Holosights

[cocorador]

I need someone to shed a little light on the subject. I have heard of co-witness and have seen most of the ar type rifles on web sites having a front sight with some sort of holosight. I would have to say that is co-witness. JUst a guess. Does one have to have a front sight on the rifle to use a holo type sight or can it be used as a stand alone sight similar to a rifle scope with zero magnification? I have an IPSC type pistol with a C-More and that is it's only sight. Does it work on that same principal? Thanks

[ligamentum flavum]

"holosights" can be use alone, without any front or rear iron sights.

[James R.]

No need for a front sight, but lots of folks co-witness or have BUIS. On my rifle I have BUIS, an ARMS 40L on the back and a Samson in the front. Here's what the EOTech looks like thru the glass...no front or rear sight needed.

http://www.apatheology.com/public_shares/images/EOTechSight.jpg

It's much more crisp in real life, I hand held this picture.

Regards,

James R.

[NeoWeird]

Hey James is that the real recticle in your picture? I ask because I just got my EOTech from Brownells and the recticle is a LOT fuzzier than then ones that I have used on fellow board member's guns. I tried the adjustment, but it didn't really help that much. I'll try to post a picture so you can see, but maybe I am just not adjusting it right.

[Mud]

Hey James is that the real recticle in your picture? I ask because I just got my EOTech from Brownells and the recticle is a LOT fuzzier than then ones that I have used on fellow board member's guns. I tried the adjustment, but it didn't really help that much. I'll try to post a picture so you can see, but maybe I am just not adjusting it right.


NeoWeird,

Did you Clean your Shooting Glasses before shooting???:D

My Holosight is pretty Sharp also, the dot in the center is nice and round. Can't speak for the EOtech as I don't own one.

[markymark]

I still don't understand how the Eotech works... I guess I haven't used mine enough yet. :(

On one of my builds, I have the fixed front sight with Eotech and BUIS. I noticed that if I tilt my head (even just a little), the reticle does not reflect where the iron sights are lined up. Do I need to keep my cheekweld and sight picture consistent to make the shots go where I want them to? What is all their talk about holograms about in regards to this? (http://www.eotech-inc.com/lawe_features.php)

[m1371]

I still don't understand how the Eotech works... I guess I haven't used mine enough yet. :(

On one of my builds, I have the fixed front sight with Eotech and BUIS. I noticed that if I tilt my head (even just a little), the reticle does not reflect where the iron sights are lined up. Do I need to keep my cheekweld and sight picture consistent to make the shots go where I want them to? What is all their talk about holograms about in regards to this? (http://www.eotech-inc.com/lawe_features.php)

The EOTech is designed to be used with both eyes open, focusing on the target. Using that method there is quite a bit of leeway allowed for poor cheekweld. As long as you're focusing on the target and not the recticle, anywhere you "see" the recticle on the target is going to hit.

You can also use the EOTech like a conventional optic, focusing with one eye on the recticle instead of the target. I've found this isn't nearly as fast as using both eyes open though. You'll need to be consistent with your cheekweld if you're doing this.

[markymark]

The EOTech is designed to be used with both eyes open, focusing on the target. Using that method there is quite a bit of leeway allowed for poor cheekweld. As long as you're focusing on the target and not the recticle, anywhere you "see" the recticle on the target is going to hit.

You can also use the EOTech like a conventional optic, focusing with one eye on the recticle instead of the target. I've found this isn't nearly as fast as using both eyes open though. You'll need to be consistent with your cheekweld if you're doing this.
Thanks, that might be the problem. I was sighting in the rifle and I was using only one eye. I find it difficult to keep both eyes open when shooting because I think my left eye is dominant (I'm right handed).

[bonjing]

Hey James is that the real recticle in your picture? I ask because I just got my EOTech from Brownells and the recticle is a LOT fuzzier than then ones that I have used on fellow board member's guns. I tried the adjustment, but it didn't really help that much. I'll try to post a picture so you can see, but maybe I am just not adjusting it right.

+1 alot of the Eotech's that I have seen are very fuzzy :confused:

[NeoWeird]

Here are some quick pictures I snapped. At first I thought maybe there was a width adjustment but there isn't as far as I can tell. This sight is NEW from Brownells and I've only had it for about 3 days and it has not been mounted once. It is using the batteries it came with which are Energizer Industrial grade batteries. I am wondering if I need to send it somewhere for repair.

ETA: The top picture is at its brightest setting. The bottom picture is 5 settings below that, which is 15 of 20. If I got to ten it is hardly visible, and anything below 10 and it would wash out in any sort of real light.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/NeoWeird/eotech1.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/NeoWeird/eotech2.jpg

[m1371]

Thanks, that might be the problem. I was sighting in the rifle and I was using only one eye. I find it difficult to keep both eyes open when shooting because I think my left eye is dominant (I'm right handed).

You should still be good to go if you're only using one eye. Just remember that when you're doing that, it performs more like a conventional optic. You'll need to maintain a consistent cheekweld and continue to focus on the recticle. Don't try to force the recticle into alignment with the iron sights, as it operates independently of them.


+1 alot of the Eotech's that I have seen are very fuzzy :confused:

Most of the time the recticle isn't going to be as sharply defined as scope crosshairs usually are. I think most people are under the impression that the EOTech recticle should look the same. If you're using it properly, with both eyes open and focusing on the target instead of the recticle, the recticle is not going to be 100% clean and crisp in your vision.

[paradox]

Thanks, that might be the problem. I was sighting in the rifle and I was using only one eye. I find it difficult to keep both eyes open when shooting because I think my left eye is dominant (I'm right handed).

To find out what eye is dominant, hold your index finger vertical with your arm extended. With both eyes open, line up your index finger with something in the background (tree, light pole, etc). Without moving your finger or head, close one eye then open it and close the other. One of your eyes will keep your finger on your landmark, the other eye will have your finger seemingly jump several inches laterally. The eye that keeps your finger on target is your dominant eye.

With shooting, it is better to let eye dominance determine what hand you shoot with rather than hand dominance. For instance, I am left handed, but right eye dominant, so I shoot right handed. All the two-eyes-open techniques (red dot, scout scope, pistol shooting) will fail if you are shooting from your non eye-dominant side.

[JamesY]

...
ETA: The top picture is at its brightest setting. The bottom picture is 5 settings below that, which is 15 of 20. If I got to ten it is hardly visible, and anything below 10 and it would wash out in any sort of real light...

That looks very fuzzy. It might be the picture or the brightness/lighting, but it shouldn't be that fuzzy. Mine is just a bit fuzzy, even at bright settings.

I'd give Eotech an email and see what they think.

[Dont Tread on Me]

That looks very fuzzy. It might be the picture or the brightness/lighting, but it shouldn't be that fuzzy. Mine is just a bit fuzzy, even at bright settings.

I'd give Eotech an email and see what they think.

I second that. Mine is a little fuzzy but not that fuzzy. Unless it is some weird effect with you camera I'd contact Eotech.

[JamesY]

Check out this thread (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=264481). They have a bunch of pics of their Eotech reticles (especially on page 2).

[markymark]

NeoWeird, when you try taking the pictures, try to focus your shot through the glass of the Eotech. I think the problem may be that your camera is focusing on your hand and the Eotech unit and thus blurs out the reticle.

[bonjing]

I see m1371, I just went by what I have seen on their website and the holo simulator that they have. so every eotech i've seen looked broken to me, glad i kept my mouth shut :p .

[blkA4alb]

I see m1371, I just went by what I have seen on their website and the holo simulator that they have. so every eotech i've seen looked broken to me, glad i kept my mouth shut :p .
;) :rolleyes:

[NeoWeird]

Sorry, this was the best picture I could get. I can try to take another if I need to, but my camera has some smart focus crap that auto focuses for you (yay user friendly). Anyways, I put the EOTech on the styrofoam insert from the EOTech box and placed the box about 2 feet from the EOTech and then took the picture from about 6" from the EOTech. The picture is honestly crisper than in person, because the picture magnifies it quiet a bit, so there it is dificult to see past the recticle.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/NeoWeird/eotech3.jpg

[JamesY]

Definitely call Eotech and have them fix the problem. It doesn't look right.

[NeoWeird]

I just emailed the company to see what the appropriate course of action is. We'll see how it goes from here.

[NeoWeird]

I forgot about this topic, and then it came up when I was searching for another topic I posted in.

I got an email back from the company. They told me that pictures are deceiving as a camera lens can not capture the full range of the oscillating hologram. So they gave me a suggestions to try it outside and try cariable lengths. While it improved the recticle it still looked off. I emailed them back and never got a response back. It's been about 6 weeks now and I am getting really ticked.

I have half a mind to sell it and never support them again.

[five.five-six]

I have had 3 eotechs, 2 552 and a 510 . they all look like that. if they are too fuzzy turn them down. they work much better in daylight aimed over 10 yards away. once you use them you will see that they are a truly outstanding sighting system for the money. they will always look pixelated

[NeoWeird]

Pixilated is one thing, that wasn't a problem. I've used several rifles from shooting buddies who have EOTechs and they were never that bad. It was litterally a red blob that I could barely see past, even in day light aiming at 75-125 feet objects in my yard. Even when turned down to a faint glow it was still very wide and not very clear.

Even so, I am still very disapointed with their cusomter service. The first email reply was very prompt, and in hindsight somewhat offensive, but they completely blew me off after that. What if I was military trying to get my sight reworked before I went back overseas?

[James R.]

http://www.apatheology.com/public_shares/images/EOTechSight.jpg

[TonyM]

Neo,

Do you wear glasses or Contacts?

My Eotechs and Aimpoints look somewhat blurry and not really circular to my eyes, even when I focus on the target, not the recticle. Reading around I found that it was actuality my eyes. I took some pics with my DSLR and the recticles are tack sharp and circular.

[NeoWeird]

I posted this picture earlier but this is what it looks like:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/NeoWeird/eotech3.jpg


That looks BETTER to me than what it looks in real life, but that is most likely because I do have a stigmatism; but still, as you can see, there is something wrong.

Even after seeing the pictures, EOTech just told me that I probably wasn't using it properly, or that my settings were too high, and then copy pasted from their website even though I told them I had already gone through all that and tried everything suggested. They told me to send them my personal information and they could create a work invoice number and give me the information to send it in and get it worked on. After I emailed them with my personal information they never responded back. I emailed them agian a short while later (maybe 2-3 weeks after) and still didn't get a response.

It's an unused unit, still in the box. I had really high hopes for it as I liked using the ones my shooting buddies have, but in all honesty, I don't think I would ever purchase from them agian. I essentially have a disfunctional unit and no way to correct the problem outside of paying to have it sent somewhere; but then again, who is qualified to work on an EOTech unit outside of EOTech themselves?

[PLINK]

http://www.apatheology.com/public_shares/images/EOTechSight.jpg

James, what model do you have? Does it take AA's? I just started looking into optics (Aimpoint/ EOTech) and it's confusing. TIA

[five.five-six]

Pixilated is one thing, that wasn't a problem. I've used several rifles from shooting buddies who have EOTechs and they were never that bad. It was litterally a red blob that I could barely see past, even in day light aiming at 75-125 feet objects in my yard. Even when turned down to a faint glow it was still very wide and not very clear.

Even so, I am still very disapointed with their cusomter service. The first email reply was very prompt, and in hindsight somewhat offensive, but they completely blew me off after that. What if I was military trying to get my sight reworked before I went back overseas?


cal them on the phone. I had a guy talk to me for 1/2 hour. he was very informitive

[NeoWeird]

cal them on the phone. I had a guy talk to me for 1/2 hour. he was very informitive

I'll probably have to do that.

I originally went email so that I could link them tot he pictures so they could see EXACTLY what was going on instead of me describing it. Once they 'started' on the process I figured everything was good and was happy. Now that they have ignored me though I am a bit miffed by it all. Of course I also have to wait until I can get a good day to call them as I usually work before most places open and get off after most places are closed.

[James R.]

James, what model do you have? Does it take AA's? I just started looking into optics (Aimpoint/ EOTech) and it's confusing. TIA

The one pictured is 512.A65 yes it takes AA batteries. I threw a set of lithium AA's in it and another set in the Magpul grip. That's batteries enough for years of use, these things really sip power.

There is also a version which is simply a single red dot, but I don't fancy that. This one is a 1 MOA red dot with IIRC a 65 MOA ring around the dot as you can see.

This one with the AA is apparently the one to get, lots longer battery time and you can pick up AA's anywhere. The other ones use IIRC N-Cell which is more expensive and harder to find at a mom and pop liquor store type place.

This version is not compatible with NVG, you have to pay more for that which is IMHO a waste unless you honestly need NVG capability. FWIW I've looked at this thing thru NVG turned all the way down and it seems just fine, but that's crappy old NVG technology...not starlight Gen III,IV or V or whatever.

Here's a pic on the gun. Yeah it's an odd arrangement, parts will prolly get juggled around at some point...but I like it. Short heavy barrel will prolly handle heat better, so aside from the weight everything adds up.

http://www.apatheology.com/public_shares/images/AR1.jpg

Regards,

James R.

[EvolutionGSR]

Hey James is that the real recticle in your picture? I ask because I just got my EOTech from Brownells and the recticle is a LOT fuzzier than then ones that I have used on fellow board member's guns. I tried the adjustment, but it didn't really help that much. I'll try to post a picture so you can see, but maybe I am just not adjusting it right.


Neo,

Mine acutally looks like that right when you turn it on. After a few seconds mine settles to look like James. Another friend of mine with one, his does that too. Turn it on and set it down if its not mounted. After that you can pretty much swing it around and it should stay.

[NeoWeird]

Neo,

Mine acutally looks like that right when you turn it on. After a few seconds mine settles to look like James. Another friend of mine with one, his does that too. Turn it on and set it down if its not mounted. After that you can pretty much swing it around and it should stay.

Ok, just turned it on again. how long should I let it sit, 5 minutes? 10 minutes?

[NeoWeird]

Ok, so after about half an hour I started to notice a slight improvement. So I got to take a picture of it and as I look at it through the camera I notice through the viewing screen the recticle is PERFECT. So I am thinking damnit, it's me. So I take a picture and the recticle comes out blurry and then in the viewing screen it is also blurry. So I take another picture trying to focus on the recticle and it comes out perfectly. These images were taken about 10 seconds apart.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/NeoWeird/eotechupdate.jpg

Nice. While it doesn't look as bad as the left to me, it is nowhere near the right either. It's like a nice combination of the two. I don't get it though, as I've used other people's EOTechs and they look fine to me, only this one looks blurry. Maybe it has to do with the model? Looks like I might be selling a brand new EOTech soon...

[PLINK]

James R., the info you provided was helpful. Thanks.


NeoWeird, do you have the same model as James R.?

[m1371]

Neo - PM sent, let me know if it helps.

[five.five-six]

So I am thinking damnit, it's me. So I take a picture and the recticle comes out blurry and then in the viewing screen it is also blurry. So I take another picture trying to focus on the recticle and it comes out perfectly.


ok I remember the instructions the guy gave me. point it at a light object 35 feet away and focus on the obect. now rotate the sight. if the fuzziness rotates then it is the holosight, if the fuzines stays put then it is you


This one with the AA is apparently the one to get, lots longer battery time and you can pick up AA's anywhere. The other ones use IIRC N-Cell which is more expensive and harder to find at a mom and pop liquor store type place.


true however, the type "n" leaves more room on your rail for a wider variety of buis and mounting positions. I keep spare "n"'s on my pistol grip

[James R.]

...the type "n" leaves more room on your rail for a wider variety of buis and mounting positions. I keep spare "n"'s on my pistol grip

True, and it's cheaper (n-cell version) to boot. However I just didn't want to deal with n-cells and had enough room for BUIS and this so I went with it.

Regards,

James R.

[NeoWeird]

HEY HEY!

So I got some great advice in the last 24 hours and I tried it all.

First I turned on my unit and left it of for almost an hour letting it "warm" up. Someone also suggested that I go through and adjust the windage and elevation on the unit, which made sense since the recticle was slightly egg shaped and it made sense that a improperly timed knob may have shaped the recticle oddly. After trying all that I was a bit disapointed to find that it still had problems.

So I read the "point it at an object 35 feet away" and figure that I had already done it, but I would try again. So I turn it on this morning and now the recticle works! Even at the brightest setting it looks nice, crisp, and round (it still gets bolder/fuzzier as I get to brighter intensities, but that is normal).

Not sure what it was, possibly the warm up/cool down, or the cycling of the adjustment knobs, or maybe even something else, but the unit seems to be working fine now.

I blame it on the aliens.

ETA: and for those that wanted to know, it's a 512.A65 (according to the box) which is the A battery non-NVG unit.

[m1371]

Good to hear that it's working for you now.

If it gives any hint of problems make sure you're all over their customer service at the first opportunity.

[NeoWeird]

Good to hear that it's working for you now.

If it gives any hint of problems make sure you're all over their customer service at the first opportunity.

I will be.

It's actually not mine. Well I mean I did pay for it, but it's not going on my gun. It's going on my future wife's Ruger 10/22. Doing all sorts of custom work on it and I wanted to get a sight that would be uber easy for her to use (no variable power, knob adjustments, etc). So she gets the EOTech and I get....well nothing that fancy.

Now let's just hope she likes it. (Part of me hopes she does, but part of my anticipates she wont....at which point my AR gets a new friend:D )

[HK fan]

no you don't NEED a front sight anymore, but with all things battery powered, they are bound to fail as soon as you need them! Keep the front sight as a back up