Eotech EXPS3-0 Range Report

[jnichols2]

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.

Not sure why it takes 10 seconds to get ready. My plan would be to have it already turned on. That would cut expected battery life to a little over 2 weeks, but like I said, batteries are cheap.

I haven't had a chance to really practice with the scope off, but others have said it takes about 2 seconds with practice. I expect my dog to give me at least 10-15 seconds warning.

I haven't removed my QD mount yet, not sure how easy it is to remove.

[Hmac]

"Rifle in the night" is not part of my home defense scenario so the battery life of Aimpoint vs Eotech really doesn't do anything for me. I like my Aimpoint PRO, and I like my EXPS3. T-1 with 4MOA dot...not so much. The EXPS3 has sereved me well over the last couple of years. I do agree that the buttons could be easier to use, especially with gloves, but I've found it to be an accurate, secure, reliable, and repeatable RDS.

[ra2bach]

Not sure why it takes 10 seconds to get ready. My plan would be to have it already turned on. That would cut expected battery life to a little over 2 weeks, but like I said, batteries are cheap.

do you not know it has auto shutoff (4 or 8 hours depending which button you use to turn it on)?

do you plan to turn it on every night before bed?

also, the battery life is just a rating, not an absolute. I have had mine die after two full days of outdoor use. considerably less than the 600 hours they advertise.

I don't trust Aimpoint's 3 or 5 year claim either and change my batts every year with my smoke detector batteries. I may be throwing good batteries away but that's the cost of peace of mind...

[thebriarman]

Thanks for the continuing input, gentlemen. I currently have the Aimpoint H-1 on my LWRC and have had no issues. I'm thinking of going to the EXPS for faster sight acquisition. With my aging eyes, the EXPS is noticeably faster. I'm still unsure and will continue to review input from users.

[Fasstasheck]

I know that Aimpoints are better for a lot of reasons. In fact, I keep buying them... But I also end up selling them off. For some reason, the EoTech reticle works better for me. I know they're not as durable but they work for me.

[Caduceus]

Not sure why it takes 10 seconds to get ready. My plan would be to have it already turned on. That would cut expected battery life to a little over 2 weeks, but like I said, batteries are cheap.

I haven't had a chance to really practice with the scope off, but others have said it takes about 2 seconds with practice. I expect my dog to give me at least 10-15 seconds warning.

I haven't removed my QD mount yet, not sure how easy it is to remove.

Mainly because the rifle is cased, under my bed.

Magazine inserted, chamber empty, bolt closed, safety on. And, yes, Eotech turned off. Once the rifle is out it's only 2-3 seconds. But the chance of me needing the rifle in some sort of home-invasion scenario is relatively low, and the pistol is easily accessible.

I will have to re-evaluate this when my kid is a bit older and in her own room.

[WS6]

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.

This is a bit concerning. Can you clarify, and would others offer their input, as well? I'm considering one, but don't want a QD system that needs to constantly be tightened, or which doesn't work well.

[jnichols2]

This is a bit concerning. Can you clarify, and would others offer their input, as well? I'm considering one, but don't want a QD system that needs to constantly be tightened, or which doesn't work well.

WS6,

I think what Caduceus is saying is that the mount has to be reasonably tight to hold zero (which it definitely does). When properly tensioned, it takes some pressure on the lever to remove it. That's the way I keep mine. It's not on so tight that it won't quickly disconnect, but tight enough to always be on target.

My previous scope would always loosen, and either slip off zero, or actually fall off the rifle. It came loose after 20-30 shots no matter how tight I made it. The Eotech doesn't do that.

From what I read, all quality mounts are somewhat similar. Tight enough not to loosen up under use.

[jaxman7]

WS6,

Wasn't sure if you were aware or this but LaRue makes a non-QD mount called the VFZ. It is $25 cheaper than the QD version:

"About VFZ Mounts:
VFZ is a new theory in the concept of clamping accessories to MIL-STD-1913 rails. Instead of using a horizontal cross-bolt, the VFZ uses a vertical bolt that draws up a clamping foot against the lower angle of the rail, seating the mount similarly to a fully-closed LaRue lever.

Once installed on the firearm, index marks allow the user to remove the mount, then reattach to the same tension, providing unprecedented return to zero for a non-QD-levered mount. The unique vertical alignment of the clamp allows components that are structurally stronger than traditional cross-bolt designs"

http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-t...d-mount-lt-110

-Jax

[WS6]

I have used Bobro and LaRue with good results. I want to make sure that this Eotech is on the same level. I tighten my mounts (the LaRue, Bobro is what it is) to JUUUSSST before the point where you might start thinking about using webbing or a screwdriver to pry them open.

I just want to make sure that this Eotech mount does not "creep" or "stretch". Several posts in this thread make it seem like it does, and needs to be adjusted more and more, even after you put it in its happy place, as the components are stretching/loosening somehow (just how the posts in this thread read, to me).