Understanding Holosun Red Dot Footprints: A Comprehensive Guide

Red dot sights have become an essential tool for firearm enthusiasts, providing quick target acquisition and improved accuracy. Holosun, a leading manufacturer of optical sights, has gained widespread recognition for producing high-quality and durable red dot sights. One of the key aspects of mounting a Holosun red dot sight onto a firearm is understanding its footprint compatibility. In this article, we will explore the different Holosun red dot footprints, their compatibility with popular mounting systems, and what you need to know before selecting the right optic for your firearm.

What is a Red Dot Footprint?

A red dot footprint refers to the mounting pattern of an optic, which consists of the arrangement of screws and recoil lugs that attach the sight to a firearm or optic plate. Different manufacturers use unique footprint designs, making it crucial to choose a sight that matches your firearm’s mounting system or an adapter plate.

Common Holosun Red Dot Footprints

Holosun designs its red dot sights to be compatible with popular industry-standard mounting patterns. Below are some of the most common Holosun red dot footprints and their corresponding mounting platforms:

1. Trijicon RMR Footprint

Several Holosun red dot sights use the Trijicon RMR footprint, one of the most widely used mounting patterns in the industry. This footprint features two mounting holes and two recoil lugs positioned at the front. Holosun optics that utilize this footprint include:

• Holosun 407C
• Holosun 507C
• Holosun 508T

This footprint is compatible with RMR-cut slides and mounting plates designed for Trijicon RMR optics. It is commonly found on handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

2. Shield RMS/SMS Footprint

The Shield RMS/SMS footprint is another popular mounting pattern, often used for micro red dot sights. Holosun models that follow this footprint include:

• Holosun 407K
• Holosun 507K

These optics are primarily designed for compact and subcompact handguns. However, due to slight variations in the footprint design, some modifications or adapter plates may be necessary for a perfect fit.

3. Holosun AEMS Footprint

Holosun’s Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight (AEMS) uses a proprietary footprint unique to this model. While not compatible with RMR or RMS footprints, it is designed for direct mounting on Picatinny rails, making it suitable for rifles and carbines.

4. Picatinny/Weaver Rail Mounts

Holosun also produces optics with built-in mounts designed for Picatinny or Weaver rails, such as:

• Holosun 510C
• Holosun 512C

These sights feature a quick-detach (QD) or fixed rail mount, allowing easy installation on rifles and shotguns.

Choosing the Right Holosun Red Dot for Your Firearm

When selecting a Holosun red dot sight, it is crucial to consider the footprint to ensure compatibility with your firearm. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Check Your Firearm’s Mounting System: Determine whether your firearm has a direct mount for a specific footprint or if an adapter plate is needed.
• Verify Manufacturer Compatibility: Some firearms come with optic-ready slides designed for specific footprints. Always check compatibility with your chosen Holosun sight.
• Consider the Application: Full-sized optics with the RMR footprint are ideal for duty-sized handguns, while micro red dots with the RMS footprint are better suited for concealed carry.

Conclusion

Holosun red dot sights offer versatility and reliability for a wide range of firearms, but understanding their footprints is essential for proper mounting and functionality. By selecting the right footprint and ensuring compatibility with your firearm, you can optimize your shooting experience and get the most out of your Holosun optic. Whether you need a robust sight for a duty pistol or a compact optic for concealed carry, Holosun provides high-quality options to meet your needs.