As a shooter who loves to delve into the details of firearms accessories, I recently set out to compare two popular red dot sights: the Holosun EPS Carry Vs Holosun 507K.
My goal is to find out which one truly stands out in real-world usage. It’s not just about specs on paper; it’s about how these sights perform in the field, under various conditions, and how they adapt to practical shooting scenarios.
| Feature | Holosun EPS Carry | Holosun 507K X2 |
| Emitter Type | Enclosed | Open |
| Battery Type | CR1620 | CR1632 |
| Battery Life | Up to 50,000 hours | Up to 50,000 hours |
| Brightness Settings | 8 Daylight, 4 NV | 10 Daylight, 2 NV |
| Window Size | 0.58×0.77 inches | 0.58×0.77 inches |
| Housing Material | 7075 T6 Aluminum | 7075 T6 Aluminum |
| Adjustment per Click | 1.5 MOA | 1 MOA |
| W&E Travel Range | ±30 MOA | ±30 MOA |
| Additional Features | Shake Awake, Multi-Layer Glass, Rear Notch Sight | Shake Awake, Multi-Reticle System |
Overview of Holosun EPS Carry
The Holosun EPS Carry is the smallest enclosed optic red dot on the market, designed for subcompact handguns.
Features
- Reticle: 6 MOA Dot
- Battery Type: CR1620
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 8 Daylight, 4 Night Vision
- Window Size: 0.58×0.77 inches
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Adjustment per Click: 1.5 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±30 MOA
- Extra Features: Shake Awake Technology, Multi-layer Reflective Glass, Built-in Rear Notch Sight
Overview of Holosun 507K
The Holosun 507K X2 is an open-reflex optical sight tailored for subcompact pistol applications, offering flexibility and reliability.
Features
- Reticle: Red 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 Daylight, 2 Night Vision
- Window Size: 0.58×0.77 inches
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
- W&E Travel Range: ±30 MOA
- Extra Features: Shake Awake Technology, Multi-Reticle System
Features Comparison of Holosun EPS Vs Holosun 507K X2
1. Enclosure Design
Holosun EPS Carry
The EPS Carry stands out with its enclosed emitter design. In my field tests, this design proved invaluable in harsh weather conditions. Rain or dust, the enclosed emitter remained unscathed, maintaining a clear sight picture.
The enclosed design adds a bit of bulk, but the trade-off for enhanced reliability is worth it. For shooters who frequent diverse environments, this feature is a game-changer. The sight’s durability and resistance to elements make it a robust choice for everyday carry.
Holosun 507K
The 507K, with its open emitter, offers a lighter and often clearer lens, especially in clear conditions. However, during my field tests, I noticed the vulnerability of this design to environmental factors like rain and dust.
While the open design provides a slightly better field of view and less weight, it compromises the optic’s reliability in adverse conditions. The 507K excels in controlled environments but may falter when exposed to the elements.
Winner
In terms of enclosure design, the Holosun EPS Carry takes the lead, especially for shooters who value reliability in varied conditions.
2. Battery and Power Efficiency
Holosun EPS Carry
The EPS Carry’s CR1620 battery offers a commendable life of up to 50,000 hours. My testing confirmed the efficiency of its power consumption, thanks in part to the Shake Awake technology.
This feature ensures the sight is only active when needed, conservatively using power.
Holosun 507K
The 507K runs on a CR1632 battery, offering a similar battery life of up to 50,000 hours. The Shake Awake technology effectively conserves power when the optic is not in use. In my usage, the 507K demonstrated consistent power efficiency.
Winner
It’s a tie in terms of battery and power efficiency. Both models excel with long battery life and power-saving technology.
3. Reticle Options and Clarity
Holosun EPS Carry
The EPS Carry offers multiple reticle options, including a 6 MOA dot, which I found particularly useful for quick target acquisition. The clarity of the reticle, even in bright conditions, was impressive during my testing.
The enclosed design did not significantly impact the reticle’s visibility. The multi-layer reflective glass ensures a clear and bright sight picture, which is crucial in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
Holosun 507K
The 507K’s multi-reticle system provides versatility, offering a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle. In my field tests, this flexibility was beneficial in various shooting ranges and scenarios.
The open emitter design of the 507K offers a slightly brighter and clearer lens, especially useful under night vision.
The large 32 MOA circle is a significant advantage for shooters with astigmatism or those who prefer a larger aiming point.
Winner
In terms of reticle options and clarity, the Holosun 507K edges out slightly. Its multi-reticle system and slightly clearer lens make it more versatile, especially for users with specific visual preferences.
4. Ergonomics and Usability
Holosun EPS Carry
The Holosun EPS Carry design is remarkably user-friendly. In my hands-on experience, the larger buttons on the EPS were a standout feature, making adjustments quick and hassle-free, even with gloves on.
The sight’s ergonomics are well thought out, fitting comfortably on smaller framed pistols. The added bulk from the enclosed emitter is noticeable but not obstructive, which speaks volumes for its design efficiency.
Holosun 507K
The 507K, post the Trijicon lawsuit, features smaller buttons as a result of the X2 modifications. In practice, these smaller buttons were more challenging to operate, particularly in rapid adjustment scenarios or when wearing gloves.
However, the overall size and lower profile of the 507K give it a sleeker appearance and a more traditional feel on a pistol, which some users might prefer for concealed carry.
Winner
In terms of ergonomics and usability, the Holosun EPS Carry edges out thanks to its larger, more user-friendly buttons and robust design.
5. Durability and Build Quality
Holosun EPS Carry
The EPS Carry’s construction is solid, featuring an aircraft-grade 7075 T6 aluminum housing. In my field tests, it demonstrated exceptional durability, handling recoil and general wear with ease.
The enclosed design offers additional protection against environmental factors, making it a more rugged option for everyday carry and harsh conditions.
Holosun 507K
The 507K also boasts a durable build, using the same 7075 T6 aluminum, though it isn’t specified as aircraft-grade. Its open emitter design, while lighter, does leave it more susceptible to elements.
My testing showed that it handles recoil well, but the open emitter can be a drawback in certain environments, particularly wet or dusty conditions.
Winner
Durability-wise, the Holosun EPS Carry takes the lead, particularly due to its enclosed emitter design, which offers better protection in various environments.
6. Price and Value for Money
Holosun EPS Carry
The EPS Carry is on the higher end of the spectrum for Holosun optics. Considering its features like the enclosed emitter and durability, the price point is justified.
However, it may be a bit steep for shooters on a budget who don’t require the ruggedness of an enclosed optic.
Holosun 507K
The 507K is more budget-friendly. It offers excellent value for its price, especially considering its high performance, battery life, and the flexibility of the multi-reticle system.
For everyday use, especially in urban environments or controlled conditions, it delivers all the necessary features at a more accessible price point.
Winner
The Holosun 507K wins for value for money, offering a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price.
7. Night Vision Compatibility
Holosun EPS Carry
The Holosun EPS Carry comes equipped with four-night vision settings, reflecting its versatility and adaptability to different lighting conditions.
These settings proved effective in my testing, allowing for clear visibility and target acquisition in low-light scenarios.
The night vision compatibility adds to the EPS Carry’s overall utility, making it a suitable option for users who may engage in night-time shooting or use night vision equipment.
Holosun 507K
The 507K offers two-night vision settings, which, while less than the EPS, still provide adequate performance in low-light conditions.
During my tests, the 507K maintained clarity and functionality under night vision, though the limited settings mean slightly less flexibility compared to the EPS Carry.
Winner
In the realm of night vision compatibility, the Holosun EPS Carry edges ahead with more settings, offering greater adaptability and utility in various light conditions.
Pros & Cons of Holosun EPS Carry
Pros
- The enclosed emitter design enhances durability and reliability in diverse conditions.
- Larger buttons for easier adjustment.
- Compatible with night vision with four settings.
- Aircraft-grade 7075 T6 aluminum housing.
Cons
- Slightly bulkier and heavier due to the enclosed design.
- Higher price point.
Pros & Cons of Holosun 507K
Pros
- The open emitter design is lighter and offers a clearer lens.
- More affordable compared to EPS Carry.
- Multi-reticle system (2 MOA dots & 32 MOA circles).
- Compact and sleek design suitable for concealed carry.
- Durable 7075 T6 aluminum construction.
Cons
- The open emitter may be prone to Issues in adverse weather conditions.
- Less night vision compatibility with only two settings.
Similarities Between Holosun EPS Carry & Holosun 507K
- Both use the Shield RMSc footprint, which is standard for small guns.
- Feature Shake Awake technology.
- Similar battery types with long life.
- Constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum.
Differences Between Holosun EPS Carry & Holosun 507K
- EPS Carry has an enclosed emitter; 507K has an open emitter.
- EPS Carry is slightly bulkier; 507K is more compact.
- EPS Carry has four-night vision settings; 507K has two.
- EPS Carry has larger adjustment buttons; 507K has smaller ones.
- EPS Carry is more expensive; 507K is more budget-friendly.
- EPS Carry offers limited reticle adjustment; 507K provides a multi-reticle system.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison of the Holosun EPS Carry and the Holosun 507K, my verdict leans towards the Holosun EPS Carry. While both sights exhibit high-quality features, the EPS Carry’s enclosed emitter design significantly enhances its reliability in diverse environmental conditions, a crucial factor in real-world scenarios.
Its robust build, user-friendly ergonomics, and adaptability to night vision make it an excellent choice for everyday carry and specialized use.
The 507K, while impressive in its own right, falls slightly short in terms of versatility and resilience against the elements. The EPS Carry’s balance of durability, functionality, and advanced features ultimately make it my top pick.
FAQ’s
Is the EPS carry footprint the same as 507K?
Yes, the Holosun EPS Carry and the 507K have the same footprint. They both use the popular K footprint, ensuring compatibility across a range of small firearms.
What is the difference between Holosun EPS and carry EPS?
The key difference is size and window. The EPS Carry has a smaller window and is more compact, designed for narrower, subcompact handguns, while the EPS Full Size is better suited for larger pistols with wider slides.
What footprint is the Holosun EPS carry?
The Holosun EPS Carry utilizes Holosun’s K footprint and includes an RMSc-to-K footprint adapter plate for maximum compatibility.
What is the difference between Holosun 507C and 507K for concealed carry?
The Holosun 507C X2 is larger, intended for full-size or compact handguns, while the 507K X2 is smaller and narrower, designed for subcompact or micro compact pistols, making it more suitable for concealed carry.
Does Holosun 507K have night vision compatibility?
Yes, the Holosun 507K is equipped with 2 night vision-compatible settings, providing versatility for various light conditions.