I just ordered a 510c in red. My wife’s AR has a shitty old Bushnell T1 attempt because at the time it was the only inexpensive alternate. So I’m trying out the 510 and putting my T1 on hers.
Seems like many have gone back to the EoTech from the T1/2 type. Apparently for the larger field of view. But the 510 seems to be better in almost every way/feature.
How are 510 owners digging them?
Aaron D.
EvoSec
Evolution Security Podcast
Here are some ways the 510 is not better than an EOTech:
510 is an open-emitter prism sight. I wouldn't use an open-emitter optic for a serious use carbine.
EoTech is a holographic optic, and the center dot remains a constant size when a magnifier is used.
EoTech has very low parallax, due to sophisticated and expensive optics. I don't know how much parallax a 510 has, but guessing significantly more.
EoTech is almost certainly more durable, and has a much longer track record of real-world use.
“There is no growth in the comfort zone.”--Jocko Willink
"You can never have too many knives." --Joe Ambercrombie
I bought an aems from scalarworks with their 1.93 mount. It is a very lightweight, has a bigger window than a traditional micro size optic, and the dot is very crisp. I am also really impressed by the glass quality, next to an h1, the AEMS looks better.. I really like the solar feature, I have had a battery die on the range and I didn't even notice, it was a sunny day and the optic never dimmed, crazy stuff (come on aimpoint, lets goooo).
If it proves durable and reliable, I will be recommending them.
Yes, the open emitter is a negative. But one major reason alone toward the holosun is the EoTech's terrible battery life. And then you have to turn it on due to auto shut off. I've never had to do that due to having Holosun's on my pistols and the T1 on main rifle for 8 years. I could see forgetting to turn it on when it mattered. Naturally no optics are infallible. But Holsoun's have proved pretty damn reliable.
If I kicked in doors I'd probably always use a T1/2 and would only run a Surefire WML. But my SBR's role is a home defense firearm. If I don't have any issues with some decent range time with the 510 I'm sure it'll fit its mission along with my Inforce WML.
Aaron D.
EvoSec
Evolution Security Podcast
I have a 510 on my Scorpion SBR. It's a fun gun not meant for serious use and the optic has seen limited use so far, but I like it. It has a good field of view and good glass IMO. I added the factory spacer to raise it up to lower 1/3 cowitness height, which was an improvement. I also have an AEMS on a Reptilia mount on a 16" AR and a HE515CT-RD in a Geissele mount on an 11.5" AR SBR. I like all of them, but I would have to say the AEMS is my favorite, and I suspect that it and the HE515CT-RD are probably the most durable, although I have no proof to back this up.
Steve
Disclaimer: I am employed by Shadow Systems. My posts on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
I agree with all of this, and wouldn't want anything other than the EOTech on my work rifle.
However, the work gun doesn't need to be always on, ready for use at a moments notice. So the short battery life isn't a problem, and its very unlikely the autopsy it off will be a problem.
Different story for the home defense gun, that has to be always on, and ready to go. On that, I currently use a SIG XDR, which also has the circle/dot reticle. However, I am considering switching to the 510 or 512, to get the larger field of view, the long battery life, and the circle/dot reticle. Those three options XDR, 510, & 512, aren't quite as good as the EOTech in many ways, but for being always on, ready at a moments notice, with the circle/dot reticle they are a better choice, IMO.
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"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8
I know I'm late to the party, but here is my take on this.
The advantage of the 65MOA circle, is it roughly accounts for mechanical offset at short range. EOTech uses a 68MOA circle, because for absolute co-witness, with standard AR front sights, that exactly accounts for the mechanical offset, at 7 yards. 65MOA is close enough though.
So, for speed and accuracy, at short range, rather than adding cognitive load, by thinking about how far to shift the dot (especially in unusual shooting positions), you merely snap to the bottom hash mark on the circle, and make the shot.
Its why I won't use a sight without that type of reticle, for the role you describe: speed and accuracy, at 100 yards and closer. Hell, for most 5.56 rounds, if you zero for 50/200, the bullet is within 2" of the dot all the way out 225yds, and you can use the bottom of the circle inside 15 yds. Makes the rifle very versatile.
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"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me." - Isaiah 6:8