Sights

Holosun 407k vs 507k – Pick The Best Optic For You!

Holosun is widely recognized as a premium manufacturer of red dot sights and other optics. The only problem is optic manufacturers make every optic sound so good it can be hard to tell which you should buy. I had a hard time choosing between the Holosun 407k vs 507k. That is why I decided to put both of these optics to the test. In this review, we’ll explore everything there is to know about these two optics. After spending a weekend testing, I determined that the Holosun 507k was the best option. Read on to see which is best for you!

 


Which Is Best: Holosun 407k vs 507k?

HuntersHalt: #1 Choice
 
Pros:
  • 3 Different Reticle Options
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • High Battery Life & Shake Awake Technology
Pros:
  • Extremely Durable & Versatile Optic
  • Great Value For Your Money
  • High Adjustability With 12 Brightness Settings
Cons:
  • More Expensive Than HS-407k
Cons:
  • Only 1 Reticle Option (6 MOA)
  • Battery Installation Can Be A Pain
HuntersHalt: #1 Choice
Pros:
  • 3 Different Reticle Options
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • High Battery Life & Shake Awake Technology
Cons:
  • More Expensive Than HS-407k
Pros:
  • Extremely Durable & Versatile Optic
  • Great Value For Your Money
  • High Adjustability With 12 Brightness Settings
Cons:
  • Only 1 Reticle Option (6 MOA)
  • Battery Installation Can Be A Pain
Lasso Brag

The Holosun 407k & 507k are two of the smaller optics made by Holosun. For this reason, they have become very popular for self-defense and concealed carry weapons for many shooters. But Which optic is the best?

To get this answer, I put both these sights to the test. Now this was not a “stress test” and I was by no means trying to break either of these red dot sights. However, I did test the Holosun 507k & 407K for durability, battery life, adjustability, price, and more. After spending a weekend testing both sights I determined that the Holosun 507k was the best pick for me.

 

The three reticle options on the 507k provide additional versatility that cannot be matched with just a single 6 MOA dot. Although I really don’t think you can go wrong with either sight!


What Is The Holosun 507k

Holosun Sub-compact HS507K Red Dot Sight
5.0
Pros:
  • 3 Different Reticle Options
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • High Battery Life & Shake Awake Technology
Cons:
  • More Expensive Than HS-407k
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

The Holosun 507k red dot sight was introduced to the market in 2020. And since then, it has quickly become one of the most popular optics for carry pistols on the market. The small footprint & side loaded battery show that Holosun has taken user feedback seriously and manufactured a design that gun owners around the world wanted. The 507k has a 2 MOA dot with a 32 MOA circle that can be toggled on & off. This new level of adjustability makes the 507k the perfect choice for small-profile concealed carry weapons.


What Is The Holosun 407k

Holosun Sub-compact HS407K Red Dot Sight
4.5
Pros:
  • Extremely Durable & Versatile Optic
  • Great Value For Your Money
  • High Adjustability With 12 Brightness Settings
Cons:
  • Only 1 Reticle Option (6 MOA)
  • Battery Installation Can Be A Pain
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

The Holosun 407k is a great budget-friendly alternative to the 507k. This micro red dot comes with a 6 MOA reticle that is perfect for close quarters & self-defense situations. The 407k is a smaller iteration of the 407c, which makes it very popular with shooters looking for a small & affordable optic. This optic is equipped with auto on & off features which means the battery life is excellent.  This is a great compact optic that doesn’t break the bank.


Test #1: Durability

I refuse to pay several hundred bucks for a red dot sight that is not made to last. I learned long ago to not cheap out on quality manufacturing or parts. Otherwise, you’ll quickly be shopping for a new optic.

However, I found that these optics were made with exceptional quality. Both the Holosun 507k and 407k are very durable optics. Both are made from 7075-T6 Aluminum, which is aircraft-grade aluminum. They also have an anodized finish which protects both optics from corrosion and wear. When it comes to durability, it’s a clean draw.

WinnerDraw


Test #2: Price Comparison

When it comes to shopping for a new optic, we all have different budget constraints. Especially in today’s inflationary economy, it’s important to be mindful of how much we’re spending on toys like optics. However, we also need to keep in mind that the quality of the product is important too.

This is one of the biggest differences between the 407k & 507K. The 407k is roughly $40-50 cheaper than the 507k. For many people that’s enough to sway them. For me, it’s just not enough to move the needle. I would rather pay the small price difference to get the advanced reticle features of the 507k. However, there is no doubt the 407k is the cheaper optic so it wins the price comparison.

WinnerHolosun 407k


Test #3: Battery Life

Holosun CR1632 battery

That’s right, both the Holosun 407k and 507k use the CR1632 battery. This is pretty much standard as far as red dot optics go. And with 50,000-hour battery life, you’ll be able to keep your sight on target for a very long time. For most people, that will last for several years. It is always reassuring to know your red dot is not going to run out of battery at the worst possible moment.

Both the Holosun 407k & 507k are equipped with auto shutoff and shake-awake features. This means they will turn off when not used for an extended period of time to preserve the battery. And when you move the weapon again the shake awake will automatically power on the reticle. I found both sights to be extremely sensitive and turned on by the slightest motion. When it comes to battery life, it was a draw.

WinnerDraw


Test #4: Adjustability

Whenever I test a new red dot sight, adjustability is always one of the biggest factors. Being able to fine-tune the brightness as well as windage and elevation settings gives you a better chance to adjust to your environment.

What really sets the 407k & 507k apart is adjustability. The real differences come into play when examining the reticles. The 507k offers 3 different reticle options. Holosun calls this their Multi-Reticle System (MRS). As an added benefit, there is no need to re-zero or sight your red dot again even after switching between reticle options.

  • Single 2MOA dot
  • 32MOA ring (no dot)
  • 32 MOA ring with 2 MOA dot reticle

The Holosun 407k offers just a single 6 MOA red dot option. However, I will say that the 6 MOA dot is ideal for close-quarters shooting. and most concealed carry weapons are designed for short-range shooting.

Both scopes also provide 10 different daytime settings and 2 night vision settings. Although they are the same when it comes to brightness adjustability, I give the edhe to the 507k because of the 3 reticle option.

WinnerHolosun 507k


Test #5: Sight Accessories

The Holosun 407k & Holosun 507k are very similar optics that have almost all the same accessories & features. I determined it was a clean draw when comparing sight accessories.

  • Shake Awake Technology
  • Water Resistant
  • CR1632 Battery

WinnerDraw


Test #6: Versatility

Some shooters buy an optic for close-range encounters. While others are looking for an optic that can shoot accurately from long distances. Some shooters may value a sight that can be used in both low & bright lighting conditions. Versatility is always a factor. If you check out my vortex venom review you’ll see in even more detail how versatile Holosun optics are!

 

When it comes down to versatility, I choose the Holosun 507k as the winner only because of the various reticle options.

  • The 2 MOA dot is precise and great for short to medium-range shooting.
  • The 32 MOA circle allows for a less obstructed optic that provides shooters with a better field of view.
  • The 32 MOA circle with a center 2 MOA dot is my personal favorite. It allows for precise shooting from medium range while still maintaining fast target acquisition at close quarters. After all, quick target acquisition is the name of the game for a self-defense handgun.

WinnerHolosun 507k


Test #7: Sight Size

size comparison of Holosun 407k & Holosun 507k

For me, the size of an optic is actually quite important for several reasons. Larger optics take up more precious rail space. If it’s too large it can obstruct your field of view & limit the number of other accessories you can mount on your weapon.

This may seem obvious to experienced gun owners, but if you’re thinking about adding a new 407k or 507k to your Glock (or other handguns) then you’ll need to do some aftermarket work first. Send your weapon to a reputable manufacturer to have it milled the right way & create a surface for your optic. Modifying your gun incorrectly may have you instead shopping for The Best Glock Suppressor Sights instead of traditional sights.

Size Comparison:

  • Length = 1.6″
  • Width = 0.98″
  • Height = 0.95″
  • Weight = 1 oz

Fortunately, both the Holosun 407k & 507k are the exact same size and weight. They also have an identical footprint. So there is not really much to discuss here. They are both small optics designed for concealed-carry pistols. When it comes to size, I score it a draw. I had a similar result when I compared the Holosun 507c vs 507k red dots.

WinnerDraw


Test #8: Lens & Reticle Quality

There is no difference in glass quality between the Holosun 407k & 507k. Both are multicoated and extremely durable in a variety of weather & environmental conditions. I would call it a draw on lens quality.

We have already covered the different reticle options the 507k provides compared to the 407k. However, when it comes to reticle quality it is a draw. I found that the 2 MOA reticle on the 507k & 6 MOA reticle on the 407k were crisp and visible when using the higher brightness settings.

WinnerDraw


Which Is More Popular: Holosun 507k vs 407k?

After talking to a few friends & scanning customer reviews online it was obvious to be that the Holosun 507k was the most popular choice. There are thousands of reviews online for the 507k and the majority of them are positive. In all fairness, the 407k has far more reviews and positive feedback than the majority of red dot sights. However, we are strictly comparing these two optics so the 507k gets the nod for popularity.


Main difference between Holosun 407k and 507k

Both the HS 407k & 507k are high-quality, durable, and adjustable optics that thousands of shooters use for concealed carry handguns. They are even the exact same size & weight. The main difference between these two optics is the reticle options provided by the 507k.

  • MRS – The 507k’s multi-reticle system gives shooters options. The ability to toggle between different reticle options adds a whole new level of customization and adjustability that you just won’t get with the 407k.

In my opinion, there are only two main reasons that someone would choose the 407k over the 507k.

  1. Reticle Size – The 407k reflector sight comes with a single 6 MOA red dot. For many shooters, this is the perfect reticle for a self-defense handgun. The large reticle is perfect for fast target acquisition and high accuracy from short distances.
  2. Price – The HS 407k is roughly $50 cheaper than the 507k.  Some shooters will not be willing to spend the extra money for the 507k.

Other Optic Options

There is no optic that is best for everyone. We all have different weapons, different use cases, different shooting conditions, and different budgets. Although Holosun is a premium optic manufacturer I know that many people will want to explore other options. I have also tested and reviewed optics from EOTech and Aimpoint.

If you are interested in checking out top-of-the-line EOTech sights, check out our comparison of the EXPS vs XPS optics. If you think Aimpoint sights suit you better, check out our comparison of the Aimpoint Comp M5 vs T2. Each sight works best in different situations. Take a look and see which is best for your specific needs.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do Holosun 407k and 507k have same footprint?

The Holosun 407l and 507k are the exact same size: 1.6″×0.98″×0.95″ [L x W x H]. These are two of the smaller optics that were designed for concealed-carry handguns.

Does Holosun 407k have Shake Awake?

Yes, it does have Shake Awake motion technology. The Shake Awake technology will automatically turn the optic on when it senses motion. From my experience, the Shake Awake sensors are very sensitive and will turn the optic on from the slightest movement. This is a great feature for hunters or anyone who wants to conserve battery life.

Is Holosun 507k an RMSc?

The Holosun 507K is compatible with the Shield RMSc. It is a great option for both close-quarters and long-range shooting.

Which Holosun has ACSS?

The HS507C-X2 is the only Holosun optic that has ACSS. It’s an open-reflex optical sight made for pistols. The X2 designation means it has a 2 MOA dot. Other features include Auto Shut OFF, 50,000-hour battery life, and an ultra-low parallax setting.

Which is better red dot or green dot sights?

In normal daylight conditions, green dots are better. The reason is that green is more visible on the light spectrum and stimulates more cones in the human eye. In low-lighting conditions, red dots perform better. If you have astigmatism and are trying to choose between green & red, go with green!

What is the difference between Holosun 507C and 507K?

The Holosun 507C and the 507K are very similar, but there is one key difference: the 507C has a green reticle while the 507K has a red reticle. Aside from that, they are both equally durable and have long battery life. They are both also parallax-free, which means that you can shoot with both eyes open and still get a precise target picture.

How durable is a Holosun 507K?

The Holosun 507K is very durable. It is made from 7075-T6 Aluminum, which is a very strong and lightweight metal. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and recoil from firearms. I have personally dropped it multiple times without any damage.


The Bottom Line

Holosun has been making top-of-the-line optics for years. They have consistently topped the list of our red dot sight reviews, such as in The Best Red Dot Sights For Turkey Hunting. You really can’t go wrong with a Holosun optic.

After testing just about every aspect of the Holosun 407k & 507k, I determined the Holosun 507k is the best choice. When it comes down to it, the 507k has everything the 407k does in addition to the 3 reticle options. I personally go with the 32 MOA circle with the 2 MOA dot.

If you can spare the extra few bucks, I would recommend the 507k. But at the end of the day, every shooter has their own personal preferences and you can’t really go wrong with either optic.

Holosun Sub-compact HS507K Red Dot Sight
5.0
Pros:
  • 3 Different Reticle Options
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • High Battery Life & Shake Awake Technology
Cons:
  • More Expensive Than HS-407k
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

About the author

Patrick Howard

I have been working as a gunsmith for 20 years. Rain, fog, moisture, high temperature, or even snow are all the things a product must withstand in order to be recommended by me.

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