Hi Kyle. I’ve just completed my first carbine build and the next and final step is a red dot. I’ve been thinking an Aimpoint H1 is right up my alley, but then i can help but recognize that industry pro’s like you & J.D. run Eotech’s. I’ve read time & time again in the LAV AAR’s about Eotech’s not making it through some of his classes without an some sort of issue.
Battery life aside, could you please let us know why you rock the Eotech?
Thank you.
~Greg
Pre emptive ‘sorry’, but I have to mention the battery thing
I like EOTechs because they are more useful than Aimpoints.
EOTechs are wholeheartedly the number one optic in SOCOM, and by a long shot. All the guys I train have EOTech’s except for the recce guys which have true scopes (with Micros mounted at 45) Do the batteries last 6 years? No. They last say 500-600 hours on the XPS line. Do the old models, like the 552 have battery issues? Yes. But EOTech will retrofit the batt compartment to fix, or you can just get an XPS or EXPS and have no worries.
The whole battery life thing is kinda weird to me. I mean, Aimpoints and EOTechs have a battery; it’s GOING TO DIE at some point. If people were so worried about battery life, then maybe they should get a scope that doesn’t take batteries? As far as the EOtech’s battery life, you’d need to lube the gun or clean it well before you’d need new batteries if all this killing and mayhem were happening. So, if you can find lube and cleaning supplies, can’t you find some batts? I don’t know, just kinda odd to me that guys harp on the battery thing so much.
When it comes to EOtech’s not making in classes. I‘ve seen Aimpoints fail too. Biggest thing there is have a good set of irons that are zeroed ready to roll and be good with them.
Kyle, As far as durability goes have you seen one perform better than the other in your experiences ? As far as dropping a rifle with a Eotech mounted. Ive seen videos of the Aimpoints being thrown at the ground and while that may not be realistic im wondering if the Eotechs would hold to something like that.
Kyle,
I’ve always thought the battery issue was more about the auto shut off feature after 8 hours. Probably not too big a deal for operational guys but for a civilian HD rifle left in a safe/closet/under the bed it seems nice that the Aimpoint is always on (say if you need to use it at 0300 because someone is breaking in you don’t have to remember to turn it on in the dark).
Maybe different needs for different uses?
Both are good but IMO Eotechs are a better choice. I can push a button when I pick up the rifle 
Tomato - tomatoe
On a side note I would be curious to hear Mr. Defoor’s opinon on the Eotech’s durability vs. the durability of an Aimpoint.
The EOTech xps line and the later military 553s are as durable as aimpoints IMO based in my experience both operationally and training. My personal one and those of the guys I train take a huge beating.
Thank you for the follow-up.
Which XPS is commonly preferred? There are 4 or 5 different variations. I’m more or less looking for a way to narrow my choices down since I’m not as familiar with the Eotech line. Thanks Kyle.
Btw…this is for my Colt 6720 and a magnifier won’t be used, at least for now.
I was going to ask Kyle this too, which models he’d tried and which he currently preferred, especially for non mil use where NV isn’t a concern.
I know that Eotech makes a model with a second dot, lower than the first. Not sure if there’s any utility in that or not. Kyle?
I would appreciate knowing if you have observed the EOTech presenting any advantage/disadvantage to shooters that are opposite eye dominant.
Thank you,
Tom B.
its all user preference
Kyle,
I remember a few years back you wrote about a battery compartment mod you did on the AA EOTechs. I used the search function on your website, but still can’t find the whole thing with the pics. Am I just an idiot, or can you repost it or list what you do to make the AA EOTechs more reliable?
Thanks,
Eric
I 'm not a fan of the 2 dot version.
Never seen a dominancy thing either way.
Eotech article you seek - http://www.kyledefoor.com/2009/12/mounting-tips-and-eotech-secret.html
Thanks!
Fantastic. Thanks!
Thanks for your advice Kyle, i’m going to take it. I have a EXPS2-0 on the way.
Clearly I’m not Kyle but I’m cross eye dom.
A red dot or 1/2 power optic makes HUGE difference for me. I have a 1.5-5 on my Noveske and a EXPS2-0 on a BCB light weight. I’m right handed / left eyed. Both optics work like a champ for me.
In fact I used my Mark 4 1.5-5 in an AR class filled with red dots. I kept it on its lowest power the entire time so I was on “equal footing” even at longer ranges. I kept up no sweat.
Either is a good choice.
Kyle,
Can you lend your thoughts on how the QD mount performed (I.e. ruggedness, RTZ, etc) over time on your EXPS3? I’m trying to decide on the EXPS3 vs XPS3 + Larue QD mount. Thanks.
The qd mount is bomber and perfect height.