First-time Eotech owner: What do I need to know?

[Diamondback]

It's time for another case of "The Newb Asking For The Hive Mind's Wisdom." Bear in mind I have almost zero experience with optics (frankly, almost all my experience is iron sights regardless of platform), and I recently got made a too-good-to-pass-up offer on an Eotech 552 with the laser (single beam, not IR-capable DBAL) add-on, so I need to ask for you guys to give me an "Eotech Boot Camp."

1. What are the minimum add-ons and spare parts I should get ASAP? I already have a lens cover and QD adapter from GG&G on the way, and I found a compatible tape-switch on eBay. I know spare terminals/contacts and springs for the battery box are a good idea.

2. Are there any special tips and tricks not mentioned in the manual that I should know about?

3. Anything else not covered in the above two?

[Wake27]

Honesty the stuff you have coming in sounds unnecessary to me, though I don’t know what you mean about the laser. I had the covers on my 512 when it was mounted on a paintball gun in 10th grade. Never really saw a need for them when I was old enough to start shooting. The battery contacts can be a PITA, I’d hope they have that fixed by now though. My 553 had the issue years ago IIRC, pretty sure I sent it in and never had another problem.

I’m waiting for someone to come in here and proudly declare that you’ll need spare batteries.

[Wake27]

Double.

[Diamondback]

Thanks, Wake. Already have a nice brace of Energizer Lithiums for a start; the laser I have is the discontinued LBC.
https://www.eotechinc.com/holographi...er-battery-cap (as opposed to LBC2, which has both visible and IR laser assemblies)

Covers may not be necessary, but as a fumble-fingers who invariably ends up grabbing my glasses by the lenses when I'm trying for an earpiece they're a "peace of mind" investment and will hopefully help keep bag/case-crud away. (The GF picked GG&G's "Front Toward Enemy" version, we're trying to mimic a buddy Up North's setup when Canadians deployed to the Rockpile.) Hopefully they got it debugged well before mine even started on the factory floor, it has a March 2019 build date.

[Mr. Goodtimes]

For spare parts I'd say next time you're at Sams Club buy the biggest bulk pack of AA's you can find and then make sure you have a good set of back up irons to compensate for all that thermal drift you're about to experience.

[contax_shooter]

You can attach hand warmers to the optic to alleviate the thermal drift that was mentioned above.

[docsherm]

It's time for another case of "The Newb Asking For The Hive Mind's Wisdom." Bear in mind I have almost zero experience with optics (frankly, almost all my experience is iron sights regardless of platform), and I recently got made a too-good-to-pass-up offer on an Eotech 552 with the laser (single beam, not IR-capable DBAL) add-on, so I need to ask for you guys to give me an "Eotech Boot Camp."

1. What are the minimum add-ons and spare parts I should get ASAP? I already have a lens cover and QD adapter from GG&G on the way, and I found a compatible tape-switch on eBay. I know spare terminals/contacts and springs for the battery box are a good idea.

2. Are there any special tips and tricks not mentioned in the manual that I should know about?

3. Anything else not covered in the above two?

It will be just fine. It is a good optic. Only thing you may want to look at getting is a riser mount to get the optic to a lower 1/3. YHM, LaRue and I think that MidWest Industries makes them. You would want one the normal lower 1/3 risers and not one of the stupid super tall ones.

[1168]

I never had any trouble with the EoTech I was issued, nor can I remember any of my guys having any trouble. It was actually a well liked optic in my circle. We were already changing batteries pretty frequently on our Aimpoints prophylactically, so we didn’t really notice the battery life issue. Instead, I was pleased that it took the same 123 lithiums as our flashlights and LA-5’s.

I haven’t had any trouble with the AA one I own, either, but I’ll plus one the lithium batteries for lifespan.