Hey fellow Shooter, Here for answers. Happy to give them to you.
This is a comparison of the two well-known, well-loved red dot optics: Holosun 507k vs. Shield RMSc.
The question is, is one of them better than the other? If yes, then which one?
The two red dots I am reviewing are good options for concealed handguns. But why pick good when you can pick better? That is where I come in to help you.
Like you, I also take a great interest in weapons for protective use. With my experience and research, I bring you these results.
I will compare important features in the products under question, i.e., Holosun 507k vs. Shield RMSc. The review will discuss durability, prices, battery, sight clarity, and more.
The main difference between Holosun 507k and Shield RMSc is that the 507k is more durable, with better features, and is less expensive. Shield RMSc, on the other hand, is lighter, with a more common footprint than the 507k.
Which one should you get?
So, let’s begin our quest!
What To Expect?
This review on Holosun 507k vs. Shield RMSc will compare the following features:
- Durability
- Lens and Reticle
- Battery Life
- Brightness Settings
- Dimensions
- Footprint
- Price
After reviewing all these features in detail, I will tell which one is a better pick in my opinion. With all the information, you can make your own decision.
Holosun 507k vs Shield RMSc : Specifications
| Holosun 507k | Shield RMSc | |
| Brand | Holosun | Shield |
| Weight | 1 ounce | 0.57 ounces |
| Dimensions (H x Wx L) | 0.95 x 0.98 x 1.60 inches | 0.9 x 0.9 x 1.70 inches |
| Reticle Size | 2 MOA, 32 MOA, & 32 MOA with 2 MOA dot | 4 MOA or 8 MOA |
| Battery | CR1632 | CR2032 |
| More information |
Holosun 507k vs Shield RMSc: Features
1. Durability
First things first, you need an optic that is tough and rough.
Holosun 507k
Looking at the construction, the Holosun 507k is built from 7075 T6 Aluminum. This is a top-notch material when it comes to field-grade optics. For further protection, the optic has an anodized finish.
Holosun 507k comes with a glass lens that provides a crisp view.
Shield RMSc
As for the Shield RMSc, the body is made of aerospace-grade Aluminum. It also has an anodized finish. It protects the optic from being damaged by external elements.
While 507k has a glass lens, RMSc comes both in polymer and glass. The glass lens o costs a tad more. Although the polymer might sound like a no-no to you, it has proven to be a sturdy component.
Let’s look at the resilience of both the optics:
What they have in common
Durability is also a test of your optic’s ability to withstand environmental factors. Holosun 507k and Shield RMSc are waterproof optics and can withstand rain and snow. So, the weather’s not canceling your plans.
507k is designed to be a pistol optic, so it can withstand abuse while mounted on a handgun. Yes, it is shockproof.
Here again, Shield RMSc offers the same protection. It, too, is shockproof. It can handle the abuse while being mounted on a handgun slide.
The windage and elevation turrets in Holosun 507k are built into the sight housing. What’s the advantage of that? Well, the plus point is that you don’t have to worry about losing them while the optic goes through abuse.
Is there any difference in the windage and elevation turrets on the RMSc? Not really. They are also recessed into the sight housing. So, no accidental bumping or scraping them off.
Understandably, you might think this would make adjusting them hard. Worry not, fellow shooter. You can easily adjust them with a small screwdriver. Oh, and you also don’t have to lose your favorite clothes to snags by turrets.
Durability Test
The durability test determines which optic can last taking abuse. So, when it comes to Holosun 507k vs. Shield RMSc, here’s what the testing revealed:
Let’s see what the testing included:
- Several hundred rounds of Holosun 507k and give or take 500 rounds of Shield RMSc
- Rubbing off against different surfaces: drawing from the holster, racking it across a bunch of surfaces like a barrel or poles
- Reloading
- Shooting at steel
Which survived better?
The Holosun.
RMSc, no doubt, is durable. However, the 507k proved much more effective and durable when taking the abuse. It is definitely more heavy-duty.
Winner: The Holosun 507k
Based on the construction, the top-notch material used for this design, and the durability test, the Holosun 507k proved more durable than the Shield RMSc.
RMSc is getting there, but it is not quite there yet. You can use the optic for competition and range shooting, but if you had to trust your life with one of these, I’d say you pick the Holosun. RMSc is not built for heavy-duty.
2. Lens and Reticle
The clearer the view, the better your aim.
Holosun 507k
507k features a glass lens. The view is crystal clear. Plus, there is no blue tint to bug you, either.
As for the reticle, with Holosun, you get various options. It has a Multiple Reticle System (MRS). Now, what does that mean? It means you can pick your style from the three available options:
- A 2 MOA dot
- A 32 MOA ring (without the dot in the center)
- A 32 MOA ring with a 2 MOA dot in the center
All three options have their benefits. Let’s take a quick look at them:
The 2 MOA reticle is a fairly good option. That is if you like things simple. Your eye can adjust to it pretty quickly. So, you get to shoot pretty fast. And the small 2 MOA dot in the center gives you precision while aiming.
The second option is a 32 MOA ring without the dot in the center. Now, depending on your preference, you can either love it or loathe it.
Here’s the thing. Since it’s a big circle, your eye adapts to it pretty quickly. There’s no center dot hindering your view either. So, as long as you shoot large targets up close, the reticle does a good job.
However, as the center dot is missing, you would have to compromise on precision, especially when it comes to smaller targets.
But worry not; the best option is yet to come.
That’s right. It’s the 32 MOA ring with a 2 MOA dot in the center. It’s also known as the Holosun Circle Dot Reticle. Take the plus points of the two reticle options above in each hand, and join them together.
Yes, with the 32 MOA ring, your eye catches up to the circle pretty quickly. And then, the center dot gives you the precision for smaller and distant targets.
Depending on whichever option you like, you can choose your reticle. After all, every shooter has their style.
Shield RMSc
As discussed before, with Shield RMSc, you get two options for lens: polymer or glass. Holosun only has one. But like Holosun, RMSc doesn’t have the blue tint either.
Options? Yes, you get options here as well, but not quite like the Holosun. RMSc offers you two reticle choices:
You can buy a version with a fixed 4 MOA dot or a fixed 8 MOA dot.
The smaller offers more precision, and the bigger is easier on the eye. What’s your pick?
Time to make a decision.
What’s similar?
As far as clarity is concerned, both the optics give you a clean sight picture. So, that is great.
But…
That’s not all.
Where Holosun gives you a Multiple Reticle System in one sight, Shield makes you pick one on the spot and make your peace with it.
If we put both on the balance scale, I think the RMSC weighs the scale down. Don’t you?
Winner: The Holosun 507k
So far, The Holosun has taken the lead.
But we are far from done.
3. Battery Life
Of course, you’d need an optic with long battery life. Time to compare: Holosun 507k vs. Shield RMSc. Which one serves better?
Holosun 507k
Let’s start with the Holosun.
The 507k uses a CR1632 battery, so the battery life is around 50,000 hours. That is good, long battery life.
Of course, the battery life matters because you don’t want your optic dying on you in the middle of a sticky situation. Yes, it would be a nuisance to die in the middle of a shooting range. But it would be deadly, should you be in combat.
See, the thing is, the optics in question are designed specifically for concealed guns. They serve the purpose of defense. And your optic needs to come through for that.
The good thing with the Holosun is it does.
You will be good to go if you are careful with the instructions and annually replace your batteries. While we are on the topic, here’s another thing I love about the 507k’s design.
Unlike most optics, where the battery is at the bottom of the sight, the Holosun 507k is designed with the battery placed in a side loading tray. That means you can swipe your battery while the optic remains mounted on the gun.
Yes, you don’t have to go through all the hassle of removing the optic, replacing batteries, remounting it, and then going to the range to reset your zero.
A quick swap it is. Cool, no?
And while we are discussing the cool features, here’s another one. The optic has a feature called the Shake Awake Technology. It’s a motion sensor that allows your optic to preserve its battery for longer use.
What happens is that when detecting a long period of non-use, your optic would automatically turn off. But don’t worry, with the Shake Awake Technology, the optic turns right back on as soon as it senses motion.
Hence giving the 507k a super long battery life.
Shield RMSc
The RMSc uses a CR2032 battery. The battery life lasts up to 2 to 3 years; a super long battery, a great feature indeed. Because of that, the chances of it dying on you in need are fairly thin.
But…
There’s a but.
The battery is located at the bottom of the optic. Yes, it means all the hassle. You would have to take the optic off, replace the batteries, remount the optic and adjust the zero— a bit of a nuisance.
Besides that, if you take good care of your batteries, the optic will be your buddy.
Winner: Holosun 507k
This one was a tough pick. Both optics offer a good battery life, but the Holosun takes some more points for having the battery tray on the side and making replacements easy.
4. Brightness Settings
The brightness setting is an important feature to consider while picking your optic. Between the two optics in question, the 507k provides more options, while the RMSc gives you a convenient adjustment.
Holosun 507k
Another great feature where Holosun takes the lead is with the brightness settings. The 507k comes with both manual and auto adjustment settings. It has 10 daylight brightness settings and 2 settings for night vision. With the 10 options available for the day, you would have no problem, even if it’s sunny.
It doesn’t end there.
Holosun 507k also has a Lock Mode. What does that mean? Allow me.
You can lock your brightness setting with this mode. So, your brightness setting stays locked even if you accidentally touch the button.
Shield RMSc
The RMSc is an auto-adjusting dot. The brightness adjusts automatically according to the lighting conditions surrounding you.
If you are not experienced with red dots, it will automatically do the job. However, a tad bit of a problem with that is that it will take time to adjust. Plus, sudden light changes can mess up your reticle.
Unfortunately, there is no manual setting available.
Winner: The Holosun 507k
I think it’s pretty evident why. You get to adjust the brightness however you like. And then lock it back in. However, if you are new to it and have difficulty adjusting brightness, the manual should help you sort that out.
Still, if that remains a problem, then RMSc, can be your pick with its auto-adjustment
5. Dimensions
A good optic should be compact, lightweight, and have many cool features. So, which optic wins the size comparison? Holosun 507k or Shield RMSc?
Both optics are pretty petite. These miniature reflex sights are designed to be mounted on single-stack concealed handguns, meaning they have to be fairly small.
As for the Holosun 507k, the dimensions are 0.95 x 0.98 x 1.60 inches (Height x width x length). The optic weighs 1 ounce.
Shield RMSc, on the other hand, is a tad bit different. Its dimensions are 0.9 x 0.9 x 1.7 inches (Height x width x length). It weighs about half as much as the Holosun, just 0.57 ounces.
Winner: Shield RMSc
Not that the little bit of extra weight makes a lot of difference. However, if you like your optic to weigh as little as possible, Shield RMSc is slightly lighter than the Holosun 507k.
6. Footprint
Footprint refers to the mounting standard, plus the bottom surface of the optic. In simple terms, it is the design underneath the red dot optic that slides on the gun’s surface. The more common the mounting system of your sight, the better fit it would be for most guns.
You can also get a custom slide cut on your gun that matches the mounting standard of your sight.
In comparison, the Holosun 507k is less common. It has a proprietary footprint. There are several mounting plates, so you can adjust your sight on your pistols. However, it is recommended that you get a slide cut for your 507k.
As opposed to the 507k, the Shield RMSc’s footprint is much more common. It mounts easily on several guns. Although it has a proprietary footprint, its style is relatively more common.
But since these are micro sights which means they are pretty tiny, and that’s kind of new, mounting them on the gun may be slightly different than what you have already been familiar with.
Winner: Shield RMSc
With its more common design, mounting the RMSc on your gun would be a tad bit more convenient than the Holosun 507k.
7. Price
Last but definitely not least. You need a good scope but also one that costs you less.
The Holosun 507k is less expensive than Shield RMSc. Not only that, but it is also better rated than the latter.
You can check the prices and reviews on optics planet:
- Holosun 507k (also check the reviews on Amazon)
- Shield RMSc
Winner: Holosun 507k
That’s an obvious one. You get to save around 134 $ and that too, with no compromise on quality.
Final Verdict
Which one is my pick?
The Holosun 507k.
5 Reasons why:
- Firstly, 507k is more durable than RMSc. Tougher optic, better companion.
- Although both sights have a clear lens, 507k has a Multiple Reticle System with 2 MOA, 32 MOA, and 32 MOA with a 2 MOA dot. RMSc has a fixed 4 MOA or 8 MOA. So, of course, Holosun takes the lead.
- The battery life is good enough for both optics. But because 507k has the battery loading tray on the side, which makes replacement super easy, it gives the optic an edge. Plus, the Shake-Away Technology helps preserve the battery.
- Shield RMSc’s auto-brightness setting is defeated by Holosun 507k’s manual and automatic brightness settings. The further push is added by 507k having the Lock mode feature.
- Plus, Holosun 507k is much more budget-friendly as compared to the Shield RMSc.
That being said, the two plus points that Shield RMSc has over 507k are the common footprint and the slight difference in weight. However, I don’t think that accounts for the overall scope to be better than the Holosun.
That’s my take. What’s yours?
FAQs
Do we need to re-tighten the screws on Holosun 507k?
The design holds the screws in pretty well. However, proper care is always the way to avoid any hassle. Do de-grease the screws. For degreasing them, use rubbing alcohol and a bit of Blue Loctite.
Does Holosun 507k have a shiny or matte coating?
It has a matte black coating. The finish on the optic blends easily with most black gun finishes.
How to prevent scratches on your optic?
Although scratches are not that big a deal, so long as your red dot is functioning properly, they annoy many of us. One way to prevent them is to buy a cheap phone screen protector (not glass). Cut the protector to the size of your optic and apply.
Does the RMSc come with an optic cover?
Yes, the RMSc comes with a plastic cover. All Shield optics come with covers.
Where is Shield RMSc manufactured?
It is manufactured in the UK.
