Eotech EPS2 vs 512

[JamieC]

Thinking about springing for an Eotech sight. Besides cost, weight, (not worried about the length), why would you buy one or the other. FWIW, I have a cheap red dot on my gun at the moment, didn't know whether I'd like a red dot sight. It's an NcStar, generally considered to be junk. Saw one at a gun show a year ago, $110, found the same one online, $60, on sale, figured why not? It's worked pretty well, holds zero when removed and replaced on the gun. Battery life ain't the best. While doing a tactical drills day last weekend, found it tough to find the dot sometimes even at the brightest setting. I had been thinking about upgrading my trigger, found that worked fine 'in the field', think I'll spend my money on a better sight. I like the Eotech 65moa circle and the 1 moa dot, I believe I'll acquire my target faster and easier.

 

[climbnjump]

Don't know if this info would have any impact on your purchase decision, but there seem to be some issues w/ some EOTech optics:

USSOCOM Issues Safety of Use Message for EOTech Enhanced Combat Optical Sights

 

[MartinS]

Thanks for that link, my kid's been thinking of getting one.

 

[Manny]

I have three, two 512's & a 518. The 512's are my favorite sight for .22's. Have them mounted on 10/22's and it's works superb. The lack of magnification is no issue within the range limitations of the cartridge and I love the crisp 1moa dot for a fine hold on target. Kinda pricy for a .22 sight but they're the rifles I shoot the most so I find the expense to be worthwhile.

The 518 is on my "serious duty" Tavor rifle and came with it in an exceptionally good deal. For my uses it's again superb as the temp extremes aren't something I'm likely to have to deal with. It's a very fast & effective sight, but if I wanted the ultimate in toughness I might go with an Aimpoint instead.

 

[chicharrones]

One thing you'll definitely appreciate about the EOTech is the brightness range. It can be adjusted sooo much brighter than any Chinese made red dot I've used. Plus, it can be adjusted to where the reticle seems to disappear in daylight, which is great for near dark usage.

I have a 517 that is just a taller 512. I chose it because I wanted to use ubiquitous AA batteries.

 

[chicharrones]

Don't know if this info would have any impact on your purchase decision, but there seem to be some issues w/ some EOTech optics:

USSOCOM Issues Safety of Use Message for EOTech Enhanced Combat Optical Sights

Well that's a drag. I guess I'll keep using my now heavily devalued EOTech. Shoot, there ought to be some lightly used bargains out there soon.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I have a 512 and an EXPS2-2.

The 512 uses AA batteries that you can find just about anywhere, or cannibalize from other items. The EXPS2-2 uses a single CR123A. A little harder to find in a gas station in the middle of the night in Resume Speed, Iowa - but they have a 10-year shelf life, so just stock up.

The biggest reason to buy the XPS is that it is shorter than the 512, an important consideration if you intend to use a magnifier and have limited rail space.

Mark H.

 

[JamieC]

Thank you Mark, just what I was looking for, specifics!

 

[chicharrones]

If you have any inkling of buying a red dot and adding a magnifier, I'd look into a 1-4x scope with a lit reticle and compare weight, cost, etc.

I like my 517 and have thought of adding a magnifier after I got it, but I also think I would have been much happier with a 1-4x lit reticle scope for my AR.

 

[Jenrick]

A vote for the 512, AA batteries make it much easier to keep running then using another battery format. If they sell batteries they'll have AA's.

-Jenrick

 

[Old Dog]

OpticsPlanet summed things up perfectly. The 512 is worthy (I own one) and the EXPS2 (I have one on my work carbine) is a nice combo with a magnifier like the G33.

For use in recreational, sport, law enforcement or defensive applications in the U.S., I've not heard of any issues with the HWSs ... We've put 'em on everything from M-4s to 590s and 870s to 40mm launchers ... been pretty durable.