I embarked on a field-testing journey to compare two renowned optics: the Springfield Hex Wasp Vs Holosun 507K.
With both sights highly acclaimed in the shooting community, my aim was to put them through their paces in a range of real-life scenarios.
This wasn’t just about specs on paper; it was about seeing how these sights perform where it matters most: in the field.
My hands-on experience and technical insights will hopefully guide fellow shooters in determining which of these two sights reign supreme for their specific needs.
| Feature | Springfield Hex Wasp | Holosun 507K |
| Dot Size | 3.5 MOA Red Dot | Red 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle |
| Battery | CR2032 – 65,000 Hours | CR1632 – 50,000 Hours |
| Operation | Always On, Auto-Dimming | Shake Awake Technology |
| Waterproofing | IPX7 | Not specified |
| Lens | Glass, Scratch Resistant & Anti-Glare Coating | Multilayer Coating |
| Housing Material | Machined 6061 T6 Hardcoat Aluminum | 7075 T6 Aluminum |
| Footprint | Springfield Micro™, Shield RMSc | Holosun’s K Footprint |
| Dimensions (WxLxH) | 0.95″ x 1.60″ x 0.86″ | Similar, exact dimensions unspecified |
| Weight | 0.7 oz | 0.9 oz (without battery) |
| Brightness Settings | Auto-Dimming | 10 DL & 2 NV |
Overview of Springfield Hex Wasp
The Springfield Hex Wasp, a compact and robust red dot sight, is designed for micro-sized pistols, offering enhanced durability and precision.
Features
- Dot Size: 3.5 MOA, Red
- Magnification: 1x
- Battery: CR2032 – 65,000 Hours
- Operation: Always On, Auto-Dimming
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- Lens: Glass, Scratch Resistant & Anti-Glare Coating
- Housing Material: Machined 6061 T6 Hardcoat Aluminum
- Footprint: Springfield Micro™, Shield RMSc
- Width: 0.95″
- Length: 1.60″
- Height: 0.86″
- Weight: 0.7 oz
Overview of Holosun 507K
The Holosun 507K, tailored for subcompact pistols, boasts innovative features such as Lock Mode and Shake Awake, enhancing both performance and reliability.
Features
- Reticle: Red 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Magnification: 1x
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 0.58×0.77
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Surface Finish: Anodize
- Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±30 MOA
- Weight (without battery): 0.9 oz
- Illumination Color: Red
- Power Source: Battery
- Operation: Shake Awake Technology
Features Comparison: Hex Wasp Vs Holosun 507K
1. Durability and Construction
Springfield Hex Wasp
The Hex Wasp’s robustness is immediately noticeable. Its 6061 T6 Hardcoat aluminum housing gives it a formidable exoskeleton that’s built to last.
During my field tests, this toughness was evident. Whether it was exposure to rough handling or adverse weather conditions, the Wasp held up impressively. Its scratch-resistant glass and anti-glare coating not only contributed to its durability but also maintained clarity throughout my shooting sessions.
The Wasp’s rugged construction, especially suited for micro-sized pistols, proved to be a reliable companion in various shooting scenarios.
Holosun 507K
The Holosun 507K’s 7075 Aluminum construction imparts a sturdy feel. It might seem less tank-like compared to the Hex Wasp, but it’s no slouch in the durability department.
What impressed me was its lightweight yet solid build. The side-mounted battery tray is a thoughtful addition, ensuring that battery replacement doesn’t compromise the sight’s zeroing.
During testing, the 507K withstood various conditions well, although it didn’t feel quite as indestructible as the Wasp. However, it’s more than capable of handling everyday wear and tear.
Winner
The Springfield Hex Wasp wins with its superior rugged construction that gives it an edge in this aspect compared to the Holosun 507K.
2. Battery Life and Management
Springfield Hex Wasp
The Wasp’s battery life is commendable, boasting up to two years of runtime on a single CR2032 battery. This always-on operation means there’s no fumbling for switches in critical moments.
During my testing, the auto-dimming feature worked seamlessly, adjusting brightness according to the lighting conditions.
However, the bottom-loading design for battery replacement does mean you have to remove the sight for battery changes, necessitating re-zeroing, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Holosun 507K
The 507K shines in this department with its 50,000-hour battery life. The Shake Awake feature is particularly impressive; it deactivates the LED when not in use and reactivates upon movement.
This not only prolongs battery life but also ensures the sight is ready at a moment’s notice. The easily accessible side-mounted battery tray is a huge plus, allowing for battery changes without removing the sight from the firearm. This feature was a significant convenience in my field tests.
Winner
Holosun 507K takes the crown here. The combination of long battery life and the convenience of the Shake Awake feature, along with the side-mounted battery tray, gives it an advantage over the Hex Wasp.
3. Ease of Use and Performance
Springfield Hex Wasp
The Hex Wasp’s auto-dimming red dot adapts well to different lighting, providing consistent visibility. Its parallax-free design was a standout during my shooting tests, allowing for quick target acquisition and accuracy.
The 3.5 MOA red dot is an ideal size for both rapid engagement and precision shots.
However, the need to remove the sight for battery replacement does affect its convenience, especially for those who might not be as experienced in re-zeroing their optics.
Holosun 507K
The 507K offers a versatile and user-friendly experience. Its Multi-Reticle System (MRS) allows shooters to choose between a 32 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot or either one individually, catering to various shooting preferences and scenarios.
During my field trials, this feature provided a significant advantage, especially in quick target engagement scenarios. The reticle’s brightness adjusts well in different lighting, though it lacks the auto-dimming feature of the Wasp.
The Shake Awake technology and easy battery replacement add to its ease of use, making it a very practical choice for everyday carry.
Winner
Holosun 507K edges out in this category. The versatility of the Multi-Reticle System and the practicality of its battery management system, compared to the Hex Wasp, make it more user-friendly, especially for diverse shooting situations.
4. Optical Clarity and Quality
Springfield Hex Wasp
The Hex Wasp’s optical clarity is a strong point. The glass lens is scratch-resistant and features an anti-glare coating, which I found to be highly effective during testing. In bright sunlight, the dot remained visible and clear, and in low-light conditions, the auto-dimming feature ensured the dot wasn’t overpowering.
This balance of clarity and visibility in various lighting conditions is crucial for a red dot sight, and the Wasp delivers impressively in this aspect.
Holosun 507K
The 507K also offers excellent optical quality. The multilayer coatings on the lens provide good light transmission and reduce glare effectively. However, the absence of an auto-dimming feature is noticeable, especially in rapidly changing light conditions.
The reticle remains crisp and clear, with the 2 MOA dot offering precise targeting. The larger 32 MOA circle aids in quick target acquisition, a feature I found useful in close-range scenarios.
Winner
The Springfield Hex Wasp edges out slightly, thanks to its auto-dimming feature, which provides an added advantage in varying lighting conditions.
Pros & Cons of Springfield Hex Wasp
Pros
- Durable aluminum housing with T6 Hardcoat anodizing.
- Waterproof (IPX7 rating), suitable for all weather conditions.
- Parallax-free glass lens with scratch-resistant and anti-glare coating.
- Auto-dimming feature for optimal dot brightness.
- 65,000-hour battery life on the lowest setting (approx. 2 years).
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for concealed carry.
- Springfield Micro footprint for wide compatibility.
- Co-witness iron sight channel for backup sighting.
Cons
- Battery is bottom-loading, requiring sight removal for replacement.
Pros & Cons of Holosun 507K
Pros
- Durable 7075 Aluminum housing.
- 50,000-hour battery life with Shake Awake technology.
- The multi-reticle system (MRS) offers versatility in sighting.
- Side-mounted battery tray for easy replacement without sight removal.
- Compact and lightweight, suitable for subcompact pistols.
- Solar Failsafe and Super LED technology for enhanced performance.
Cons
- No auto-brightness adjustment feature.
Similarities Between Springfield Hex Wasp & Holosun 507K
- Both have a 1x magnification.
- Designed for subcompact pistol applications.
- Offer unlimited eye relief.
- Feature durable aluminum construction.
- Aimed at providing clear and crisp red dot for accurate targeting.
- Compact and lightweight designs.
Differences Between Springfield Hex Wasp & Holosun 507K
- Hex Wasp has an auto-dimming feature; 507K does not.
- 507K features a Multi-Reticle System; Hex Wasp has a single reticle type.
- Hex Wasp uses a CR2032 battery; 507K uses a CR1632 battery.
- 507K’s battery is side-mounted for easy replacement; Hex Wasp’s is bottom-loaded.
- Hex Wasp has a longer estimated battery life of 65,000 hours compared to 507K’s 50,000 hours.
- 507K has Shake Awake technology; Hex Wasp does not.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Springfield Hex Wasp and the Holosun 507K, I’ve concluded that the Hex Wasp is my preferred choice.
While both sights offer exceptional quality and features, the Hex Wasp’s robust construction, superior waterproofing, and auto-dimming feature give it a slight edge.
The Wasp’s consistent performance across various conditions and its user-friendly nature, particularly in terms of optical clarity and ease of use, make it stand out. Although the Holosun 507K is an excellent sight with its own unique advantages, for my specific needs and preferences, the Hex Wasp aligns more closely, particularly in ruggedness and reliability, which are paramount in my shooting applications.
FAQ’s
What guns will Hex Wasp fit?
The Springfield Hex Wasp is designed to fit the Springfield Hellcat OSP and XD-S Mod.2 OSP, making it an excellent choice for both pistols and rifles.
What is a Hex Wasp sight?
The Hex Wasp Micro Red Dot Sight by Springfield Armory is a low-profile, direct-mounting optic suited for compact applications like concealed carry pistols and offset rifle mounting. It is always powered with an auto-dimming sensor for ambient light conditions.
Should I get 407K or 507K?
Choosing between the Holosun 407k and 507k depends on your specific needs. Opt for the 507k if you prefer the Multiple Reticle System and need more precision. The 407k is a solid choice for close-range shooting with its simpler red dot and lower cost.
How long does the battery last on the Hex Wasp?
The Hex Wasp’s battery is rated for 65,000 hours, but real-life usage varies. Some users report needing to replace the battery more frequently, depending on the operating conditions.
Does the Holosun 507K have solar?
No, the Holosun 507K does not have a solar panel. Unlike the Holosun 507C, which includes a solar panel, the 507K relies solely on its battery, supplemented by the Shake Awake feature.