My 552 is in the mail, but some of the features of the 553 are appealing...
This EoTech will be for personal use (with Colt LE6920), primarily, but I want it to be compatible with my service M4 weapon system - meaning, it needs to be capable of being mounted in front of my PVS-14s. 552s seem to sit just a little too low. I'm used to Aimpoint (M68) heights, too - so I think elevating the 552 or accepting the 553 would be ideal for that reason, as well.
Batteries - the 552 appeals to me for its use of AAs, and the 553 will run on 123s. AAs are a lot easier to come by when you're in the field; and every piece of equipment, from NVGs to PAC-4 to GPS and medical equipment (I'm 91W in the infantry) runs on AA, so I can use one type of battery for everything, but Surefire (123s).
The 553 can mount and dismount easier and is already the exact height necessary for co-witnessing with NVGs, of course, I can solve that on the 552 with a mount. SO, second part of the question...
If I stick with the 552, which mount do I use? I know this has been deeply discussed already; but, I need this mount to leave space behind it for my PVS-14s and a BUIS. The BUIS must be on the receiver-level rails of the M4 or 6920, as must be the PVS-14 standard mil-spec mount (the only NVG mount I will use). In other words, the EoTech is the only device I want elevated. On my military M4 and my 6920 I use Knight's Armament rail systems, so I can push the EoTech up a bit, but I prefer my reflex sights closer to the rear.
My armourer and I, as well as several of my guys have talked about this at length, but in our unit, optics and preferences come down to the individual, for the most part. So:
552 or 553?
and
What mount takes-up just the space of the EoTech base, allowing standard BUIS and NVG placement? Ideally, this mount would be easily removed and replaced.
Thanks and sorry for the long question.
h,And by compatible with my M4, I mean I will take my EoTech to Iraq or Afghanistan when I go back. Thanks again.