The Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series is the next evolution in the CSX line, bringing enhanced features and improved ergonomics to this optic-ready micro-compact. The newly enhanced E-Series trigger provides a crisp break and improved reset, while the optics-ready slide features a modified RMSc/507K footprint with S&W’s ClearSight™ cut, designed to keep gas and debris away from your optic lens.
If you’re looking to mount a Holosun red dot without an adapter plate, you’re in luck—there are five Holosun optics that fit directly on the CSX E-Series. In this guide, we’ll break down which Holosun models are compatible and why they’re a great match.
Quick Nav
- Pistols this article applies to
- Holosun Optics we recommend for the SW CSX
- Holosun vs other brands
- What Optics Footprint is the SW CSX
- Best Modified RMSc Holosun Optics for the SW CSX
- Holosun 407K - Best Budget Option
- Holosun 507K - Best All Around Option
- Holosun 507K ACSS Vulcan - Best Specialty Option
- Holosun EPS Carry - Best Closed Emitter Option
- Holosun SCS Carry - Best Solar Recharging Option
- How to choose between red or green reticles
- How to choose between open vs closed emitter
- How to decide which reticle style is best for you
- Conclusion
Which CSX models does this apply to?
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Which Holosun Optics do we recommend for the CSX?
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Why do we recommend Holosun Optics vs other options?
Holosun optics offer the perfect balance of quality and affordability. Here are a few key reasons why we recommend them:
- They provide exceptional battery life, and you can change the battery without removing the optic.
- Available in both red and green reticles, with various sizes and styles to suit your preferences.
- Built to last, they feature durable 7075 aluminum or titanium housings and high-quality glass.
- Holosun optics are packed with convenient features like Shake Awake, easy-to-use brightness buttons, and side-mounted batteries for hassle-free maintenance.
- Many models come with solar panels that keep the optic running even if the battery dies.
- They are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- Known for their reliability, they are waterproof and have a solid reputation in the industry.
When compared to brands like Leupold, Trijicon, Crimson Trace, Burris, Bushnell, or Aimpoint, Holosun optics often stand out for being more affordable while offering more features, longer battery life, and a proven track record with millions of units sold over the past decade.
What optics footprint is the CSX E-Series?
The CSX features a modified RMSc footprint a.k.a. Holosun K Series footprint. This means all the Holosun K Series optics will fit on the slide with no adapter plates or modification needed.
Best Modified RMSc Footprint Holosun Optics for the CSX E-Series
Below are the best Holosun Red & Green dot sights you can mount directly on your SW CSX Optics Ready version with no modification necessary.
1. Holosun 407K Green & Red Dot - Best Budget Option
Buy the 407K At The Best Price
This is the most affordable micro optic Holosun makes and is available in a 6 MOA green or red dot.
If you are looking for a single dot optic that is very affordable and great for plinking then this might be the one for you.
The 6 MOA dot is a really nice size. It's big enough to pick up rather easily, but still small enough to be precise with.
It has an aluminum housing, side removable battery, manual brightness controls, shake awake, is IP67 waterproof, and 50,000hrs of battery life.
Read our full 407K review here.
2. Holosun 507K Green & Red Dot - Best All Around Option
Buy the 507K At The Best Price
The next step up from the 407K is the 507K. This has all the same features like an aluminum housing, side removable battery, manual brightness controls, shake awake, IP67 waterproof, and long battery life but it also has Holosun's Multi Reticle System (MRS).
The MRS Reticle is a 32 MOA Ring with a 2 MOA dot. It's really cool when you look at it - it's similar to an EOtech's reticle if you've ever seen them.
The other cool thing is you can toggle the reticle holding down the "-" for 3 seconds. So if you wanted to, you could use just the 32 MOA Ring, the 2 MOA Dot only, or both the 32 MOA Ring + the 2 MOA Dot.
Read our full 507K review here.
3. Holosun 507K ACSS Vulcan Green & Red Dot - Best Speciality Option
Buy the 507K ACSS Vulcan At The Best Price
Next on the list is the 507K ACSS Vulcan. This is exactly like the 507K except is has the ACSS Vulcan reticle. This reticle has a 230 MOA dotted outer ring and a 3 MOA center dot.
The purpose of this reticle is to help you find the center dot quickly if you are off center. To learn more about the ACSS Vulcan reticle check out our article here.
The dotted outer ring can be turned off by holding down the "-" button for 3 seconds.
The main advantage of the ACSS Vulcan reticle is to be able to find the center dot quickly when drawing the pistol.
All the features are the same as the 507K except for the reticle, and this is available in both red & green.
Read our full 507K ACSS review here.
4. Holosun EPS Carry - Closed Emitter Option - Best Enclosed Emitter Option
Buy the EPS Carry At The Best Price
The EPS Carry is very similar to the 407K and 507K except it has one major difference, it is an enclosed emitter optic. This means the laser emitter is protected by a hood. So dirt, mud, or debris will never get in the way of the emitter to distort the reticle. It also has the highest waterproof rating at IPX8.
There are 3 versions of the EPS Carry. The 2MOA, 6MOA, and MRS Versions
The MRS version has a solar panel on it which acts as a solar fail safe to power the reticle of the battery dies. It also gives you an extra auto brightness feature which can be toggled on or off.
Read our full EPS Carry review here.
5. Holosun SCS Carry Green Dot - Best Solar Recharging Option
Buy the SCS Carry At The Best Price
The SCS Carry is similar to the EPS Carry in that it is an enclosed emitter, except it features Holosun's latest "Solar Recharging Technology".
It has an internal rechargeable battery with theoretical unlimited battery life. The battery has a 20K hour power reserve which is constantly being recharged. The optic charges the battery faster than it consumes. It has the MRS (multi reticle system) and is available in green dot only. You can use the 2 MOA dot, 2 MOA Dot + 32 MOA Circle, or 32 MOA Circle only.
This model doesn't have Shake Awake like the others, but recommend from Holosun, you just leave it on and it will stay on. It is constantly recharging from natural and artificial light sources. It does have a power off button if you wanted to turn it off.
This optic is a great option if you are looking for something super sleek, and where you never have to worry about batteries. Just turn it on and keep it on!
Choosing between Red or Green Reticles
You might be wondering whether to choose a red or green dot reticle. This is a common question we get, so here are a few key points to help you decide:
- Green reticles are generally easier on the eyes and less straining to see.
- If you have astigmatism, a green dot may appear crisper. Some customers with astigmatism have reported that green dots are clearer for them than red dots.
- Green reticles will not washout into backgrounds like grass, foliage, or other green environments.
- Green dots can offer better battery efficiency. Since green is naturally brighter, a green dot on brightness setting 6 may be as bright as a red dot on setting 7, potentially extending battery life.
If you want to learn more check out our full article about Red vs Green Dot Pros & Cons here.
Choosing between Open vs Closed Emitters
When deciding between an open and closed emitter, it’s important to consider how and where you'll carry your CSX.
If you anticipate being outdoors in challenging conditions like rain, snow, or sleet, a closed emitter offers added protection and reliability. For those carrying outside the waistband (OWB) and spending a lot of time outdoors, a closed emitter provides extra peace of mind in harsh weather.
On the other hand, if you primarily carry inside the waistband (IWB) or won’t be frequently exposed to heavy rain or snow, an open emitter will work just fine.
While open emitters can still perform well in the elements, the closed design gives an extra layer of durability. Keep in mind, open reflex sights can collect dust or debris inside the reticle over time, so regular cleaning is necessary. A closed emitter, however, tends to be easier to maintain when it comes to cleaning.
How to decide which reticle style is best for you
In this guide we covered a few different reticle options. If you need some help deciding which is best for you here are some of our thoughts on each.
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Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson CSX E-Series brings a fresh evolution to the CSX lineup, offering an optics-ready slide designed to accept Holosun red dots with no adapter plates needed. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option like the 407K, a versatile performer like the 507K, or an enclosed emitter option for added durability like the EPS Carry, there’s a Holosun red dot that fits perfectly on the CSX.
If you have any questions or need help selecting the best red dot for your CSX E-Series, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect optic setup.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and we hope this guide has been helpful in your decision-making process.
