In this guide, we take a look at Holosun 507C VS 509T comparison side by side to help buyers make a purchase decision on these two popular products.
This review guide aims to get a base line impression of the optic's overall range performance without intentionally torture test them in impossible situations. I have tested multiple red dot sight optics in the past to judge if they are good for duty carry or just for the range.
Holosun 509T's enclosed emitter design is unique and its very promising. Let's see what we like and don't like about each optic.
Holosun 507C VS 509T Comparison - Core Differences
Holosun 507C X2 Specs
- Magnification - 1X
- Reticle - 2 MOA, 32 MOA Ring, or combined
- Adjustment - 1 MOA / Click
- Brightness - 10 DL&2 NV (Features Lockout Mode)
- Construction - Grade 5 7075 T6
- Submersion - IP67
- Window Size - 0.63" X 0.91"
- Body Dimension - 1.78" X 1.15" X 1.15"
- Weight - 1.5 oz
- Battery - CR1632
- Battery Life - 50,000 hours + Solar
Pros
Cons
- Need a tiny flat head screw driver to dial the turret in the field
- Open emitter design attracts dirt
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Holosun 509T X2 Specs
- Magnification - 1X
- Reticle - 2 MOA + 32 MOA Ring, or 2 MOA dot
- Adjustment - 1 MOA / Click
- Brightness - 10 DL&2 NV (Features Lockout Mode)
- Construction - Solid titanium body
- Submersion - IP67
- Window Size - 0.63" X 0.91"
- Body Dimension - 1.6" X 1.16" X 1.13"
- Weight - 1.72 oz
- Battery - CR1632
- Battery Life - 50,000 hours + Solar
Pros
- Its fully enclosed body design prevents debris from entering and safeguards the emitter projection.
- It includes all the same features as the original 507C.
- ACSS reticle available (Sold separately)
- The latest version features a new clamp mount for easy installation.
- The Holosun logo has been blacked out, which appeals to some customers.
- Additionally, it is considerably more cost-effective than the Aimpoint ACRO.
Cons
- Needs a new optic plate adapter to fit
- Flat top hood design may concentrate stress onto the corner then onto the lens
- Field of view edge distortion
Size & Weight Comparison
Holosun 507C X2 and 509T X2 share similar body dimensions in terms of width and height, the 507C is slightly longer than 509T but not by much.
507C weighs 1.5 oz
509T weighs 1.72 oz.
Durability
After using the Holosun 507C for an extended period, we can confirm that it is just as durable as the RMR, provided that it is used under normal conditions.
Furthermore, to demonstrate its robustness, we conducted a series of tests without intentionally or directly damaging the optic's glass.
These tests included sliding the firearm against various surfaces, dropping it straight down from shoulder height, and casually dropping the gun at an angle while the optic was attached. Despite these harsh conditions, the Holosun 507C's emitter remained intact and fully functional. Other rough handling tests include
- Hard slide rack against surfaces
- Scrapping the optic across the ground to clear malfunction
- Casually drop the gun with the optic on it at an angle
The Holosun 509T 's closed emitter design definitely does what it supposed to do to keep water, dust and mud away from the emitter.
That is the biggest advantage for choosing the Holosun 509T has over the Holosun 507C in this regard.
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Glass Clarity
The 509T has a slight 1.1X magnification. It's not too distracting, but it can throw some users off if they are not used to it.
The 507C features two reticle systems:
- 32 MOA + 2 MOA dot reticle
- ACSS Vulcan reticle (Faster to acquire if lost in the window, only in ACSS model)
Glass clarity is good for both optics. However, the 509T does a way better job in windy outdoor conditions with sand blowing around, thanks to that enclosed body design to keep out debris.
When the 507C gets dirty, the user typically has to wipe the front lens and then dig the finger or q tip into the emitter pocket to clean things out.
Read more pros and cons of Open vs Closed emitter red dot sights here
Mounting Options
The Holosun 507C is compatible with all slides or optic mounts that use the RMR footprint. If the mounting platform has sufficient screw depth, longer screws will provide better security for the optic compared to short screws.
The Holosun 509T utilizes a clamp mount, which offers improved alignment tolerance and a built-in recoil lug that ensures a secure fit.
However, before purchasing the 509T, it is crucial to verify that your pistol slide is compatible, as you may need to purchase an aftermarket plate. Since the 509T's mounting footprint is relatively new, several handguns require specialized customization to accommodate it, which may push buyers away.
A nice thing about the Holosun 509T is that it comes with an RMR adapter plate, so users can mount the Holosun 509T on any pistol slides already fitted for the Trijicon RMR.
Reticle Differences
Both optics feature the same multi-reticle system.
The user can cycle between on the Trijicon 507C X2:
- 2 MOA center dot only
- 2 MOA center dot + 32 MOA ring
- 32 MOA ring only
- ACSS Vulcan reticle (ACSS model only)
The Holosun 509T only features
- 2 MOA center dot only
- 2 MOA center dot + 32 MOA ring
Note: Shooters with astigmatism may need vision correction to see a crisp dot.
When it comes to fast target acquisition, turning on the 32 MOA ring helps a lot for CQB applications and can also be used as a shotgun reticle.
The core difference is that the 509T features a 0.5 MOA / Click adjustment while the Holosun 507C only feature 1 MOA / Click adjustment.
Many times in our field tests, we've gotten lost in the zero because we were using the wrong click value in our calculation.
Be sure to memorize this when you are on the range zeoring the sight.
Quick turret adjustment formula:
Number of clicks to adjust = How much missed (inches) / Yard(1/100th) / Click value
For pistol applications, both optics work. As far as rifle applications go, the 509T offers finer adjustment for PCC and centerfire rifles.
Battery Life
Both optics feature long battery life using 1 CR1632 lithium battery. 50K - 100K hours is a long time at setting 6.
The user can access the battery via the side tray, which eliminate the need to remove the optic off the mount or slide to swap battery.
For users that switch battery every 365 days, the 50,000 hours is plenty, and it's at the industry standard.
No re-zero or re-torquing required
Both optics offer 12 day light settings, and the user can save the settings so nothing can accidently throw off the reticle brightness.
Solar fail-safe acts almost like a fiber optic to collect light to keep the optic working even if the battery is removed.
The motion sensor feature is great to save the battery even more.
Takeaways
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.
