Pistol optics are starting to feel like necessary equipment for serious shooters. Philosophically, I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment, but my aging eyes are driving my lived experience. Holosun is clearly an industry leader in pistol optics, and the Holosun 407K subcompact red dot is among their most popular products, with good reason.
I’ve been running a Holosun 407K X2 for almost two years, and it’s one of my favorite subcompact optics.
I originally picked up the 407K X2 to review the optic-ready Taurus Defender 605 T.O.R.O revolver and figured it would stay on that gun. But as I kept reviewing slim or subcompact pistols, I found myself consistently turning to the Holosun whenever possible because I knew it would deliver the reliability I need.
To date, the 407K X2 has served on the Taurus, the Avidity Arms P10, and, most recently, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X. The optic has run like a champ each time. I’ve also run it on my primary carry gun, a Sig Sauer P365XL, for an extended period of time. So, I have a solid opinion of how the Holosun 407K X2 runs and what I like about it.
Let’s begin with the basic specifications.
Holosun 407K X2 Specifications
- Reticle: 6 MOA Red or Green Dot
- Brightness Settings: 10 Daylight and 2 Night Vision
- “Shake Awake” Capability
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 0.98 x 0.95 Inches
- Window Dimensions: 0.58 x 0.77 Inches
- Weight: 1 Ounce
- Holosun K Footprint
- Available Adapter Plates for Other Footprints
- 7075 T6 Aluminum Construction
- Battery: 1 CR1632 (Included)
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 Hours
Holosun 407K X2 Features
The Holosun 407K X2 is an open-emitter reflex sight designed for slim and subcompact pistols. It’s perfect for low-profile carry guns, or if you just prefer a light, unobtrusive optic. The reticle is a single 6 MOA red or green dot with 10 brightness settings, two of which are night vision-compatible.
Holosun pioneered the “Shake Awake” capability, meaning the optic shuts down after a certain period of inactivity, reactivating when it’s moved. The 407K X2 shuts down after 10 minutes, which is far superior to many other optics, some of which stay on for 12 or 14 hours before going to sleep. The battery-life savings are readily apparent. You can set the 407K X2’s shutdown time to 12 hours if you like, but I see no good reason to do that.
The 407K X2’s glass is very clear, and though the window is small, the reticle is easily acquired. The 10 brightness settings provide good clarity in any light conditions.
The “X2” model also includes Holosun’s user-enabled Lock Mode, which locks the brightness buttons to prevent the brightness from being changed inadvertently. I choose not to use that function, but it may be something you like. The buttons themselves are on the optic’s left side. They are tactile and responsive with no mushiness. Very easy to manipulate.
The side-mounted battery tray means you don’t have to dismount the optic to replace the battery. Most modern handgun optics have this feature now, but it’s worth mentioning. Holosun provides a tool to operate the tray’s screw and adjust the reticle. A small screwdriver will also work.
Finally, the 7075 T6 aluminum housing means the 407K X2 is tough. I try not to knock my optics around, but it happens. This optic can take a beating if it has to.
Running the Holosun 407K X2
I’ve already noted how reliable the 407K X2 has been for me. I haven’t had a single problem with it. The Shake Awake function works every time. The optic also stays rock solid on every gun, even the little Taurus revolver firing .357 Magnum cartridges. Just make sure you mount it properly.
Apart from its reliability, I love the 407K X2’s low profile. I run lots of handgun optics of various sizes. My favorites are the smaller models, assuming I can reliably acquire the reticle and put it on target, as I can with the Holosun.
I liked that the 407K X2 was pre-zeroed to 25 yards at the factory. It was easy to tweak and quickly start ringing steel without wasting ammo. That pre-zero is obviously long-gone, but it’s a nice feature out of the box. The adjustment dials are tactile, and the Holosun tool makes it easy. The optic has reliably held zero with each gun once I got it locked in.
I prefer a 6-MOA dot for handguns since it’s easier to pick up when presenting the pistol. Some shooters are fine with 3 MOA, but my vision isn’t the greatest, so I prefer the larger option. The 407K X2 was among my first pistol optics, so it helped me learn the acquisition technique.
The low profile is also perfect for concealed carry. I pack my Sig P365XL 90 percent of the time, so I want to preserve its concealability. The 407K X2 is perfect for that role, and I hardly know it’s there. That’s a valuable edge in my mind.
I also like that I can directly mount the Holosun onto the P365XL (or P365X), so I can co-witness with my pistol’s iron sights. It also direct-mounts onto the Shield X and Avidity Arms P10.
Final Thoughts
The Holosun 407K X2 is a very capable optic. It’s tough, reliable, and easy to use. Holosun optimized it for concealed carry, and it excels in that role, especially if you can mount it directly to your gun’s slide.
I have no idea how many rounds I’ve fired through a 407K X2-equipped gun, but it’s probably approaching 4,000. The optic has not experienced even one problem with any of the four guns on which it has been mounted.
I’ve also carried it for countless hours. It has stayed solid, requiring only normal cleaning since carry guns get dirty. Make sure you do clean your carry gun, including the optic. Especially an open-emitter optic, since they can be susceptible to dirt, lint, and debris.
The 407K X2 is one of the best-performing pistol optics I own. I repeatedly turn to it because it works. This is a quality optic, but the price is perhaps even more attractive.
Pricewise, the 407K X2 is a budget optic. Performance-wise, it’s anything but. With my job, I can’t have enough optics. I’m glad this little Holosun is among them. It’s done nothing but run. What else do you need?
