Aimpoint vs. EOTech

I've received this question enough since I started this blog to warrant its own post.
This debate has been around as long as the two optics themselves. You can find varied opinions on the internet. Some of these opinions are based on good data to back up the choice, some are made by the inexperienced, and others are made by obvious sponsored shooters.

First and foremost, I'm not sponsored by either company. I also currently do not have to pay for either one I choose to use. My opinion is based on both operational and instuctional experience of using both red dot sights at one time or another.

I'll start out by saying that in my mind, a modern, complete carbine needs 3 things; a flashlight, some type of attachment system (sling), and a red dot sight mounted correctly (bottom third of sight glass). The red dot being the most important. A few years ago, red dot sights were sketchy in some aspects-battery life, mounting, reticle size. Recently, all these issues have been rectified for the most part.

So... I personally beleive the Aimpoint Micro to be the best red dot sight available today. Here's the reasons;

1. Battery life is something like 5 or 6 years. It will most likely outlast your weapon depending on how much you shoot.

2. Mounting is stupid proof from the factory-putting iron sights in the bottom third of the glass (like they should be)

3. The brightness adjustment knob is easy to use, yet locks into a positive detent so as to not get turned off or really bright accidentily (i.e.-fastroping, brushing up against something)

4. It's as small as you can get an optic, which means -light weight (my favorite gear trait)

From what I hear, the Micro will soon be available in a 2 MOA dot size, as opposed to its current 4 MOA dot. My second choice would be the Aimpoint Comp M4, which can be had already with a 2 MOA dot, and convenient AA battery power.

Why I don't prefer EOTech;

1. Mounting is a pain. Most will forego any riser to correctly place it in front of the irons. What you end up with is a EOTech mounted on top of the receiver with the red dot looking directly at center mass of the front sight post. Some will opt for flip down irons to fix the problem. I personally feel that irons should be up all the time in case of optic failure. If mounted correctly, you'll never see your irons unless you want to. The riser mounts on the market for EOTech's take up a lot of space on the rail, and most have proven to be unreliable.

2. Battery terminals have historically been a major flaw. They would fall out when changing batteries. To the point that the U.S. Army requested that over 100,000 be retro-fitted with new battery compartments.

3. Some models blink when battery life is low, also some will automatically shut off when left on over 8 hours.

The reticle is a matter of preference. I hate it. It's to busy to me. Some like it. It has some good features- the ability to range, and to have a POA for CQB distance.

I think it imperative that anyone who uses their carbine in a duty role (Military, L.E., contractor) think hard about their choice using the info above. Don't use it because some "high speed" unit does it. For all you know they may have had some custom work done to solve any shortcomings.

Also remember that red dots are becoming the GPS of shooting. You have to know how, and be good at using iron sights at all distances. You never know when or with what weapon you might have to use them.