In deciding what type of optic I'm going to use I've been a bit torn. I want an Eotech but simply can't afford $400+ for one. I've heard that the Bushnell Holosight is made with the same internals as an Eotech. Anyone have any experience with these?

If you buy a quality optic the first time you will avoid the cost of buying low priced optics and finding out why they are so cheap. In the world of firearms, bargains are usually junk to be avoided. I saved for months in order to afford an Aimpoint Comp C3 and I am glad I did. YMMV good luck to you.

I can appreciate that Gunfighter 9. I will be working my iron sights while I save up cash for an optic. I'm trying to decide how long I'll be saving lol. Perhaps what I heard about bushnell isn't correct then?

I have two ARs wearing a Primary Arms MicroDot (including my M&P-15), and it's a lightweight (4 ounces), tough little sight. Only $109 with the optional QD riser mount, and $128 with the optional killflash.

If it's primarily a range gun, go ahead and spend the smaller amount and save up for the aimpoint/eotech (that is, if you decide you really need that kind of optic).

Civilians rarely require a better-than-combat-quality optic. I picked the PA Micro after seeing it used and abused on YouTube, repeatedly being tossed 20 feet onto an asphalt surface. The glass remained clear, the dot continued to work, and it held zero. For $89, you simply can't beat it.

And yeah, I'd like to have an aimpoint, eotech, or acog, but seriously. $400+ dollars for an unmagnified optic?

There are many aspects of a quality red dot that you will simply not get with cheap knock offs. First, is battery life. My aimpoint boasts a battery life of about 50,000 hours. You're not going to get that with a knock off. Why is something like that important? Let me explain. If you need the rifle in a hurry, i.e. responding to a home invasion, you will likely not have time to turn the sight on. You need to be able to pick the weapon up and go to work. With my aimpoint I can leave it running all the time and not worry. You won't be able to do that with a knock off. So as you can see civilians who are serious about being prepared do indeed have need of military grade optics.

As for the $400 price I pose this question. How much is your life worth? Mine is worth more than $89. Ultimately the decision is yours but your better off with iron sights than depending on a cheap knock off made god knows where. Good luck to you.

I agree with gunfighter - you get what you pay for if you are lucky... a holosight is not a bad sight and may serve you well but don't think an etch is a holosight in a different box. Good optics cost money. If you use your gun much then you will appreciate your investment. If it sits in a closet and a situation arises that requires a "need", then good optics are priceless.

"In deciding what type of optic I'm going to use I've been a bit torn. I want an Eotech but simply can't afford $400+ for one. I've heard that the Bushnell Holosight is made with the same internals as an Eotech. Anyone have any experience with these?"



I own both the EoTech 512 and the Bushnell Holosight. Last Friday, I attempted to sight in a bullpup rifle with the Bushnell and after many frustrating shots, I couldn't get to it print on paper at 25 yards. I had a Trijicon ACOG Compact with me and made the change to it, and it was dead center after 6 shots.

I have the EoTech 512 on a Colt AR-15; it took 4 shots to have it shooting dead center.

My shooting partner thought that he saw the circle/dot, on the Bushnell, move after each shot. I didn't notice it. The Bushnell is now in my "odds and ends" box to try another day. It could be a problem with just the unit that I own. Anybody else experience the problem?

I not sure, but I think that Bushnell has discontinued the Holo Sight.

Hope this is helpful info.

It took just a few shots (more than three, fewer than ten) to zero my Primary Arms MicroDot ("made in china") on my 16-inch carbine. I then moved the scope to the same rail slot on my 16-inch midlength, and it was still zeroed. Moved it back to my carbine, and it was still zeroed. The RDS in question has seen more than 1000 rounds through the pipe on these two rifles, and has never once failed. I'd say that's pretty dependable.

Sure I wouldn't mind having a Eotech or Aimpoint on my guns, but I dont see a tangible need. I'm not going to be spending a year in a combat zone, and I am just as comfortable using iron sights as a RDS, so if it does fail when/if SHTF, I would have no problem discarding it and changing to irons.

I think I'm going to keep the cheap acog knock off I have and save up the scratch to buy an eotech. Thanks for all the input fellas!

Jay - I understand your situation. We've had our 15-22 for almost a year now, and have had a "cheap" ($120 at local gun shop) Osprey Holo sight for that. For the 15-22 the Osprey is great, 4 different rectals, RED or GREEN, my son just loves it. It was our first experience with a Red Dot or Holo and we are very happy with it.

Then I got the M&P15OR. I went to the same local dealer who I trust and asked him about using the Osprey Holo on a 5.56, would it hold up long term. He said he had several customers that did just that, and he had no reported issues. He also had the EOTech XPS2 that I "lusted" for. I'd wanted a AR15 with EOTech for years, so against his advice I got the EOTech from him. The boys aren't that impressed as it is only RED and only the single rectal. I like it because, well I like it.

The XPS2-0 turns it self off after 4 or 8 hours (depending on which button you turn it on with), so it would NOT be always ON as the above mentioned Aimpoint. I don't consider that an issue, but I have a Sig P226 9mm that is my primary home defense weapon.

If used as a battle or defense weapon, I consider BUS required. The battery will die in everything at some point. Some of these give good advanced warning of "end of battery life approaching", but I wouldn't ever bet my life on a battery if I don't have to.

I think the Holo sights make the ultimate close quarters combat sight. Both eyes open is a huge advantage in that environment.

If target shooting is the main use, then well it is >$400 for an unmagnified optic. For such a short barrel (to me who has mainly owned hunting rifles for the past 40 years) I am pleased/surprised by my AR15's accuracy. And am finding I like shooting it >100 yards. At that distance, with my poor eyes, I need magnification. I intend to get a magnifier next year for "long range" days. If I was to get the EOTech one (which I have not decided yet) I'd have about $1000 in optics. We are passed some really, really nice scopes by that point (to me we were at $400). But the joy of assaulting those nasty beer cans at 40 yards with both eyes open is worth a lot to me.

Ah, and I forgot to add, that I have also read elsewhere that the Busnell has same internals as EOTech (I have no idea if this is true, just passing along misinformation maybe).


From Sig Forum:
Got up to $500 to spend of a Holosight.... - Topic Powered by Social Strata
Bushnell manufactures the Eotech Holosight and white labels the sight under the Eotech name. The Bushnell Holosight is made in the same way for the consumer market. The Eotech is a little more "armored", but they are essentially the same sight, I bought a Bushnell for my 556 about 6 months ago at Gander Mountain for roughly $250. . . the comparable Eotech branded model is going for $415 at Optics Planet. You may want to consider the Bushnell if you can find one and if you are not going to subject it to extreme shock and abuse. Then you can buy more ammunition with the money you have left!!


FWIW - just a post I saw a while back, can't believe I actually found it! Hope it's ok to post that here, I get rules confused between forums.

I have had a Bushnell holosight on an AR15 for years. It always works fine and stays in adjustment. Mine is the older model that uses CR123 batteries.

Just saw this post.I bought a first generation Holosight I believe in 1996 and mounted it on my 629 Classic.Took 3 clicks of elevation adjustment to zero and no windage at all.Haven't touched adjustment since.It is all good from 25 yds to 150 off sand bags at 16x24 gong at 150 yds.It has taken a couple of spills with me coming up caked with leaves and mud with no apparent harm and still holding zero.Battery life has always been good.Have actually gotten 2 full days with sight continuously on.Always carry spare batteries and check battery level often.It has been money well spent for me.

Hi,

I've got a 1st generation Bushnell Holosight on my primary hunting firearm . . . my S&W Model 29-5, transferring it to the M29 probably in 1998 or 1999 from my Ruger MkII .22 pistol I used in competition.

It has NEVER, EVER lost its zero and the adjustment clicks are completely repeatable every time. It also has the "standard" one click to 1/4" adjustment ratio as regular scopes.

I put a SECOND generation Bushnell Holosight back on the MkII Target Model, but it is now on my M&P15OR.

Both have been completely durable and reliable in every way. Batteries don't last as long as the Eotech versions, but I always carry extra N batteries for mine.

I'm TOTALLY satisfied with both of 'em and have no immediate plans to replace the second generation Bushnell on the M&P15OR anytime soon.

As far as my 1st gen on the M29, I doubt I'll ever replace it. I LOVE that Bushnell Holosight!!! I've taken lots of deer with the rig, including multiple deer on two occasions (3 each time)!!!

It is also great for taking bets from friends that I can hit gallon milk jugs at 200 yards with the unmagnified sight. Heck, the Holo gives me an ALWAYS sub 2" group @ 50 yards . . . which is 8" at 200. Just learn what a 34" high hold looks like over a milk jug and you can launch them with boring regularity!

A GREAT sight indeed!



It is rock solid and reliable (going on nearly 15 years . . . and I shoot a very stout 300 gn. 44 Magnum hunting bullet too!!!


The newer Holosight (while still on the Mk II) . . . deadly on opossum, rabbits and squirrels at 50 yards!


My "Halloween Piebald" whitetail buck, taken a few years ago with the M29

A buck from last year with the rig . . .

Is there a Bushnell version of the XPS2 yet?

I don't know if Bushnell is still making the holosights. I didn't see it on their website.

I don't remember where I read it (some other forum somewhere) but someone said that EoTech cancelled the licensing so Bushnell can't make any more. As I remember what the poster claimed, Eotech wants the lower end holosight gone so people have to buy their higher priced product.

Not saying that's true, just what I read.

Eotech is owned by L3 Communications not Bushnell. They no longer list the Holoscope in their new catalog either. I still see one or 2 in the Bushnell Factory Outlet store from time to time but I suspect those are returns that have been rehabbed. I have one on my 12 ga. combo slug/turkey gun. 5 seasons and over 500 rounds of practice /hunting haven't hurt it. My only complaint is the short battery life but that is just remembering to turn the switch on and off and is similar to all the lower end Red Dots.

For everyone that is playing out the home defense break in killer criminal scenario to justify the NEED for expensive optics; how big is your house? I ask because if you're really going to use an ar15 in a defense situation, you're probably going to be shooting the guy at a distance of 10yards or less. Is a holosight even necessary? That's like missing the broad side of a barn at that distance.

Hold on and you can get an Eo for a good deal on sale for your price point. I did on the AA battery model.

I can't speak for anyone else, but the point I was making was that if you intend on using a RDS for defense then make sure you buy one that you can rely upon. You are absolutely correct about hitting targets under ten yards. Iron sights are more than capable of accomplishing that task. However, most people, myself included find a RDS to be quicker and easier to use. It also allows me to shoot with both eyes open and with my non-dominant side. This ability to shoot from either shoulder allows me to adjust for varying cover. Again this is not absolutely necessary, but why would you go into a fight without every advantage possible?

If you decide to save up, let me know. I have an EOTech XPS2 I'm thinking of selling.

Steve

I've decided to save up Steve. Simply because I can't find one for a decent price. I've seen a couple on ebay but they all end up going for $300 bucks. For that I'd rather just spend a little more and get the EoTech!

Be EXTREMELY careful with ebay. They are full of people selling knock offs as real and for very near full price. I was looking at Insight laser/light combos on there and almost every single one listed was a knock off being markteted as authentic. I reported it to ebay but nothing happened. Personally I stay the hell away from ebay now. YMMV.

I've got an Eotech 512 on my MnP15 MOE 5.56. It has made a good shot out of an average shot.

My son and I use them on our ARs, and shoot empty 12GA shells @ 30yds. Resting on a bench I can keep all rounds within in a quarter @ 40yds. Whatever I can easily see @ 100yds gets hit too. That's as much as I expect from an unmagnified sight.

The Bushnell was/is an Eotech without the armour, and only waterproof, not submersible.

I'd say the Eotech is worth it.

The Magpul grip also holds 2 AA batteries for backups.

Yea, just send me an email or PM. It's time for an ACOG for me. I love the XPS series though. The old EOTechs were great, but the XPS line fixed a lot of the battery issues, while increasing battery life a whole lot - all in a smaller package. I know I shouldn't sell it because I'll just end up buying another!

Anyways, its basically brand new, with box, papers, etc. I believe its like 4 months old - maybe 100-200 rounds through it. In other words... brand new.

Maybe I'll even throw in a kydex P-Mag carrier!

Steve

How much you willin to sell for? PM me.