Military to civilian: excellent optic - EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight

This Optic was excellent in '04-'05 when I used it n Mosul, Iraq as part of the U.S. Army Infantry (1/24 Infantry). It was the same model. This Optic stood up to incredible use and abuse. The Red Circle with the 1 MOA Dot is beautifully sharp when compared to other Red Dots (including the CompM2 Aimpoints I have used).

I was so pleased with this Optic in the military that I saved up the money to get it as a civilian for my Bushmaster AR-15. I am on a tight budget and this is not an easy price to pay for a Red Dot site but it has been worth it. This thing will last longer and perform better than anything I have tried.

I must state that I have never used an Eotech Magnifier with this product so I cannot speak to that.

The Con I listed above is not much of a Con when you consider why this Optic is heavier than most other Red Dots. As stated, this red dot is much more durable which will add a bit of weight (small amount). The 2 AA batteries to power the optic will add more weight than a tiny lithium watch battery (the kind many other Red Dot Sights use). However, if you buy Lithium AA's for this optic, they weigh less and last longer.

There is no question that this brand is the best in its field (in my opinion) and that this particular optic can handle anything you can throw at it.


For AR-15/M4 users:

The question is... if you are using it for an M4/AR-15, do you have an A2 or A3? Since the AA Battery compartment makes the base of this model (512) somewhat long it helps to have the metal picatinny rails instead of just the oval/circular plastic hand-guard. Most metal picatinny rail hand-gaurds will line up well with the picatinny rail directly in front of (where this optic will rest). Since the length is in the front of this optic it must be pushed forward (just over the picatinny rail on the top of the hand-guard). If you have only the A2 plastic hand-guard you will not be able to slide this optic forward enough for optimal performance. There are Three Solutions to this problem: 1) Buy picatinny hand-guards that will fit your AR-15 2) Buy the 516 Eotech Optic instead of the 512 (as it is a bit shorter in front) 3) Use this model with the Plastic hand-guards anyway and it will still work well (you just won't have the option to try to adjust it to optimal placement)
Pros: Durability, Long Battery Life, Rectangular HUD, Sharp Optic, Easy to Use
Cons: Slightly Heavier than most other Red Dot Optics (Due to Batteries - AA - and Extra Shell for Durability)

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.