*UPDATE*
Due to the recent legal issues and related recall of some EOTech products, we are unable to continue to recommend them at this time. We remain confident that EOTech is capable of producing a high quality and reliable product, but until we are able to prove it to both our readers and to ourselves by extensively retesting the entire product line, we will not be using the optics or advising others to do so.
Included below is the original review, the majority of which remains unaffected by the issues listed above.
When it comes to fast target acquisition and instinctive aiming, it is hard to beat the EOTech Model 512 Holographic Weapon Sight. It is a heads-up holographic display that offers a reliable, compact, durable, clear, and versatile sighting solution. It is an unmagnified optic, but can be paired with the EOTech model G33 flip-up 3x Magnifier for even greater versatility. The unit is compact (5.4″ x 2″ x 2.5″) and lightweight (10.1 ounces), making it a great choice for many firearms.
The reticle is designed for close quarters shooting, with a 1 MOA dot for precision shoots surrounded by a 65 MOA ring for close and fast needs. In ongoing test firing we find that the large ring is easy to use and instinctive for sighting at close range applications, while the 1 MOA dot was sufficient for medium ranges, but (as would be expected) fell far short of most magnified optics especially, for longer shots. When using the dot for aiming, the illuminated ring can sometimes obscure the sight picture somewhat, but this effect can be reduced by shooting the sight as intended, with both eyes open. When using the holographic sight with both eyes open, the reticle superimposes over the sight picture, creating the heads up style view. Overall, using these holographic sights is extremely easy, requiring less of a need to hold the firearm in an exact position or to line up multiple components of the sight. All you have to do is put the dot over the target and fire. Field of view is 30 yards at 4″ eye relief, but this is less important than with magnified optics.
Construction is durable and the attachment is secure. Installation is as simple as positioning the sight at the desired location on a 1″ Picatinny or Weaver rail and tightening the mounting bolts down. The mounting is solid, and we had no loosening whatsoever during our testing of the two sights that we ordered. The sight comes with two sets of attachment screws, one with a knurled head that can be tightened by hand (though we recommend using more torque for security) or with a flat head screwdriver, and one that uses a hex wrench. It is advertised to be waterproof to 10 feet, though we do not suggest submerging it unless absolutely necessary and we have not as of yet tested it underwater.
The sight runs on 2 AA batteries, and life is quite good with stated life of 600 hours using alkaline types (dependent on brand), and 1000+ hours with lithium batteries. Battery life varies depending on brightness setting used. There are 20 brightness settings to choose from, allowing for use in nearly all lighting conditions. The 512 is not compatible with night vision devices, but another holographic sight from EOTech, the Model 552, does have settings that will work with devices such as the AN/PVS-14.
Available in mat black and in either Mossy Oak or Real Tree camouflage patterns.
The MSRP of $479 is rather high for an unmagnified optic, but the innovation of the sight and the capability that it adds are both impressive. Overall, the EOTech model 512 is one of the most fun and effective optics available for your AR.