Do the 4X M2 scopes work well if the ugly ruskie rubber eyepiece is removed?

Anyone have a pic of the eyepiece end of one w/out the rubber??

I'm back and forth on getting one of these, and other than the ruskie rubber tube, I may be thinking of more magnification for past eotech ranges.......

They work fine with the eyepiece removed.  I started out with mine off, but on a whim I put it  on again and found that I really like using it.  It helps me focus and helps me get right to perfect eye relief every time.  I use mine in combat ops so that is important.

I'll try to take some pics for you if you'd like but I have to find my camera.

I can answer any questions you have about M2 performance.

Phoebus-which reticle do you use and what mounting?  Is the M2 finicky about the eye relief??  I shoot NCH mostly so I can usuall mount forward enough to have the eye relief the same off my cheekweld.  
What mounting are you using and do you have BUIS on the rifle the M2 is on??

I use the CQB reticle, and it works great for both close in and father out.  I can range targets with it and then dial in the BDC cam very quickly.  I have engaged human targets as close as room distance and out to about 275m with this scope and it has performed very well.  I use it on my designated marksman rifle (specially set up M16A4).  I have it on quick-detachable IOR high rings and I have the Army issue MaTech BUIS on there as well.  As far as eye relief, I have heard of people not liking it (not sure why, do a search), but I shoot NTCH like you and I have never had any problems.  I love all three of my IOR scopes, and I like them better than my issued ACOG.  Also, the M2 may be the most rugged scope I've ever used.  

Here are some pics.  The scope is out of its mount because we are finally packing up to get the hell outta here, so it's about to be put into my foot locker for shipping  Feel free to ask anything else you want to know.

I have the super M2... 6x.  if the regular M2 is like it, do not put it on a bolt rifle.  Eye clearance is very close and is a forehead knocker on a 308 bolt rifle.  I have the Dragonov reticle, and like it.

I've got the NATO (M9 I think) reticle, mounted the scope in ARMS #22H rings, took off the rubber doohickey on the back and put on Butler creek #2 and #2A flip ups...can't remember which one goes where, but those are the numbers you need...love the scope