Holosun broke into the gun optics scene in 2013 and has quickly become iconic among users. It’s no surprise if you’ve seen the memes floating around in the gun community that emphasize the brand’s rugged durability, advanced features, and unbeatable value. This kind of grassroots praise is more powerful than anything else because it’s coming from real people with real experiences. Still, we figured it wouldn’t hurt to give you a quick rundown of Holosun’s top products and their tech. So, here we go.
Holosun Technologies
Before diving into the best Holosun optics, let’s get familiar with some of the brand’s standout technologies.
100,000-Hour Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of certain Holosun sights is 100,000-hour battery life. Some might say it’s just a marketing gimmick, but the fact remains that longer battery life means less worry about your sight failing at a crucial moment.
Additionally, many Holosun optics include Shake Awake technology, which helps preserve battery life by powering down the optic during periods of inactivity and instantly reactivating it when motion is detected.
While a long battery life and Shake Awake are valuable features, they’re not the only reasons shooters love Holosun. The other features are even more compelling.
Solar Fail-Safe Technology
This technology uses a built-in solar panel to keep the optic powered continuously. Even if the battery dies, the sight will still work as long as there’s enough light. Plus, it automatically adjusts the reticle’s brightness to match the lighting conditions. This means you always have a clear and visible aim point without having to fiddle with settings. Imagine you’re defending yourself and move from indoors to outdoors (or vice versa); the lighting changes, and so does the reticle. It’s super convenient, especially in a stressful situation.
Multi-Reticle System (MRS)
The Multi-Reticle System (MRS) is another standout feature that sets Holosun optics apart from many competitors. This system lets users switch between different reticle patterns without changing the point of aim. Typically, Holosun offers up to three reticle options: a dot, a circle, and a combination of both.
Some might think it’s overkill, but anyone who needs to engage targets at various ranges will definitely appreciate this flexibility. The 2 MOA dot is perfect for precision shooting, allowing for accurate target engagement at longer distances. The 32 MOA circle is great for quick target acquisition in close-quarters combat. This versatility makes Holosun red dots with MRS ideal for a wide range of tasks, from practical shooting competitions to self-defense and tactical operations.
Top Holosun Sights Overview
Holosun offers a range of products, each designed to meet specific needs. Let’s dive into some of their top products and see what makes them a favorite among users.
Holosun 507 Pistol Sight Series: 507Comp, 507C, 507K
The Holosun 507 pistol sight series is hugely popular among pistol shooters due to its versatility, balance, and competitive pricing.
One of the main draws is the MRS system that lets users choose between a dot, a circle, or a combination of both, depending on the shooting scenario, available light, and personal preference. While the dot size is typically 2 MOA across nearly all 507 series models, there are different circle sizes. For example, the popular 507COMP offers a 2 MOA dot and optional 8, 20, or 32 MOA circles— this system is named Competition Reticle System (CRS). The 507K and 507C models feature a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle only.
Customer reviews and forum discussions highlight that people with astigmatism and other vision impairments often note that a 2 MOA dot is not the best idea. Instead, many would prefer a 6 MOA dot or an 8 MOA circle. If you like a larger reticle, check out the 407K variants, which have a 6 MOA dot, or the new EPS sights—Red 6 or Green 6.
When choosing a pistol sight, consider your primary use. If you’re into USPSA matches, 3-Gun, or other competitions, the Holosun 507 series is a great choice. For EDC sights, the Holosun 407 series might be better, and it’s also more budget-friendly.
Back to the 507 features: another major plus is its robust construction. Made from high-quality aluminum, these sights are built to last. The weights vary slightly, with the 507K models being the lightest at 1 oz, the 507C at 1.5 oz, and the 507COMP at 1.7 oz.
The 507C models also come with Holosun’s Solar Fail-Safe technology, ensuring they stay operational even if the battery dies, and they automatically adjust brightness. All 507 sights feature Shake Awake technology, which conserves battery life by activating the sight with movement.
The 507C models also come with Holosun’s Solar Fail-Safe technology, ensuring they stay operational even if the battery dies, and they automatically adjust brightness. All 507 sights feature Shake Awake technology, which conserves battery life by activating the sight with movement.
At its price point, the Holosun 507 series pistol reflex sights offer an excellent option for those looking for affordable, everyday-use optics.
Holosun 507 at a glance:
507Comp: competition pistol optic; large lens, 6 reticle configurations; RMR footprint; for full-size pistols like Glock 17/19 or Sig P320.
507K X2: subcompact carry pistol optic; suits CC pistols like Hellcat, P365, G43, etc; lightweight.
507C X2: with solar backup; RMR footprint; best suits full-size pistols.
All: MSR feature (CSR or Comp variant); red & green options.
Holosun 507Comp
Specs:
- Reticle color: Red
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot & 8/20/32 MOA Circle
- Brightness settings: 8 DL & 2 NV
- Battery life: 50000 h
- Housing: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Holosun DMS Red Dot & Digital NV Fusion Sight
The Holosun DMS-TH and DMS-NV have been highly anticipated since Shot Show 2023, and it’s easy to see why—they looked very cool at the show. Unfortunately, the DMS-TH still hasn’t been released, so let’s focus on the DMS-NV.
Essentially, this rifle sight combines day and night capabilities into one versatile unit, allowing you to switch between a regular red dot sight and a digital night vision camera. The red dot and the NV camera work independently.
The red dot component is pretty standard—it features Holosun’s well-known MRS, so you can choose from a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or a combination of both. But let’s be real, the excitement isn’t just about the red dot.
The digital NV camera is impressive, especially considering the whole unit is priced at only $1100. It offers a resolution of 1024×768 with up to 60 fps. There’s also an 8x zoom and the ability to record images and videos. While the image gets grainy at higher zoom levels, it remains amazing when paired with a magnifier. Holosun does note that if there’s not enough ambient light, you’ll need to use an external IR illuminator, which is typical for all NV devices.
As for the practical use of the Holosun DMS-NV, its efficient range is around 100 yards, but you can extend that to 200-300 yards with additional IR light and a magnifier.
New @holosunoptics Thermal (DMS-TH) spotted today. Check out how it overlays! You can have the thermal off and simply use it as a red dot sight, or turn on and have the thermal overlay the live image. Estimated launch late 2023. #shotshow2023 #thermal pic.twitter.com/vY8LagGBc8
— Top Shot Dustin (@TopShotDustin) January 19, 2023
Holosun AEMS: Perfect for AR-15s
No one will argue that the DMS is quite a niche product—most rifle users just need a regular red dot that can handle thousands of rounds and provide a clear, crisp aiming point. The Holosun AEMS is a fantastic option according to many customers, stacking up well against Aimpoint and Eotech sights and even surpassing them in some aspects.
The AEMS series includes two models: the AEMS and AEMS Core, each available with a red or green reticle. The AEMS Core is a more basic option, while the original AEMS offers more advanced features like MRS (2 MOA dot & 65 MOA circle), a tough 7075 T6 aluminum housing with an anodized finish, and an IPX8 water resistance rating. Plus, the original AEMS features solar backup power and better NV compatibility with 4 NV brightness settings. Both also come with a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, which allows shooters use it with iron sights.
Some of the most compelling reasons people prefer the Holosun AEMS over other brands are its lightweight design (especially compared to Eotech holographic sights), solar backup, exceptional durability, and a perfect balance between cost and advanced features.
Holosun AEMS
Specs:
- Reticle color: Red
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle
- Brightness settings: 8 DL & 4 NV
- Battery life: 50000 h
- Housing: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Final Words
Holosun continues to push the boundaries of optic technology. Their focus on reliability, versatility, and user-friendly features makes them a top choice for those who demand the best. So, if you’re in the market for a new optic, consider giving Holosun a try—you won’t regret it. And we’re eagerly awaiting the release of Holosun’s thermal sight, the DMS-TH, to discuss it in detail with you.
Holosun optics can be suitable for people with astigmatism, but specific preferences may vary. Individuals with astigmatism often find that larger reticles or dots (such as a 6 MOA dot or an 8 MOA circle) are easier to see without distortion. Holosun offers models like the 407K, which features a 6 MOA dot, and the EPS sights with 6 MOA red or green dots, catering to those needs. However, personal experience may differ, and it is always recommended to test the optics before making a purchase to ensure they meet individual visual requirements.
The Holosun 507 and 407 series are designed for different applications. The 507 series is more feature-packed, offering multiple reticle options through the MRS, such as a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle. It is ideal for competitive shooting and versatile use. Additionally, the 507 series often includes features like Holosun’s Solar Fail-Safe and Shake Awake technology, ensuring reliability and extended usability. In contrast, the 407 series is more cost-effective and simpler, featuring a single reticle option (a 6 MOA dot) suitable for EDC and casual shooting needs.
Holosun optics stand out from other brands due to their exceptional value for money. They offer high-quality features and performance at a fraction of the cost of competitors, making them an excellent choice for those seeking reliable optics without breaking the bank.
