The Holosun 507C is a compact American-Chinese open reflex sight designed specifically for modern pistols equipped with an RMR imprint. Manufactured since 2015 by Holosun Technologies, it has quickly established itself as one of the most popular gun optics in the world thanks to its exceptional value for money, advanced solar technologies and patented multi-reticle system.
History and Development of the Holosun 507C
Holosun Technologies was founded in 2013 in Walnut, California, by optical engineers with significant experience in the Chinese manufacturing sector. Since its inception, the company’s ambition has been to offer high-quality tactical optics at affordable prices, targeting the civilian, law enforcement and military markets. Manufacturing is carried out in China in highly specialized factories, while product development and sales support are handled from the United States.
The 507C model was launched in response to the popularization of guns designed to receive optics directly on the slide — a strong trend driven by the success of the Trijicon RMR. Holosun deliberately adopted the standard RMR footprint to ensure maximum compatibility with the dozens of guns already machined for this format. Upon its release, the 507C was distinguished by the introduction of Solar Failsafe technology: a photovoltaic cell backs up the main battery, ensuring that the point remains active even in the event of a full discharge. This innovation, combined with a battery life of 50,000 hours and a price significantly lower than premium optics, makes the 507C an immediate commercial success. The X2 version, launched in 2020, brings significant improvements to robustness and ergonomics, confirming the 507C’s place at the top of the market.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Official designation | Holosun HS507C X2 |
| Country of Origin | USA/China |
| Manufacturer | Holosun Technologies (Walnut, CA) |
| Launch year | 2015 (507C) / 2020 (X2) |
| Type | Open reflex sight |
| 1x magnification | (no magnification) |
| Multi Reticle System (MRS): 2 MOA point, 32 MOA circle, or combination | |
| Viewing window | 23.1 × 16 mm (0.91 × 0.63 inches) |
| Power supply | CR1632 battery (side, without disassembly) + Solar Failsafe |
| Battery life | Up to 50,000 hours (low brightness setting) |
| Brightness Levels | 12 levels (10 daytime + 2 night vision) |
| Weight | 42.5 g (1.5 oz) |
| Dimensions | 45.2 × 29.2 × 29.2 mm (L × W × H) |
| Anodized 7075-T6 aluminum | housing |
| Glass | Multi-layer anti-reflective titanium coating |
| IP67 waterproof | (immersible up to 1 m, 30 min) |
| Impact resistance | 5,000 G |
| RMR (Trijicon Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) | Mounting Footprint |
| Shake Awake✓ function | (auto off, instant wake-up on motion) |
Operation and Technical Particularities
The Holosun 507C works on the reflex sight principle: an LED projects a bright dot (or circle) onto an angled semi-reflective lens, creating the illusion that the reticle is floating superimposed on the target. The shooter’s eye perceives the point without the need to align two separate aiming points, significantly speeding up target acquisition. Unlike goggles or holographs, the 507C does not magnify the image — it stays in 1x — making it ideal for close-quarters shots typical of personal defense or IPSC/USPSA competitive combat.
The Multi Reticle System (MRS) technology is one of the great strengths of the 507C: the shooter can switch between three separate reticles on the fly via a simple long press of the change button. The 2 MOA point alone provides maximum accuracy for distant targets. The 32 MOA circle alone accelerates target acquisition in dynamic shots. The combination of circle + point combines both advantages. The Solar Failsafe photovoltaic cell, integrated into the body of the optics, captures ambient light and can keep the optic on even when the battery is empty — a unique operational safety in this price range. The Shake Awake function automatically turns off the optic after 10 minutes of immobility, then wakes it up instantly at the slightest movement, preserving the battery without compromising responsiveness.
Variants and Versions
The 507C family includes several variants adapted to different needs. The HS507C X2 is the standard red version, the most common, with red LEDs and black anodized housing. The HE507C-GR X2 is the green dot version, with a green LED offering better contrast in daylight and better transmission on tinted glass. The 507C X3 represents the most recent evolution with an even larger window and a reinforced construction for military use. For shooters who want perfect integration on pistols with a blackout system, Holosun also offers versions with protective cover. Limited editions in gold or titanium finish have been produced for special editions.
Compatibility and Mounting
The Holosun 507C’s greatest advantage is its adoption of Trijicon’s RMR footprint, which has become the de facto standard for optics-ready pistols. This footprint is natively compatible with dozens of popular models, including the Glock MOS (17, 19, 34…), the SIG Sauer P320 RX, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, the Walther PDP, the CZ P-10 OR, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, and many others. For OEM no-machining guns, adapter plates are available from specialized manufacturers. Attachment is done with two M4 screws supplied, accessible directly without dismantling the optics thanks to the side battery tray.
Use by Law Enforcement and Military
Since 2018, the Holosun 507C has been adopted by many U.S. police departments looking to equip their officers with reliable and affordable pistol optics. Its MIL-STD certification and 5,000G resistance make it a credible choice for law enforcement applications. Several special forces units from Southeast Asian and Latin American countries have integrated the 507C on their service pistols. In the world of competition, the 507C X2 is widely used in USPSA Production Optics, IPSC, and 3-Gun thanks to its dot + circle combination ideal for quick transitions.
Civil Possession in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the Holosun 507C is a weapon accessory and not a firearm in itself. It is therefore free to acquire for any legal owner of a compatible weapon, without any specific restrictions related to the accessory itself. The optics are available from specialized gunsmiths in Switzerland as well as via official Holosun importers. It is particularly popular among Swiss sport shooters who practice moving targets (IPSC, USPSA format), as well as among owners of defensive weapons wishing to optimize their aiming time. Use on official shooting ranges is generally permitted, subject to the regulations specific to each facility. For any questions relating to legal armament in Switzerland, it is advisable to consult the provisions of the Federal Weapons Act (LArm) and the applicable cantonal regulations.
Conclusion
In less than a decade, the Holosun 507C X2 has established itself as one of the go-to references in pistol optics. By combining a rugged 7075 aluminum construction, advanced technologies such as the Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake, a versatile multi-reticle system, and universal compatibility with the RMR fingerprint, all at a significantly lower price than competing premium optics, Holosun has succeeded in democratizing the use of red dots on pistols. Whether for personal defense, law enforcement service or sports competition, the 507C remains a top choice praised by professional and amateur shooters around the world today.
