Need advice: EOTECH or M-68 (Aimpoint)

G

globemaster3

New member
I am looking for some first-hand experience from those who have used either an EOTECH HWS or the M-68 (Aimpoint Comp M2) on M-4 carbines in combat environments.

I have an opportunity to get qualed for an upcoming tour outside my primary field and was a little shocked when my supply troop gave me an option. I figured the USAF standard of M-68 with BUIS was the only option.

I've shot M-4s with both, but very little, and would appreciate some recommendations/suggestions.

I expect use in a dusty/sandy environment, day and night.

Please, I ask that if you wish to contribute second or third (or more) hand information that you, yourself, did not provide original thought for, don't!
 
I used an m68 CCO while deployed. I liked it since I mostly served in the old Army when everything was iron sights. Though, it seems like the Eotech would provide faster target acquisition. Some in my unit had ACOGs. Most of those guys didn't like them.
 
After a lot of research I bought an EOTech XPS2-0 for my M&P 15. It is very accurate, easy to Zero, and co-witnesses with my flip up iron sights. Mine does not have a magnifier, so any shooting past 200 yards on small targets is somewhat difficult. However, for close in shooting it can't be beat! It's a bit expensive, but I think it was money well spent.
 
EOTech has the advantage of a larger view window
Aimpoint has the advantage of a longer battery life

AA battery model EOTechs have a tendency to discharge the battery, even when off. If you go the EOTech route, get an XPS model.

Aimpoints have a smaller view window, and their body is much clunkier and can take up more of your view space. I use an Aimpoint T-1 Micro now.

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Thanks for the replies. Realize this is a military deal, so my Aimpoint choice is the M-68 (Comp M-2 I think) and I am not sure of the EOTECH model. I will try to look it up Monday.
 
After Christmas dinner my cousin showed me his personally owned EOtech that he bought during his first tour in Iraq (101st airborne). It is a 552 model. I can't recall the reasons why he went with that optic but he kept it with him for another tour in Iraq and one deployment in Afghanistan.

I won't share any third hand stories about the use that EOtech saw as the OP doesn't want to hear them. I will say from first hand experience that I know of an EOtech that spent 3 years in combat and still works as well as the one that sat in my safe the entire time. (it looks a little rougher though)
 
I've used an Aimpoint on my second Iraq tour. Good battery life, robust housing, all in all, a good sight. I have an EOTech on my personal AR, while it hasn't seen the level of stress that the Aimpoint has, I love the reticle and wider field of vision. Hope this helps.
 
I have use both at work as well brother. Depends on what type of fight you think is most likely. If you're planning on entering and clearing buildings or any other engagements under 25m, I think the EOtech is much faster.

I prefer the Aimpoint for anything farther out; I realize the EOtechs have the 1MOA dot in the ring but the Aimpoint allows ME to shoot more accurately at distance.
 
I can't really say that one is better than the other for combat. I like the EO more however. I used both on different tours. I will say that it is nice to only have to change your battery at six months (left on the whole time) as opposed to every month. The M68 is a little more rugged too. I did not see a single one break, saw a few broken EO's. Target acquisition is much faster though.
 
I have an Eotech, but have not used an Aimpoint. The holographic sight made me aware of an astigmatism that I have, but it doesn't slow down my ability to rapidly acquire and fire upon a target at close range. If I were shooting at 200 yards and beyond, I don't think the Eotech would be my choice.
 
Both are good, but I prefer the EOtech. I think target acqusition is faster. Try out both and see which fits you best.
 
Huge thanks to Bud for moving the thread to get some more inputs.

And another huge thanks to you who replied with the good inputs I knew were out there.

Unfortunately administrivia qweep kept me from getting a read on the EOTECH model available through our supply channels. More to follow on that.

So, based on what I understand, what it comes down to is either better field of view with a possible disadvantage in robustness, or longer battery life with less field of view, and possibly more precision in aim point.

I wish I could give more input as to the application, but I flat out don't know. Mostly in the compound, but I will be making excursions via air to other locations. I guess the proverbial door is wide open as to application. Based on my skillset, let's hope its never CQB...

Now landing a 510,000 pound airplane on a 3,500 dirt strip at night on NVGs? I'll do that all night long and twice on Saturday! Airdrop 44 bundles full of ammo, food, and equipment on a FOB? Oh yeah, that gets me excited.:D

Being on the ground is a slight paradigm shift for me!:o
 
The EOTech would actually have a more accurate reticle, since the center dot is 1MOA, whereas the Aimpoint is either 2 or 4MOA, likely the latter.
 
Used both in combat.

I prefer the Eotech, others prefer Aimpoints. My target acquisition is much quicker with the Eotech, and we weren't taking 300 meter shots. Most of our time was in palm groves.

I never had a problem with battery life, since one good thing our supply did was ensure that we had a boatload of batteries.

Both held up well, and I don't recall anyone breaking either. Made jumps with both of them (training only, no mustard stain for me) with both. No issues.

The bottom line is that I would try to use both, and go with whatever you prefer. I don't think either is better than the other, but they do have their differences. Try them out and see what you like.
 
Now landing a 510,000 pound airplane on a 3,500 dirt strip at night on NVGs? I'll do that all night long and twice on Saturday! Airdrop 44 bundles full of ammo, food, and equipment on a FOB? Oh yeah, that gets me excited.
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I guess if you get mugged you can always drop a few pallets of MRE's on his head.

If you are out there as a TAC Air Party, focus more on your job and less on fighting bad guys. Everyone, including you will be much happier.
 
Best advice I can give is to try get your hands on both, preferably next time you're at the range and put some rounds downrange. Failing that, maybe some friends can take you a civilian range and can help if they have the civilian equivalent of the sights.
 
I was issued one with an Aimpoint M68 for my last trip. It was the M2 variant. Went through qual, CST and the whole trip and loved it. When you are used to iron sights, it was almost like cheating. BTW, you can leave the front cover on and still use the red dot to engage.
 
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