Eotech questions

[globie31]

Well I finally got me my black rifle, and the mags on the way. Now I am only needing the ammo and the optics, well I don't need to optics, but I got that itch. I had a couple of questions, Is there a big difference between the 500 and the 510 series? And what is the difference between the different recticles (2d vs. 1moa)?
Thanks

[drew-tx]

here are specs (http://www.eotech-inc.com/tactical/specs.html)

[T. Harless]

Unless you need to be night vision compatable or 33 feet underwater the 510 is what you need. If you checked the link drew-tx posted, the photo at the top left from behind is exactly what you see looking thru it. That's the 65moa w/1moa dot and that's the way to go.

I didn't need mine either but it's very cool!

Good luck. Todd

[kestrou]

Choices are battery style and Night-Vision Compatible.

I went for the AA battery style - longer battery life on an easily obtainable battery style - easy to carry spares - frame is slightly longer, but that shouldn't be a problem.

I went for the NV compatible - no I don't have any NV system (yet!) but the price difference is as little as $20 - once you're throwing down $300, what's another $20 for a feature you might need later (and you can't just add it on later, would have to replace the sight).

kestrou

[T. Harless]

Its a $100 difference and you can get the N battery at Walmart. If you think you want/need the night vision by all means go 550

[Bonk]

I made a point of looking for 123/N batteries at Walmart last night, and the prices floored me - basically $5 a pop for the good ones. I did the math, and between shorter battery life and more expensive batteries the price difference between a N-version and a AA-version gets small after a while.

That said, I don't have one yet, too many other bills in the way. Eventually I'm getting a 512 (non-NV capable, AA-using). My Bushmaster is a personal rifle, and I don't see ever getting a NV scope if the prices stay where they are, and besides I don't have anywhere around here where I can shoot in the dark anyway. YMMV.:)

[glklvr]

You're not going to go through enough batteries for it to make THAT much of a difference.

FWIW, I've had my EOTech for two years now, leave it on while I'm at the range, and also used it at work, and I'm still on the set of batteries that came with it. I think my spare package of batteries will hit their "best if used by..." date before I install them.

[k9dpd]

I change my batteries every 6 months just like my smoke detectors weather they need it or not and I have not run out of batteries yet. I keep spares close by, but i dont think I will need them.

[Bonk]

Glklvr, I'm guessing that you have one of the EoTech's that runs on N batteries? Interesting...a friend of mine has a 551, and he says the battery life listed on the tech site is a little high. How much "on" time are you getting for a set of N's?

[Belialson]

Originally posted by Bonk
I made a point of looking for 123/N batteries at Walmart last night, and the prices floored me - basically $5 a pop for the good ones. I did the math, and between shorter battery life and more expensive batteries the price difference between a N-version and a AA-version gets small after a while.

Just a note....

"N" Batteries run about $3 for a pair...
"123" batteries are a whole different bird and run about $5 each at the retail stores

EOTechs are NOT currently usuing "123" like all the cool lights out there...

Ok Maybe two....

The Revision F that are out now "N" battery models run 350 hours on a medium light setting. The Revision E were 125 IIRC....

[glklvr]

Originally posted by Bonk
Glklvr, I'm guessing that you have one of the EoTech's that runs on N batteries? Interesting...a friend of mine has a 551, and he says the battery life listed on the tech site is a little high. How much "on" time are you getting for a set of N's?

As I said, I actually don't know! ;f I'm still on my first set. I have probably about 500? hours on the set that came with the sight (based on estimated 5 hours of use each week for almost 2 years).

To me it simply doesn't justify the extra expense for the AA model- unless your in Iraq or A-stan, where it will be on everyday for like 12-18 hours. Plus I didn't like the longer housing. ;f

[Bonk]

Cool, thanks for the input everyone.:) Decisions, decisions....

[T. Harless]

Unless you're going into harms way, the battery is a non issue to me. You're willing to drop $300 on something you don't need (Relax, I have one and I don't need it either) So what if you need to spend $5 in 6 months? So what in 2 months? You can get them at WalMart when you're picking up you 40 rd bulk WWB for 7 bucks. Twice a year you buy one less box, or one less six pack or one less whopper meal. Buy the "N' model, an inch shorter. leaving room on your rail for the 3.75 EOTech magnification unit in December (according to Grant). Which we'll (I'll) own and not need. Put the red dot on something and shoot the damn thing. It's really cool.

Todd

[Belialson]

Personally I like the shorter "N" battery models. I used to ship lots of the NV models just because of the rubber buttons, but now even the Non NV models have the rubber buttons so that is a plus also. After several group buys for local PD's I sell more "N" models than "AA" hands down....

Cheers

[DreamWeaver88]

I went for the AA battery 552 model. If we end up like in the movie Red Dawn (hey, you never know), you might not be able to find a set of oddball batteries. AA batteries will always be plentiful.

DW

[Jeff S.]

I've been reading these Eotech (WHICH ONE TO BUY) threads for a while now and I didn't get why people were having problems. Tonight I seriously considered which one to buy and now I understand: so many considerations!

Let me get this straight: The "N" type of battery is NOT the same as 123 surefire batteries, correct? It would be kickass to have a EOtech and flashlight that use the same battery, but I guess that is not the case.

Is either battery going to be more reliable/durable?

Oh yes, and with the AA battery, would regular or lithium be better?

[drofnas]

the N batteries look like a chopped AAA. Do normal stores (like WalMart) even carry them? I went to Radio Shack for those batteries for my electronic ears. I just figured they were wierd and no one else would have them.

[T. Harless]

Yes, the 123 and N type battery are totally different. The N is like a sawed off AA. You can get them at Walmart. I have the N version it's smaller than the AA version. I have a Tango Down vertival foregrip with a waterproof compartment that I can store a couple batteries in. I have no problem with the N battery. Todd

[T. Harless]

drofnas you just beat me to it. You can get them at Walmart. Back by the photo dept. Todd

[Shady]

FYI - The best place to get the 123 batteries is directly from surefire... package of 12 for $15, last time I checked.

[Yojimbo]

Seriously, do yourself a favor and get the AA version. The 5x longer battery life, better cold weather performace and availability AA batteries far outweigh the 1" savings in rail space.

I don't know about you but I don't own anything that uses a N battery but I've got quite a few things that use Lithium AA's. So I also like the AA because it simplifies my battery needs.

The US military has selected the EOTech AA model over the n models for these very reasons.

There's almost no difference in price between the N and AA models so you might as well get the most performance for your money!

Just my two cents...;)

[Belialson]

Originally posted by Yojimbo
Seriously, do yourself a favor and get the AA version. The 5x longer battery life, better cold weather performace and availability AA batteries far outweigh the 1" savings in rail space.

I don't know about you but I don't own anything that uses a N battery but I've got quite a few things that use Lithium AA's. So I also like the AA because it simplifies my battery needs.

There's almost no difference in price between the N and AA models so you might as well get the most performance for your money!

Just my two cents...;)

Battery life is 3X roughly longer for the AA vs the N battery actually on the Revision F models. N-200 hours while the AA-630 both alkaline and both on a 12 setting per EOTech. That would be comparing apples to apples, but with the lithium AA you can get closer to your 5X as stated and either way AA's are easy to get. I just like the compactness of the N models. Batteries are everywhere I have looked for them here in the NW. They are used in some kind of medial equiptment from my understanding, so you can find them in with the hearing aid batteries alot of the time. The sights are $45 distributor price difference, so I am not sure where you found them for the same price unless N battery was on the high end of the range you can find them while the AA was on the low range.

Either way they are both great sights and size would be my only desicion, not battery life since they last me over a year and I shoot lots of rounds...

[Yojimbo]

Yes, I'm talking about the battery life on a Ref F using AA lithiums. In fact there's been testing where the AA lithiums have been getting close 1500 hours.

With some shopping you can find some very good deals and I've seen them sold at very comparable prices.

Also the cold weather performance on the N's have been found lacking as soon as it get's close to freezing they start dying fast while the lithiums seem unaffected.

If you look at your AR as a SHTF/fighting gun then get the AA model.

Again get what you like but understand what your giving up by not getting the AA model.;)

[Martindog]

Originally posted by Belialson
Personally I like the shorter "N" battery models. I used to ship lots of the NV models just because of the rubber buttons, but now even the Non NV models have the rubber buttons so that is a plus also. After several group buys for local PD's I sell more "N" models than "AA" hands down....

Cheers

Does the 510 series have raised rubber buttons/faceplate? G&R Tactical claims that on the latest generation rev F models, the 550 series (mil/NV capable) have raised buttons, but the 510 series doesn't. I'm assuming this would allow easier manipulation of the buttons in the dark or with gloves on.

Originally posted by the other guy whose name I forget and I'm too lazy to look it up (sorry)
Buy the "N' model, an inch shorter. leaving room on your rail for the 3.75 EOTech magnification unit in December (according to Grant).

With standard handguards or most FF rails, there's no problem with mounting the AA models forward on the rail and having the battery compartment hang over the guards. The attachment point is limited to the area under the optic, not the battery compartment. I've seen several folks with their units mounted this way. None have complained of any problems and nobody seems to think this setup is any less rugged.

Also, if you go with the LaRue mount, rail space isn't an issue at all except to accomodate a BUIS -- the LaRue mount has dedicated rails for the EOTech on the forward portion of the mount, and the rear of the mount will accomodate either a NV device or the "to be released" 3.75X tele-extender.

[RMTactical]

My brother is gonna sell his because he got the nicer one. PM me if you are interested, I don't know what he is selling it for yet but it is in good condition.

[Belialson]

511 and 512 which are the "510" series newest revision "F" do have the raised rubber buttons on them...Before you had to buy the 551 or 552 to get the raised buttons...