11Nov04

EOTech, revisited

In a conversation earlier this year with friend, Jeff Chudwin, I had the opportunity to use an EOTech sight, mounted on an AR-15. I've expre ssed my concerns in the past about this kind of high-tech sighting system and its ne ed for batteries, its excess bulk, and fragility. I also am concerned with th e fact that rain droplets on the screen make the sight difficult to use, but Jeff indicated that the sighting system was popular among many who go in harm =99s way regularly. In any event, I borrowed a copy from Jeff and installed it on my DSA/FAL. My FAL has a single rail on top, and I mounted the EOTech as f ar forward as I could.

Last weekend, I used the unit in my demonstrations at an Urban Rifle/Shotgu n Course in PA. What I like most of all is the ability to see so much AROUND

the aiming point. I also like the fact that it uses plain-vanilla AA batteries, not exotic hearing-aid batteries that are difficult to find. It is rugged and can sustain rough use and continue to function.

Brightness of the reticule must be adjusted according to ambient light. To o bright in low light, and details in the downrange area are overpowered. To o subdued on a bright day, and one can hardly see it. Adjustment buttons are

convenient, but brightness needs to be self-adjusting. One less thing to mess with in an emergency. The reticule turns itself off after four hours. A good feature, but it needs to automatically turn itself back on when the weapon is moved. Nothing worse than throwing the rifle to one's sh oulder only to realize the reticule is turned off.

This morning, I used the unit to hunt mountain sheep at a hunting preserve in OH. I must say, in a forward mount, the EOTech is easy to use. One doe sn' t get "lost" in it as is common with optics that magnify. I killed a ram with a single shot. Range was 100m, level. When the shot broke, I could s ee the bullet hit and the ram fall, all while I was still in the sight. I did n't become momentarily disoriented as is common with scopes. When I reset the trigger, I was still in the sight.

In any event, some of my concerns about the EOTech have now been laid to rest. It is rugged and reliable. It is fast and eminently useable for ser ious shooting. Improvements mentioned above will be welcome when they make thei r appearance, but I have grown to truly appreciate this technology. I=80 m leaving it on my FAL!

/John