EOtech

[Ming_the_Merciless]

Below are observations from a Real-steel standpoint:

Here is a quick guide for combat optics that might prove helpful, maybe a little overboard for airsofters:

http://demigodllc.com/articles/fight...for-the-ar-15/

Meanwhile this is what were some comments that prove helpful for me when choosing between EOTech v. Aimpoint.

Some of my observations:

1. Battery life is no where close to what they advertise. Even with lithiums.

2. Inside the battery compartment there are those two springs at the front end that support the battery. If you leave your Eotech with batteries in it, they compress. After they compress enough, when you fire, you lose electrical contact and the site turns itself off.

3. They sit to low on a standard flat top rail in my opinion. The Larue Tactical Eotech mount raises it higher where it works better for me, and you still have enough rail from a BUIS.

4. The larger viewing window of an EOTech is nice, but if the site is off, and you really have to shoot, it is harder to use than a turned off Aimpoint.

5. Don't use the thumbscrew, they tend to come loose. This is where I really like the Larue mount, you just loc-tite the site down.

6. For close range and shooting fast, the A65 reticle is wonderful.

7. I don't like where the buttons are, hard to get to quickly. The new sites Eotech is making put them on the left side, which makes them harder to get to for lefties.

8. In my experience, they are not as waterproof as they say they are. Use some silicon grease if you are playing in the rain, or around shallow water.

Between the Aimpoint and the Eotech, I like the Aimpoints more for battery life, ruggedness and waterproofness. I prefer the field of view and the big fast reticle of the Eotech for close range drills. Eotech's are fast, you have a big CQB reticle, and that 1MOA dot in the middle is good for carbine shots out to 400 yards if you know holdover with a 50 yard zero. Whereas with the Aimpoint, commonly a 4 MOA dot, that covers a human silhouette at 300 meters, making it extremely difficult to engage.

Secret about the Aimpoints, the comp C3's are the same as the ML3's, except not officially scuba TESTED, and 50-100$ less, mechanically, they are the same. Many of the C3's would likely pass the scuba testing. So, the only reason to get a ML3 is you plan on diving and want the water rating for warranty. If you need night vision, then you get the M3. The M4's are pretty sweet to, but they didn't convince me of having any improvements except being a AA battery powered M3 with a different mount system. Fired a few rounds through them, they were just another Aimpoint to me.

Trijicon reflex sights are way low on my list. I don't like the yellow and if you are using one in a dark structure, the dot washes out easily if you are using a bright carbine mounted flashlight. Tried one and gave it up. Don't get me wrong, I have a couple Eotechs, and really like them. I just don't have the confidence in them as I do the Aimpoints. Aimpoints new Micro T1 looks really promising, but I'll wait till they have been around and beat up and get thousands of rounds under them first.

Below are observations from an airsoft replica standpoint:
Honestly the airsoft replicas of the EOTechs out there are not rugged as the replica Aimpoints. I use one not because I am doing an impression, but because I run a 512 on my AR, so I am skirmishing with a similar reticle. Moreover, there are real-steel shooters that actually use "fake-points" on their ARs to 22s, I myself belong to that group. Though I would never trust my life on a "fake-point", it works great while plinking. What’s interesting is that although better built, "shock-proof", "water-proof/resistant", fake-points usually run cheaper than the replica EOTechs. Perhaps it’s just simply supply and demand, with all the replica Aimpoints out there, compared to the replica EOTechs.

All about "Fake-Points" Used on Real-Steels
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=208728

How to identify differences between a Real Aimpoint and Fake
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=367860

End Notes:
Different strokes for different folks. In the end they are just tools in the toolbox, depending on what you plan to be doing, select the proper optic for your needs.

[TCLP]

You can get a Bushnell holosight easily as they are the civilian version of an eotech 551 or 553. Can't remember what model. You can even find these at a can tire and on ebay for about $250.

[FlyGuy]

Originally Posted by TCLP

You can get a Bushnell holosight easily as they are the civilian version of an eotech 551 or 553. Can't remember what model. You can even find these at a can tire and on ebay for about $250.

No references to the Bushnell on www.canadiantire.ca so I'm not sure where you're getting your info from? I don't doubt they're on eBay from time to time, though I am surprised that they don't show up on Bass Pro.

Indeed, the Bushnell sight (part # 51-0023) is a true laser-based HWS but differs from the EOTech version primarily because it's missing the protective hood around the outside of the optic and also a few other details like NVG capability, ARMS mounts (on the 553), etc. Not exactly a "civilian version" of the EOTechs as you have stated, but rather more accurately, a HWS that civilians can purchase.

Bushnell link for reference:
http://www.bushnell.com/general/rifl...ht_51-0023.cfm

One Canadian source for Bushnell HWS - Al Flaherty's:
http://www.alflahertys.com/product.php?pr_id=267

EOTech link for reference:
http://www.eotech-inc.com/product.php?id=7&cat=1

One Canadian source for EOTech HWS - Dave's Surplus
https://dstactical.com/product_info....roducts_id=131


PS:
+1...Very nice write-up/summary Ming. Informative and honest. Thanks for the links...will make for interesting reading.


Ready...Fire...Aim!
'Fly

[Muffin]

Search EOTech's on ebay and found one of these in country: http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Reflex-Scope...d=p3286.c0.m14
Its only a reflex disguised as an EO but in all honesty thats all I need. I just love the look of the EOTech's but just don't have a big enough pocket to dish out for a real one, or a nice clone.
I just might take this route.

[TCLP]

Originally Posted by FlyGuy

No references to the Bushnell on www.canadiantire.ca so I'm not sure where you're getting your info from? I don't doubt they're on eBay from time to time, though I am surprised that they don't show up on Bass Pro.

Indeed, the Bushnell sight (part # 51-0023) is a true laser-based HWS but differs from the EOTech version primarily because it's missing the protective hood around the outside of the optic and also a few other details like NVG capability, ARMS mounts (on the 553), etc. Not exactly a "civilian version" of the EOTechs as you have stated, but rather more accurately, a HWS that civilians can purchase.

Can tire rarely has all there stock on the net. About a yr ago they had them in store here. Also most civilian optics tend to lack NVG capabilities, at least from what I've seen. Also since its a civy model why would you need the extra hood, or any of those other features, but they would be nice to have.

[mikek85]

Eotech's are really a status symbol imo. They are definitely solid though, the real ones are a lot heavier and sturdier than the clones.

[Scarecrow]

I have a real one and I use it on my shotgun during goose and duck season and it rocks. In airsoft its just as good and very rugged and works well as a real weapon sight. As for the clone, you simply don't get the holographic function and if all your going for is look, thats fine - also being a replica, I am sure the build quality isn't as high as a real one.

If you're a real steel shooter and have a gun to mount it on, go for the real one. If all you care about is look, go for the fake.

I got mine used off eBay for $230 about 2 years ago.

[whisper_kill]

Originally Posted by mikek85

Eotech's are really a status symbol imo. They are definitely solid though, the real ones are a lot heavier and sturdier than the clones.

I've had a real one for years now, and I'll tell you that in close quarters it is brilliant and not merely eye candy.