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after almost buying an eotec I ran accross for a pretty good deal, I started finally doing some research on them if I plan to add a magnifer down the road, the XPS2 would be the better choice then the 517.a65 correct?

what confuses me, is why even offer to sights that seem to be so similar (to me at least) I cant imagine anyone buying the bigger one (unless just to save a few bucks) there is no other advantage to the 517 over the xps2 that I am missing is there?

any input would be much appreciated

One advantage the 5xx series has over the XPS series is that they use AA batteries vs CR123.

Check out Eotech's website for the differences in models, batteries, and reticles.

http://www.eotech-inc.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

LSUTiger wrote:One advantage the 5xx series has over the XPS series is that they use AA batteries vs CR123.

Check out Eotech's website for the differences in models, batteries, and reticles.

http://www.eotech-inc.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had been looking at the web sight, I noticed the batteries but that didnt seem like much of a funcinal concern to me, I just figured I would post and make sure I wasnt missing something before I pulled the trigger on the purchase,

also, even the "larger" units that use CR123A batteries use TWO cells instead of the single CR123A battery cell in the XPS units - thus longer battery life.

Depending on types of mounts etc, many of these larger eotech units can be mounted very far forward on the picatinny rail with the battery portion actually "floating" over the rear of the handguards. This is how I have my 516 mounted.

austinrealtor wrote:also, even the "larger" units that use CR123A batteries use TWO cells instead of the single CR123A battery cell in the XPS units - thus longer battery life.

Depending on types of mounts etc, many of these larger eotech units can be mounted very far forward on the picatinny rail with the battery portion actually "floating" over the rear of the handguards. This is how I have my 516 mounted.

I will keep that in mind while I make up my mind, I was looking at the 517, which is the 516 with the buttons relocated to the side best I can tell

Not trying to be a bug in the rug, but being an EOTech user for several years, I can honestly recommend that you consider an Aimpoint first.

If you're looking for one comparable in price, consider the Comp M2 or the new PRO (patrol rifle optic) in the $300-$400 range.

http://www.botachtactical.com/aipariop.html

You can just leave the unit turned on for 4 years and not have a problem.

Just saying. All in all, it's personal preference.

McKnife wrote:Not trying to be a bug in the rug, but being an EOTech user for several years, I can honestly recommend that you consider an Aimpoint first.

If you're looking for one comparable in price, consider the Comp M2 or the new PRO (patrol rifle optic) in the $300-$400 range.

http://www.botachtactical.com/aipariop.html

You can just leave the unit turned on for 4 years and not have a problem.

Just saying. All in all, it's personal preference.

I am open to Aimpoint, liked the setup of the Eotech knew they where both good brands and didnt even look at aimpoint to be honest, is it really a better sight or is this going to break down to a personal preference choice?

its my understanding that aimpoint sells a mount for their magnifers that will let me do a flip to side setup like the eotech, correct?

hmm also the aimpoint uses an N battery, but if your only replacing it every 3-4 years I guess who cares right?


ok last question, with the aimpoint the magnifer mounts infront of the sight, vs the eotech where it mounts behidn the sight, seems to me that this would make it harder to use the sight with out the magnifer. or am I looking into it to much? I am new to AR's and have only used my current with the iron sights so let me know if im looking into it to much

Aimpoint

Aimpoint sights are generally more robust and battery life is incredible (in many instances, 4 years of always-on). The drawback is that you are simply getting a dot in a tube, and some people prefer reduced FOV obstruction that the EOTechs provide (sort of a "low profile heads-up display vs. a dot in a tube). Many of the older models of EOTechs have had issues with the battery terminals failing, while Aimpoint traditionally enjoys a reputation of building a more durable product. I personally think the Aimpoint ought to be more bomb-proof - it's just a dot in a tube. It seems to a layman like me that there's more going on with a holosight like the EOTech, and more potential for failure (and battery draw). Also, the EOTech will auto-power-off after 4 hours of use, while the Aimpoint will stay on indefinitely.

AA models of the EOTech are still popular for the reasons you mentioned - price and battery commonality. Small and light is king these days, so used AA models can be found at great prices on the second-hand market. CR123s have become common these days in tac lights, but this didn't used to be so and a lot of guys want to run the same type of battery in their optic as their flashlight.

Get whatever you feel you can shoot best with. For me, that ended up being an EOTech - I don't have to worry about my optic surviving an IED blast, and I have no problem with changing batteries once or twice a year. I very rarely spend more than 4 hours at a time with a rifle in hand, and I prefer the EOTech reticle.

Everyone has different needs and preferences - this is a decision with no one "right" answer. Let us know what you decide to go with...

zero4o3 wrote: I will keep that in mind while I make up my mind, I was looking at the 517, which is the 516 with the buttons relocated to the side best I can tell

No 516 has buttons on side too. Only difference is battery. 517 = twin AA batteries 516 = twin CR123A batteries. AAs don't last as long but are cheaper to replace. I went with the 516 and CR123A batteries because that's what the tac light mounted on my AR also uses - so now just one type of batteries for the whole rifle (stored in the battery compartment of a Magpul ACS adjustable stock)

Get whatever you feel you can shoot best with. For me, that ended up being an EOTech - I don't have to worry about my optic surviving an IED blast, and I have no problem with changing batteries once or twice a year. I very rarely spend more than 4 hours at a time with a rifle in hand, and I prefer the EOTech reticle.

I said the exact same thing when I got my EOTech 512 (AA batts). It's been a nice piece of equipment. However, batteries seem to fail on the only range trip that you forget to bring extras. Also, I had a high quality pair of energizers leak acid all over the place destroying the EOTech.

EOTech fixed it for free but I have lost all confidence in it's reliability.

Aimpoint is for me. Plus, the spare batteries for the Aimpoint are small enough to keep in my vertical fore grip.

My preference is between the Comp M4 ($700+), T-1 ($600) or the PRO ($400). I'll most likely choose the PRO.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=TF6fGJiXoNA[/youtube]

this video had a lot of good info in it for anyone else who is looking between the 2 brands.

McKnife wrote: Plus, the spare batteries for the Aimpoint are small enough to keep in my vertical fore grip.

Or the Larue Aimpoint mount :)

I have the ML3 - it's great. If I was to buy another aimpoint, I'd get a T-1 Micro.

gigag04 wrote:

McKnife wrote: Plus, the spare batteries for the Aimpoint are small enough to keep in my vertical fore grip.

Or the Larue Aimpoint mount :)

I have the ML3 - it's great. If I was to buy another aimpoint, I'd get a T-1 Micro.

do you not like the PRO?

The T-1 micro sights are awesome and rugged as all get out. I think they are the ideal red dot b/c the dot is small, the sight is small and allows a great field of view, least they take up the least amount of room and weight on your rifle.