I’ve decided to dive deep into the world of red dot sights, focusing on two popular options that have caught the eye of many in our community: the Holosun 407k Vs Vortex Venom.
I’ve taken it upon myself to compare these two, putting them through their paces in the field to see which emerges as the top contender.
Through rigorous testing and detailed analysis, I aim to provide a comprehensive overview that’ll help decide which sight might be the best fit for shooting needs.
| Feature | Holosun 407K | Vortex Venom |
| Dimensions | 1.6 x 0.98 x 0.95 inches | 6.7 x 5.1 x 2.9 inches |
| Weight | 0.96 oz | 1.1 ounces |
| Reticle Size | 6 MOA dot | 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours | Up to 150 hours (highest setting) |
| Durability | 7075 Aluminum housing, waterproof | 6061-T6 Aluminum, shockproof, water-resistant |
| Special Features | Shake Awake, Lock Mode, | Unlimited eye relief, |
Overview of Holosun 407k
The Holosun HS407K X2 is a compact, open reflex sight designed for subcompact pistols, featuring advanced technology like Shake Awake and a long-lasting battery.
Features
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 0.98 x 0.95 inches
- Weight: 0.96 oz
- Red Super LED with a 6 MOA dot
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
- Durability: 7075 Aluminum housing, waterproof
- Special Features: Shake Awake, Lock Mode, 12 reticle intensity settings
Overview of Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom is a sleek, lightweight red dot sight known for its crystal-clear optics and versatile reticle size options, catering to both precision aiming and rapid target acquisition.
Features
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.1 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 1.1 ounces
- 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot reticles
- Battery Life: Up to 150 hours on the highest setting, 30,000 hours on the lower settings
- Durability: Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum, shockproof and water-resistant
- Special Features: Unlimited eye relief, auto-brightness setting, top-load battery compartment
Features Comparison: Holosun 407k Vs. Vortex Venom
1. Optical Quality
Holosun 407
Testing the Holosun 407k’s optical quality was a real eye-opener. The Red Super LED and 6 MOA dot combo offered a crisp, clear sight picture that stood out during various lighting conditions.
However, the parallax error at close range was a bit of a letdown, slightly marring the overall experience.
Yet, the 12 reticle intensity settings and the multilayer reflective glass did enhance light transmission, providing a bright reticle even in challenging environments.
Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom shone brightly with its fully multi-coated lenses, ensuring unparalleled clarity. The choice between a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot reticle allows for versatility, catering to both precision and rapid target acquisition.
During my tests, the Venom consistently maintained clarity and brightness, even in tough conditions, thanks to its anti-reflective coatings. This performance not only met but often exceeded my expectations for optical quality.
Winner
The Vortex Venom takes the win for optical quality. Its multi-coated lenses and versatility with reticle size options provide an edge over the Holosun 407k, especially when considering the parallax issue at close range with the 407k.
2. Durability and Build Quality
Holosun 407k
The Holosun 407k X2’s durability and build quality are impressive. Its 7075 Aluminum housing ensures it can handle the rigors of use without adding unnecessary weight.
My field tests confirmed its robustness, with the sight showing no signs of wear even after extensive use in various conditions.
The side-mounted battery tray is a practical feature that facilitates easy battery changes, adding to its field readiness.
Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom’s build quality is equally impressive. Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum, it’s both shockproof and water-resistant, living up to the tough standards expected by shooters.
During testing, the Venom proved to be a reliable companion, showing resilience against elements and impacts. Its lightweight design didn’t compromise its sturdiness, which speaks volumes about its construction quality.
Winner
It’s a tie. Both the Holosun 407k and the Vortex Venom offer exceptional durability and build quality. Each has unique advantages, but neither outperforms the other significantly in this aspect.
3. Battery Life
Holosun 407k
The Holosun 407k boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours, which is a testament to its efficiency.
During my testing, it lived up to this promise, consistently providing power for extended periods. The long-lasting battery ensures reliability, which is crucial for any shooter relying on their optic in the field.
Vortex Venom
The battery life of the Vortex Venom is where it starts to diverge. Promising up to 30,000 hours on lower settings, it’s adequate but not exceptional.
My testing showed that the automatic brightness setting could drain the battery quicker than expected, necessitating more frequent battery checks. However, its adaptability to different settings is a plus, offering flexibility in various lighting conditions.
Winner
The Holosun 407k wins in the battery life department. Its substantial 50,000-hour battery life, outlasts the Vortex Venom, offering users more reliability over extended use.
4. Ease of Use and Adjustability
Holosun 407k
The Holosun 407k X2 shines with its user-friendly interface, making it a breeze for shooters of all levels. The Lock Mode feature is a standout, preventing any unintended adjustments during dynamic movements or when holstering. Adjusting the 12 reticle intensity settings felt intuitive, allowing for quick changes to suit varying light conditions.
During my field tests, this sight was a joy to use, with each feature designed thoughtfully, making it straightforward to operate even under stress or in fast-paced scenarios. Compared to the red dot, its hassle-free operation and quick-adjust features were highly appreciated.
Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom excels in user accessibility, with an interface that’s as straightforward as it gets. The top-load battery compartment is a game-changer, allowing for battery changes without removing the sight; a feature that’s incredibly convenient and saves precious time.
The brightness adjustment and the windage and elevation controls are clearly marked and easy to use. In my hands-on experience, the Venom’s simplicity and the quick adjustability it offers made it an ideal companion for both seasoned shooters and beginners alike.
Winner
It’s a close call, but the Vortex Venom edges out slightly as the winner in ease of use and adjustability. Its top-load battery compartment and well-marked controls make it slightly more user-friendly than the Holosun 407k X2, especially for quick adjustments in the field.
5. Price and Value
Holosun 407k
The Holosun 407k X2 presents an attractive proposition for shooters looking for a reliable, feature-rich optic without stretching their budget.
Considering its durability, advanced features like Shake Awake, and a solid 50,000-hour battery life, this sight offers excellent value for money.
During my testing, I found that it delivers performance and reliability that rival more expensive sights, making it a smart investment for those who prioritize functionality over brand prestige.
Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom offers an exceptional blend of quality, performance, and affordability. It’s rare to find a sight that delivers such clear optics, durability, and ease of use at this price range.
The Venom stands out by providing features typically found in higher-priced models, making it an excellent choice for shooters seeking premium quality without breaking the bank. From my perspective, the Venom’s cost-effectiveness is hard to beat, offering high-end perks for a mid-range price.
Winner
Both sights offer great value, but the Vortex Venom takes the win for its superior optical quality and ease of use at a price point that remains competitive with the Holosun 407k X2. Its additional features, such as the top-load battery compartment and clearer optics, provide slightly better value for the investment.
6 Reticle Quality and Options
Holosun 407k
The 6 MOA dot of the Holosun 407k X2 is a marvel in precision and clarity. It offers a crisp, clear sight picture that is easy to acquire and maintain across various lighting conditions.
The reticle’s brightness settings ensure visibility in both bright daylight and dimmer settings. During testing, I was impressed with its performance, but the parallax issue at close range was a notable drawback that could affect precision in rapid, close-quarters scenarios.
Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom provides shooters with options between a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot, catering to a wide range of preferences and scenarios, from precision shooting to rapid target acquisition.
The reticle maintains its crispness and clarity across all settings, and the ten adjustable brightness levels are a boon for ensuring optimal visibility in any environment.
My experience with the Venom’s reticle was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its adaptability and superior optical performance.
Winner
The Vortex Venom is the clear winner when it comes to reticle quality and options. Its versatility, coupled with the clarity and crispness of the reticle across a broader range of settings, gives it an edge over the Holosun 407k X2, particularly for shooters who value precision and adaptability in their optic choices.
Pros & Cons of Holosun 407k
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life (up to 50,000 hours)
- Durable 7075 Aluminum housing
- Features Lock Mode to prevent accidental setting changes
- Incorporates Shake Awake technology for energy efficiency
- Offers a crisp 6 MOA Dot for clear target acquisition
Cons
- Parallax error noticeable at close ranges
Pros & Cons of Vortex Venom
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Provides unlimited eye relief
- Features fully multi-coated lenses for clear visuals
- Long battery life with manual shut-off to conserve power
- Offers both 3 MOA and 6 MOA dot options
Cons
- Auto-brightness setting may drain the battery more quickly
- Requires manual shut-off to conserve battery life, which could be inconvenient
Similarities Between Holosun 407k & Vortex Venom
- Both are compact and designed for easy mounting on a variety of firearms
- Offer high durability and are built to withstand rough conditions
- Designed with advanced optical features for clear sight pictures
- Feature adjustable brightness settings for varied lighting conditions
- Provide significant battery life for extended use
Differences Between Holosun 407k & Vortex Venom
- Holosun 407k offers a 6 MOA dot only, whereas Vortex Venom offers a choice between 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot
- Holosun 407k is equipped with Shake Awake technology, Vortex Venom lacks this feature
- Vortex Venom has a top-load battery compartment for easier changes, Holosun 407k’s design differs with a side-mounted tray
- Holosun 407k is noted for its Lock Mode feature, which Vortex Venom does not specifically offer
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison, the Vortex Venom emerges as the winner in most categories, making it my top choice.
The Venom’s superior optical quality, versatile reticle options, and user-friendly design stand out. Its ease of adjustability and the practicality of a top load battery compartment offer significant advantages in the field.
While the Holosun 407k boasts impressive features like Shake Awake and a robust build, the Vortex Venom’s overall performance, combined with its adaptability and clear optics, make it the ideal sight for both beginners and seasoned shooters.
FAQ’s
Which is better, Vortex or Holosun?
Vortex and Holosun cater to different preferences. Holosun’s Shake Awake feature and side battery compartment offer convenience, while Vortex’s top mount battery and optical quality appeal to those prioritizing ease of use and clarity.
What footprint does the Holosun 407K have?
The Holosun 407K uses Holosun’s K footprint, compatible directly with P365X and adaptable to slides with a four-boss interface through an adapter plate.
Is the Holosun 407K waterproof?
Yes, the Holosun 407K X2 is IP67 waterproof, showcasing its durability and reliability in various environmental conditions.
How long does the Vortex Venom battery last?
The Vortex Venom’s battery lasts up to 150 hours on the highest setting and up to 3,000 hours on lower settings, ensuring reliable performance over extended use.