EOTech has been in the shooting game since 1995 and has been putting out great products building quite a name for themselves. There are many optical sights branded by EOTech which have some great features.
Today our concern lies with two buzz-worthy holographic sights- XPS2 and 512 models. Holographic sights are always an attraction to the shooters whether they are passionate hunters or low enforcement members.
Since shooters will always go beyond their levels in search of a better optical sight, we have come up with a comparison between the XPS2 and 512 sights. This way you will know which EOTech holographic sight will work better for your weapon.
But first let’s look at the overall specifications of both the sights and list out what differences we can find between them.
EOTECH 512/ XPS2 – Outlooks
EOTECH vs XPS2/ 512- Specs
| Specs | EOTECH XPS2 | EOTECH 512 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 1X | 1X |
| Objective Lens | 0.85 in | 0.85 in |
| Reticle | 65 MOA ring & 1 MOA dot | 65 MOA ring & 1 MOA dot |
| Illumination Type | Holographic | Holographic |
| Brightness Settings | 20 | 20 |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Field of View | 90 in at 100 yds | 90 in at 100 yds |
| Adjustment Click Value | 0.5 MOA | 0.5 MOA |
| Mount Type | 1” Picatinny/Weaver | 1” Picatinny/Weaver |
| Battery | CR123A | 2x AA |
| W/E Travel | 0.5 MOA | 0.5 MOA |
| Water Resistance Level | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Weight | 9.0 oz | 11.5 oz |
| Dimension | 3.8”x2.1”x2.5” | 5.6”x2.0”x2.5” |
Key Difference Between EOTECH 512 & XPS2
From the specifications of both the sights we can see that the XPS2 is not that different from the 512 holographic sight. They have more similarities than contrasting features. So we are going to make a short list of our findings.
- Both the sights have similar mounting systems but you will need separate tools to mount them on your firearm.
- We will find the same dot size in both the holographic sights. However, the XPS2 sight has more reticle options than the 512 sight.
- They use different battery types and so they offer separate runtime.
- Lastly, the holographic sights are durable and strong but their weight range is different from one another.
Read More: XPS2 or EXPS2
In Depth View
Let’s discuss the points mentioned above and explore the differences so that we can reach the conclusion on the better quality sight.
Mount
Mounting style of every optical sight is important to get an idea about its compatibility. Since both the sights come with the same mount we need to look at the attachment quality of them.
XPS2: The XPS2 sight comes with a 1 inch Picatinny/Weaver rail and MIL 1913 mount. The Picatinny rails also leave enough space for other opticals devices such as magnifiers and iron sights. However, the XPS2 will need additional riser mount in order to create a lower ⅓ co-witness.
512: EOTech 512 holographic sight uses the similar Universal rails to mount on a wide range of handguns and rifles. But unlike the XPS2 sight you will need an Allen wrench to mount this sight on your weapon.
In terms of mounting these sights, they have a similar style and both are easily mountable. However, we would suggest choosing the XPS2 model if you want to be a co-witness with the iron sights of your firearm.
Reticle & Lens Clarity
We will compare reticles and lens quality of the holographic sights to let you know which sight gives a better visibility and target acquisition.
XPS2: With the 1x magnification the XPS2 sight comes with a 65 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot reticle. This reticle gives visibility till 200 yds with clear and crisp image quality. It has 20 brightness settings to adjust with all the light conditions for any time of the day. Unlike the 512 sight it also comes with extra options of two dots reticle and one dot reticle without the ring for you to sight up to 500 yds.
512: On the other hand, the 512 holographic sight comes with the same 65 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot reticle which works great for any long distance targeting. This sight also has the same lens clarity with 20 brightness levels you will find at the XPS2 sight as well.
Although the reticles and lens quality are definitely the same in both sights, we can’t deny the fact that the XPS2 model offers more options for better visibility.
- EOTECH XPS2-2: Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring and (2) 1 MOA dot reticle
- Mount: Compatible with both 1" weaver and MIL-STD 1913 rails
- Adjustable Brightness: The XPS2 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
- Compact Design: Leaves more rail space for rear iron sights or magnifier
- EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty: Comes with 10 year limited warranty
Battery
The XPS and 512 sights by EOTech have many similar features but they use very different batteries which affects their runtime.
XPS2: The EOTech XPS2 sight includes one CR123A lithium battery in the package which gives a moderate 600 hours of runtime for continuous use at the nominal setting 12. The sight definitely lacks in this department as this battery life is very low compared to other optical sights such as AImpoint sights which have a 50,000 hours of battery life.
512: Whereas, the 512 holographic sight comes with two AA lithium/Alkaline batteries with 1000 continuous hours of runtime at the nominal setting 12. This battery type is better than the XPS2 one and is easily accessible.
Though both the models are at a disadvantage with the battery life period, the 512 sights still has a better shelf life than the XPS2 sight.
Durability & Weight
Finally when we look at the housing materials of the sights, they have a high quality aluminum housing and lens cover to protect them from external harms. Both the sights are submersible to 10 feet water so it will stay intact in any harsh environment.
XPS2: With the reticle and strong housing material this sight is strong enough to take the .223 calibration. In addition, the sight weighs around 9 ounces making it lightweight and compact enough to carry around with ease.
512: Having similar construction as the XPS2 sight, the EOTech 512 sight is also made to withstand recoiling from .223 cartridges. However, its AA battery compartment is not as strong as the XPS2 one for recoiling because of its position. Besides, the sight weighs 11.5 ounces which is quite heavier than the XPS2 sight.
Hence, it is very clear that the XPS2 sight has better reliability in handling recoil from strong calibration and is lightweight at the same time.
- EOTECH 512.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68 MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
- Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
- Adjustable Brightness - The 512 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
- Water Resistant - The 512 is water resistant to 10 feet (3m)
- EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with a 10 year limited warranty
EOTECH 512/ XPS2 – Videos
Summary
To conclude the comparison, EOTech has done a great job at launching good quality holographic sights that are compact and durable enough to go a long way. While comparing all the contrasting aspects of both the XPS2 and 512 sights we have noticed that the models hardly have any differences between them other than some exceptions.
They both come with great features to consider. Therefore, we will suggest choosing the XPS2 sight in case you want a lightweight sight with more reticle options and choose the 512 sight, if you want a sight with more battery life.
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