Holosun 407C X2 Review: A Simple Red Dot That Gets It Right
Looking for a tough and reliable red dot? This Holosun 407C X2 review covers real-world performance, features, mounting options, and how I use it.
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Introduction
Red dot sights have come a long way in the last two decades. What used to cost $400+ for basic performance is now being delivered with modern features, better materials, and longer battery life, at half the price. The Holosun 407C X2 is a great example of this evolution. It doesn’t try to do too much. Instead, it focuses on doing a few things really well.
Whether you’re looking to outfit a carry pistol, pistol-caliber carbine, or a rimfire build, the 407C X2 offers clean execution and durable construction without breaking the bank.
Key Features at a Glance
| Reticle: | 2 MOA red dot |
| Battery Life: | Up to 50,000 hours on medium setting (CR1632) |
| Housing: | 7075-T6 aluminum with matte black finish |
| Mounting Footprint: | RMR |
| Brightness Settings: | 12 (10 daylight, 2 night vision) |
| Features: | Shake Awake, Solar Failsafe, side-loading battery tray |
Holosun 407C X2: Real World Performance
I’ve been running the 407C X2 on both a Ruger 10/22 Takedown and a Ruger 22 Charger; these are two firearms that get a lot of farm use, and, in the case of the 22 Charger, are frequently used to introduce younger shooters to firearms. While I have the 407C on a rimfire platform, it is a very adaptable optic and has no issues mounting it on firearms that chamber a more powerful cartridge.
The Ruger 10/22 is my primary varmint rifle for dispatching critters that are after my chickens. As such, I needed an optic that would function well in all weather and lighting conditions. I also needed the 407C to enhance the rifle’s inherent accuracy, ensuring ethical kills. It does all of this.
On the Charger, the 407C is simply fun. It feels almost built for the platform, compact, quick on target, and easy to shoot accurately at any practical distance.
Shake Awake is more than a gimmick here; it works consistently, turning on the dot with minimal movement. The side battery tray means you’ll never have to re-zero just to swap a battery, though with this runtime, you probably won’t need to for years.
The glass is impressively clear for this price range, with no noticeable blue tint or distortion around the edges. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and doesn’t flare, even for those of us with aging eyes or mild astigmatism.
Mounting & Compatibility
The 407C X2 utilizes the RMR footprint, which permits mounting options across a wide range of firearms. It’s an ideal fit for:
- Full-size & compact pistols that are optics-ready
- Pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) like the Scorpion, AK-V, or Stribog
- Braced pistols (especially 9mm and .22 LR platforms)
- Rimfire rifles, where it balances weight and function
- LPVO + offset red dot setups on ARs or .308 rifles
While it’s not enclosed like the 509T or Aimpoint ACRO, it holds up well for range use, competition, and even defensive roles if you’re willing to clean it occasionally.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe backup
- Side-loading battery tray eliminates re-zero headaches
- Tough 7075 aluminum housing
- Clean glass and crisp 2 MOA dot
- RMR footprint = wide mounting support
Cons
- No multi-reticle system like the 507C
- An open emitter design is vulnerable to dirt/water in extreme use
- The CR1632 battery is less common than the CR2032
Comparisons That Matter
The obvious upgrade path. The 507C adds Holosun’s Multi-Reticle System (dot, circle, or both) and night vision compatibility. But if you don’t need that, the 407C saves you money and simplifies your sight picture.
The Romeo5 Gen 2 is a sealed emitter, tubular-style optic, better for wet conditions and traditional rifle aesthetics. It offers similar battery life and auto-on features, but lacks the side tray, solar panel, and glass clarity found on the 407C. The 407C wins on versatility and reticle crispness.
The RMR is still the durability king, especially for handguns used in duty or harsh conditions. However, it comes with a steeper price, a bottom-loading battery, and no Shake Awake feature. Unless you’re dropping your pistol off a roof or going to war, the 407C is a smarter choice for 90% of shooters.
Last Words
The Holosun 407C X2 doesn’t try to be flashy. It’s not packed with gimmicks. Instead, it delivers durability, reliability, and clarity where it counts. For under $250, it’s one of the most complete red dot packages out there, especially for shooters who don’t need multiple reticles or military-level ruggedness.
Whether you’re mounting it on a carry pistol, your favorite .22, or a PCC build, the 407C X2 offers more than enough performance to keep up. It’s not the most advanced red dot—but it might be the smartest one to buy.
