what is the difference between the different models of EOtechs? Some are $500 and others are $300, but the descriptions don't say what is different about them.

500's are basic models, 510's are more atune to SWAT/LEO use and the 550's are military in that you can use them with night vision. Personally, for the money the 510's would do all I need an EOTech to do without the extra expense of the night vision capibility.  I like the 512 because it takes AA bats where as the 511 uses an N type bat.  AA are easier to find. That's about all I know, I'm sure someone will know more, maybe they'll chime in with more info.

EOTech's website does have a page that describes the differences:

www.eotech-inc.com/lawe_hwsmodels.php

The main differences are:

50X series = basic model with no protective metal hood, waterproof to 10 feet
51X series = with protective metal hood, waterproof to 10 feet
55X series = with protective metal hood and night vision compatibility, waterproof to 33 feet

Then you get your choice of  batteries:

N = smaller and lighter but less capacity and alkaline only - 200 hour life
AA = larger and heavier but more capacity and available in alkaline, lithium (long shelf life) and rechargeable - 1100 hour life

Finally you can pick your reticle:

A65 = 65 MOA ring around 1 MOA dot - this is the standard and most popular choice although some find the ring distracting
D1 = single 1 MOA dot - this is only available for the 511 model and the small dot is hard for many people to locate quickly
FN and Sage reticles = special purpose reticles for less-lethal weapons - not of interest to you


Not all combinations of model/battery/reticle are available.   These are the standard combinations and their list prices:

502.A65 - no metal hood, N batteries, 65 MOA ring-dot reticle = $299.00

511.A65 - metal hood, N batteries, 65 MOA ring-dot reticle = $369.00

511.D1 - metal hood, N batteries, single 1 MOA dot reticle = $369.00

511.FN - metal hood, N batteries, special reticle for FN303 less-leathal weapon = $369.00

511.Sage - metal hood, N batteries, special reticle for Sage less-lethal weapon = $369.00

512.A65 - metal hood, AA batteries, 65 MOA ring-dot reticle = $389.00

551.A65 - metal hood, night vision compatible, N batteries, 65 MOA ring-dot reticle = $389.00

552.A65 - metal hood, night vision compatible, AA batteries, 65 MOA ring-dot reticle = $459.00


By the way, this question is better asked in the optics forum.


ETA - Try to get the latest Revision F models if possible.  They have some worthwhile improvements including longer battery life and more durable button covers.

the page doesn't mention anything about protective metal hoods and there is no model 511, only 502, 510, and 550. How useful is the metal hood, and what does it mean to be night-vision compatible? I think I will get a 511.a65 though. Also, are the Bushnell holosights the same as EOtech with just a different name?

The 512a65 would use AA batteries so they'd be easier to get. The only real difference between the 511 and 512 is the length, the 511 is alittle shorter because it uses N type batteries other then that they're the same.

I don't care about battery life or expense, so I think I will get one of the shorter models for reduced size and weight (and cost). ANd since the new model 510's have rubber buttons, would there be any other reason to consider hte 550 model? I have no interest in night vision...

Quoted: the page doesn't mention anything about protective metal hoods and there is no model 511, only 502, 510, and 550.

Look harder.  The 3rd, 4th and 6th from the top are all 511 variants of the 51x model.  Also, the hoods are visible in the photos, particularly in the end-view photos.

The Bushnells are generally equivalent to the 50x, although I'm not sure if they have the latest improvements of the Revision F series.  I believe they do not, based on the battery life specifications alone (Bushnell battery life specification = 40 hours for N, 320 for AA)

What you save in cost on the "N" sight you end up spending on batteries. Spend the little extra and get the "AA" model, you'll save in the long run on batteries, battery life and easy of finding batteries. Or just go Trijicon and don't worry about batteries at all.

I have a Busnell and use rechargeable N cells.  They're about $2.50 each.  I just recharge them every once in a while.  Of course if you were in a situation, you'd want to have a few alkalines on hand for longer use or at least do a test to see how long your rechargeables will last.  The AA model does make good sense though.

Quoted: the page doesn't mention anything about protective metal hoods and there is no model 511, only 502, 510, and 550. How useful is the metal hood, and what does it mean to be night-vision compatible? I think I will get a 511.a65 though. Also, are the Bushnell holosights the same as EOtech with just a different name?

I have heard a few reports of the non-hooded models being taken out of action after being dropped, but if this is not a problem, they should be fine.  I also give  a +1 to the AA models over the N-battery ones.

I've usually only owned 511's and they suited my needs. In my case I didn't see any reason to get a 552 since I don't plan on using any top notch NV equipment.

Quoted: the page doesn't mention anything about protective metal hoods and there is no model 511, only 502, 510, and 550. How useful is the metal hood, and what does it mean to be night-vision compatible? I think I will get a 511.a65 though. Also, are the Bushnell holosights the same as EOtech with just a different name?

Mine literally fell off the rifle twice (did not tighten the screw enough) and it survived just fine.  The hood might have something to do with it.

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