Hey there, fellow hunters and night vision enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and today we’re diving deep into a comparison that’s been on many shooters’ minds lately: the Holosun 508T vs the 507c. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field testing various optics, I’m excited to break down these two popular red dot sights for you. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started with pistol optics, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.
The Battle of the Holosun Heavyweights
Let’s face it, choosing the right red dot sight for your pistol can be as tricky as tracking a whitetail through dense brush. But fear not! I’m here to guide you through the features, pros, and cons of these two Holosun powerhouses. Both the 508T and 507c have gained quite a following among shooters, and for good reason. They offer a combination of durability, functionality, and advanced features that make them stand out in the crowded field of pistol optics.
- HOLOSUN RED DOT SIGHT – The HE508T-RD X2 is a hard-use open reflex sight designed for handgun applications; Features include a grade 5 titanium housing with industry standard footprint, Holosun’s ultra efficient 650nm Red Super LED with up to 50k hour battery life from a 1632 battery, and a Multi-Reticle System; This handgun sight also has Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake technology, and Lock Mode which can prevent inadvertent setting changes when activated
- HOLOSUN RED DOT SIGHT – The HS507C X2 is an open reflex sight designed for full-sized pistol applications; This handgun sight features Lock Mode that locks the buttons preventing inadvertent setting changes; T10 L Key, CR1632 Battery, Lens Cloth, and User Manual are included
- HIGH PERFORMANCE – The HS507C X2 pistol sight features Holosun’s Red Super LED with up to 50k hour battery life, Solar Failsafe, Multi-Reticle System, and Shake Awake; The durable housing is made from 7075 Aluminum, uses an industry standard footprint, and houses the 1632 battery in a side-mounted tray for easy replacement when needed
First Impressions: Build and Durability
Right off the bat, the most noticeable difference between these two is their construction. The 508T boasts a titanium housing, while the 507c sports a 7075 T6 aluminum build. This difference in materials is more than just a spec sheet detail – it has real-world implications for durability and performance.
The 508T’s titanium construction gives it a significant edge when it comes to ruggedness. Titanium is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making the 508T incredibly durable without adding excessive weight to your pistol. This is particularly important for those of us who find ourselves in challenging environments or demanding situations.
I remember a hunting trip last fall where I accidentally dropped my pistol on some rocky terrain. Let me tell you, I was glad I had a durable optic mounted! While both these sights are built to last, the 508T’s titanium construction gives it a slight edge in the toughness department. It’s designed to withstand the kind of abuse that can happen in real-world scenarios, whether you’re navigating rough terrain or dealing with the rigors of competitive shooting.
The 508T also features a more squared-off design compared to the 507c’s rounder top. This isn’t just about looks – that square shape actually adds to its structural integrity. The angular design helps distribute impact forces more evenly, potentially increasing the optic’s ability to withstand drops and bumps.
However, don’t count out the 507c. Its 7075 T6 aluminum construction is nothing to scoff at. This aerospace-grade aluminum is known for its excellent strength and corrosion resistance. While it may not be quite as tough as titanium, it’s still more than capable of handling the demands of most shooting scenarios.
Both optics feature an anodized finish, which adds an extra layer of protection against the elements. This coating helps resist scratches, corrosion, and wear, ensuring that your sight stays looking and performing its best even after extended use.
When it comes to water resistance, both the 508T and 507c are rated as waterproof. They can withstand submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, which means you don’t have to worry about rain, snow, or even the occasional dunk in shallow water affecting your optic’s performance.
Reticle Options: Versatility at Your Fingertips
One of the standout features of both the 508T and 507c is Holosun’s Multiple Reticle System (MRS). This system offers three reticle choices, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different shooting scenarios:
1. 2 MOA dot
2. 32 MOA circle
3. 2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle (often referred to as the “circle dot”)
The 2 MOA dot is perfect for precision shooting, especially at longer ranges. It provides a fine aiming point that doesn’t obscure your target. I’ve found this particularly useful when trying to make precise shots on small game or when engaging distant targets.
The 32 MOA circle, on the other hand, is excellent for rapid target acquisition in close-quarters situations. The large circle naturally draws your eye to the center, allowing for quick and intuitive aiming.
However, my personal favorite is the circle dot combination. This reticle offers the best of both worlds – the quick acquisition of the circle with the precision of the center dot. I’ve found the circle dot reticle particularly useful when hunting in low light conditions. It allows for quick target acquisition while still providing precise aiming with the center dot.
Switching between these reticles is a breeze. You can toggle through the options by holding down the “-” button for 3 seconds. This ease of use means you can quickly adapt to changing conditions or preferences without missing a beat.
Both the 508T and 507c offer these reticle options in either red or green. The choice between red and green often comes down to personal preference and the environments you typically shoot in. Some find that green reticles offer better contrast in certain lighting conditions, while others prefer the traditional red.
Battery Life and Power Options
When it comes to battery life and power options, the 508T and 507c are virtually identical, and both are impressive. These sights offer an astounding 50,000 hours of battery life on setting 6 when using just the 2 MOA dot. That’s over 5 years of continuous use! Even when using the more power-hungry circle dot reticle, you still get an impressive 20,000 hours of battery life.
Both models use a CR1632 battery, which is side-loading for easy replacement without having to remove the sight from your pistol. This is a huge convenience factor, especially if you have your optic zeroed in just right.
But Holosun didn’t stop there. Both the 508T and 507c feature innovative power-saving technologies that help extend battery life even further. The Shake Awake feature is a game-changer. This technology puts the sight to sleep when it detects no movement, and instantly wakes it up when motion is sensed. I can’t tell you how many times the Shake Awake feature has saved me from fumbling with buttons when a deer suddenly appears in my sight picture!
Additionally, both models incorporate Holosun’s Solar Failsafe technology. A small solar panel on top of the sight can power the reticle in bright conditions, further extending battery life. It also serves as a backup power source in case your battery dies in the field.
The 12 brightness settings (including 2 night vision compatible settings) on both models allow you to dial in the perfect reticle brightness for any lighting condition. Whether you’re shooting under the midday sun or in the low light of dawn or dusk, you can adjust the reticle to stand out against your target without being overpowering.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the Lock Mode. This allows you to lock in your brightness setting, preventing accidental changes if you bump the buttons. It’s a small detail, but one that can make a big difference in high-stress situations.
Size, Weight, and Mounting Options
When it comes to size and weight, there are some slight differences between the 508T and 507c. The 508T measures 1.78 x 1.24 x 1.10 inches, while the 507c comes in at 1.78 x 1.21 x 1.08 inches. As you can see, the difference is minimal, but the 508T is slightly larger overall.
In terms of weight, the 508T is slightly heavier at 2 oz compared to the 507c’s 1.5 oz. It’s a small difference, but when you’re carrying gear all day in the backcountry, every ounce matters. However, given the 508T’s titanium construction, it’s impressive that the weight difference isn’t more significant.
Both optics feature the same RMR footprint, which is great news for compatibility. This industry-standard mounting pattern means you’ll have no trouble finding compatible mounting plates or direct-milled slides for your pistol.
The window size on both models is identical at 0.63 x 0.91 inches, providing a generous field of view. This large window helps with rapid target acquisition and maintaining situational awareness – crucial factors whether you’re hunting or in a self-defense situation.
One thing to note is that while these optics are primarily designed for pistols, their versatility allows them to be mounted on a variety of firearms. I’ve seen shooters successfully use them on everything from AR pistols to shotguns.
Performance in the Field
Now, let’s talk about how these optics perform when it really counts – out in the field. I’ve had the opportunity to use both the 508T and 507c extensively in various hunting and shooting scenarios, and I’ve been consistently impressed with both.
The unlimited eye relief on both models is a significant advantage, especially when shooting from awkward positions. Whether you’re twisted around in a tree stand or trying to get a shot off from an uncomfortable prone position, you don’t have to worry about perfect eye alignment to see your reticle.
The clarity of the glass on both models is excellent. Even in challenging lighting conditions, like the low light of dawn or dusk, the reticle remains crisp and the target clear. The multi-coated lenses do an excellent job of reducing glare and maximizing light transmission.
One area where I’ve noticed a slight advantage for the 508T is in extreme weather conditions. On a particularly rainy hunting trip last season, the 508T’s slightly more robust construction seemed to handle the constant moisture a bit better than the 507c. However, both performed admirably overall.
Price Point: Bang for Your Buck
Here’s where things get interesting. The 508T typically runs about $60 more than the 507c. Is that extra durability worth the price bump? Well, that depends on your needs and budget.
If you’re like me and tend to be a bit rough on your gear (hey, accidents happen in the field!), that extra investment in the 508T might pay off in the long run. The titanium construction could potentially save you from having to replace your optic if you have a particularly nasty drop or accident.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t anticipate putting your optic through extreme abuse, the 507c offers nearly all the same features at a more accessible price point. It’s still an incredibly durable and capable optic that will serve most shooters well.
Which One Should You Choose?
After spending considerable time with both these optics, here’s my take:
Go for the 508T if:
- You prioritize maximum durability and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it.
- You often find yourself in extreme environments or situations where your gear takes a beating.
- You prefer the aesthetics and slightly more compact design of the squared-off housing.
- You want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have one of the toughest pistol optics on the market.
Opt for the 507c if:
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want a high-quality, feature-rich optic.
- You prefer a slightly lighter optic and every ounce counts in your setup.
- The aluminum construction meets your durability needs for your typical shooting scenarios.
- You want to save a bit of money without sacrificing much in terms of features or performance.
My Personal Experience
Last season, I had the chance to use both these optics on different hunting trips, which really helped me appreciate their strengths in various scenarios.
The 508T accompanied me on a rugged mountain hunt where I knew I’d be scrambling over rocks and through thick brush. Its durability gave me one less thing to worry about in those challenging conditions. There was one instance where I slipped on some loose scree and my pistol took a pretty good knock against a boulder. The 508T shrugged it off like it was nothing, maintaining zero and continuing to function flawlessly.
The 507c, on the other hand, was my companion on a more relaxed whitetail hunt from a ground blind. Its slightly wider field of view was appreciated when tracking deer movement through the trees. The lighter weight was also nice during the long hours of sitting and waiting. When a nice buck finally presented itself, the crisp reticle allowed for a clean, ethical shot.
Both performed admirably, and I can honestly say you can’t go wrong with either choice. The differences, while notable on paper, are less pronounced in practical use for most shooters.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both the Holosun 508T and 507c are top-notch red dot sights that will serve you well in the field. They both offer exceptional battery life, versatile reticle options, and robust construction that can stand up to real-world use.
Your choice will ultimately come down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If absolute maximum durability is your priority and you don’t mind the slight extra cost and weight, the 508T is hard to beat. If you want to save a bit of money and weight without sacrificing much in terms of features or performance, the 507c is an excellent choice.
Whichever you choose, make sure to spend plenty of time practicing with it before heading out on your next hunt or hitting the range. A great optic is only as good as the shooter behind it! Take the time to get familiar with the controls, experiment with different reticle options, and dial in your zero.
Remember, the best optic for you is the one that meets your needs and that you’re comfortable using. Both the 508T and 507c are capable of excellent performance – it’s up to you to squeeze every bit of potential out of them.
Happy hunting, and may your shots always find their mark! Whether you’re chasing whitetails through the woods, competing in a pistol match, or just enjoying a day at the range, either of these Holosun optics will serve you well. Stay safe, shoot straight, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better marksman!