Just received the EOTech 512 A.65 Rev F for my Smith & Wesson M&P15-T; and I knew there where some people seriously looking into getting this HWS(Holographic Weapon Sight), if they weren't willing to drop the money for it then getting the equivalent Bushnell; thus the reason I'm doing a quick review of the EOTech.
Theres been quite some hype over the sight since the debut of the second generation model in 2000', albeit the R&D and concept first was seen around the mid-90s. For more information please click on the following link:
http://www.eotech-inc.com/index2.php
Because it's been out for some time there have been some detailed reviews out there done in many gun and firearm magazines or websites; not to mention the many testimonies found on the manufacturer website so I'll briefly sum up.
(Smith & Wesson's M&P15-T, Troy Industries BUIS & MRF)
(EOTech 512 A.65 Rev F: Rev F - 1100 hrs of battery life with lithium AAs, increase water submersion level)
For any serious shooter, whether they be a civilian, LEO, or in the service, turn to Trijicon, Aimpoint, and EOTech for the fastest target acquisition sight system for CQC/CQB. Though there has been some varying opinion was to what works "best", it comes down to personal preference, and what works with your eye sight. I had a hard decision to make, did I want an Aimpoint ML3/ML2 or did I want an EOTech? The reason I ruled out Trijicon Reflex sight, designed originally for the IDF(Israeli Defense Forces), was I did not like the viewing area, not as large as either the Aimpoint or EOTech. However the one positive attribute that Trijicon sites offer is the tritium reticle will automatically adjust to various brightness levels in the area of the operator, that requires no on or off switch as Trijicon guarantees to 15 years. I leaned toward the Aimpoint ML2/ML3 due to my previous experience with those red-dots, knowing they work effectively, and was used to using the 2 MOA reticle. I ultimately decided to jump onto the bandwagon and try out the EOTech. The EOTech I choose was the 512 A.65, based on part because at this time I don't plan on getting night vision so having the 552 was a mute point, and secondly because the 512s and 552s both use standard AA batteries that are relatively cheap and easy to find. However the downside was the 512 uses a significant amount of "real-estate" on your Picatinny Rail (MIL-1913) compared to the 511 or 551. Another reason I choose the EOTech over the Aimpoint was that the HWS required no separate mount to allow you to co-witness with BUIS(Back Up Iron Sights), whereas the HWS inherent design allows for the perfect co-witness of the Troy Industry BUIS that come with the S&W M&P15-T. What this means is for whatever reason the optic might fail one can quickly switch to using the iron sights.
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(Users without the Troy MRF(Modular Rail Forend) might consider using the LaRue Tactical QD mount for the EOTech for their flattop ARs to provide better eye relief and to increase "real-estate" on the Picatinny rail)
(Troy's Industries BUIS)
(Troy's Industries MRF)
Turning the EOTech on requires one press either the up or down brightness levels. Pushing the up will set the auto disengage at 8 hours, whereas pushing the down will set the disengage at 4 hours. Pressing both up and down brightness levels will turn off the HWS. The HWS comes with 20 brightness settings, and compared with the Trijicon if one was operating from street to house constantly, it would require constant adjustment of the brightness that might be cumbersome without practice. Even with gloves on one can easily manipulate the buttons quickly. To remove the battery one has to simply release the clamp located at the top of the battery shroud forward of the hood.
(20 Brightness Levels, Up-8hrs or Down-4hrs Disengage, Push both simultaneously to turn off, Easy Manipulation)
(Easy to find replacement for the AAs on both EOTech's 512 or 552)
The 512 A.65 reticle is the combination between the 65 MOA and 1 MOA reticle. At longer ranges one can use the 1 MOA, and at closer ranges the 65 MOA. I found that I desired some magnification with the EOTech at ranges over 100 yards, but the HWS was designed for CQC/CQB. However if one wanted to have the magnification, EOTech does offer the magnifier around June of last year or this year. Though in my opinion at the price it is offered for one should get the Leupold CQ/T MK4 with the LaRue Tactical QD mount instead of the magnifier for the EOTech. Zeroing in the EOTech is simple at 100 yards each click with elevation or windage will adjust 1/2", and half the amount at 50 yards with 1/4". I recommend using a nickel to dial in while zeroing. Moreover because of the holographic design even if the lens were shot or fractured as long as if there is some area on the lens that is intact one can still see the reticle and it will still hold its zero.
(65 MOA & 1 MOA Reticle)
(Outstanding Performance In Any Condition)
EOTech 512 Specifications:
Waterproof & Submersible: 10'
Battery: AA Lithium, Alkaline or Rechargeable
Battery Life (Lv12 Brightness): 1100hrs (Lithium) 600hrs(Alkaline)
Length of Sight: 5"
Reticle: 65 MOA Ring w/ 1 MOA Dot
