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Swiss Schmidt-Rubin Straight-Pull Rifle Database

The Holosun ARO-CORE-GD-2 is a compact and lightweight red dot sight — just 96 g for the optic alone — designed for modern rifle platforms: AR-15, PCC, semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles with Picatinny rail. It's the Gold Dot entry point of the ARO (Advanced Rifle Optic) Holosun line, positioned to deliver sport shooters and rifle enthusiasts a premium red dot at the best price on the market.

Its defining feature: a 2 MOA Gold Dot (LED 590 nm) — the high-visibility gold reticle that stands out better than classic red in bright environments and against visually complex backgrounds (direct sunlight, vegetation, green or light targets). A particularly relevant optimization for outdoor sport shooting, stand hunting, and variable field environments.

The enlarged 22 mm optical window, Shake Awake technology, side-loading CR2032 battery (replacement without disassembly), 50,000-hour autonomy and 10 daylight + 2 night vision settings deliver a premium user experience. MAO hard-anodized aluminum housing, IP67 water resistance, 1000G vibration resistance.

Delivered with TWO Picatinny mounts — the 1.63" central mount for lower 1/3 co-witness with AR-15 iron sights, and the 1.05" low mount for bolt-action / precision / hunting configurations — the ARO-CORE-GD-2 is immediately adaptable to nearly all Picatinny rail platforms. It uses the T1 / T2 footprint, the universal market standard for compact red dots.

• 2 MOA Gold Dot: superior contrast to red in bright or visually complex environments.
• 22 mm optical window: expanded field of view — faster target acquisition.
• Ultra-compact and lightweight: 96 g for the optic alone — among the lightest red dots in its class.
• Shake Awake: motion-activated on, auto-off after inactivity.
• 50,000-hour battery life — over 5 years of continuous use at medium setting.
• Side-loading CR2032: battery replacement without removing the optic — no need to re-zero.
• 10 daylight + 2 night-vision brightness settings.
• Two mounts included: 1/3 co-witness (1.63") + low mount (1.05").
• T1 / T2 footprint: universal standard — compatible with most premium third-party mounts.
• MAO hard-anodized aluminum construction, IP67 waterproof, 1000G shock resistance.
• 1x magnification + parallax-free + unlimited eye relief.
• Outstanding value: the Holosun Gold Dot entry point.

• Light source: LED (590 nm — Gold)
• Reticle: 2 MOA Gold Dot
• Magnification: 1x
• Parallax: parallax-free
• Eye relief: unlimited
• Multi-coatings: yes

• Shake Awake: yes
• Auto Off: yes
• Memory: yes
• Manual brightness: 10 daylight + 2 night vision
• Automatic brightness: no
• Solar Power: no
• Lockout Mode: no

• Battery type: CR2032
• Battery life: 50,000 hours
• Removable battery: yes
• Battery location: side tray

• Housing: aluminum
• Surface finish: MAO hard-anodized
• Color: black
• Adjustment per click: 0.5 MOA
• W&E travel range: ±50 MOA
• Storage temperature: -40°C to +70°C
• Working temperature: -30°C to +60°C
• Waterproofing: IP67
• Vibration resistance: 1000G

• Window diameter: 22 mm (0.866")
• Body dimensions: 63 × 39 × 67 mm (2.48" × 1.54" × 2.63")
• Optic weight: 96 g (3.38 oz)
• Central mount height: 1.63"
• Low mount height: 1.05"
• Mount weight: 49 g (1.73 oz)

• Direct mount: Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913)
• Footprint: T1 / T2 — universal compact red dot standard (compatible with most third-party mounts: Scalarworks, ADM, GDI, Reptilia, Geissele, Warne, etc.)
• Two mounts included: 1.63" lower 1/3 co-witness + 1.05" low mount

The Gold Dot is a notable evolution over classic red or green reticles. Its 590 nm wavelength (yellow-gold) offers several advantages:

• Superior contrast in bright environments: gold stands out better than saturated red in full sunlight or on light backgrounds.
• Better visibility on green / natural targets: red dots can get lost in vegetation, twigs, foliage — gold stays distinct.
• Reduced eye fatigue: softer wavelength than pure red for prolonged use.
• Colorblind-friendly: visible for the majority of red-green colorblind individuals.
• 2 MOA size: ideal compromise — fine enough for precise 100 m shots (~5.8 cm at 100 m), visible enough for CQB fast acquisition.

• Dynamic sport shooting: IPSC, USPSA, 3-Gun, PCC — compact + 22 mm window + gold dot combination for fast acquisition.
• Short/medium-range precision sport shooting: up to ~200 m, extendable with a Holosun HM3X or HM5X magnifier.
• Semi-automatic rifle platforms: AR-15 in 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem, PCC in 9x19, .308 Win rifles — 1.63" co-witness mount suited.
• Bolt-action / precision rifles: 1.05" low mount for Picatinny-rail bolt-action, hunting, Field Target sport.
• Stand and stalking hunting: gold dot particularly readable in forest environments or on variable-contrast targets. Compatible with big-game hunting when using appropriate .308 Win / 7.62 NATO caliber.
• Service and patrol shooting (professional use): patrol rifle platforms — IP67 and 1000G suited to standard service constraints.
• Modular configuration: universal T1/T2 footprint = wide choice of premium third-party mounts.
• First premium red dot: ideal entry point into the Holosun ecosystem without compromising on quality.

The two Gold Dot versions of the ARO Holosun range differ as follows:

• ARO-CORE-GD-2 (this version): accessible line — 22 mm window, IP67, no Solar Failsafe, no automatic brightness, no Lockout Mode. Compact and light format (96 g). Ideal for a first Holosun Gold Dot red dot.
• ARO-EVO-GD-2: high-end line — enlarged 26 mm window, reinforced IPX8 waterproofing, integrated Solar Failsafe, automatic brightness adjustment, Lockout Mode. For shooters seeking maximum ruggedness and features.

Both share the 2 MOA Gold dot, T1/T2 footprint, side-loading CR2032, Shake Awake and included dual mount — the ecosystem remains coherent.

• Holosun HM3X — 3x flip-to-side magnifier for range extension up to ~200-250 m
• Holosun HM5X — 5x flip-to-side magnifier for range extension up to ~300-400 m

• 1 Holosun ARO-CORE-GD-2 optic
• 1 CR2032 battery
• 1 Picatinny central mount 1.63" (1/3 lower co-witness)
• 1 Picatinny low mount 1.05"
• 1 microfiber lens cloth
• 1 Holosun multi-tool
• 1 wrench
• 1 user manual