AR Sponsor
Posted: 1/4/2005 7:01:50 PM EDT
|
I know I may be trying to compare apples to oranges here but I was wanting some recomendations from those who are in the know. Recomendations specific to my needs. I'm in the process of assembling my first AR build, a M4gery. I intially went with an A.R.M.S. Swan Sleeve with the Aimpoint in mind. But, I've recently discovered that if I ever wanted to go with an EOTech that combo wouldn't work. So, I'm rethinking the Swan Sleeve idea. The gun will be used for patrol carry in a vehicle lock mount. The lock mount grips the gun around the handguards just in front of the receiver. I'm thinking of a A.R.M.S. 40 A2 flip up rear used in conjunction with the front fixed sight. Now the question comes, which optic? I like the idea that the Aimpoint has been in military use and seems pretty darn tough. The flip open lense caps would be great as riding around on the dusty roads around here tends to grit things up a bit. I also like the long battery life as well. I like the EOTech for its reticle as most of my shooting with the rifle would be under 100 yards and more like under 50 yards. Most likely CQB stuff so the dot inside the ring may be ideal. How is the durability of the EOTech? Also, is there a way to cover the lense so that it could prevent dust build up and yet still be quickly accessed. I would be interested in the 511 because I don't think the added length of the 512 would fit in my locking mount. Another solution to the dust problem, which may be a better idea anyhow, would be to keep the optic on a QD mount of some sort and have it stored in a case in the patrol rig. The irons would be the primary first response sigths should the SHTF quickly. If time permitted I would grab and install the optic. Which of the optics would better suit my needs? Which, in the long run, would I be happier with? I know that ultimately wit will be me who has to decide for myself. I'm just trying to get public opinion. Thanks for your guidance, Ranger413 
|
| Here's my take on the whole thing. I own both optics and i find both usefull. However I do favor the aimpoint much more. For myself, I found the eotechs reticle a little annoying and i diddnt like having to turn it off with both hands. you have to press both buttons at the same time. I found more possitives with the aimpoint to make me want to sell my eotech and buy another aimpoint. I like the extended battery use, less distracting reticle, one handed opperation, and overall looks of the aimpoint. The best way you can tell what will suit you is to shoot with each optic and decide what works best for your needs. |
I went from an Aimpoint to an EOTech and never looked back. Check out the link below for the thread with everything you want to know about the Aimpoint vs EOTech...  www.jobrelatedstuff.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=164971 |
|
Thanks Yojimbo! I guess I didn't search hard enough. Lots of great info there. Reading it I came up with a novel idea. Lets say that I buy an Aimpoint with mount and a EOTech. Then I buy a small supply of batteries and a pelican case to hold both sights and the batts. Then, I offer to rent this set-up for a fee to those who are undecided for say $50. Now, wouldn't that be a great idea. For $50 you could rent both sites for say a week and make a really good informed decision. Kinda like test driving a car if you will. I'd pay the $50 to make my decision easier. Now, being that I don't have the cash to do this do we have any volunteers. I'd say in about 6 months you'd have your set-up paid for. This would be a great idea for a company that sells both so that their potential buyers could test each before they buy. Or, it would be great for law enforcement as well to see if the Aimpoint or EOTech better suited their officers given their environments. Finding out once again that this site rocks!!! Ranger413 |
Good idea - all it does is add weight.
Again a winner IMHO.
They are tough units - though there have been occassional issues (I've noticed these issues tend to be the older units and moslty the 'N' battery powered ones).
Two Options. The first you discussed use a quick release mount like the LaRue or GG&G and store the optic. However that violates the rule that you will only have what is attached to your rifle when you grab it. The second is a neoprene cover that somebody makes for the EOTech (basically a form fitting bag)..
If you use the GG&G quick release I don't think it will be an issue with the longer unit. And you'll get MUCH longer battery life (which seems to be important to you):
Only you can determin that - we can only answer factual questions. Both are good units and either will serve you well. The EOTech is a bit cheaper to get into because you don't need to buy the quick release mount right away - the built in mount will be perfectly fine for your application. |
Is this what you're thinking about? They make a neoprene cover for the EOTech. That seems like much less of a hassle than a QD mount. If you ever have to get your weapn quick, then getting the cover off would be much faster I would think. Battery life - Aimpoint is the clear winner, although the new EOTechs are catching up. It shouldn't be too big of a deal for your application, as you're not deployed in the field for weeks on end. EOTech also got a contract to supply some of their sights to the military FWIW. I have the EOTech, and I've used the Aimpoint. I still prefer the EOTech, but I'm not too militant about the whole thing. Either sight is really good and will make hitting the target easier. |
|
Zhukov, Thanks for the reply and pic. That is exactly what I'm looking for. Although, I'm starting to rethink the AA vs. N battery debate. I think that the 511 would suit me fine though. I like how your set-up looks nice and streamlined. Real clean looking. My decision has been made. EOTech it is. Ranger413 |
|
Had an AimPoint and loved it but 4MOA dot bothered me when scanning tree lines, etc. Great for close in and fast but I was not comfortable with the 4MOA dot at greater distances. Bought EoTech, mounted it on the rail and loved it but I wanted the BUIS in the lower third of the glass and wanted to place the EoTech over the magazine well. Got the LaRue mount and I love it even better. I'm no Pro like some here but I slaughtered a bunch of beer cans last weekend and was doing pretty well on a 50m target -- all within the 8 ring (I need more practice and probably a better trigger).
|
|
Well, I'll spell out the reasoning for my decision. First, is price. Aimpoint w/ a 22M68 would run me about $400. The EOTech 512 that I'm now looking at is about $325. Second, I've owned a couple of dot sights (Ultradot and Bushnell Trophy). While I like the dot concept I want to try something a little different. I feel that the 65MOA ring will make shooting at 50 yards and in a whole lot faster. I've decided to go with the AA version of the EOTech because I have other items (GPS, Digital Camera, Headlamps) that run on these so they would be readily available and the gov't would be buying my batts for me then. Too much trouble getting them to buy the N batts because we have nothing else that uses them. I did have some concers that the AA version would mount too far forward over the handguards with a flip up rear BUIS. But, I've seen some pics on the boards here that show a nice set-up with an ARMS 40 flip up. Just a little overhang on the delta ring. I can handle that. The only real concern I have with this thing is the dust accumulation on the lense. This unit will be riding around in a patrol truck which sees lots of dusty roads. More dirt roads than paved in my area. I will likely invest in a neoprene cover for it and will make it a point to practice quick vehicle dismounts while stripping the cover, and activating the sight. Or, stripping the cover and using the irons to start with. Are there any other concerns out there in regards to the EOTech and my inteded usage? Thanks again for all of the replies. Keep 'em comming. Ranger413 |
Are you serious? The buttons are located right near each other. If you lack the dexterity to depress both buttons with your index finger and your middle finger of ONE hand, then you have problems. Although it may not be easier to turn off then an Aimpoint, it can be turned off with only one hand. AND even if you forget to turn it off it turns off by itself in 8 hrs; now does the Aimpoint do this?? |
No the Aimpoint does not turn itself off, but why would you need to? Mine have been on for the last 5 1/2 months, 7 months and 11 months. It's a once a year battery replacement optic so 3 batteries once a year 3 X 6.00 = 18 bucks per year
|
|
J_Money, The Eotech's controls are THE number one reason I prefer the Aimpoint. My problem isnt turning them off. If I have to race to turn one on, Ive screwed up somewhere. However, the Aimpoint is much easier for me to adjust brightness on when I need to RIGHT NOW (i.e. transitioning from indoors to bright sunlight, or using flashlights in varying light), especially when wearing gloves. I find rolling the knob of the Aimpoint much more suitable for this. But thats just me. It doesnt mean I dont think the Eotech isnt a fine optic, its just not my #1 choice in electronic sights. |
I also like the Aimpoint adjustments . I just didn't understand how someone could need both hands to turn an EOTech off, that's all  . I really do like how the EOTech turns itself off though.
|
Well of course an Aimpoint can be left on its lowest setting and will still last for a VERY long time, however, if you leave it on for a prolonged period of time at the higher settings (like those generally used outside) you will have dead batteries. And everyone knows those Aimpoint batteries aren't cheap . If I am shooting my EOTech outside and accidentally leave it on then at least I know that it will turn off on its own, and not by me the next time I take the gun out and realize I left it on.
|
I just leave mine on level 6. 2 clicks up and I'm ready to fight indoors or out Batteries are 6 bucks each at Walgreens I buy them once a year. 
|
This reminds me of a quote I always see in forums. "Arguing on the internet is like the special olympics. Even if you win your still a retard". I'm sorry my personal experiences with the optic offends you. I guess i do lack dexterity. My wife tell me this when I piss in the toilet. 
|
|
To all of those who responded with constructive posts, I thank you. Forums like this are what make the internet a great thing. Being able to make informed decisions. While you do have to wade through a lot of bantering back and forth I still like it. I just wish that people wouldn't take offense when someone says that they like a particular item better than the other and the reasons why. This is what I am looking for. The pros and cons of each sight and the reasons you like one over the other. Opinions. Not trying to slam the other guy for choosing what he likes. I believe that I could not go wrong with either sight. That is why they are my top two choices. Both are battle tested and both have ample praise (and little non-praise) here on this forum. My absolute #1 reason for choosing the EOTech is because I want to try the unique reticule. With that being said I may get one of these things and hate it. And, in the end, I may sell it or trade it on the EE. In that case I will try an Aimpoint next. I still like my idea about renting out the two sights that I posted above. I really wish someone would do this. Maybe AR15.com would be willing to buy two sights and rent them out to its members. Novel idea. Thanks again posters, Ranger413
|
I'm not arguing, I was just replying that while what you said may be true for you, it is not true for most others. That was a constructive criticism meant to enhance the original authors knowledge of the EOTech. My point is simple: you do not need to use both hands to turn it off. |
|
The less than 1MOA dot and the light-gathering (if that is the correct way to express it) is the ONLY reason I went with the EoTech. I like the look, feel, and operation of the AimPoint far better (with the exception of the 4MOA dot). In fact, I LOVED my AimPoint. My eyes cannot make the dot "project" with the EoTech like I could on the AimPoint -- but in low light, the EoTech shines. I'm not in an urban environment, however, so I don't have a lot of ambient light and most of my targets are in the evening hours and are at greater distances. For those -- hopefully -- rare occasions where the bad guys are in my house, I think that the EoTech will do just fine. The bottom line is to determine what your "requirements" are and pick the right tool. The AimPoint just didn't fill the bill for ME. I don't think there is any "one size fits all" solution. |
AR Sponsor