The world of red dot sights has expanded into a universe. From their inception not that many years ago to the state-of-the-art models we see today, there is literally something for everyone where red dots are concerned. One of the most popular companies, known for their reliability and price point, is Holosun. In particular, we are talking about the Holosun HS407C X2 and HS407K X2 in a little detail. Owing to that, this review is going to be a bit different since I have both examples of this sight mounted on two different guns, as opposed to just one. We’ll look at the pair in detail in a minute.
Holosun HS407C X2
Live Inventory Price Checker
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HOLOSUN HS407C X2 | KYGUNCO | $ 244.99 |
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Holosun HS407C 1X Red Dot Sight Shake Awake 2MOA - HS407C-X2 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 299.99 $ 244.99 |
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Holosun HS407C 1X Red Dot Sight Shake Awake 2MOA - HS407C-X2 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 299.99 $ 244.99 |
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SMITH & WESSON M&P M2.0 9mm 4.25" 17rd Pistol w/ Holosun HS407C X2 | Metal Tungsten | KYGUNCO | $ 949.00 |
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Holosun has been around since 2013, and they got into red dot sight technology in a big way – a quick survey of their website reveals a total of 41 sights – and they are invested in cutting-edge optic technology. We’re going to examine the HS407C sight, in particular, in a couple of different versions.
The HS407C is a red dot reflex sight powered by a battery—a CR1632 Lithium battery, to be precise. The battery will power the sight for up to 50,000 hours. Also, in a nod to ergonomics, the battery is handy to access from the side—you don’t have to pop the sight off your pistol.
What’s different about some of the 407 models is a feature called Solar Failsafe. Two of the four 407 models shown on Holosun’s website have this feature, and one of our samples does, as well. It consists of an array of photo-sensitive panels on the top of the sight that manage the auto reticle sensitivity in Auto Mode and will also power the sight if the battery fails.
Other features include a 2-MOA red or green dot (depending on the particular model you buy… both of my samples were red). Also included in the feature set are auto sleep mode and “Shake Awake.” The sight will go dormant after 10 minutes (or if you press both “+” and “-” buttons at the same time) but will power up when you pick the pistol up.
Completing the list of features, the 407’s housing is made of aluminum, not plastic. The sights are IP67 rated, being both waterproof at a meter’s depth for up to 30 minutes, and is also dustproof. These are good traits for a red dot sight to possess.
Differences
HS407K-X2 (on the ROCK 5.7 PSA pistol)Â Â
- “K” footprint – wider than that of the C
- No Solar Failsafe
- 6-MOA dot
HS-407C-X2 (on the PSA Dagger)
- C” footprint (RMR)
- Has Solar Failsafe
- 2-MOA dot
Commonalities
We’ve already touched on some of the common features between the two sights. They each are housed in aluminum, they have multi-coated lenses, and they are parallax-free with unlimited eye relief. They also share a 50,000-hour battery life with 10 brightness settings. One last trait they share concerns modes of operation. The three modes are Auto (the brightness of the reticle is determined by available light), Manual (you can select brightness), and Lock. The Lock mode locks the buttons so changes can’t be inadvertently made.
But… Do They Work?
I can wax eloquently about the specs, features, etc., but I wanted to touch on some hands-on experience I had with these sights. Did they work as advertised? In a word, yes. Once you figure out the right footprint pattern, use the supplied screws and the handy little tool that they include to attach the sight to your optics cut. The two PSA pistols did not need an adapter plate, but they have them if needed.
The sights, once mounted, presented a clear image with no shadows or reflections. I had to fiddle a bit zeroing the “K” version on the ROCK to get it to co-witness with the suppressor-height sights on the gun, but once I got it dialed in, I was dusting clay pigeons at several distances. The PSA Compact Dagger’s “C” version needed no adjustment in order to plop the red dot on top of the front sight… it was there from the start. My accuracy has improved with both of these sights, as seems to happen with many shooters. Your eye is drawn to one plane – you’re not trying to line up rear sight/front sight/target all at once. Just put the dot on the bullseye or steel and press the trigger.
Summing Up
With the endless options of red dots on the market today, you can be excused for having information overload. Do you buy a sight that is similar to one that’s used by the military? How about something that offers many types of reticles? Circles? Dots? Tiny? Huge? Red? Green? You get it; there are a lot of options out there.
What you really need to do is to figure out what you want in a dot sight. Which gun are you going to mount it on? What optics are made that fit that optics cut pattern, or at least have an adapter plate? How much do you want to spend? These are questions that offer you a starting point in your buying decision.
I have seen plenty of red dot sights and am well impressed with these Holosun optics. You can sure spend more and not get as much with some brands. I especially like the Solar Failsafe feature. If your red dot’s battery dies, you’d better be able to see your iron sights. The Solar Failsafe feature will power your sight even with a dead battery. Not only that, but in Auto mode, it will adjust the dot’s intensity to match ambient lighting. That’s a good deal.
The company pretty much has you covered. For example, if you prefer a multi-reticle sight, jump up to the 507 series. That’s just one example. I think you could sure do worse than Holosun… great technology at a great price. The 407s are examples of that. Check one out!
About Mike Hardesty
With experience spanning over 45 years, Mike Hardesty has long enjoyed shooting and reloading. An inveterate reloader, he casts bullets and reloads for a diverse array of firearms, each handled with long-practiced precision. Living in rural Indiana, his homestead boasts a personal 100-yard range where he shares his love for guns to his four sons, their wives, and eleven grandchildren. As a recognized author, his writings have been featured in notable platforms like Sniper Country, Bear Creek Arsenal Blog, Pew Pew Tactical, TTAG, Dillon Precision’s Blue Press, and Gun Made, revealing his ongoing passion for firearms at the age of 72.
