Hey shooter! Welcome to my review of the Holosun 407k vs. 507k.
Holosun has jumped into the micro red dot for subcompact pistols with its ‘K’ series of red dot sights. The “K” series is Holosun’s attempt to miniaturize all its amazing features and create an optic for your carry pistol.
Today, I will compare two of the best optics Holosun has for your concealed carry gun: Holosun 507k vs. 407k.
I love using red dots on my everyday carry, and Holosun has been my constant companion for the purpose. I have used the 407k and 507k, and this comparison guide comes from my experience using these two dots.
So, in this review, I will tell you what I think is a better choice for concealed carry between the two options.
The main difference between the 407k and 507k is the reticle options. I will explain each red dot’s reticle options and which is better. I have also compared all other features of the two optics in detail.
I hope it helps you to choose the right optic.
Let’s get started.
Highlights
If you are in a hurry, below is a quick overview of the differences between the two red dot sights.
- The 407k comes with a 6 moa dot as its reticle.
- The 507k comes with the Multiple Reticle System, which includes a 2 moa dot, a 32 moa circle, and a dot-circle combination.
- The 407k is about 100 dollars less in price than the 507k.
What To Expect
I will compare the following features of the 507k and the 407k:
- Durability and reliability ( Durability Test Included)
- Size and weight
- Reticle options
- Battery life
- Battery-related features
- Brightness
- Price.
I will also mention the winner of each category and the overall winner in the end. I will also tell you which red dot between the two I prefer and why.
Holosun 507k vs 407k – Specifications
407k vs. 507k: Features
Below is a detailed comparison of the features of the 407k vs. 507k.
1. Durability and Reliability
Durability and reliability are the two most important considerations for these red dots as they are used for concealed carry/everyday carry. It’s a situation where your life depends on the optic that you carry.
Both these optics are from Holosun, so there is no doubt that they are extremely durable. Holosun is known for making good-quality optics at an affordable price, and these two are not any different.
Let’s see if they are durable enough for concealed carry.
Aluminum Housing
Both 507k and 407k have 7075 T6 Aluminum housing. So, firstly, it’s not a cheap plastic body.
Secondly, the 7075 T6 Aluminum is the best Aluminum material you can find for an optic’s housing—it is known for its tensile strength.
Something more durable than the 7075 T6 Aluminum is the Titanium housing you will get with the Holosun 508t. So, with the 7075 T6 Aluminum, we know this optic’s housing is on point.
Anodized Finish
Both the 507k and 407k also have an anodized finish. This finishing prevents the 507k and 407k from corrosion, making the two optics long-lasting. It certainly adds up to the durability.
Recessed Turrets
Both the optics have windage and elevation turrets recessed into the optic’s body. The recessed turrets help to prevent any changes in the windage and elevation settings on your scope if you bump it into a wall or drop it.
If these turrets are hanging out, the unintentional windage/elevation changes can mess up with your zero. And, having your zero messed up in a life-threatening situation is not a very pleasant experience.
Also, there are high chances of accidental changes in these settings while you conceal carry your pistol. So, these recessed turrets also prevent that, making these two optics suitable for concealment.
Waterproof
Lastly, these two optics are not just water-resistant but waterproof. They are submersible in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It means you can use them in all weather conditions (rain, snow, or fog) without any problem. I’m not suggesting you dump your optic into the water but be confident to take it out when it’s raining.
Durability Test (507k)
The best durability test you will find for most optics in the industry is by Aaron Cowan from Sage Dynamics. I will take reference from his extreme and rigorous testing to see if the 407k and 507k are suitable enough for concealed carry?
The testing process includes 3 steps:
- Shooting for 2000 rounds
- One-handed manipulations
- 4 drop tests (shoulder height)
These tests show that the 507k didn’t lose zero at 25 yards after all this brutal abuse. But the abuse did damage the window of the 507k from one corner. However, this damage did not affect the optic’s functionality.
Durable Enough For Concealed Carry?
Now, the real question is, are these two optics durable enough for concealed carry?
So, first off, the 507k survived all the abuse; it didn’t break or lose zero. As we know that the 407k is built exactly like the 507k, we can extract that 407k will have the same result if put through the same testing.
The testing proves that both these optics are durable enough for concealed carry.
Winner: None
This category has no winner because both optics have the same housing material, anodized finish, recessed turrets, and IPX7 waterproof rating.
2. Size & Weight
| Holosun 407k | Holosun 507k | |
| Length (Inches) | 1.60 | 1.60 |
| Width (Inches) | 0.98 | 0.98 |
| Height (Inches) | 0.95 | 0.95 |
| Weight (Ounces) | 1 | 1 |
The dimensions of the two optics show that they are ideal for a subcompact gun. Also, with 1 ounce of weight, you don’t add much to your gun. Moreover, both optics have similar sizes and weights, so there is no point in comparison.
Winner: None
There is no winner in the 507k vs. 407k size and weight category because both have the same dimensions and weight.
3. Reticle Options
With all other features being similar, this is the point where the 507k and 407k compete against each other.
Reticle options or sizes are an important part of shooting. And shooters have their preferences regarding them.
Some people like bigger dots because they are easier to pick. And others like smaller dots for more precision.
Here, the 407k has a single dot option, while the 507k has the traditional Multiple Reticle System of the Holosun. With the 407k, you get one 6 Moa dot, and the 507k comes with 3 reticle options; a 2 Moa dot, a 32 Moa circle, and a dot-circle combination.
Why Is 6 Moa Dot Better?
Many reasons make the 6 Moa dot of the 407k better than the Multiple Reticle System of the 507k. The 6 Moa dot of the 407k is great because you can pick it very easily and get faster target acquisition.
Also, in everyday carry situations, the targets you are supposed to shoot are closer to you. So, a bigger dot is more suitable for up-close targets.
Moreover, a 6 Moa dot is visible under bright sunlight without putting it to maximum brightness. Super bright sun is no problem for a 6 Moa dot.
On the other hand, you can either use the 2 Moa dot on the 507k, a 32 Moa circle, or a circle-dot combination. If you use a 2 Moa dot, it will be very small for hitting targets up close. The other options are the 32 Moa circle or the circle-dot combination. For a smaller optic like the 507k, which has a small sight window, a 32 Moa circle or circle-dot combination clutters the window.
Finally, it all comes down to personal preference, but I think the 6 Moa dot on the 407k is better than the 2 Moa dot or even the circle-dot combination on the 507k.
Winner: Holosun 407k
The winner in this category is the 407k because it gives a larger 6 Moa dot that allows for faster target acquisition. It is a great asset in a defensive situation.
4. Battery Life
Battery life is an important factor when deciding on your optic. You need good battery life on your optic, especially if your life is dependent on it.
You cannot afford to be betrayed by your optic when you need it the most. Or you cant be facing an assailant and switching batteries; that’s a horrible view even to imagine. So, battery life plays an important role in the reliability of an optic.
The two options we have here have a battery life of 50,000 hours. The 407k and 507k will run for 5 years without changing the batteries.
This insane battery life that you get with the Holosun 507k and 407k is what you usually find with high-end optics like the Aimpoint. But, Holosun has managed to give 50,000 hours of battery life at an affordable price.
Winner: None
This category has no winner because 507k and 407k have a similar battery life of 50,000 hours.
Holosun doesn’t just have amazing battery life; it also has many amazing features related to the battery.
The Shake Awake
If you are wondering how Holosun manages to get this insane battery life, then the answer is the Shake Awake.
The Shake Awake feature helps preserve the battery on both these optics by turning the optic off when there is no movement. As soon as it senses any movement, it turns itself on again.
So, don’t worry if you repeatedly forget to turn your optic off after using it; the Shake Awake will do it for you.
Side Battery Tray
The side battery tray is another amazing feature with the two Holosun optics here. Both 507k and 407k have a side battery tray for changing batteries.
Although with 50,000 hours of battery life, you don’t have to change the batteries very often. But whenever you have to, the side battery tray makes it extremely convenient.
You can change the batteries on both these optics without removing them from your gun. It saves you from the hassle of re-zeroing your optic after changing batteries.
This feature is not included in all Holosun optics. For example, the Holosun 507c is one optic with its battery compartment underneath; it’s not something shooters prefer.
Winner: None
Again, this category has no winner because both 507k and 407k have the shake awake and the side battery tray.
6. Brightness
A good range of brightness settings gives the user more options to explore and makes the red dot usable in most lighting conditions.
12 Brightness Settings
You have 12 brightness settings on the 507k and 407k to choose your preferred one; 10 daylight and 2 night vision settings. You can work with this red dot if you are under bright sunlight and even when you are shooting under a shade. These 12 settings will cater to all your needs, from bright sunlight to dim light and the dark.
Lockout Mode
Once you have set your brightness level on the optic, you can lock it with the lockout mode on both 507k and 407k. It protects your brightness setting from any accidental changes.
Winner: None
We again don’t have a winner in the brightness category because both 407k and 507k have 12 brightness settings and the lockout mode.
7. Price
Price is yet another category where the two optics compete. The 407k is about 100 dollars less in price than the 507k. The only reason for the difference could be the multiple reticle options that the 507k gives.
Both these optics are very affordable, especially for the amazing quality they have. But, the 407k is even more affordable than the 507k.
Winner: Holosun 407k
The winner in this category is the 407k because you save some good money if you choose the 407k over the 507k.
Holosun 407k Vs 507k – Comparison Videos
Overall Winner?
There are only two categories in which we can compare the 407k and 507k: reticle options and price. The 507k has 3 reticle options, while the 407k has only 1.
But for concealed carry, the bigger 6 Moa dot of the 407k is much better than the 2 Moa dot of the 507k. It’s also better than the 32 Moa circle or the circle-dot combination of the 507k because these two options clutter the small window of the 507k.
Regarding the price, the 407k is more affordable than the 507k.
So, the 407k is better in both categories, hence the overall winner.
My Pick?
My pick from the above two options is the 407k. As I have already mentioned, I like the 6 Moa dot of the 407k better than the 2 Moa dot of the 507k, and I feel the 32 Moa circle and the circle-dot option on the 507k clutters its small window.
But, by picking the 407k, I am not completely dissing the 507k. It’s a great choice for someone who likes using the 2 Moa dot or the circle-dot combination.
Endnote
The Holosun 507k and 407k mostly have similar features. They both have 7075 T6 Aluminium housing, anodized finishing, recessed turrets, and an IPX7 waterproof rating.
Also, their durability has been proved in the test mentioned above in the article. So, I consider them fit for concealed carry.
These optics also have similar size, weight, battery life, and brightness settings.
However, the main difference between the two is that the 407k comes with one 6 Moa dot while the 507k comes with the traditional multiple reticle system of Holosun.
Also, the 407k is almost 100 dollars less expensive than the 507k.
FAQs
What is the difference between 507k and 407k?
The 407k has one 6 Moa dot as its reticle, while the 507k has the traditional multiple reticle system. This system includes a 2 Moa dot, a 32 moa circle, and a dot-circle combination. Other than reticle, the price of both these optics is also different. The 407k is almost 100 dollars less expensive than the 507k.
Do the Holosun 407k and 507k have the same footprint?
Yes, the Holosun 407k and 507k have the same footprint, i.e., a modified Shield footprint.
Does Holosun 407K have Shake Awake?
The 407k does have the shake awake feature.
