These days, finding a good sight for your hunting rifle can be tricky. There are so many competing sights on the market, all boasting perfect accuracy and excellent tracking, that it can be hard to know which is really worth your time and money.
In this Eotech 512 review, we’ll go over a sight that’s dependable and lightweight. It’s ideal for aim-assistance during a variety of daytime lighting conditions. In addition to these benefits, the sight is sturdy and relies on common AA batteries for power. Many of its benefits mark it as an excellent accessory for mobile shooters of both novice and professional experience.
Further below, we’ll go over the pros and cons of this particular model and explain where it excels as well as where it falls short. We’ll also go into the details and specifications so you can get a real feel for its dimensions before you decide whether or not to purchase it. Let’s begin.
EOTECH 512
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Amazon.com Features
- EOTECH 512.A65 - Holographic 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 10 year limited warranty
Specifications
The sight has very lightweight, first and foremost, measuring in at about 10.9 ounces. This is enough to fit onto most small firearms without messing with balance or aim, unlike some red dot sights. It’s so small that most people will forget it’s there when they’re not actively sighting down its path.
The rear-facing window has some excellent design, in that it’s made from a glass laminate that’s impervious to shattering. This can save your eyes in a critical moment if the sight ever comes under extreme duress while your face is close by.
The lenses are also totally sealed to prevent fogging and to allow the sight to work even when submerged entirely underwater. All of this packaged in such a light frame is quite the feat.
The sight uses two AA batteries for power, so keeping the lights on doesn’t cost much extra and you’ll probably have some lying around anyway. The batteries last for around 600-1000 hours depending on whether or not the ones you placed inside are lithium-ion. This is a bit low for tactical optics but it’s manageable.
There are twenty brightness settings to switch between, allowing you to use it effectively in any daytime light level. However, they’re not great for night vision shooting, which is a shame. The microprocessor included in the sight ensures that battery usage is efficient depending on what brightness setting you’ve put it on. In addition, an auto shut-down function is included to conserve the battery when the sight is not in use.
Quality and Design
Overall, this sight is extremely durable. Its sturdiness is comparable to many pieces used by military personnel and law enforcement officers. While this extends to the glass, as we mentioned above, the casing and chassis surrounding the glass are tough as well.
Installing the sight is easy on any 1-inch weaver, but it’s optimized for use with a Picatinny rail. To install, all you’ve got to do is turn the weaver bolts counterclockwise, then turn them clockwise once the sight is in place. This ease of use means that even novice gun owners can use the sight relatively quickly and gain all the benefits it brings.
The reticle is a standard red holographic design. Your reticle specifications may vary, but the standard A65 model will have a 68 MOA outer circle and 1 MOA inner dot to allow for optimal shot placement. Nearby, a low battery indicator will flash when you’re running low on power.
Accuracy/Use
Right off the bat, installing the batteries is easy since they go in at the front of the sight. Although the battery life isn’t the best compared to many competing sight models, the 600-1000-hour range is still generous and you shouldn’t need to switch batteries often.
When tested, the Eotech 512 works the best when you’re shooting at targets within a 200-yard range. Of course, the closer you get, the better the apparent accuracy. The 1 MOA internal dot is good for estimating shot placement even at the further edge of its effective range.
Once you zero the sight, you’ll find that close-range shooting is particularly accurate and feel snappy when installed on a weapon you’re comfortable with. The brightness settings of the sight should be played with beforehand, so you’ve already chosen the ideal setting for your preference and your light level.
If done correctly, the sight is very easy to see and shines like a beacon. Shooting with both eyes open is ideal since the reticle will be imposed over both eyes’ vision. At close ranges, such as 40-60 yards or so, accuracy is amazing and precise. You should have no trouble placing shots directly within the 1 MOA dot.
At farther ranges, try to place the target at the bottom of the 68 MOA circle, or the outer ring. This is likely to give you the best results. At ranges of around 300-400 yards, you’ll start to see some difficulty with shot placement. A skilled marksman should be able to compensate and place shots within the outer ring of the sight. Wind compensation is a necessity at these kinds of ranges.
Overall, the large outer circle helps with maintaining accuracy while on the move. The sight feels particularly snappy when trying to hit a man-sized target even in motion, so it’s an ideal sight for fast-paced tactical situations or when shooting in a strange or awkward firing position.
When a weapon is fired with the sight installed, the Eotech 512 doesn’t shake or shudder. Installation is secure and firm and there was no glitching or buzzing with the holographic reticle. All of these are good signs that the sight can be relied on in a serious scenario.
Pros
- Durable, military-grade
- 20 different brightness settings for comfort and customization
- Waterproof up to 10 feet underwater
- Feels snappy and responsive, especially while in motion
- Battery replacement is easy and fast
- Shatterproof optics improve safety
- Installing the sight is easy, even for beginners
Cons
- No night vision
- Battery life is low compared to competing sights
Bottom Line
As you’ve seen, the Eotech 512 is a phenomenal daytime sight that provides exceptional benefits in a lightweight, sturdy frame. It’s safe to use and easy to install, even without the assistance of a gunsmith. Both beginners and expert marksman can use the sight to improve their accuracy and the wide number of possible brightness settings make it a great tool for shooting from morning to evening.
While the lack of night vision is unfortunate, it’s not enough to remove our recommendation. Do yourself a favor and pick up an Eotech 512 if you need a new daytime holographic sight. You won’t regret it!
The Review
Eotech 512 Holographic Sight
One of the best HOLO sights ever made. Holds zero well, fast target acquisition, great for short and medium distance shooting. A bit expensive, but you pay for quality!
Review Breakdown
- Accuracy
- Target Acquisition
- Price
Eotech 512 Holographic Sight DEALS
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