Holosun 507C X2 Review: Do-It-All Red Dot for Your Pistol, Shotgun, and PCC
Holosun 507C X2 review of a do-it-all red dot sight for your pistol, shotgun, and PCC, covering features, durability, and real range use on shotgun red dot sights and pistol caliber carbines.
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Introduction
The Holosun 507C X2 has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile open-emitter red dots available. Its multi-reticle system, durable housing, and long battery life make it popular across several firearm types, from defensive shotguns to everyday carry pistols and pistol caliber carbines. Our Holosun 507C X2 review examines how the optic performs in real-world use and why it is a leading choice for shooters.
I mounted my 507C on a MAC 1014 for testing. Curious how it performed? Keep reading to find out.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the 507C X2 strikes a balance between compact design and sturdy build quality. The 7075-T6 housing feels ready for tough use. It doesn’t feel like a cheap knockoff. The RMR footprint makes mounting easy across firearm platforms. On the MAC 1014, installation was simple with a Picatinny rail adaptor, and the sight sat low enough to maintain a natural cheek weld.
Initial testing with 25 rounds showed no flicker, shift, or loss of zero. The buttons required deliberate pressure but were easy enough to learn. Daylight visibility was excellent, and dusk shooting provided enough control over brightness to avoid blooming.
Features and Controls
Multi-Reticle System
The 507C X2’s biggest advantage is its selectable reticle system. Shooters can choose a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination circle-dot. This flexibility works well on firearms with different roles. The circle helps with rapid alignment during defensive shotgun drills or PCC transitions, while the dot alone offers precision for pistol work or slower-paced shooting.
Solar Failsafe and Battery System
The CR1632 battery, Shake Awake feature, and solar panel work together to provide long runtime while adding redundancy in bright conditions. The optic activates with motion, conserves power when idle, and maintains visibility even as the battery weakens, as long as you have strong sunlight. This system gives you confidence that your firearms, whether a shotgun, pistol, or rifle, will be ready when you need them most.
Window and Glass Quality
The window size is generous for an optic of this footprint. It gives enough visual space to track the reticle through movement while remaining compact for pistol use. The glass has minimal tint and presents a clean image in daylight. In low-light conditions, the lower brightness settings produced a crisp dot without starbursting.
Durability and Construction
The Holosun 507C is built from 7075 aluminum and rated IP67 for water resistance. It is designed to withstand recoil and rough handling. The housing has protective overhangs that help shield the emitter. On the MAC 1014, early recoil testing showed no issues. This durability, of course, is not surprising, since Holosun has built a reputation for producing quality red dots.
Controls
The X2 revision improved the button design by reducing accidental input and offering better tactile control. While small, the buttons work reliably once learned. Brightness adjustment is fully manual, giving the shooter direct control across lighting conditions.
For shooters looking to get and setup a defensive shotgun, check out our guide for what matters most.
Performance Across Platforms
On the MAC 1014, the 507C X2 remained stable under recoil and maintained zero throughout testing. The circle-dot reticle worked well for quick target acquisition during close-range drills. I have shot around 100 rounds through the MAC 1014 with the 507C X2 mounted and the results are exactly what you would want them to be. This gives me confidence it will perform just as well on other shotguns.
On pistols, the 507C X2 behaves much like other optics with an RMR footprint, but its reticle system adds versatility. The 2 MOA dot alone offers clean precision for slow fire or distance shots, while the circle-dot setup benefits shooters who want faster sight pickup. This dual capability sets it apart from many other pistol red dots.
Pistol caliber carbines tend to benefit from red dots with wide sight pictures and strong brightness control. The 507C X2’s window size, reticle options, and durability make it a natural fit. The circle-dot speeds transitions on steel or close-range drills, while the finer dot remains easy to use for more precise shots.
Across all platforms, the 507C is excellent, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a red dot.
Holosun 507C X2 vs 407C X2 (Short Comparison)
Both optics share the same footprint, housing, and general durability. The main difference is reticle flexibility. The 407C X2 uses a single 2 MOA dot, while the 507C X2 adds a 32 MOA circle and circle-dot mode. For shooters who prefer the simplest possible sight picture, the 407C X2 remains a strong value. However, the 507C X2’s additional reticle options make it more capable across shotguns, pistols, and PCCs. There is a price increase when stepping up from the 407C to the 507C, but it is not prohibitive if the 507C has the functionality you are looking for.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multi-reticle system.
- Rugged 7075 housing.
- RMR footprint.
- Long battery life aided by Shake Awake and solar backup.
- Clear glass.
- Lightweight for pistols, PCCs, and shotguns.
Cons
- Open emitter may require occasional cleaning.
- Small buttons.
- Higher cost than 407C.
- Manual brightness only, which some shooters prefer less.
Last Words
I am a big fan of circle-dot reticles. The first optic I ever bought was an EOTech 512 after all. The Holosun 507C X2 is a natural continuation of that fandom. It brings together durability, clarity, and reticle versatility in a compact optic that works well across several firearm categories. Mounted on the MAC 1014, it showed promising stability and a fast, intuitive sight picture. On pistols and PCCs, I like the clean dot for precision and a circle-dot option for quicker shooting. Shooters who want a simple dot may prefer the 407C, but anyone who values flexibility and speed will find the 507C X2 to be a strong long-term choice.
It remains one of the most practical red dots for anyone wanting a single optic that can adapt to multiple firearms.
FAQ
Is the Holosun 507C X2 good for shotguns?
Yes, the circle-dot reticle and durable housing make it a strong option for defensive shotguns, including semi-auto models like the MAC 1014 and Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol.
Does the 507C X2 work well on pistols?
It does. The window size and multi-reticle system help with both fast presentation and accurate slow fire.
Is the 507C X2 suitable for PCCs and AR-15 style rifles?
Yes. The sight’s clarity, lightweight design, and reticle flexibility make it well-suited for range use, home defense, and competition-style drills.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life is rated for up to about 50,000 hours on a medium brightness setting with the dot reticle, with Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe helping extend real-world runtime.
What footprint does the 507C X2 use?
It uses the RMR footprint, giving it broad compatibility with pistols, shotguns, and PCCs, although mounting plates may be required for some guns.
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