SOCOM replacing Eotech 553 with EXPS3 model?

[variablebinary]

Has anyone seen an EXPS3 overseas. According to Eotech, at SHOT apparently, the 553 is being replaced and the EXPS3 will be the standard optic for SOCOM.

I haven't tried the EXPS line yet. Who makes the throw lever design? Is it sturdy and well made?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH4q0dbcANY

[M4Guru]

At least the throw lever isn't from ARMS...

I haven't received any official word on a sight change but usually stuff just shows up without notice so that doesn't mean much.

If this is true, the fact that they selected an Eotech again lets me know Crane still has the same issues they've always had.

[JSantoro]

Designated the SU231B/PEQ.

[opmike]

Should be interesting to see if there are increased reports of batteries failing.

[El Pistolero]

Are there any known issues with the XPS series? By all accounts I've read the XPS seems to fix the issues that the 55x/51x-series were known for. My buddy bought one and has thousands of rounds shot with it and is reporting no issues. If I ever buy EOTech I will buy the XPS.

Is there any more information regarding SOCOM's selection? What was the criteria for selecting the XPS over the 553? Wasn't the 553 just issued as part of the SOPMOD Block II package?

[variablebinary]

If this is true, the fact that they selected an Eotech again lets me know Crane still has the same issues they've always had.

The obvious question being, what were the grounds for the Eotech being selected to begin with.

[Rosco Benson]

Maybe "made in USA" was a requirement or, at least, a factor.

Rosco

[M4arc]

I haven't tried the EXPS line yet. Who makes the throw lever design? Is it sturdy and well made?

I don't know about the whole SOCOM thing but I recently purchased an EXPS for my DD carbine and the throw lever does indeed seem to be well made. Actually the quality of the site is extremely nice, I'm impressed with it so far.

[M4Guru]

The obvious question being, what were the grounds for the Eotech being selected to begin with.

You would have to ask the PM at Crane. I was one of the end-user participants in downselecting components for SOPMOD II. I can say for FACT Crane knew of the issues with the Eotech, Elcan, and M3X light (and all of the ARMS mounts in the suite, some of which broke during testing ) and they bought that shit anyway when better options were available.

The EXPS3 is an upgrade over the 553, which was a dog from day 1. But it still has the same issues as all Eotechs...L3's Kimber/Sig/Bushmaster approach to QC and engineering in order to save cost. They might appear nicer on the outside (they all LOOK good to me...) and no doubt the mount is better but unless you bust one apart and tell me where they've improved the electronic components over any of their other sights it's still a piece of shit to me.

[RogerinTPA]

That is pretty disappointing. You would think the folks in SOCOM or Crane would have went with the micro aimpoint T-1's for weight savings and robustness by now.