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propellerhead wrote:it's easier to look through the EOTech than the Aimpoint.

Speak for yourself, brother.

Always trust HV...but I own a couple of EOTechs. Truth is, I think EOTech, Aimpoint, and Trijicon are at the top end of the red-dot/holo food chain and I wouldn't buy anything less for any serious purpose. Which may be the most important note I can contribute: If you want a red-dot for plinking, you can spend a lot less and get something that will probably work for you, like a Burris or a Barska. But if you want it for a serious purpose, from competition to hunting to potential defense, be willing to fork out the extra bucks and stay with something that's been tested in combat.

As always, if you can get a chance to actually shoot a rifle with the different optics you're considering, so much the better.

If you consider EOTech, double-check to make sure what you're buying is a Rev. F or later model, especially if you're shopping used ones on the Web. Don't trust me on the date, but I believe it was in late 2004 or early 2005 when the Rev. F came out. The improvement was instrumental in EOTech winning the 2005 contract from USSOCOM because battery life was improved twofold, and brightness adjustment of the reticle went up to 20x (from I think 15x; not sure).

Either way you go, I'd recommend staying with a respected, reputable retailer. There are a number of different counterfeits floating around out there for both Aimpoint and EOTech. You certainly don't want to end up with one of those.

Thanks Skiprr.

I shot a local 2 gun match today and spent a lot of time SO'ing other shooters. I observed a trend that I previously had not noticed before among users of red dot optics. For those that came to the line with the optic turned off, the Eotech users took a LOT longer to get the optic turned on and set at the brightness level they wanted. Aimpoint users, turn the knob, done.

My scratched up 7 year old Aimpoint CompM2 performed flawlessly. It would take a lot to convince me to switch.

I don't know why they do that. I turn my EOTech on at the start of the match and turn it off at the end of the match.

I just purchased an EOTech but I haven't received it yet. Once I get it I will post my thoughts. :)

I am still looking around. I have a hard time cutting loose with cash until I am sure of my purchase. I am now looking at a EOTech 516. It is a little less expensive than the 557 and the main difference is the reticle. The 516 has the 65 MOA circle and a 1 MOA dot. It is looking pretty good. I don't think I will do enough long range shooting to justify the higher expense of the .223 reticle.

Best of all it is good to get the opinions of the forum on a large purchase. No use re-inventing the wheel when someone else has already been there!!

Thanks,

I gave in and purchased the EOTech 516. I have it mounted and will try it out this weekend. I will post results.

They're both great red dots, more of a matter of preference for the individual. I prefer the Aimpoints myself. Arguably more durable, insanely long battery life, I prefer the controls of them more, and the sight picture for me is more natural.

I like aimpoints and redheads. You might like blondes and Eotechs. Whatever your preference, train, train, and train some more (with the sight, that is). The only way to go wrong with one of these sights is to buy it, mount it, put it in the safe and never practice with it. If the dark day comes when you need to defend your loved ones, God help you if that is one of the first times you have used the equipment.

Just an FYI that Midway is closing out the EOTech 551N (night vision capable; "N" size battery). They're going for $417.17 which, for new-in-box, ain't too bad. Here's the link.