The forbidden 507C V2 by Holosun, was the optic that triggered a very short, public legal battle between its parent company, and that of Trijicon who makes the RMR. And while the legal issues were eventually settled; the 507C V2 illustrates how a competitive market, new designs, and robust housing can be made at an inexpensive cost to the consumer—that is, if the competition allows it. Today, while the revised 507C has the “X” designator, the V2 can still occasionally be found in guns stores and private sellers.
Initially released in early 2020, the 507C V2 is designed as a high-quality, open reflex optic for competitive or defensive shooters. It can be mounted to either rifle or handgun for improved cross-compatibility.
The housing of the 507 is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade 7075 T6 Aluminum, giving it a high-degree of shock resistance. All threads and the battery tray are sealed with rubberized O-rings that make the 507 waterproof from moisture. Overall the exterior is in a hard, matte-black anodized finish.
The diode inside the housing is projected on Multi-Coated glass (overall measuring 0.63” (H) x0.91 (L) field of view), and sheltered by the optic’s flared shroud. It projects a Multiple Reticle System via 2MOA dot reticle (intended for pistols), or 32MOA circle (for rifles) based on your needs. The two reticles can thus be combined for best overall application.
Brightness is adjusted by a vertical two-button polymer switch at the front of the optic with 12 levels of intensity (10 for daylight, 2 for Night Vision), while the ON/OFF function is done by press-holding the “+” (ON) or “-“ (OFF). After the litigation between Holosun and Trijicon were settled out of court, the vertical button features of the 507 was changed back to a horizontal configuration.
The CR1632 battery provides approximately 50,000 hours of life on the mid-level (Level 6) intensity and the battery tray itself is accessed via the side of the RDS to facilitate changing power sources while leaving the optic mounted.
The battery is backed up by the 507s Solar Failsafe feature which includes a small solar panel array across the bridge of the optic and sealed in a hardened, clear polymer window. The 507 also includes Holosun’s programmable “Shake Awake” so that after a specified time, if not used the optic automatically powers off, but when jostled (as if picked up or drawn) the optic’s motion sensor immediately powers on.
Specifications:
- Parallax-free
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Magnification: 1x
- Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
- Storage Temperature: -40℃ to 70℃
- Working Temperature: -30℃ to 60℃
- Submersion Rating: IP67
The 507C V2 is only available in in black, but does come in a Red or Green reticle option.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): The current “X” rendition of the 507 has an MSRP of $364.69, which was slightly higher than the V2 cost at release. However, today the V2 can still be found on various web-based distributors, gun stores, and third-party retailers like Amazon for just over $300. Consumers should be wary however as fraudulent copies from China have been identified, and only purchase from trusted dealers. In contrast, the Trijicon RMR can run an average of $500 (based on model), the Deltapoint PRO ($399) by Leupold, and the Vortex Viper ($349). This places the earlier V2 version of the 507 at a good price point amid the market, and the “X2” at a more appropriate (or average) price point.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): As a compact pistol optic, the 507 field of view was of appropriate (or of average) size and was perfectly sized/weighted for handgun use. The 507 had the necessitating footprint that it could also be mounted to any picatinny rail based on your desired application, or using any number of aftermarket mounting options. For the purpose of this evaluation, it was attached to a G19 for EDC use. The minimal height-over-bore necessitated some adjustment to accommodate for the natural height of the shooter, and suppressor height sights would have given it an appropriate co-witnessing. The variable MOA reticle was easy to pick up in full daylight, and the V2’s side-mounted rubberized intensity switch provided easy, problem-free adjustment with a much more intuitive button position.
- Durability – Average (3/5): Holosun is known for the moderate durability of its optics, and if anything should ever happen, its Limited Lifetime Warranty provides for a 3-5 year refund in its glass and LED system. But a large degree of durability for the 507 was attributed to its high-grade aluminum and tempered glass. During evaluations there was some noted instances of brass ejecting out and striking the forward-facing glass of the 507, but no evidence of damage to the surface (pitting, chipping, scratches) throughout. During evaluations, the optic did sustain some light superficial scratches to the finish due to contact with hardware or gear, and multiple magazine strikes—but nothing that penetrated to the base layer of metal. The glass remained clear and unobscured throughout trials, and the reticle remained zeroed and clear. It should be noted the 507 did not come with any kind of protective shroud for when not in use.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): From the standpoint of functionality, the 507 did what it needed to do, and did it well (which was consistently help place rounds on target, and maintain a clear/crisp reticle hold). The robust housing, and the optic’s height-over-bore made it easy to pick-up, and locate the reticle during the draw process, while giving a large field of view for sight picture. During the course of evaluation, both reticle dots were tested, and both proved to be bright and clear, even in instances of full direct sunlight. The rubberized vertical switch on the side provided a clear tactile feel when adjusting the optic’s brightness, and the switch’s location on the side made it easy and far more intuitive (as opposed to the current horizontal configuration) to adjust with/without gloves or when turning the unit ON/OFF. The domed angle of the protective shroud ensured gear or other objects contacting the top of the optic deflected away from the glass and front of the housing, and still did not damage the associated solar cells. The programming, specifically the Shake Awake feature, made sure that whenever the pistol was handled the optic was on and ready for use. Although while worn for EDC use, it was noted this sensitivity couldn’t discount normal movement of the torso while worn, so in essence the reticle is ON the entire time as it is carried. While this undoubtedly has an effect on battery life, it was not noted during the course of this evaluation the battery remained sufficiently charged.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.5 ounces, the 507C V2 was lightweight enough that it was not distracting, nor pulled the firearm during recoil. The main body housing was of sufficient strength and thickness that it did not increase the overall unit weight. In comparison, the Trijicon RMR can run an average of 1.17 ounces, the Deltapoint PRO by Leupold is 1.95 ounces, and the Vortex Viper 1.03 ounces w/o rail adaptor all illustrate that the 507 is at an appropriate (or average) weight range within the comparable market of red dot optics currently available.
Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)
Product Link: https://holosun.com/index/product/detail/id/104.html
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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