Eotech EXPS3-0 Range Report

[jnichols2]

1st Trip
=====
My first trip to the indoor range was basically disappointing.

I had trouble getting a good zero, my shot groups seemed to jump around a bit. Also; my G33 magnifier kept falling off.

I finally realized I was still shooting with only one eye instead of using both eyes. I know how many times you told me jonconsiglio, but I was fighting a habit formed in the 50s.

When I started using both eyes, my groups stopped jumping around. By then, I was seriously low on ammo. I vowed to return.

At home, I fixed the magnifier mounting. I had installed the mount backwards for left handed use. I followed directions, but didn't realize the QD lever was hanging up on the red dot and not closing completely closing.

After I moved the magnifier back an additional notch on the rail, it was solid.

2nd Trip
=====
The next day I went to the outdoor range, and had a great day.

This time I kept both eyes open!!!
It took only two adjustments to zero at 50 yards.
I was able to shoot a decent 1 1/2" group.

At 100 yards, I was surprised to find I could see a 3" dot on the target without the magnifier. Using my old scope at the indoor range required 4x magnification. The Eotech glass was clearer, and there was a lot more light outdoors. It was a little easier with the magnifier, but much faster without it.

I need to push my insurance company to approve my cataract surgery.

My second surprise was that the Eotech was more accurate than the scope it replaced. I kind of had the idea that red dots sacrificed some accuracy for speed.

I kind of expected this setup to be useable to 100-150 yards with my eyesight. Now, it seems that it will do fine to 250-300 yards.

Overall, I'm very tickled with this scope. It's money well spent.

Failure
====
On the second trip to the range, the reticle wouldn't power up.
Replaced the supplied battery, an it came right up. It seems like "supplied" batteries never have much life in them.

[William B.]

Glad that things went better for you the second time around. Sounds like you're getting the hang of it.

On the second trip to the range, the reticle wouldn't power up. Replaced the supplied battery, an it came right up. It seems like "supplied" batteries never have much life in them.

EOTechs in general aren't known for extremely long battery life.

[SWThomas]

Awesome to hear! I have this same sight on it's way to me now.

[ra2bach]

I like Eotechs as I seem to be faster and more accurate on close targets by using the bottom of the circle with the hashmark as an aiming point at 7-10yds, due to sight offset.

however, I consider the Eotech to be an "offensive" sight in that I would only use it on a gun that I know I have the time to pick up and turn on/adjust the sight. I have aimpoints on all my "defensive" guns - those that need the RDS to be on when I pick them up.

I bought an EXPS 3-2 as an experiment to try with a magnifier as the center dot is 1MOA and the second dot gives a nice BDC at longer range. I have astigmatism and the reticle overall is not clearer than an Aimpoint for me but with a 3x magnifier, it cleans up a lot...

[Failure2Stop]

however, I consider the Eotech to be an "offensive" sight...

Me too.


Juuuuuust playing.
While not my preferred solution, they fill a requirement that irons do not.

[jnichols2]

I'm not sure I buy the "offensive" "defensive" thing. Know your weapon and keep it ready.

I haven't yet decided to use it for home defense yet, I think my pistol is well suited for inside the house. If I do, I'll just turn it on when I check my weapon before going to bed. I'll make it a routine to change the battery every two months.

In a SHTF situation, click it up then down every few hours when I check my weapon. Change battery every two weeks. Carry batteries, they're cheap.

Just because the battery doesn't last three years doesn't mean you can't keep your weapon ready. Just check it every 5-6 hours, or more often.

The Eotech's 600 hour battery life is a non problem.

[ra2bach]

I'm not sure I buy the "offensive" "defensive" thing. Know your weapon and keep it ready.

I haven't yet decided to use it for home defense yet, I think my pistol is well suited for inside the house. If I do, I'll just turn it on when I check my weapon before going to bed. I'll make it a routine to change the battery every two months.

In a SHTF situation, click it up then down every few hours when I check my weapon. Change battery every two weeks. Carry batteries, they're cheap.

Just because the battery doesn't last three years doesn't mean you can't keep your weapon ready. Just check it every 5-6 hours, or more often.

The Eotech's 600 hour battery life is a non problem.

the EXPS Eotech has an auto shut off after 8 or 4 hours, depending on which button you use to turn it on. and it always comes on at the middle brightness. it is slow to turn on and slow to adjust brightness compared to a sight that is already on. YMMV...

[ra2bach]

Me too.


Juuuuuust playing.
While not my preferred solution, they fill a requirement that irons do not.

lol...

[Chrisfb]

Off topic

-BTW OP I did think this was a helpful and clear write up of your experience with the Eotech.

[Caduceus]

Glad you liked the EXPS. It mirrors my own experience. I recently bought an H1 though, since I also found that it takes about 10 seconds to get my rifle ready if there's a "bump in the night." Not sure if I want to get rid of the Eotech yet, as I really do like the reticle, plus I haven't used the Aimpoint enough to be comfortable with it.

As for the EXPS QD mount, it seems if you tighten it enough to hold zero, it's not so quick to detach (my experience only). Did you notice this?

Regarding the "rifle in the night" argument, my plan, should it be needed, would be to shelter in place. My wife and kid sleep in the same bedroom (she's 3 months old, so the crib is still in our room). If that bedroom door opens, they have about 2 seconds to respond to 200 lumens before things get ugly (assuming I can keep my cool that long). My pistol is there to cover the 10 second gap if needed.