SOCOM replacing Eotech 553 with EXPS3 model?

[variablebinary]

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.

I forget where I read or heard it, but the T1 is supposed to be approved for use with sniper system X, or something.

[Frens]

I forget where I read or heard it, but the T1 is supposed to be approved for use with sniper system X, or something.

IIRC,
aimpoint said it at the shotshow2011

[cmarmaduke66]

I just picked up an EXPS 2-0 today, and am really impressed with the quality of the mount. It seems more than adequately solid. I would rather of had the 553 for aesthetics, but even with the reduction in cost and battery life, it seems to be a sufficient enough.

[WillC]

Yes, because it doesn't brake on the SCAR-H, basically this is the "hardened" revision improving survivability by changing the battery to horizontal the recoil.
There is movement for other optics but because the EOTech is already program, we can just upgrade what we have and not wait 2+ years for another one to be selected.

[M4Guru]

Crane does no-compete PIPs all the time on their programs, and nothing says they have to stay with the same brand. Insight lights taken offline for Surefires being one prime example.

[Armati]

M4Guru, I have lived through the SOPMOD Bloc I and Bloc II fieldings.

SOPMOD Bloc II yielded the most grumblings at the unit level. By that point, everyone had an opinion what would have been better. Lot's of guys did not want to give up ACOGs with JPoints for the Elcan Specter.

If you had your choice, what components would you have chosen for the program?

[WillC]

In this case the EOTech didn't fall into a no-compete catagory, the EXPS actually were the only ones in the block II that survived the SCAR-H testing, it was a simple change to go to the EXPS unlike the T-1... guys there love the Aimpoint and without going into details, there is a program to acquire them, but the T-1 dosn't answer the reqs for the program as currently configued.
M4, if you need the contact info for Crane guys IRT this subject, I will pass, PM me.

[CGSteve]

I'm wading through the optics section right now but M4Guru, could either your or WillC describe the deficiencies of the 553? Was it just related to shooting? We use these on some our work rifles with ARMS mounts and although we may not have a high round count on some of them, many if not all of them see abuse when they are with us in the vehicles due to the terrain that we work in. Inside and outside of the gun racks, they see excess vibration, and hit/bump/fall onto things.

EDIT: I've found a few posts that mention a battery compartment issue when replacing batteries that could lead to the optic suddenly turning off. I haven't been exposed to the Eotechs that long (issued ACOG in military on an M16A4) so this is the first I've ever heard of this. That's bad news since I favor the Eotech's reticle over the Aimpoint style. Anything else? I don't believe the failures on our work Eotech's were because of this issue but I'll have to find out.

[variablebinary]

In this case the EOTech didn't fall into a no-compete catagory, the EXPS actually were the only ones in the block II that survived the SCAR-H testing, it was a simple change to go to the EXPS unlike the T-1... guys there love the Aimpoint and without going into details, there is a program to acquire them, but the T-1 dosn't answer the reqs for the program as currently configued.
M4, if you need the contact info for Crane guys IRT this subject, I will pass, PM me.

That's interesting. If the EXPS was the only one that made the cut, where did that leave Aimpoint and Trijicon?

[M4Guru]

Will,

Thanks bro, I'm all set. I'm way more familiar than I wish with Crane.

I'm guessing some minute detail like "battery compatibility" or something disqualified the T1 but I will call them up today.