Aimpoint or EOTECH?

[odysseus]

I think you are going to find a lot of preference either way with how people like the reticle over the other. However in field durability, battery life, and weight, the aimpoint is superior.

The 2 MOA site is pretty damn useful on the Aimpoint. The concept of the red dot scope is more for quick acquisition with both eyes open. Yet at that size, it does good work out even past 400 meters. Some may argue that a simple 1 MOA dot may get more tricky to acquire site picture when on the move. YMMV. Neither of these sights can do "everything".

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[odysseus]

Can we please sticky this topic? It's brought up constantly and it feels like we keep going over and over and over the same stuff every time.

I think with a lot of topics covered here, there would be a whole page of stickies.

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[brando]

Well then, I'll just paste what I usually write on this topic....

We need to sticky this topic at some point as it is about the most common optic debate by far. For the record, here's my take:

I used the old Aimpoint 1000 back in the day, mounted on top of the carry handle of my CAR-15. Great tool at the time. Later around 2000 I used the CompML, which was a nice update on a proven optic. For close-in work, red dot sights just own, especially if you train specifically with them.

The first sign of trouble was engaging 200-400m targets. The 4MOA dot was just too large and often obscured the target which equated to a wider pattern. I did tests where I went back to iron sights and the same engagements resulted in much better performance, however I was much slower acquiring my sights up close and therefore slower engaging. That's the beauty of an RDS - fast acquisition of the sight at close range.

At one point around 2001 I tried an EOTech on recommendation from a buddy who shoots 50,000+ rounds a year. Not only was my sight acquisition as fast, if not faster, but I found that for those 200-400m engagements I could be VERY precise. As a test, I taped a cigarette vertically to a target stand. Starting at 10m I tried hitting it with the Aimpoint CompML and then the EOTech, moving out to 35m each time the cigarette was hit. The only hits I got were using the EOTech. So I was sold on it.

While in Iraq I found the EOTech excellent for a variety of roles, but was particularly fond of its holographic nature which didn't require a consistent or proper cheeck/stockweld. I was able to shoot from some weird position and make hits as long as I could see the reticle. However, the biggest problem I was having with it was the battery life. Switching to the AA model was a big help, but still it didn't have the battery life I had hoped for, so I couldn't just leave it on. On top of that, since I had to constantly turn it on and off I found it awkward where the buttons were placed, the sequence required to turn them off as well as the lack of a "memory" for the brightness setting. Rolling out of the wire it took a few seconds to get my EOTech up while an Aimpoint would have taken about a second at most.

Later, another problem started showing up in my EOTechs: a few times they shut-off during mid-recoil. Very VERY bad, though it made for good BUIS training

Last year I picked up an Aimpoint Micro T-1 and everything changed for me. I still LOVE my EOTechs, but I have lost faith in them (which really sucks). The T-1 is lighter and more compact than the EOTech and it has a much smaller dot. I did the cigarette drill again and the Micro did just fine but it has the added benefit of incredible battery life. I just leave it on, that's all.

Now if I could have a T-1 with an EOTech 65/1 reticle I'd be a happy, happy man.

[Zombiegun]

Had the same dilemma when trying to purchase a red dot sight. I figured in a worst case scenario you wouldn't be able to acquire batteries very easily. Aimpoints battery life is just top notch. It's stated some where around 10,000 hours. You can leave it on for over a year pretty much.

[aplinker]

I once said EOTech, but not again... too many problems.

Aimpoint.

[stphnman20]

I've used an EOtech and didn't like it.. I've been running with Aimpoint for 6 years now..

[MacDaddy]

I've heard so many different opinions on this in the little time I've been a born-again shooter (I've been out for about 11 years -- moving to Cali was a traumatic experience for me). Anyway, my plan is to start with the EOTech. That way if I don't like it, I probably won't be disappointed with the Aimpoint alternative.

[Jim_KT]

Which one will you put in your rifle??? Why?

I went with Aimpoint seven years ago and will purchase two more (undecided on models) for my other carbines. The EOTechs are nice, but they're just not for me. The reticule brightness adjustments seem awkward and out of the four specimens that I've seen, three of them had to be sent back for intermittent "on/off" and cant issues. However, the three that were repaired are running like champs.

[Clodbuster]

I have 5 Eotechs that are used regularly and 1 Aimpoint that sits on a quick detachable mount inside my safe, hoping to be used one day when the SHTF...or I win the lotto, whichever comes first. The A65 reticle is a step above a red dot.


Clod

[Jim_KT]

^^^^^

Which Aimpoint do you have collecting dust?

[Clodbuster]

CompML2.

It's not a bad scope. I just prefer the A65 reticle, it's faster for me to acquire the target. In addition to range use and tactical matches, I use the Eotech alot to play Airsoft, and those "critters" I shoot at don't like to stand still. If Aimpoint slaps a big circle around their dot, I'll pick it up.

The newer Eotechs have pretty good battery life with the CR123 batteries. There are "AA" lithium batteries you can use in the other models as well if battery life is a big problem. Cost of batteries is like 3 or 4 rounds of ammo.


Clod

^^^^^

Which Aimpoint do you have collecting dust?

[Swiss]

I'm brand new to ARs and to this forum, so please bear with me if this isn't the smartest question.

I have a S&W MP-15 w/ quad rails and flip-up Troy sights, front and back, mounted to the flat top. Will either of the sights discussed here (Aimpoint or EOTech) allow me to use these irons without having to remove the electronic sight? I'd like to achieve accuracy out to 300m yet also rely on the red dot for CQB. Thanks!

[Teletiger7]

I'm brand new to ARs and to this forum, so please bear with me if this isn't the smartest question.

I have a S&W MP-15 w/ quad rails and flip-up Troy sights, front and back, mounted to the flat top. Will either of the sights discussed here (Aimpoint or EOTech) allow me to use these irons without having to remove the electronic sight? I'd like to achieve accuracy out to 300m yet also rely on the red dot for CQB. Thanks!

Yes

[What Just Happened?]

So, if I understand what's been said, if Aimpoint were to put a 'doughnut of death' reticle in it's optics, that would be the end-all-and-be-all of the price range?

[randy]

at 400 yards i can hit a 2x2ft target consistently with my ML2 which is 4moa.

Sounds to me like that is barn door accuracy. We shoot paper up close and 10 to 12 inch plates at 350 to 375 yards in a match under time.

I owned an Aimpoint it was ok but didn't do much for me. I shot a Eotech and I liked it much better.

I use my stuff for 3 gun matches, I'm not worried about the end of the world or how cool it looks my stuff is for shooting fast with 3 gun accuracy requirements. No fluff. So I use a variable 1 to 4. Doesn't look cool but works well.

My stuff shoots fast I don't.