Advice Wanted:

[SMETNA]

Would you rather have two EOTech 512s? (one on your go-to HD rifle, one on your backup/beater rifle)

OR

Would you rather have an Aimpoint Comp M4S and a Vortex Sparc? (Aimpoint on your go-to HD rifle, Vortex on your backup/beater)

Those are the only options. I'm not considering a T-1, a PRO, an XPS, or anything else.

[aguila327]

There is something to be said about having your go to rifle and beater with the same equipment. Yet unless you are certain you will be happy with the optic you decide on I would be hesitant to lay out the cash for two of the same unknown product.

I'll assume you plan on using your beater for the majority of your training and shooting in order to extend the life span on your go to rifle?

I would buy one of the optics and use it on whatever rifle [I]you choose to use until I'm sure I like it, then worry about the second.

Spend the extra cash on spare parts, and ammo.

[Breadman]

I vote for having one rifle with quality accessories and use additional funds for training and ammunition
I have seen many eotec 512s go tits up in the past few years. I have never seen an aimpoint fail. I have no experience with vortex, but i have had 2 512s and currently own 4 flavors of aimpoints.
Fwiw, eotec does have excellent customer service.

[Hehuhates]

I have seen many eotec 512s go tits up in the past few years.

What type of problems have you seen with the 512's and are you saying you went through two Eotecs yourself?

I would definitely get the two Eotech's I see them as a high quality optic. You could always share the Aimpoint between the two, it can handle it.

[SMETNA]

I have been using a 512 for a couple years, and I like it alot. But:

The battery life, the NV mode, and the ungodly durability of the M4s is whats hanging me up. I could either sell my 512 and spend an extra few hundred on an M4s, or just spend a few hundred on a second 512.

I wish the M4s wasn't so damn steep or I'd get into two of those.

[Breadman]

Problems with the 512 I have seen have been mostly with the battery box. I have also had a mounting screw break. I had problems with both of mine, but i have seen dozens more fail... I have seen aimpoint m4's with the battery in the upper position selling for $500nib at gunshows. I bought one, but haven't seen them again at that price... point is keep your eyes open.

[rob_s]

I understand you're trying to control the parameters of your question but the M4 is overkill for all but military users or if you think you have some pressing need for the NV.

If this is an AA battery issue you're letting the tail wag the dog.

[SMETNA]

The battery box issue where the springs come out is inherent in an older design. The newer ones have a much improved one piece spring insert

If this is an AA battery issue you're letting the tail wag the dog.

Yes it is. I've standardized a lot of kit on AA. I'm not sure what you mean though

[Hehuhates]

I've never had a problem with my Eotech. I bought it new in '03. It's definitely the old style. I've worn the arrows off the on/off pad through.
I know numerous people that have the same experience I've had. I think the exploding battery thing is way overblown.

[rob_s]

Yes it is. I've standardized a lot of kit on AA. I'm not sure what you mean though

That's like buying a house to fit the sofa IMO. Or buying a car because the cupholder fits your Big Gulp.

Buy a Pro and a mount that allows you to store a spare battery and "standardizing" on something like an AA batter and allowing it to drive important choices becomes a total non-issue.