Understanding Holosun Optics: Decoding Model Numbers and Letters

Holosun has carved a niche in the optics market by offering high-quality, feature-rich red dot sights and laser accessories at competitive prices. However, their model nomenclature, with its array of letters and numbers, can be confusing for newcomers and seasoned shooters alike. This article breaks down the meaning behind Holosun’s model designations, helping you choose the right optic for your needs.

Overview of Holosun Optics

Founded in 2013, Holosun specializes in red dot sights, reflex sights, and laser systems for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Their products are known for innovative features like Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake technology, and the Multi-Reticle System (MRS), which enhance battery life, usability, and versatility. Holosun optics are designed for a range of applications, from concealed carry to tactical operations and hunting. The key to navigating their product lineup lies in understanding the numbers and letters in their model names.

Decoding the Numbers

Holosun model numbers often start with a digit or series of digits that indicate the optic type or series. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:

• 400 Series (e.g., HS403, HE403): These are typically 20mm tube-style red dot sights, often featuring a 2 MOA dot reticle. They are compact and suited for rifles or shotguns. Models like the HS403B are popular for their affordability and reliability.
• 500 Series (e.g., HS507, HS508, HS509, HS510): This series includes a variety of optics, primarily for pistols but also some rifle optics. The first digit “5” often indicates the presence of the Multi-Reticle System (MRS), which allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. For example:
  • 507: Open reflex pistol sights with MRS, ideal for full-size or compact pistols.
  • 508: Rugged open reflex pistol sights with titanium housing and MRS.
  • 509: Enclosed-emitter pistol sights with titanium housing and MRS, designed for increased durability.
  • 510: Open reflex sights for rifles, like the HS510C, featuring a larger window and MRS.
• 515: These are 20mm tube sights with advanced features like military-grade aluminum (e.g., HS515GM) or titanium housing (e.g., HS515GT).
• 530: Larger 30mm tube sights, often with additional features like a side-mounted battery compartment (e.g., HE530G-RD).

The first digit (4 or 5) broadly categorizes the optic type, while subsequent digits refine the specific model or feature set. For example, a “5” in the 507 or 509 series indicates MRS, whereas a “4” in the 403 series denotes a simpler dot-only reticle.

Understanding the Letters

Holosun uses a series of letters to denote specific features, materials, or configurations. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most common letters and their meanings:

• A: Indicates a top-mounted battery compartment located above the mount. To replace the battery, the optic must be removed, which may require re-zeroing. Models like the HS403A are entry-level and less common in newer production.
• B: Denotes a side-mounted battery tray secured with screws, allowing easy battery replacement without removing the optic. Example: HS403B.
• C: Signifies the presence of a solar panel for Solar Failsafe, which extends battery life and adjusts reticle brightness based on ambient light. Example: HS403C.
• G: Indicates a side-mounted, tubular battery compartment with a removable cap, offering tool-free battery replacement. Example: HS403G.
• GL: Combines the “G” battery compartment with low-profile turrets. Since 2018, all Holosun models feature low-profile turrets by default, making “GL” and “G” functionally identical. Example: HS403GL.
• M: Stands for military-grade T7076 aluminum housing with a glossy finish, offering enhanced durability. Example: HS515GM.
• T: Denotes titanium housing, which is lighter and more robust than aluminum. Example: HE508T.
• U: Indicates shrouded (protected) turrets for added durability.
• L: Marks an improved or updated version of a previous model, retaining core features but with enhancements. Example: HS403GL is an updated HS403G.
• FL: Signifies flip-up lens covers, typically found on Paralow models like HS503FL.
• FDE: Stands for Flat Dark Earth, a color variant popular for tactical applications. Example: HE510C-GR-FDE.
• R5: Indicates a visible red laser pointer integrated into the optic. Example: HS401R5.
• G5: Denotes a visible green laser pointer.
• RD: Specifies red reticle illumination. Example: HE508T-RD.
• GR: Indicates green reticle illumination, which is less straining on the eyes and can help with astigmatism. Example: HE507K-GR.
• GD: Denotes gold reticle illumination, a less common option. Example: HE403R-GD.
• R: Indicates a rotary switch for illumination control instead of buttons, offering tactile feedback.
• HS: Stands for Holosun Standard, typically with red illumination and aluminum housing.
• HE: Denotes Holosun Elite, featuring green illumination and/or titanium housing. Historically, HE models had a lifetime warranty, but now all Holosun optics share the same warranty. Example: HE507C-GR.
• K: Indicates a subcompact optic designed for concealed carry pistols, using the Holosun K footprint. Example: HS407K.
• V2/X2: Marks generational updates. V2 models (introduced in 2020) featured side battery compartments and larger buttons, while X2 models reverted to smaller, horizontally placed buttons and added a lockout mode. These apply to open reflex sights like the 407C and 507C.
• ACSS: Refers to a collaboration with Primary Arms, featuring the ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle, which combines a chevron, dots, and horseshoe for enhanced targeting. Example: HS507C-ACSS.

Key Features and Technologies

Holosun optics are packed with features that set them apart. Understanding these can help you interpret model differences:

• Multi-Reticle System (MRS): Found in “5” series optics (e.g., 507, 508, 509), MRS allows users to choose between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or both. This versatility suits various shooting scenarios, from precision to rapid target acquisition.
• Solar Failsafe: Optics with a “C” designation (e.g., HS507C) use solar panels to extend battery life and auto-adjust reticle brightness, ensuring reliability in bright conditions.
• Shake Awake: This motion-sensing technology powers the optic on when movement is detected and off during inactivity, conserving battery life (up to 100,000 hours in some models). Most Holosun optics include this, except early models like the HS403C.
• Enclosed vs. Open Emitters: Enclosed-emitter optics (e.g., EPS, 509T) protect the emitter from debris, making them more reliable in harsh conditions. Open reflex sights (e.g., 507C) are lighter but more exposed.
• SCS (Solar Charging Sight): A specialized series (e.g., SCS-MOS) that uses solar power to charge an internal battery, offering potentially infinite runtime. These are direct-mount optics for specific pistol cuts, like Glock MOS.

Popular Holosun Series

Here’s a quick look at some of Holosun’s flagship series and their typical designations:

• 407 Series: Simple, dot-only reflex sights for pistols. The 407C (RMR footprint) is for full-size/compact pistols, while the 407K (K footprint) is for subcompacts. Example: HS407K-X2 (6 MOA red dot, Shake Awake).
• 507 Series: Versatile pistol optics with MRS, available in C (full-size, solar) and K (subcompact, no solar) variants. Example: HE507C-GR-X2 (green MRS, Solar Failsafe).
• 508 Series: Rugged pistol optics with titanium housing and MRS. Example: HE508T-GR-X2 (green MRS, titanium).
• 509 Series: Enclosed-emitter pistol optics with titanium housing and MRS, using a proprietary 509 footprint. Example: HE509T-RD.
• 510 Series: Open reflex rifle optics with a large window and MRS. Example: HE510C-GR (green MRS, Solar Failsafe).
• EPS/EPS Carry: Enclosed-emitter pistol sights with K-series footprints, available in dot-only or MRS variants. Example: EPS-GR-MRS (green MRS, Solar Failsafe).
• SCS Series: Solar-charging, direct-mount pistol optics for specific firearms (e.g., SCS-MOS for Glock MOS). Example: SCS-MOS-GR (green reticle).

Practical Examples

To illustrate, let’s decode a few model names:

• HE507C-GR-X2: This is a Holosun Elite (HE) pistol optic (507) with a solar panel (C), green reticle (GR), and third-generation features (X2), including a side battery tray and lockout mode. It’s ideal for full-size pistols with an RMR footprint.
• HS403B: A standard Holosun (HS) 20mm tube sight (403) with a side battery tray (B) and a 2 MOA red dot. It’s a budget-friendly option for rifles.
• HE509T-RD: An Elite (HE) enclosed-emitter pistol optic (509) with titanium housing (T) and red reticle (RD). It’s built for durability and uses a proprietary 509 footprint.
• HS515GM: A 20mm tube sight (515) with military-grade aluminum (M) and a side battery cap (G). It’s rugged and suited for tactical rifles.

Choosing the Right Holosun Optic

When selecting a Holosun optic, consider the following:

• Application: Pistol optics (407, 507, 509, EPS) are designed for handguns, while 403, 510, and 515 series are better for rifles or shotguns.
• Reticle Preference: Choose MRS (507, 508, 509) for versatility or dot-only (407, 403) for simplicity. Green reticles (GR) are easier on the eyes and better for astigmatism.
• Mounting Footprint: Ensure compatibility with your firearm. Common footprints include RMR (507C), Holosun K (507K), and proprietary 509.
• Environment: Enclosed emitters (509T, EPS) are ideal for harsh conditions, while solar-powered models (C, SCS) excel in bright environments.
• Budget: HS models are generally more affordable than HE models, and dot-only optics (407) are cheaper than MRS-equipped ones (507).

Conclusion

Holosun’s nomenclature may seem daunting, but it’s a logical system once you understand the numbers and letters. The first digit indicates the optic type or series, while letters specify features like reticle color, housing material, battery placement, and additional technologies. By decoding these designations, you can confidently select an optic tailored to your shooting needs, whether it’s a compact 407K for concealed carry or a rugged 509T for tactical use. Holosun’s blend of affordability, durability, and innovation makes their optics a top choice for shooters worldwide.

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