In this Holosun 507C X2 review guide let's take a look at this fantastic micro red dot sight designed for both long guns and handguns. The Holosun HS507C stands out as one of Holosun's flagship products. Over the past nine years, I've tested numerous red dot sights at the range, and I carry concealed daily. Among them, the 507C impressively rivals the Trijicon RMR.
Does it meet the industry standard?
Let's check it out
Check out other newer Holosun optics here
Holosun 507C X2 Review
- Window Size: 0.63x0.91"
- Material: 7075 T6 aluminum
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot size + 32 MOA Ring
- Battery: CR1632
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours (Industry standard)
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL&2 NV
- Adjustment: 1 MOA / Click
- Weight: 1.5 oz
What we liked
- Rock solid construction
- Side battery access without sight removal
- Reticle brightness lockout mode to prevent inadvertent button press
- 32 MOA ring for target range estimation & shotgun applications
- Uses the same RMR mounting footprint
What we disliked
- ShakeAwake's battery saving feature may not be so practical for conceal carry user who is constantly moving
- Small adjustment buttons for users with big hands
- Turret tool required to adjust MOA in the field. Can't use shell casing or a flat head screw driver
- Not weatherproof if using in sandy, rainy or snowy environments
Best Uses
- Conceal carry users
- Optic ready pistols with RMR footprint
- Subguns & shotguns
- Offset carbine red dot
- Anyone looking for a Trijicon RMR alternative
Verdict
The Holosun 507C X2 has gained popularity comparable to the Trijicon RMR, and it offers an affordable option for those new to firearm optics. It's rugged for both concealed carry and range use, thanks to its durable 7075 T6 body construction. With a long battery life, a variety of reticle options, and compatibility with the RMR mounting footprint, it stands out as a top-tier red dot sight choice.
Packaging
You get:
- Holosun 507C X2
- Battery
- Manual
- Lens cloth
- Battery compartment tray tool (Don't throw this away)
Holosun 507C X2 Core Features
Window Size
The window size is comparable to that of the Trijicon RMR, with a slightly larger area near the top of the lens frame. It's just a couple of millimeters taller, which aids pistol shooters in tracking the reticle more effectively within the lens. When it comes to the width of the window, it feels the same as the Trijicon RMR.
Lens Tint
The Holosun 507C X2 features a slight bluish lens tint, but it doesn't significantly hinder your ability to see clearly through the lens, whether you're indoors or under the sun.
Thanks to the anti-reflection multi-coating layers, the lens remains scratch-proof during regular use. Additionally, it enhances the crispness of the reticle projection for shooters with astigmatism.
It's important to note that astigmatism can differ from person to person, and the effectiveness of an optic optimized for astigmatism depends on the individual shooter's vision.
Build Quality
The black anodized finish of the Holosun 507C X2 not only looks fantastic but also gives it a rock-solid feel straight out of the box.
Every detail, from the mounting footprint extrusion to each corner of the body, is impeccably machined, giving it the feel of a high-end optic that could easily cost $600 or more.
On the side of the optic, you'll find the Holosun logo, laser-etched. It's worth noting that some people like it, while others I've seen on the internet choose to either scratch it off or white it out.
The base construction and the lens frame of the Holosun 507C X2 feel noticeably beefier and thicker than those of the Trijicon RMR, which enhances its overall durability.
Additionally, the lens hood is considerably longer compared to the RMR.
Yes it's recoil proof as we tested on a FNX 45 Tactical and a 12GA Benelli M4 under normal use.
For more extreme testing, we recommend you check out this video:
Reticle
The 507C X2 uses a 2 MOA center dot by default, and it has the option to use:
- 2 MOA dot ONLY
- 2 MOA dot + 32 MOA ring
- 32 MOA ring ONLY
To cycle through all the options, just hold the "-" button for 3 secs.
Make sure it's NOT in the lockout mode
Very easy to pick up
The 2 MOA dot size reticle serves the same purpose as other optics, allowing for precise aiming that covers a 2-inch diameter circle at approximately 100 yards.
The 32 MOA ring can be used to:
- Estimating the size of known targets at varying distances without needing a magnifier.
- It's quicker for the eye to pick up.
- It can function as a shotgun spread pattern indicator, although this depends on pellet types and choke configuration.
However, it's important to note that when the optic is positioned too far forward from the eye, the reticle may appear larger than 32 MOA. This can affect your point of aim or your perception of the target's size downrange.
Brightness Lock Out Mode
The reticle brightness lockout mode is a feature that conceal carry users have long desired to prevent accidental button presses when the optic is concealed under clothing.
This helps avoid unintentional adjustments that can lead to the reticle being either too bright or too dim.
- 12 brightness settings
- 10 daylight
- 2 night vision
Setting the Super LED brightness level is easy. After selecting your desired brightness, simply hold the "+" button for 3 seconds to save and lock it. The reticle will flash once to indicate that it's saved. It's that simple!
For individuals with astigmatism, having a wide range of brightness increment settings can be beneficial in finding the best setting that suits their needs.
If you're planning to shoot at night, please take a look at our guide where we delve into the important details you should know about using a red dot in low-light environments.
Elevation & Windage Adjustments
The elevation and windage adjustments on the Holosun 507C X2 are similar to those found on other red dot sights. Each click represents 1 MOA, and the feedback is quite positive, with a total adjustment range of +/- 50 clicks.
However, a potential frustration lies in the fact that the turret knob necessitates a very small flathead screwdriver to make adjustments.
For those who prefer to use something as simple as an empty shell casing for dialing the turret, the Holosun 507C X2 unfortunately requires a tool to be carried in your range bag for zeroing purposes. The included tool in the packaging does the job effectively, though.
More info on zeroing a red dot, check out this guide
Battery Compartment
The best design approach that other open reflex red dots are considering is accessing the battery from the side rather than the bottom.
Just unscrew, pull the tray out, and replace the battery.
Sight removal for battery placement is no longer required. This saves time re-zeroing the sight and save effort looking for tools.
Be Cautious: The screw is very small. Don't lose it!
Solar Failsafe Works Like A Fiber Optic
The Solar Failsafe technology significantly extends the battery life, ensuring you can stay in action without needing to change the battery.
During our testing of the sight without the battery in direct sunlight, we observed the following:
The sight behaves similarly to one equipped with a fiber optic system, but the reticle disappears if you block the light from reaching the solar panel.
The downside is that when the sight is in a dark area, it turns off and doesn't automatically reactivate when light returns. You need to press the buttons to turn it back on.
Additionally, the motion-activated reticle can help conserve battery power when the sight is idle. However, it may not be as useful when mounted on a concealed carry pistol that is constantly in motion.
Same RMR Mounting Footprint
See more offset mounts like this here
The Holosun 507C X2 uses the same mounting footprint as the Trijicon RMR.
Users have the flexibility to mount it on compatible handgun slides or aftermarket mounts for offset applications.
However, if the the handgun slide is cut specifically for an optic, the 507C X2 might not fit due to the cut and vice versa.
FAQ
Holosun 507C X2 Warranty Policy
Holosun provides a limited lifetime warranty for the 507C X2. Their customer service is known for being fast and helpful. If an attempt to repair an issue doesn't work, they offer a replacement unit. It's important to note that this warranty is applicable only to the initial purchaser and cannot be transferred to another person. The specific mechanism by which they determine this is not clear.
Under this warranty, the external components have a lifetime warranty, while the optics are covered for five years, and the light part is covered for three years.
What is the Difference Between the HS507 V2 and the X2?
The Holosun 507 V2 and X2 versions are entirely distinct. In fact, the V2 version has been discontinued.
The Holosun 507C X2 version has introduced new changes, such as transitioning from the bottom battery loading compartment to a side tray design. Additionally, the brightness adjustment buttons have been made smaller.
One notable and positive upgrade is the reticle brightness lock mode, which is particularly beneficial for conceal carry users. It helps prevent accidental adjustments when the optic is tucked away, rubbing against tight clothing, or placed in a holster.
Despite these changes, both versions still feature the same RMR footprint, and the core functionality of the optic remains unchanged.
Can You Deactivate The Solar Cell?
Yes, you can deactivate the solar cell by entering manual mode. To do this, press and hold the "+" button for four seconds. When the sight blinks, you'll know you're in Manual Mode.
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.
