As a seasoned shooter with extensive hands-on experience, I’ve rigorously tested the Best Holosun For Glock 17, a renowned handgun known for its reliability and performance.
My focus has particularly been on exploring various Holosun red dot sights, a brand synonymous with innovation and quality in aiming solutions.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of Holosun red dot sights when mounted on the Glock 17. Through meticulous testing and analysis, I’ll share insights on how these sights influence accuracy, handling, and overall shooting experience.
| Sight | Category |
| Holosun HS507C-X2 | Top Pick |
| Holosun HS407C X2 | Great Value for Money |
| Holosun HE508T X2 | User Friendly |
| Holosun HE509T-RD | Great for Beginners |
Best Holosun Optics for Glock 17
1. Holosun 507C X2 – Top Pick
The Holosun HS507C-X2 is a versatile, high-performance red dot sight designed for precision and durability.
Long Battery Life: The standout feature of the Holosun HS507C-X2 is its incredible battery life. With up to 50,000 hours on a single battery, it’s a reliable choice for extended use.
During my field tests, I never had to worry about the sight dying on me, even on longer trips. This longevity is due to Holosun’s Super-LED technology, which optimizes power usage. For shooters who need a dependable sight for long durations, this feature is a game changer. It means less fumbling with battery replacements and more focus on the target.
Advanced Technology: This sight comes with 12 brightness settings, catering to various lighting conditions. This range includes settings for night-vision compatibility, enhancing its versatility. The optical design is parallax-free, providing a clear point of aim regardless of eye position.
This is crucial for rapid target acquisition and ensures accuracy. The unlimited eye relief adds to its ergonomic design, making it comfortable for extended use. During testing, these features proved invaluable, especially in diverse shooting environments, from bright daylight to dimly lit conditions.
Shake Awake Technology: Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology is another innovative feature. It conserves battery by turning off the LED during periods of inactivity, reactivating upon movement.
This tech is especially useful in tactical situations where quick response is key. The user-programmable sleep mode adds a personalized touch, allowing you to set it according to your usage habits. In practice, this feature worked seamlessly, ensuring the sight was always ready when I needed it without draining the battery unnecessarily.
Solar Failsafe: The Solar Failsafe is a unique feature that automatically adjusts the reticle brightness based on ambient light. This means you get a brighter reticle in sunlight and a dimmer one in darker environments.
In the field, this auto-adjustment was impressively responsive. The transition from outdoor brightness to indoor dimness was smooth, ensuring optimal reticle visibility at all times. This feature is particularly useful in dynamic shooting scenarios, where lighting conditions can change rapidly.
Reticle Options and Clarity: The HS507C-X2 offers three reticle options: a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, and a circle-dot configuration. This versatility caters to different shooting preferences and scenarios.
The reticle itself is crisp and clear, with minimal streaking, even in bright conditions. As someone with astigmatism, I appreciated the sharpness of the circle dot reticle. It’s visible against various backdrops, including snow, under bright sunlight. While testing, I found the reticle remained focused and clear in different light settings, aiding in quick and accurate target acquisition.
Build Quality and Ease of Use: The HS507C-X2’s build quality is robust, withstanding rough handling and adverse weather conditions.
The tactile turrets allowed for precise adjustments, and the tracking was consistent when zeroing. The auto on/off feature worked flawlessly, turning on with the slightest movement. The tactile buttons for manual mode made adjustments easy, even while wearing gloves.
Why I Love It: The Holosun HS507C-X2 stands out for its combination of advanced features and practicality. Its long battery life, versatile reticle options, and robust build make it a reliable choice for any shooting scenario.
The Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe features add convenience and efficiency, making it a top pick for my Glock 17.
My Experience
Using the HS507C-X2 on my Glock 17 was a revelation. Its accuracy, ease of use, and adaptability to different environments enhanced my shooting experience significantly. The sight proved to be an asset in both training and real-world scenarios.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life.
- Versatile reticle options.
- Solar Failsafe feature.
- Shake Awake technology.
- Robust build and reliable zero retention.
- Parallax-free and unlimited eye relief.
Cons
- Auto-brightness is sometimes too dim.
2. Holosun 407C X2 – Great Value for Money
The Holosun HS407C X2 is a high-performance open reflex sight tailored for full-sized pistols, offering a large field of view and user-friendly features.
Lock Mode Feature: The Lock Mode in the HS407C X2 is a standout feature. It prevents accidental changes to your settings by locking the buttons. This is particularly useful in dynamic shooting situations where inadvertent touches might occur.
In my field tests, this feature proved its worth, maintaining my settings despite rigorous movement and handling. It ensures that once you’ve dialed in your preferences, they stay put, allowing you to focus on the target without worrying about unintentional adjustments.
High Performance: This sight impresses with its Red Super LED, guaranteeing up to 50k hours of battery life. The precision 2MOA dot is crisp and easy to focus on, aiding in quick target acquisition and increased accuracy.
Its durable housing, crafted from 7075 Aluminum, is robust and withstands rough conditions. The side-mounted battery tray is a thoughtful addition, making battery replacement easy and convenient. During testing, I found the sight’s performance consistent and reliable, boosting my
accuracy significantly.
Shake Awake Technology: The Shake Awake Technology extends battery life by deactivating the LED when not in use. It reactivates with the slightest movement, ensuring the sight is always ready.
Solar Failsafe: The Solar Failsafe feature is an ingenious addition. It allows the sight to function in the absence of battery power as long as there’s sufficient natural or artificial light.
This dual power source system provides peace of mind, knowing that the sight will remain operational even if the battery fails. In the field, the automatic adjustment of reticle intensity in varying light conditions was a major advantage, providing optimal visibility in all environments.
Specification and Performance: The sight’s specifications include a red 2MOA dot light wavelength of 650nm, magnification of 1x, and parallax-free viewing with unlimited eye relief.
These technical details translate to a high-quality visual experience.
The sight’s adjustment per click is 1 MOA, with a W&E travel range of ±50 MOA, offering precise control over sighting adjustments. During my tests, these specifications held up, providing a clear, accurate, and responsive shooting experience.
Why I Love It: The HS407C X2 impresses with its perfect blend of performance, reliability, and user-friendly features. Its long battery life, crisp 2MOA dot, and robust build quality make it an excellent choice for any pistol shooter.
The Lock Mode and Shake Awake Technology add layers of convenience and efficiency, making the shooting experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
My Experience
Mounting the HS407C X2 on my Glock 17 transformed my shooting experience. The sight’s clarity, ease of use, and reliable performance significantly enhanced my accuracy and confidence. The sight’s features worked flawlessly, adapting perfectly to my shooting style.
Pros
- Long battery life with Solar Failsafe.
- Lock Mode prevents inadvertent setting changes.
- Shake Awake Technology conserves battery.
- Easy to mount with industry-standard footprint.
- Durable 7075 Aluminum housing.
- Parallax-free with unlimited eye relief.
Cons
- Less Durable than Trijicon
3. Holosun 508T – User Friendly
The Holosun HE508T-RD X2 is a rugged and efficient open-reflex sight designed for handgun use, featuring a titanium housing and multiple reticle options.
Durable Titanium Housing: The grade 5 titanium housing of the HE508T-RD X2 sets it apart in terms of durability and resilience. This material choice makes the sight robust against the rigors of daily use and adverse conditions.
During my field tests, the titanium housing stood up remarkably well to various impacts, vibrations, and environmental conditions, showcasing its hard-use design. The sight maintained its integrity and functionality, proving to be a reliable tool for any shooter looking for a durable sighting system.
Multi-Reticle System (MRS): The MRS feature is a game changer, offering a 32 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot, providing versatility for different shooting distances and scenarios.
The large circle is excellent for quick target acquisition, while the smaller dot allows for precision shooting. In my experience, the ability to switch between these reticles or use them in combination greatly enhanced my shooting accuracy and adaptability.
The MRS was particularly beneficial in transitioning between close-range and longer-range targets efficiently, making this sight highly versatile.
Shake Awake Technology: The Shake Awake technology in the HE508T-RD X2 is a significant energy-saving feature. It turns off the LED during periods of inactivity and reactivates it with the slightest movement.
This ensures the sight is always ready when you need it, without draining the battery. The user-configurable settings for this feature allow for customization according to individual needs and preferences. During testing, I found that this technology worked flawlessly, keeping the sight operational and ready at all times without any concern about battery depletion.
Solar Failsafe: The Solar Failsafe feature is an excellent backup power source. It allows the sight to function in ambient light, ensuring operation even if the battery fails. This dual-power system is particularly useful in outdoor environments where sunlight is abundant.
The automatic adjustment of reticle intensity in different lighting conditions ensures optimal visibility at all times. In my testing, this feature performed admirably, adjusting the reticle brightness seamlessly from indoor to outdoor settings maintaining visibility and accuracy.
Specifications and Performance: The HE508T-RD X2 offers a red 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle reticle with a 650nm light wavelength.
The 1x magnification, parallax-free viewing, and unlimited eye relief make it a comfortable and accurate sight. Its power sources include solar and a CR1632 battery, with a remarkable 50,000-hour battery life. The sight also features 10 daylight and 2 night vision brightness settings, a window size of 0.63×0.91, and a ±50 MOA W&E travel range.
These specifications translate to a high-performing, reliable, and user-friendly sight. During my field usage, these features provided a consistent, clear, and responsive sighting experience, enhancing my shooting precision.
Why I Love It: The Holosun HE508T-RD X2 impresses with its robust titanium build, versatile MRS, and innovative features like Shake Awake and Solar Failsafe.
Its durability, combined with user-friendly aspects like easy battery replacement and multiple reticle options, make it a top choice for my Glock 17. It’s a sight that truly enhances shooting performance while offering reliability and adaptability.
My Experience
The HE508T-RD X2 significantly improved my shooting experience on the Glock 17. Its durable build, clear reticle options, and seamless performance in various lighting conditions boosted my confidence and accuracy.
The sight’s features and functionality perfectly complemented the Glock 17, making it an ideal combination for both tactical and recreational shooting.
Pros
- Made with grade 5 titanium, providing exceptional durability and resilience.
- Multi-Reticle System (MRS) offers versatility in aiming with a 32 MOA circle and a 2 MOA dot.
- Shake Awake technology extends battery life by deactivating the LED during inactivity and reactivating it with movement.
- Solar Failsafe ensures the sight remains operational in ambient light conditions, even if the battery fails.
- Parallax free with unlimited eye relief, enhancing user comfort and accuracy.
- The side-access battery tray allows for convenient battery replacement without removing the optic.
Cons
- The sight may feel slightly heavier due to its robust titanium construction, which could affect handling for some users.
4. Holosun 509T – Great for Beginners
The Holosun HE509T-RD Elite is a robust and versatile red dot sight equipped with a range of advanced features, ideal for varied shooting scenarios.
Long Battery Life: One of the most impressive features of the HE509T-RD is its long battery life. The Super LED, powered by a high-capacity lithium battery, offers up to 50,000 hours of operation.
This longevity is a significant advantage, especially for extended hunting trips or tactical operations where reliable performance over time is crucial. In my field tests, the sight’s enduring power supply proved to be a standout feature.
It offers peace of mind, knowing that the likelihood of battery replacement during crucial moments is minimal. This extended battery life ensures consistent performance, making the HE509T-RD a dependable choice for serious shooters.
Advanced Technology: This sight comes with 12 different brightness settings, catering to a variety of lighting conditions. The inclusion of dim settings compatible with night-vision devices expands its usability into nighttime operations.
The parallax-free optical design and unlimited eye relief greatly contribute to shooting accuracy and comfort. During testing, I found these features particularly useful.
The various brightness settings allowed for clear visibility in both bright daylight and dimly lit environments. The night-vision compatibility adds a layer of versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of tactical and hunting scenarios.
Shake Awake Technology: The Shake Awake technology in the HE509T-RD is a smart power-saving feature. It deactivates the LED sight in low-motion periods and quickly reactivates it under movement.
This feature is particularly useful in tactical situations where sudden action might be required. The custom programmability allows users to tailor the activation settings to their specific needs.
In my experience, this technology functioned flawlessly, providing a perfect balance between power conservation and readiness.
The automatic adjustment of reticle brightness depending on the ambient light is also a notable addition, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions.
Build Quality and Finish: The overall build quality of the HE509T-RD is solid, with a sturdy construction that withstands the rigors of regular use.
However, I noticed some issues with the glue around the rear lens, which could raise concerns
about long-term durability. Additionally, certain parts of the optic exhibited signs of wear that might indicate a less than optimal finish.
Overall Performance: In terms of overall performance, the HE509T-RD excels. The combination of long battery life, advanced technology features, and solid build quality makes it a reliable and versatile sight. Its performance in different lighting conditions, coupled with the convenience of
Shake Awake technology and the robustness of its construction, positions it as a top contender in the red dot sight market.
The issues with the finish and glue are minor compared to the overall functionality and reliability it offers.
Why I Love It: The Holosun HE509T-RD stands out for its long battery life, advanced technology features like multiple brightness settings and Shake Awake, and its robust build.
These features, combined with its ease of use and versatility in different shooting conditions, make it a reliable and effective sight for my Glock 17. It’s a sight that elevates the shooting experience, offering both precision and dependability.
My Experience
Using the HE509T-RD on my Glock 17 significantly enhanced my shooting performance. Its reliability, clear visibility in various lighting conditions, and user-friendly features made it an ideal addition to my setup.
The sight’s functionality and durability stood up to rigorous field tests, bolstering my confidence in its performance.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life.
- Versatile brightness settings and night-vision compatibility.
- Shake Awake technology for power efficiency.
- Solid build quality.
Cons
- Some issues with glue around the rear lens.
- The finish may show signs of wear over time.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and evaluation of various Holosun red dot sights on my Glock 17, I’ve reached a clear conclusion.
While each sight offers its unique set of advantages, the Holosun 507C X2 emerges as my top choice. This decision isn’t just about the individual features, which are undoubtedly impressive, but about how the sight as a whole enhances the shooting experience.
Its adaptability to different shooting environments, ease of use, and reliability under various conditions make it stand out.
The 507C X2 aligns perfectly with the needs and preferences of a wide range of shooters, from beginners to professionals, providing an exceptional balance of performance, durability, and versatility.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Holosun 507c and 507K?
The Holosun 507C X2 is larger, with a wider and slightly larger window, designed for full-size or compact handguns. In contrast, the 507K X2 is more compact with a narrower and smaller window, ideal for subcompact or micro compact pistols.
What Glock plate to use with Holosun 507C?
For mounting a Holosun 507C on a Glock 17/19 MOS, the GL-MOS02 adapter plate is compatible. It’s made from 6AL4V Titanium and works with Trijicon RMR/SRO as well as Holosun 407C/507C/508T sights.
Does Glock 17 MOS come with plates?
Yes, standard MOS Configuration GLOCK pistol models, including the Glock 17, come with one numbered GLOCK MOS Adapter plate for mounting popular optical sights.
What is the Glock 17 MOS cut for?
The Glock 17 Gen4 in MOS Configuration is cut for mounting a miniature reflex sight. This design makes it ideal for duty and self-defense, allowing for easy attachment of optics without needing a new slide or separate mounting system.