Micro red dot sights have gone from niche accessories to standard equipment on concealed carry pistols.
As subcompact and micro-compact handguns continue to dominate the carry market, and folks like me see the tremendous benefit of using a red dot for accuracy, shooters are looking for optics that match that smaller footprint without sacrificing reliability or performance.
That’s where optics like the Holosun 407K X2 come into play.
Designed for slim, subcompact pistols, the 407K X2 strikes a balance between durability, simplicity, and affordability. It doesn’t try to do everything - but what it does, it does well. For many concealed carriers, that’s precisely the point.
Holosun 407K X2 Key Specifications at a Glance
The Holosun 407K X2 features a 6 MOA red dot reticle, well-suited for defensive shooting distances. The larger dot is quick to acquire on the draw and easy to track during recoil, especially on shorter-barreled pistols. Holosun also has a green-dot version available if you prefer.
The housing is machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and is finished with a black anodized coating. This is the same aluminum used in many duty-grade optics, giving the 407K a durable, confidence-inspiring feel despite its small size. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the 407K is sealed against dust and can handle immersion in water, so if you’re carrying it in a dusty or wet environment, your optic should be safe.
In terms of size and weight, the 407K X2 is truly compact. It weighs roughly 1 ounce and measures 1.6 inches long, 0.98 inches wide, and 0.95 inches tall. The window measures 0.58 x 0.77 inches - perfect for a smaller concealed-carry handgun.
The 407K is powered by a CR1632 battery, rated for up to 50,000 hours of use - almost six years. I can’t say I’ve tested the veracity of those claims, but if you want to change the battery every year or two to be safe, you should be set.
Plus, the side-mounted battery tray means you can change the battery without removing the optic or re-zeroing.
This red dot has 12 brightness settings, including two night-vision compatible levels.
The 407K also has Holosun’s Shake Awake technology, which is one of my favorite features. When the gun is motionless, the red dot turns off. But with slight movement, it is back on. So the red dot should always be ready when you need it, but with this feature, the battery will last even longer.
Unboxing and Included Accessories
Out of the box, Holosun includes everything you need to get started. Inside the package, you’ll find the 407K X2 optic, a CR1632 battery, a user manual, a lens cleaning cloth, an adjustment tool, and mounting screws with pre-applied blue Loctite. That last piece may not seem like much, but Holosun clearly understands how most people are actually installing these optics.
The optic is also backed by Holosun’s limited lifetime warranty on the housing and five years on the electronics, which adds peace of mind for a carry-focused optic.
Performance and User Experience
One primary consideration with any optic is optical clarity. The 407K is solid, especially considering the price point. The lens has a slight tint, which is common with red dots, but it doesn’t interfere with target identification. The 6 MOA dot is crisp and easy to see in both bright daylight and low-light conditions.
The brightness adjustment is intuitive and straightforward, controlled by easy-to-reach buttons on the side. Even while wearing gloves, it’s quick to bump the brightness up or down through the 12 available settings. Once you’ve got it where you want it, it stays put, and the Shake Awake feature works exactly as it should - powering the reticle down when it’s not moving and bringing it back the moment you pick it up.
In my experience, durability has been excellent in use. The 407K X2 holds zero through recoil on subcompact pistols and shows no issues with normal concealed carry abuse - holster wear, sweat, temperature changes, and occasional bumps all come with the territory, and this optic seems built for it.
While shooting it, we’ve found the reticle very easy to acquire after quickly drawing, and when taking follow-up shots. The larger dot makes getting on target simple as well. The only downside is that the 407K doesn’t have an auto brightness setting. If you were shooting at the range on a bright sunny day, but then find yourself needing your firearm in lower light, the red dot may wash out. You may want to keep it on one of the middle settings when not in use.
Mounting and Compatibility
The 407K X2 uses a modified Shield RMSc footprint, which means it fits many popular micro-compact pistols. However, it’s important to note that some slides may require slight modification or an adapter plate, depending on the manufacturer. Pistols like the Sig P365 series, Springfield Hellcat, and others are commonly paired with the 407K.
Installation is straightforward, but it’s worth double-checking screw length and fitment to ensure proper mounting and avoid damage. We used it on a Sig P365XL, and it fit perfectly!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry
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Long battery life with easy side-mounted replacement
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Durable aluminum housing with waterproof rating
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Competitive and affordable price point
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6 MOA dot makes getting on larger/closer targets easy.
Cons
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Limited to a single 6 MOA dot, so it’s not ideal for use on a shotgun or further distance shots.
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No multi-reticle options.
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A smaller window requires disciplined presentation and alignment.
Final Thoughts
The Holosun 407K X2 isn’t trying to be a full-size duty optic in a smaller shell - and that’s a good thing. It’s purpose-built for concealed carry, offering the features that matter most: reliability, simplicity, long battery life, and durability.
For shooters running subcompact pistols and looking for a dependable micro red dot without jumping into a higher price bracket, the 407K X2 is an easy recommendation. It delivers where it counts and stays out of the way everywhere else - precisely what you want on a carry gun.