Are EOtechs best for professionals?

[wilco423]

I have an EOtech 512 ...

We have 512s and 552s on PD guns. I haven't been very impressed with them overall. I do like the reticle, but the battery compartment issues with corrosion are frustrating. If you start with a 512 with NO corrosion AND lithium batteries, you will probably do OK, but the springs and contacts still wear out much faster than an Aimpoint, IME. I have heard the 553s are much better, but they're obviously more $.

FWIW

[BrigandTwoFour]

I feel like a lot of people are comparing the wrong optics.

IMO, any comparison to other modern RDS should start with the EOTech XPS series. I would give the Aimpoint the nod hands down compared to the older EOTechs, but the new series are very viable options (again, IMO).

[Packman73]

I went from a 552 to a ML3. Now I run a XPS. I just like it better than the Aimpoint. I'd like to shoot a rifle with a T1 to see if I like that better than the XPS.

[Shao]

Yeah I'm still leaning heavily towards the XPS... I really like the sight picture.. plus it eats the same batteries that all my lights do and I have literally probably 1000 CR123s stockpiled so battery life isn't a problem for me. My biggest concern is width... I like a slim rifle..

[kmrtnsn]

Yeah I'm still leaning heavily towards the XPS... I really like the sight picture.. plus it eats the same batteries that all my lights do and I have literally probably 1000 CR123s stockpiled so battery life isn't a problem for me. My biggest concern is width... I like a slim rifle..

If you are seeing a "sight picture" as in looking through the reticle with your right eye (assuming you are a right handed shooter) you are cheating yourself out of the real benefit of a red dot sight. With both eyes open, focused on the target, your eyes will superimpose the dot on target. You can even tape over the front of the Eotech, or close the front cover on an Aimpoint and still utilize the optic to its full potential.

[Iraqgunz]

Sure would be nice to use that search feature as I mentioned before. We can give you the fish or teach you how to catch it yourself.

[Seagunner]

Yes, seriously guys. There are about a gazillion threads already on this topic with some really good debates/exchanges of pros and cons. A lot of good info out there if you look.

[Chameleox]

I have both an H1 (patrol rifle) and an XPS2 (HD).

WRT the Aimpoint: the "tube effect" is artificial; ie. you notice it when you're using the optic in a manner in which it was not intended, like holding up the optic alone and holding it way out at arm's length, or looking through it with one eye (which you might do when shooting, but not at close range).

The newer EOTechs, especially the XPS line, may have alleviated some of the earlier reliability issues. Like many said, I prefer the reticle over Aimpoint's (esp. the 4MOA), but I definitely notice the extra step in turning it on (brought it out the other night for something that went bump, and definitely had to consciously turn it on). I prefer fixed irons with a lower 1/3 cowitness with EOTechs for this reason. YMMV. Width? With extended CH latches, lights mounted off the rails, sloping stocks for cheek weld, I don't notice that the EO's a bit wider than the rail its on.

I have no experience with the M21, but it looks like they're associated with Mako, who I don't trust to make anything but rail covers.

[Singlestack Wonder]

My next will be a Meprolight M21. No battery to worry about! I have also looked at the Trijicon but the Mepro bulls eye reticle suits my purpose better than a dot. GH

Note that when shooting from a dark area into a brightly lit area, there will be no reticle as this is not enough ambient light to drive the fiber optic and the tritium is not powerful enough to provide a visible reticle when pointed into a bright area. The m21 is a no go for shtf situations.

For those seeing a "tube" when using an Aimpoint, learn how to use it and the only thing you will see is a red dot on the target.

The eotech is fine now that eotech has a large customer service staff to accept warranty repairs and manage turn around shipping.

[Tomac]

My next will be a Meprolight M21. No battery to worry about! I have also looked at the Trijicon but the Mepro bulls eye reticle suits my purpose better than a dot. GH

All optics have their strengths & weaknesses.
The M21's strengths are ruggedness, good QD mount, reticle that doesn't distort in bright sunlight, multiple reticle options (I prefer the triangle for both speed & precision) and no batteries, switches, electronics or adjustments to worry about (very KISS).

It's only major weakness (IMHO) is the afore-mentioned reticle washout under certain lighting conditions (like aiming from a dark room out a window into bright sunlight).
However, the M21 has fiber optic collectors both on top & in front and I've discovered that reticle contrast improves markedly as the front collectors kick in as I approach the window (as opposed to the Trijicon RX30's reticle which is still washed out at the same point).

Bottom line is pick the optic that best suits your particular needs and pocketbook.
Tomac