A holographic sporting/combat optic suitable for use with a weapon, comprising: a housing defining an optical viewing window along a line of sight axis and configured to mount to a weapon ; a laser diode arranged in the housing and operable to emit a beam of light; a beam changing lens arranged in the housing , wherein the beam changing lens receives the beam of light from the laser diode and operates to transform the beam of light into a line; a carrier disposed in the optical viewing window and comprised of a unitary transparent material, the carrier defining first and second opposing planar surfaces which align with the optical viewing window; an incoming holographic optical element disposed adjacent to the first opposing planar surface of the carrier , the incoming holographic optical element being operable to collimate light incident thereon in a direction perpendicular to the second opposing planar surface; an outgoing holographic optical element disposed adjacent to the second opposing planar surface of the carrier , such that the outgoing holographic optical element is opposite of and facing the incoming holographic optical element within the optical viewing window, wherein the outgoing holographic optical element operates to project a reticle image in the optical viewing window in response to collimated light incident thereon; and one or more light guides arranged in the housing , the one or more light guides configured to receive light from the beam changing lens and guide the light towards the incoming holographic optical element , wherein the incoming holographic optical element is encased between the carrier and the one or more light guides , and wherein the outgoing holographic optical element is encased between the carrier and a cover element opposite of the carrier . a housing defining an optical viewing window along a line of sight axis and configured to mount to a weapon ; a laser diode arranged in the housing and operable to emit a beam of light; a beam changing lens arranged in the housing , wherein the beam changing lens receives the beam of light from the laser diode and operates to transform the beam of light into a line; a carrier disposed in the optical viewing window and comprised of a unitary transparent material, the carrier defining first and second opposing planar surfaces which align with the optical viewing window; an incoming holographic optical element disposed adjacent to the first opposing planar surface of the carrier , the incoming holographic optical element being operable to collimate light incident thereon in a direction perpendicular to the second opposing planar surface; an outgoing holographic optical element disposed adjacent to the second opposing planar surface of the carrier , such that the outgoing holographic optical element is opposite of and facing the incoming holographic optical element within the optical viewing window, wherein the outgoing holographic optical element operates to project a reticle image in the optical viewing window in response to collimated light incident thereon; and one or more light guides arranged in the housing , the one or more light guides configured to receive light from the beam changing lens and guide the light towards the incoming holographic optical element , wherein the incoming holographic optical element is encased between the carrier and the one or more light guides , and wherein the outgoing holographic optical element is encased between the carrier and a cover element opposite of the carrier . <EOS>