Aimpoint vs Eotech’s
This is a question that is often asked in our store primarily because there are similarly priced products with zero magnification. Both optics can be co-witnessed and also magnifiers can be used with both product lines. Even though there is a considerable difference between the battery life times, the real debate is about whether you want a 2 MOA red dot, 4 MOA red dot or a 65MOA circle with a MOA dot in the middle. One reason we have a plastic rifle in our store that is in spec for optics and flashlights is for potential customers to be able to mount the optics and see how well their eye picks up the reticle or dot. There are some Eotech sights with different configurations for less lethal and for taking longer range shots but they are not is popular as the standard 65MOA/1MOA circle dot.
We stocked the Trijicon SRS sights and although there were initially some issues with the design it does offer a different approach but a very expensive option. The majority of our customers have a price range and it usually comes down to the Eotech Sights (there are several in the $390-$500 price range) and the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic. The Patrol rifle optic has a thumb screw mount which, for about $400 you got the whole Aimpoint package without trying to figure out what type of mount to get, usually Larue Tactical but we have recently become a Bobro Mount dealer so there is another quick detach option with a very good reputation. The one thing to watch out for with Eotech sights is you really need to make sure you know whether or not you will be putting a magnifier on your AR15 at some point in the future. If you “might” get an Eotech with a side button configuration.
I’m so old that I can tell you about the day I was on a firing line and saw my first Trijicon ACOG. The first time I saw it I thought it was some kind of toy. The bright neon strand stood out that I just couldn’t understand why a combat optic was so visible. I guess I read too many sniper stories where optics gave away a snipers position due to sun glare, and it was always something I thought about even when hunting. I’ve spotted other hunters before just by see that split second flash from the tree line and I can completely understand how patience can be the key to winning a sniper battle.
Modern combat optics are becoming more and more advanced. Back in the day people just used the European pole or standard crosshairs for rifle scopes, but not anymore. These days combat optics may be red dots, green dots, illuminated reticles, bullet drop compensators etched in glass or Mil-dots. Combat optics like IOR scopes may have a reticle that is almost a sizing guide for range estimation where you just simply hold the target into a range estimator and then make adjustements on your target knobs or just hold over.