Aimpoint ACO, PRO or EOTech 512

jbo89 · May 18, 2016

I've narrowed it down to these three and wanted to get y'alls opinion on what would be best bang for your buck. I love the look of a tube, but have only seem them at stores. I've shot a colt in the past with an EOTech, but I noticed they recently had a recall. I've noticed all three go on sale every one or two quarters so price is pretty similar. I recently bought a Sport 2 and will be using this rifle for fun at the ranch and the occasional pig hunt, so I'm looking for a quality optic that will give good visibility if I go hunting with great reliability. I don't plan on replacing this optic and battery life between 1 or 3 years doesn't really bother me.

Also, if there are any additional quality optics worth mentioning, please list them below. I plan to spend around $300-500.

jagular · May 18, 2016

If you have $500 to spend I'd get the Aimpoint PRO over the ACO. You can google the differences but there is some disadvantages of the ACO and you have to decide if the extra $100 (or so) is worth it. Id also recommend the Trijicon MRO. This comes in around $500. If you go to slickguns and do a search you can often get a base included for that amount. I'd personally lean towards the MRO due to weight. The stock PRO and base are pretty heavy in comparison to other micro red dots. If you change out the base you are easily looking at an additional $150-200. If you have to have a tube style optic consider the pros/cons of the ACO vs PRO.

REM 3200 · May 18, 2016

I first started with a EOTech. It was pixelated and too busy for me.
I replaced it with a Aimpoint PRO (The ACO had not been offered yet.)
I love the PRO and would probably still pick it over the ACO after going over the ACO spec sheet.
The PRO has everything I want in a red dot for up to 200 yards.

WVSig · May 18, 2016

Skip the Eotech they defrauded the Govt Military by selling them gear they knew was defective.

The Trijicon MRO has a blue tint and lens distortion I am not found of. They are priced right but demo before you buy.

Not a big fan of the ACO the price jump to the Pro made me pass it over.

For the sub $500 Reddot it is hard to beat the Pro. You can still find them on sale for under $400. I think I paid $365 delivered. It is heavy but if you are not lugging the rifle around for hours a day for extended time I doubt it will be an issue. 12.7 Oz with battery mount and flip covers. ACO is about 1.5 Ozs less. Battery life is great if you leave it on setting 7 or below, something like 2-3 years. If you leave it at the highest setting it will die in less than 1. If you are going for a super lightweight rifle look for an H1 used which can be had for about $500 give or take. It is not a rugged but will hold up to a fair amount of abuse. The only downside to the H1 is the rubber bikini covers vs flip ups. I always seem to drop the bikini covers.

I have shot my Colt 6920 and BCM 14.5" Keymod with the Pro and its 2 MOA dot is great even at distance 200 yards +. I can ring a steel target all day long if I am doing my part.

blues7 · May 18, 2016

WVSig said:
Skip the Eotech they defrauded the Govt Military by selling them gear they knew was defective.

Well said. Integrity matters. (Or at least it should, imho.)

Culina · May 18, 2016

Aimpoint Pro for the win, it will probably outlast the rifle you mount it on

eugene s. · May 18, 2016

WVSig said:
For the sub $500 Reddot it is hard to beat the Pro. You can still find them on sale for under $400. I think I paid $365 delivered

I was warned off Eotech by an LGS I trust, just too many problems with them right now.
I went with the PRO and have been happy with it. Well built and feels like it'll last. I agree with under $400, if you're patient. Watch Rainier Arms or Optics Planet. On the last Optic I bought at O Planet I was able to get a price match and a little more by talking to them. They're not my preferred vendor though.

blues7 · May 18, 2016

Kurac said:
Aimpoint Pro for the win, it will probably outlast the rifle you mount it on

I'd have to agree with the recommendation of the PRO.

I had ordered one for myself and then decided to bite the bullet and go with the Aimpoint H-2. It had nothing to do with the PRO which pretty much satisfied all my requirements and then some.

The primary reason I opted for the H-2 was because I wanted to maintain the lightweight character of the TS which has a compact 14.5" barrel (and pinned flash hider to make it a legal 16.1") and a 6 lb. weight out of the box. While I felt the PRO would work perfectly well, the H-2 helped me maintain the TS's fighting trim. Buy once, cry once as they say.

I think you'll be very pleased with the PRO.

ChattanoogaPhil · May 18, 2016

Aimpoint... nuff said.

Rastoff · May 18, 2016

Having owned an EOTech, and shot the Aimpoint CompM2, M3 and M4 a bunch, I'd say go with the Aimpoint.

The Patrol Ready Optic (PRO) has had nothing but great reviews. Even so, it is their "compromise" optic. I would counsel you to look for a used Comp M3.

How important is it for you to keep your gun as light as possible? If that's the case, I'd go for the H-2 like blues7. However, if you're really wanting to do some hunting, a 1-4x24 scope might be the ticket.

blues7 · May 18, 2016

Rastoff said:
How important is it for you to keep your gun as light as possible? If that's the case, I'd go for the H-2 like blues7. However, if you're really wanting to do some hunting, a 1-4x24 scope might be the ticket.

Doug, it's okay to call me Elliott. We're among friends.

Rastoff · May 18, 2016

blues7 said:
Doug, it's okay to call me Elliott. We're among friends.

No offense intended Elliot, but if I had used Elliot in my reply how would they have known who I was talking about?

blues7 · May 18, 2016

Rastoff said:
No offense intended Elliot, but if I had used Elliot in my reply how would they have known who I was talking about?

I hadn't given that a moment's thought. You're two steps ahead of me as always, Doug.

snm8510 · May 18, 2016

As already mentioned, Aimpoint PRO..

I originally had the EoTech 512 and had it replaced due to moisture damage, then had the same problem about 3 years later with the replacement.. THANKFULLY EoTech got sued and had their settlement where they gave me a refund.. Immediately got the Aimpoint PRO and absolutely love it. To me, the EoTech was harder for my eye to aquire, I have a bad astigmatism so I just struggled to focus on getting a clear image other than the red being on the target.. The PRO allows me to get much quicker acquisition as it's clean and simple..

+1 for the Aimpoint

Dennis · May 19, 2016

I really liked my eotechs... But the thermal shift that was talked about and proven with mine sealed the deal. Sent em back and got the refund. Put a PRO on my lightweight AR. Didn't think i would like it, but i find it is a very nice setup. Both eyes open. To replace the eotech on my 458 socom, I purchased a leupold VX-R 1.24 -4. I wanted the Pig-Plex reticle but clicked on the standard lit reticle instead. Jack Daniel's induced brain-fart. late at night. LOL.
Anyway... The PRO is a great optic. So is the loopy.
Options.
And purpose.

jeeps · May 19, 2016

Aimpoint the best. Pro good,T1 better,T2 best!!!

ChattanoogaPhil · May 19, 2016

If you decide on Aimpoint, take some time and select the one you REALLY want. Larger tube, smaller and lighter, 2moa or 4moa dot.... get the one you want regardless if it's a $100 or $200 one way or the other. You're already paying a hefty price for Aimpoint and it'll last a lifetime.... choose wisely.

WVSig · May 19, 2016

ChattanoogaPhil said:
If you decide on Aimpoint, take some time and select the one you REALLY want. Larger tube, smaller and lighter, 2moa or 4moa dot.... get the one you want regardless if it's a $100 or $200 one way or the other. You're already paying a hefty price for Aimpoint and it'll last a lifetime.... choose wisely.

I do agree with this but like so many things related to shooting, grips, sights, holsters, triggers etc... it is so hard to "know" which one "fits" you until you have some real time on the equipment. Buying right first is easier said than done.

I find that particularly to be true about sights. They are very subjective and it is hard to tell if you "like" it by looking at one at a shop. You have to put it on your rifle and shoot a fair amount, hundreds of rounds, before you know it is the right one. This is why you see so many sights that are sold LNIB on forums like this.

I owned an Eotech back in the day and it looked great in the shop but after some trigger time i discovered it was not for me. Sold it at a small loss and moved on.

If you know people with the optics you are considering see if you can get some trigger time with them. My guess is that one will stand out over the others once you actually shoot and handle it.

Federalis · May 19, 2016

Add my vote for the Aimpoint PRO... got one for my M4 variation when I retired from the FBI over 3 years ago. Over 2000 rounds through the rifle and sight combo with nary a hitch. Quick sight-in and pert-near "idiot-proof" operation, my 2 cents...

TheMaineEvent · May 19, 2016

Another vote for the Aimpoint Pro. Great optic, SUPERB battery life, all backed up by a standup company.

Aimpoint ACO, PRO or EOTech 512

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