give you an honest assessment based on real-world performance.

We’ve put these optics through their paces.

With experience testing a range of products, including optics from well-known U.S. brands, we’ve seen firsthand how they stand up under the pressure of heavy use.

China Earned a Reputation for Inferiority

The stigma against Chinese-made products often stems from a history of low-quality goods that flood the market at bargain prices.

You’ve probably heard some people say, “The Great Wall of China is probably the only durable thing they’ve made.”

Many Chinese products have earned a reputation for being "cheap" and poorly made, primarily due to inconsistent quality control and a focus on cutting costs.

This has led to a widespread belief that anything produced in China is automatically subpar.

However, there's a tendency to associate "cheap" with "bad," which is not always accurate.

Chinese optics are sometimes marred by a reputation for being unreliable or prone to failure.

Not all Chinese optics fall into the "cheap and unreliable" category, and dismissing them outright could mean missing out on some high-quality gear.

Holosun 507 Competition [Hands-on Tested]

We’ve personally tested the Holosun 507 Competition extensively, and here’s what stands out:

Durability

Over the course of a year, I’ve broken eight U.S.-made optics, including the Trijicon SRO, Sig Sauer Romeo 3XL, and Sig Sauer Romeo 3MAX.

These optics, despite their reputable brands, failed under the demanding conditions of weekly shooting.

In contrast, the Holosun 507 Competition has held up through all my weekly competitions with no product issues. It has proven to be remarkably durable, even after thousands of rounds.

Features

The Holosun 507 Competition boasts a stout build and a large lens, crucial for high-level shooting.

Features like the Competition Reticle System (CRS) and Shake Awake technology enhance its functionality.

The CRS allows for quick target acquisition, and Shake Awake ensures the optic activates when you need it and conserves battery life when you don’t.

Performance

Shooters who need reliable gear for intense conditions have found the Holosun 507 Competition to be a dependable choice.

Its resilience makes it an excellent option for those who push their gear to the limit, whether for competitive shooting or rigorous training.

The bottom line

It’s crucial to look beyond labels and focus on performance and value.

If you’re in the market for an optic that can handle the rigors of competitive shooting and frequent use, consider giving the Holosun 507 Competition and other Holosun optics a closer look.

It might just surprise you with its quality and endurance.

Remember, the best optic is the one that fits your needs and stands up to your demands—regardless of where it’s made.

Shoot fast and shoot alphas,

Checkmate Defense Team