EOTech 517.A65/1 Tactical Holographic Weapons Sight

What more could be said after EO Tech's performance in combat overseas, and almost unjiversal acceptance as the gold standard by which all other holo sights are compared. The 517 offers the advantage over the 512 of having the option of using a magnifier in conjunction with the sight due to the side placement of the control buttons. I own both, and button placement is the only major difference between the two. Performance is superb, clarity unrivaled, speed and intuitiveness of use unparalleled and the 65MOA circle/1MOA dot system lightning fast to acquire, especially in changing lighting conditions of target acquisition when compared to singular red dot systems. Field of view is unlimited and the heads-up both eyes open targeting make catching essential movement in the peripheral vision enhanced over other sighting systems. Water/weather/shockproof these units are tough. Make sure to care for the optic glass as you would any fine, sensitive optical surface so as not to damage it during routine cleaning and the unit is virtually bomb-proof. Although somewhat longer than the other units EO Tech offers, the AA batteries are a huge plus, as they are a universal language used in everything from GPS's to communications gear, and flashlights. Unlike more specialized batteries for other holo sights, the AA's are literally anywhere in world. Although with the battery life that these units offer, simply changing the batteries a couple times per year to guarantee function and reliability is simply a sound investment in your own security. The auto-off feature after either 4 hours (press the "-" button to turn on) or after 8 hours (press the "+" button to turn on), is very useful, and preserves the batter life, which in and of itself is a non issue with these sights, but is a well thought out feature none-the-less. This sight is a real boon to those of us with somewhat aging eyes, and puts us back into a competitive arena in terms of sight acquisition times and effectiveness behind the trigger. Money spent on anything else similar is simply foolhardy if your weapons system must be mission ready, and your life may, or does depend upon it! When you have $1200-$2200 tied up in your weapon does it really make sense to put a $79.95 sight on top of it? The weapon is no more effective than the operator's ability to place the shot under all conditions, at all times, and do so under stress, with predictable results. EO Tech, simply the best option out there. Expensive? Yes. What's your life worth?

I had my selection narrowed down to EOTech and two other popular red-dots, and actually ended up buying the EOTech based largely on the reviews at Cabelas. Mounted it on a custom AR-15 already equipped with Magpul pop-up iron sights, which my tired, 68-year-old eyes were having trouble focusing on. The first shot with the EOTech wasn't even on the paper, and I was ready to send it back, but 18 shots later it was zeroed in with the last 3 shots all in the 1" bulls eye at 50 yards. Moving out to 150 yielded a 2" group. Love the dot in a circle for fast target acquisition, and I love to be able to shoot with both eyes open.

I just purchased the 517 today and fixed it to my Wyndham AR. After a few shots at 25 yards I had it dialed in and put 40 shots down range. I had so many shots grouped within each other that I could only count 23 shots and 17 had made a big hole in the bulls eye. This sight was so easy to track dead center I'm truly impressed. Money well spent.

Can't beat it. I chose this model due to AA batteries are found easily and works with my magnifier. Stays on target when removed from weapon and put back in place. I've owned multiple reflex sights and this one is by far my favorite. Both eyes open easily found.