Top 8 Holosun Optics for Rifles, Pistols & Shotguns: The Ultimate Red Dot Guide

Holosun has made quite a splash in the firearms optics market over recent years. The brand gained fame by packing advanced features into red dots that don't empty your wallet. Gun owners appreciate how these optics offer innovation at prices regular folks can afford.

From beginners to experts, shooters of all types have embraced Holosun products. Features like solar backup power, multiple reticle options, and incredible battery life make these optics stand out in a crowded field.

This guide breaks down the 8 best Holosun optics for rifles, pistols, and shotguns. We've ranked them based on performance, features, and value to help you find the perfect match for your specific needs.

How We Evaluated These Holosun Optics

Our evaluation combines thorough research with real-world feedback from experienced shooters. The Pro-Armory team brings years of military service, competitive shooting, and firearms retail experience to this review process. Law enforcement officers, hunters, and daily carriers shared valuable insights about how these optics perform under serious conditions.

Each sight made this list through careful review of performance data and customer feedback. We considered our team's practical knowledge rather than conducting direct hands-on testing with each model. Key factors like durability, glass clarity, battery performance, and unique features shaped our final recommendations.

Holosun makes some of the most versatile red dots on the market, but they’re not the only option worth considering. If you’d like to see how Holosun stacks up against other popular optics, our guide to the 11 best red dot sights for rifles, pistols, and budget-conscious shooters compares features, price points, and use-cases across the industry. It’s a helpful resource if you’re deciding between Holosun and other brands.

1. Holosun 507C X2 – Best for Versatile Use

The Holosun 507C X2 stands out as one of the most adaptable red dots available today. This compact optic fits well on shotguns, full-sized pistols, and rifles, making it ideal for those needing one sight across multiple platforms. It uses the popular Trijicon RMR footprint, allowing broad compatibility with mounts and accessories.

What makes the 507C X2 exceptional is its ability to handle serious recoil without losing zero. It's a favorite among shotgun owners for its ability to remain rock-solid under the heavy kick of 12-gauge loads. The multi-reticle system lets users switch between a precise 2-MOA dot, a 32-MOA circle for quick target acquisition, or both.

Battery life is also a strong point, thanks to Holosun's solar failsafe technology. Even if the battery dies, the solar panel keeps the reticle visible in daylight. This dual-power system adds reliability for competition or defensive use.

Many users mount the 507C X2 on Benelli M4 shotguns or full-sized pistols. The large circle reticle is excellent for tracking buckshot, while the crisp 2-MOA dot supports accurate shot placement. The shake-awake feature conserves battery when idle and activates the optic upon movement.

For the price, few optics combine features, durability, and adaptability as well as the 507C X2. Its popularity among competitors, home defenders, and tactical shooters speaks volumes.

Price: $309

Specs

• Best Use: Shotgun, Full-Size Pistol, Rifle
• Footprint: Trijicon RMR
• Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA circle, or both
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours
• Brightness Settings: 10 daylight, 2 night vision

Features

• Multi-reticle system
• Solar panel backup
• Shake-awake technology
• Rugged aluminum housing
• Compact with wide field of view

Pros

• Excellent recoil resistance
• Wide compatibility
• Versatile reticle options
• Dual power system

Cons

• Slight blue tint to glass
• A bit bulky for compact pistols

2. Holosun AEMS – Best Compact Enclosed Red Dot

The Holosun AEMS was designed to meet the demand for a compact, enclosed red dot sight. With its square shape, it strikes a balance between bulky full-size models and tiny micro optics. It delivers strong performance without taking up too much rail space.

One of its standout features is the swappable, transparent lens covers. These shields protect from debris, rain, and scratches while still allowing use of the optic. Users can shoot with the covers on and remove them when adding a magnifier.

The square viewing window provides a wide sight picture, enhancing situational awareness and target transitions. Despite its small size, the AEMS produces a bright, sharp reticle suitable for varied lighting.

Constructed from aluminum with titanium reinforcement, the AEMS is built to endure tough conditions. Its enclosed emitter design protects against debris, unlike open emitter optics that can be blocked easily. This makes it an excellent choice for duty use or rugged outdoor environments.

Battery performance is also excellent, with shake-awake and solar backup ensuring long run times. The optic powers down when idle and reactivates upon motion, supported by solar energy when needed.

Price: $399

Specs

• Best Use: Carbine, PCC
• Footprint: Proprietary Picatinny Mount
• Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA circle, or both
• Material: Aluminum with titanium hood
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours

Features

• Fully enclosed emitter
• Shake-awake + solar power
• Clear, coated lenses
• See-through protective lens covers
• Wide, immersive window

Pros

• Excellent view clarity
• Durable and compact
• Innovative lens protection
• Easy mounting and zeroing

Cons

• Proprietary mount system
• Limited third-party accessories (for now)

3. Holosun 509T X2 – Best Enclosed Emitter for Pistols & Carbines

The Holosun 509T X2 brings enclosed emitter technology to a compact footprint ideal for pistols and carbines. Unlike open emitters that can fail due to rain or debris, this optic protects the LED within a sealed housing, boosting reliability in harsh conditions.

The titanium housing keeps the weight low while providing extreme durability. It holds zero well and resists wear, making it a strong choice for self-defense and training.

It includes an RMR adapter plate, allowing compatibility with many mounting options. The optic can be used on pistols with RMR-cut slides or as an offset sight on rifles.

Optically, the 509T X2 delivers sharp clarity with minimal distortion. Though a faint blue tint is present, common in enclosed emitters, the image remains crisp. The multi-reticle system offers a 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA circle, or both.

The opic’s power is managed through a combination of solar backup and shake-awake technology, extending battery life and ensuring instant readiness.

Price: $429

Specs

• Best Use: Pistol, Carbine
• Footprint: 509T (RMR adapter included)
• Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA circle, or both
• Power: Solar + CR1632 Battery
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours

Features

• Fully enclosed emitter
• Titanium housing
• Multi-reticle flexibility
• Shake-awake and solar power

Pros

• Excellent in adverse weather
• Strong recoil resistance
• Sharp, flexible reticle
• Works well as offset optic

Cons

• Slightly bulky on small pistols
• Mild glass tint

4. Holosun HS403A – Most Budget-Friendly Red Dot

The Holosun HS403A is a great entry-level red dot that doesn’t compromise on quality. Based on the classic tube-style design popularized by Aimpoint, this optic delivers excellent performance for the price.

The 20mm aluminum tube feels solid, with durable construction that handles recoil from both rimfire and centerfire firearms. It’s water-resistant and easy to mount on anything from .22 LR trainers to 12-gauge shotguns.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 50,000 hours from a single CR2032 battery. Shake-awake extends life further by powering the unit down at rest and waking it upon movement.

The 2-MOA dot is ideal for both precision and rapid acquisition. It maintains clarity at all brightness settings without the blurry bloom often found in cheaper optics.

The HS403A’s use of the Aimpoint Micro footprint gives it broad compatibility with aftermarket mounts. This allows it to fit many setups without the need for proprietary parts.

Price: Approx. $120–$150

Specs

• Best Use: Carbine, PCC
• Footprint: Aimpoint Micro
• Reticle: 2-MOA red dot
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours
• Power Source: CR2032

Features

• Shake-awake technology
• Clear, sharp dot
• Water-resistant
• Simple, durable design

Pros

• Excellent value
• Strong build quality
• Compatible with many mounts
• Perfect for budget builds

Cons

• No solar backup
• Single reticle option
• Basic feature set

5. Holosun EPS / EPS Carry – Best for Concealed Carry & Durability

The Holosun EPS series marks a major breakthrough for concealed carry optics. These sights fix the biggest problem with pistol red dots: open emitters that get clogged. Lint, debris, and moisture can block your sight picture when you need it most. Holosun solved this by completely sealing the LED emitter inside a protective housing.

Two different sizes fit the most popular pistol platforms on the market today. The standard EPS works with RMR-cut slides found on full-size and compact pistols. Smaller EPS Carry models fit Shield RMSc cuts designed for micro-compact guns like the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat. This sizing flexibility covers nearly every carry pistol you might choose.

Everyday carry creates tough conditions that destroy most optics over time. The sealed design keeps pocket lint, rain drops, and sweat away from critical parts inside. Concealed carriers can count on their sight working perfectly when seconds matter most. This protection eliminates the constant cleaning that open-emitter sights demand.

Sharp optical clarity comes standard despite the protective housing around the emitter. Three reticle choices let you pick what works best for your shooting style. You can choose a precise 2-MOA dot, faster 6-MOA dot, or Holosun's circle-dot combination reticle. Each option delivers excellent performance for defensive shooting situations.

Battery performance reaches an impressive 50,000 hours of continuous operation with proper settings. Shake-awake technology turns the sight on instantly when you draw your pistol. Twelve brightness levels including night vision modes adapt to any lighting condition from bright sun to complete darkness.

Price: $329–$399

Specs

• Best Use: Pistol
• Footprint: RMR (EPS), Shield RMSc (EPS Carry)
• Reticle: 2-MOA, 6-MOA, or multi-reticle
• Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
• Brightness Settings: 12 total

Features

• Enclosed design prevents dirt and water intrusion
• Three reticle options available
• Excellent lens clarity
• Durable construction for EDC use

Pros

• Fits seamlessly on micro-compacts
• Excellent reticle clarity
• Protected LED for high protection

Cons

• Bulky on smaller pistols
• Each optic comes with only one reticle option

6. Holosun HS510C – Best Full-Sized Open Emitter Red Dot

The Holosun HS510C stands as one of the most popular full-size red dots for good reason. This open-emitter optic combines a huge viewing window with multiple reticle options in a package that won't break the bank. Designed primarily for rifles and PCCs (Pistol Caliber Carbines), the HS510C delivers speed and accuracy in a user-friendly package that has won over both recreational and competitive shooters.

The sight window immediately impresses with its size and clarity. The large, unobstructed view allows for extremely fast target acquisition and better situational awareness compared to tube-style optics. This expanded field of view proves particularly valuable in dynamic shooting scenarios like competition or home defense, where rapid target transitions can make all the difference.

Reticle options set the HS510C apart from many competitors. Users can instantly switch between a precise 2-MOA dot, a large 65-MOA circle, or both combined. This flexibility adapts to different shooting distances and scenarios without changing equipment. The dot works beautifully for precision at distance, the circle excels for close-quarters speed, and the combination provides the best of both worlds for general-purpose use.

Mounting the HS510C couldn't be simpler thanks to the included Quick Detach mount. This tool-less system secures firmly to any Picatinny rail and allows for rapid removal and reattachment without losing zero. The mount provides a lower 1/3 co-witness with standard AR-15 iron sights, creating a seamless backup system should the optic ever fail.

Power management on the HS510C showcases Holosun's innovative approach with both shake-awake technology and solar backup power. The optic automatically powers down when not in use to conserve battery, then instantly activates when it detects movement. In daylight conditions, the solar panel can power the reticle even without battery assistance, providing dual redundancy for critical applications.

Price: $309 

Specs

• Best Use: Carbine, PCC
• Footprint: QD Picatinny
• Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 65-MOA ring, or both
• Power: Solar + CR2032 battery
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours

Features

• Multi-reticle system
• Shake-awake and solar failsafe
• Rugged open design
• Tool-less QD mount

Pros

• Great for fast shooting scenarios
• Excellent clarity
• Quick detachment with included mount

Cons

• Not ideal for the harshest weather
• Large footprint may be too bulky for compact builds

7. Holosun 507K X2 – Top Choice for Micro Pistols

The Holosun 507K X2 tackles the unique challenge of adding red dot sights to micro-compact pistols. These small defensive handguns like the Sig P365, Springfield Hellcat, and Smith & Wesson Shield Plus have exploded in popularity for concealed carry, creating demand for equally compact optics. The 507K X2 meets this demand with a feature-rich optic that doesn't compromise the concealability of these diminutive firearms.

Size matters tremendously in the world of concealed carry, and the 507K X2 keeps things impressively compact. Using the Shield RMSc footprint, this optic fits natively on most micro-compact pistols without overhanging the slide. This proper sizing maintains the gun's slim profile and prevents snagging during the draw—critical factors for a defensive firearm that must come into action smoothly and quickly.

Control layout separates the 507K X2 from many competitors with its dual-button design. Instead of cycling through all brightness settings in one direction, users can increase or decrease brightness as needed. This seemingly small feature makes a huge practical difference, especially when transitioning between different lighting environments. The latest models also include a button lock-out function to prevent accidental setting changes when carried in a holster.

Reticle options provide tremendous flexibility with the 507K X2. Users can select between a precise 2-MOA dot, a 32-MOA circle, or both combined. This multi-reticle system adapts to different shooting situations without changing equipment. The larger circle proves particularly valuable on micro pistols, where the shorter sight radius and smaller grip can make precise dot placement more challenging under stress.

Battery life doesn't take a hit despite the compact size, with the 507K X2 offering an impressive 50,000 hours of run time. The shake-awake feature extends this further by powering down when not in use and instantly activating when movement is detected. With 12 brightness settings (including night vision compatibility), the optic adapts to any lighting condition a concealed carrier might encounter.

Price: $295.99

Specs

• Best Use: Pistol (Micro)
• Footprint: Shield RMSc
• Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA ring, or both
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours
• Brightness: 10 daylight, 2 NV

Features

• Dual-button brightness control
• Shake-awake and memory function
• Reticle selection in one optic
• Lock-out mode for EDC

Pros

• Very compact
• Versatile reticle
• Ideal for deep concealment

Cons

• Not as rugged as enclosed emitters
• Slight learning curve with two-button setup

8. Holosun DRS-NV – Best for Innovation & Night Vision

The Holosun DRS-NV represents a quantum leap in red dot technology by integrating digital night vision capabilities into a standard-sized optic. This groundbreaking design eliminates the need for separate night vision devices or expensive IR-compatible optics, putting true 24-hour capability into the hands of civilian shooters. For those who need to see and engage targets in complete darkness, the DRS-NV offers an all-in-one solution at a fraction of the cost of traditional night vision setups.

During daylight hours, the DRS-NV functions like any high-quality red dot sight with Holosun's signature multiple reticle system. Users can select between a precise 2-MOA dot, a large 65-MOA circle, or both combined to suit their shooting needs. The clarity and brightness match what you'd expect from a premium optic, with no indication of the advanced technology hiding inside.

When darkness falls, the DRS-NV transforms by activating its built-in digital night vision sensor. With 1024x768 resolution and 60 frames per second refresh rate, the image quality surpasses many standalone digital night vision devices. The 8x digital zoom allows for target identification at extended ranges. This optic is suitable for everything from home defense to predator hunting after sundown.

Perhaps the most futuristic feature of the DRS-NV is its onboard recording capability. Users can capture both still images and video of their shooting sessions for later review or documentation. This function proves invaluable for training analysis, hunting memories, or potential legal documentation in defensive scenarios. The footage stores directly to the optic's internal memory for easy transfer later.

Control interface on the DRS-NV remains surprisingly intuitive despite its advanced capabilities. Simple, tactile buttons allow for mode switching and setting adjustments even in complete darkness. The night vision mode uses different reticle options (cross or T-shape) optimized for low-light use, automatically switching when the system detects insufficient ambient light for standard operation.

Price: $999

Specs

• Best Use: Carbine, PCC
• Footprint: Picatinny
• Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 65-MOA ring (day), cross or T (night)
• Sensor: 1024x768, 60 FPS
• Zoom: 8x digital

Features

• Switchable reticles for day and night
• Built-in night vision camera
• Onboard image/video recording
• Future-forward design

Pros

• Incredible low-light performance
• Versatile reticle options
• Records footage for training or review

Cons

• Expensive
• Unproven for long-term durability

Honorable Mentions

Several legacy Holosun models continue to impress despite newer offerings. The HS503G with ACSS reticle remains popular for its ballistic drop compensation features. The HE515 series offers a rugged enclosed design for shooters who want durability in a traditional tube format.

Looking ahead, Holosun continues pushing boundaries with upcoming technology. Reports suggest development of augmented reality optics that could display range, environmental conditions, and ballistic data directly in the sight picture. These innovations demonstrate Holosun's commitment to advancing optics technology at accessible price points.

Final Thoughts

Holosun has fundamentally changed the optics market by bringing advanced features to price points accessible to average gun owners. Their combination of innovation and affordability has forced even the most established manufacturers to step up their game.

The beauty of Holosun's extensive lineup is that there's truly an option for nearly every shooting application. From ultra-compact carry optics to full-featured rifle sights with night vision, the brand covers the entire spectrum of shooter needs.

Before selecting any optic, consider your specific firearm and how you plan to use it. Match the size, weight, and features to your particular needs rather than simply buying the most expensive option. The perfect optic is the one that enhances your shooting experience and performs exactly as needed for your specific application.

Choosing the right optic is only half the battle—getting it properly zeroed is what ensures consistent accuracy. To make the process simple, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to sight in a red dot Whether you’re mounting a Holosun for home defense, range work, or duty use, this resource will help you dial it in with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between open and closed emitter red dots?

Open emitter designs have the LED exposed. For this reason it makes them lighter and less expensive but more vulnerable to debris and moisture. Closed emitter optics fully enclose the LED behind protective glass, increasing durability and weather resistance at the cost of added bulk and weight.

How long do Holosun batteries really last?

Most Holosun optics claim 50,000 hours of battery life at medium settings. Real-world experience shows this is largely accurate, with many users reporting 3-5 years of use before changing batteries. The solar backup and shake-awake features extend this even further in practical use.

Can Holosun optics handle the recoil from shotguns?

Yes, many Holosun models like the 507C and 510C have proven quite capable of handling shotgun recoil. They maintain zero even under the stress of repeated 12-gauge loads.

Which Holosun is best for a concealed carry pistol?

For micro-compact pistols, the 507K X2 or EPS Carry work best due to their appropriate footprint size. For larger carry pistols, the 507C X2 or standard EPS provide more viewing area without excessive bulk.

Do Holosun optics work with magnifiers?

Yes, most Holosun models work excellently with magnifiers. The AEMS, 510C, and tube-style models are particularly well-suited for magnifier pairing. Just remove any protective lens covers for optimal clarity when using a magnifier.

Are Holosun optics duty-grade for professional use?

Many law enforcement agencies and professional users have adopted Holosun optics, particularly the enclosed emitter models like the 509T and AEMS. These optics have demonstrated sufficient durability and performance for professional applications at a lower cost than traditional duty optics.