Holosun Model Numbers Explained: HS, HE, C, K, T & X2 Decoder

A Holosun model number tells you the product line, the reticle, the platform and the key features. HS is the standard Holosun line and HE the Holosun Elite line; a first digit of 4 means a single dot and 5 means the Multi-Reticle System; C marks Solar Failsafe, K the compact carry models, T a titanium housing, and X2 or X3 the generation. The colour suffix, RD, GR or GD, confirms red, green or gold.

So an HS507C X2 is a standard-line, multi-reticle, solar-backed 507 pistol sight in its second generation. The rest of this page decodes each part, with examples checked against Holosun's own product pages.

The prefix: HS or HE

HS is the standard Holosun line and HE is Holosun Elite. For years most green-dot models carried HE, which is why people still read it as "green". That shortcut no longer works. Holosun sells the HE508T X2 and HE509T X2 with red emitters, and it lists gold models such as the HE407C-X3-GD under HE as well. The colour suffix is the reliable guide:

• RD: red
• GR: green
• GD: gold

The gold dot range shows which platforms now come in gold.

The first digit: 4 or 5

• 4 (407C, 407K, 403C): a single dot.
• 5 (507C, 507K, 508T, 509T, 510C, 512T): the Multi-Reticle System (MRS), which lets you choose between the dot, the circle or both. The circle size depends on the sight: Holosun lists a 2 MOA dot with a 32 MOA circle on the 507C X2, 507K X2, 508T X2 and 509T X2, and a 2 MOA dot with a 65 MOA circle on the HS510C and HE512T.

The COMP and ProMax competition models add their own circle choices: the HS507COMP offers 8, 20 or 32 MOA circles around the 2 MOA dot.

The platform number

The last two digits identify the platform. Treat this as a map of the families you will meet rather than a strict code, because Holosun has stretched the system as the range has grown.

One point that often trips people up: the HE512T is not an enclosed sight. Holosun lists it as an open reflex rifle sight, although the housing is sealed to IPX8.

The suffix letters

The 515 codes are often misread. Neither the CM nor the GM is titanium. Both have 7075 aluminium housings, and the difference is the solar panel. The titanium 515s are the CT and GT versions.

K is also easy to misread. Holosun describes the 407K and 507K as using the Holosun K footprint, and it ships an RMSc-to-K adapter plate with the EPS Carry, so K and RMSc are related but not identical. Our RMR vs RMSc footprint guide and the footprint compatibility chart cover the fit in detail.

What X2 and X3 actually change

X2 and X3 mark generations of a platform, but Holosun does not publish one definition of what each generation adds. The honest approach is to compare the spec sheets. For the 507C, Holosun lists:

You will often read that X2 introduced the side-loading battery tray, but Holosun does not say so. Both the HS507C X2 and the HS507C X3 have a side tray.

The named families

• EPS, EPS Carry, EPS CORE: Holosun's enclosed pistol sights, all running on a CR1620 and rated IPX8. They are compared in our EPS guide.
• AEMS: enclosed micro rifle sights. The CORE X2 has a plain 2 MOA dot and no solar panel; the PRO X2, EVO, Micro and Macro add the Multi-Reticle System and Solar Failsafe.
• ARO: the Advanced Rifle Optic line of enclosed rifle sights. The ARO EVO 2 MOA has a 26 mm window.
• DUAL: on the AEMS EVO Dual and ARO EVO Dual, a green laser and an infrared laser are built into the sight, and the power comes from a CR123A.
• SCS: Solar Charging Sight. It has an internal rechargeable cell topped up by the solar panel, with no user-replaceable battery. Most versions are made for one pistol, such as the SCS MOS for Glock MOS slides.
• RONIN: editions developed with Tu Lam of Ronin Tactics, such as the RONIN HS507COMP, which adds the Multi-Reticle System to the COMP.
• HM3X, HM3XT, HM6X: flip-to-side magnifiers at 3x and 6x.
• MP3X: a 3x prism sight with an etched BDC reticle.

Worked examples

• HS507C X2: standard line, Multi-Reticle System, 507 pistol platform on the RMR footprint, Solar Failsafe, second generation. The emitter is red.
• HE509T X2 GR: Elite line, Multi-Reticle System, enclosed 509T platform, titanium, second generation, green.
• HS407K X2: standard line, single dot, compact K-footprint carry sight, second generation, and no solar panel because there is no C.
• AEMS CORE X2 GR: enclosed micro rifle sight, 2 MOA dot only, no solar panel, second generation, green.

Once you can read the codes, the Holosun buyer's guide helps you choose between the platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Does HE mean green on a Holosun?

Not any more. HE is the Holosun Elite line. Holosun sells some HE models in red and lists gold models under HE too, so read the RD, GR or GD suffix for the colour.

Does every Holosun C model have a solar panel?

Every C model we have checked on Holosun's site does, because C marks Solar Failsafe. Some models without a C also have solar, including the HE508T X2, HE509T X2 and HE512T, so check the spec sheet as well as the name.

Is the Holosun K footprint the same as RMSc?

No. They are close relatives, but Holosun treats K as its own footprint and supplies an RMSc-to-K plate with sights such as the EPS Carry. Check your slide cut before ordering.

Is the X3 worth it over the X2?

On the 507C, Holosun quotes double the battery life for the X3 (100,000 against 50,000 hours at setting 6) and 4 night vision settings instead of 2. If neither matters to you, the X2 does the same job on the same footprint.