Holosun arrived on the “red dot” scene in 2013.
Holosun’s business plan centered on affordable electronic dot sights while still offering a suite of features attracting end users.
This piece is designed as a buyer’s guide to compare two popular Holosun handgun sights, the HS407C X2 (HS407C) and HS507C X2 (HS507C).
407C and 507C Similarities
Both are legacy models that reach back to the early days of Holosun.
Don’t worry, each has been updated constantly by Holosun to their present X2 form, expanding upon the original Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe with Super LED, Lock Mode, Multilayer Reflective Glass, and Multi-Reticle System (HS507C).
Aesthetically, the HS407C and HS507 are indistinguishable from each other—at least to my eye. We can cut to the chase by highlighting two main differences so that we can then focus on their commonalities.
The HS407C and HS507C are both 1.5-ounce open reflex optical sights. Both of these Holosun red dots are IP67 rated, meaning complete protection against dust plus a short period of immersion in water up to 1 meter.
The 7075 T6 aluminum housings are secured to the handgun via the RMR footprint. The aluminum convex housing serves to protect the Holosun Super LED reticle projected by the open emitter onto the multilayer parallax-free reflective glass. The top of the sight also contains the Failsafe solar panels.
An easily replaceable sidemount 1632 battery is used in both HS407C and HS507C. Considering how strong the battery life is with 50,000-plus hours, replacing batteries will not be a major concern.
There are 12 brightness settings (10 daylight/2 night) with three modes: Auto( with the brightness of the reticle determined by available light via the Failsafe panels), Manual, and Lock.
The Lock mode prevents inadvertent setting changes when holstered or during other activities that could result in pushing the side buttons. 50MOA of elevation and windage adjustments are made via 1MOA clicks.
407C and 507C Differences
The main difference between the two models is the reticle selection. The HS507C offers the Multi-Reticle System consisting of either a 2MOA dot, a combined 32MOA circle-2MOA dot reticle, or a 32MOA circle only.
This added electronic flexibility gives the Holosun HS507C a broader appeal across different firearm platforms and shooter preferences. You will find the HS507C not just on a handgun. Many users will combine the HS507C with a Picatinny rail adaptor and use it on carbines, shotguns, or a PCC.
The HS407C gives the shooter only the 2MOA dot as standard, which is just fine for most users and uses.
Price is another distinguishing point between the HS407C and HS507C, with approximately $80 separating the HS507C and HS407C on dealer shelves.
Those differences out of the way, let’s talk about an often-heard gripe about Holosun optics.
What Critics of the Holosun 407C and 507C Say
Holosun emphasizes its U.S.-based engineering leadership and product validation, ensuring consistency across models and upgrades.
Critics point to the company’s offshore production, mainly in China. Right or wrong, patriotic or not, many companies benefit from overseas factories. The financial advantage is hard to dispute, allowing Holosun to maximize its market share and offer products at accessible price points.
Where the 407C and 507C Stand Today
Holosun sights have become a popular choice for consumers looking for a solid-performing optical sight at a competitive price. The number of shooters witnessed on the range or seen at matches with Holosun optics support this.
Based on my non-scientific observations, both are very popular red dots. I have several respected colleagues, ranging from active LE firearm trainers, hardcore competitors, and a retired Marine/FBI HRT SWAT officer who run Holosuns on various handguns. This indicates to me that Holosun optics offer features users want, supported by reliability, and a competitive price point.
Bottom line, it is damn near impossible to attend a handgun training or competition event without a Holosun open reflex optic being present, and generally it’s some variation of the 407 or 507.
The Holosun’s concave lens/housing design offers an enhanced non-distorted field of view and its proven dependability and performance of the Holosuns have made the company, and its hard-wearing 407 and 507 models, the standard for performance, reliability, and affordability. Your main choice should be: which Holosun is for you?
Holosun 407C and 507C SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS: Holosun HS407C X2
Magnification Range: 1x
Objective Lens Size: .63”x .91”
Adjustments: 1 MOA
Windage/Elevation Travel: +/-50MOA
Weight: 1.5 ounces
Illumination: 10 daylight/2 NV Auto and Manual Brightness Controls
Reticles: 2 MOA dot
Battery Type/Life: 1x CR1632 Battery/50,000 hours
Waterproof: IP67
MSRP: $282.34
SPECIFICATIONS: Holosun HS507C X2
Magnification Range: 1x
Objective Lens Size: .63”x .91”
Adjustments: 1 MOA
Windage/Elevation Travel: +/-50MOA
Weight: 1.5 ounces
Illumination: 10 daylight/2 NV Auto and Manual Brightness Controls
Reticles: 2 MOA dot, 32MOA circle/2MOA dot,
Battery Type/Life: 1x CR1632 Battery/50,000 hours
Waterproof: IP67
MSRP: $364.99