The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve relied on various sighting systems, from iron sights to magnified optics, but I always felt something was missing – speed and versatility in close to medium-range engagements. That’s why I was so eager to get my hands on the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification, hoping it would bridge that gap. This optic, manufactured by Eotech, promised a lightweight, fast-target acquisition solution with its holographic display, and I was ready to see if it lived up to the hype.
I was looking for a sight that would allow me to quickly acquire targets in dynamic shooting scenarios without sacrificing accuracy. My primary concern was finding an optic that could handle the recoil of my AR-15 while maintaining zero and providing a clear sight picture in varying lighting conditions.
Unboxing the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification was a pleasant experience. The unit felt incredibly solid and well-built right out of the box, and its compact size was immediately noticeable.
I considered the Aimpoint PRO and Trijicon MRO, but ultimately chose the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification for its unique holographic reticle and reputation for exceptional speed. The Aimpoint PRO is known for its long battery life, and the Trijicon MRO for its ruggedness, but I prioritized quick target acquisition and a wide field of view.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of skepticism; I was eager to test its speed claims, but also wary of its shorter battery life compared to some competitors. The build quality and clarity of the reticle immediately impressed me, though.
Real-World Testing: Putting Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification was at an outdoor shooting range on a partly cloudy day. I tested it on my AR-15 at distances ranging from 25 to 100 yards, focusing on speed drills and target transitions.
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification performed admirably in the varying light conditions, and the reticle remained crisp and clear. Target acquisition was noticeably faster compared to my previous red dot sight.
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification was incredibly intuitive to use, requiring minimal adjustments. The large viewing window and unlimited eye relief made it easy to stay target-focused while maintaining situational awareness.
The only minor issue I encountered was the reticle appearing slightly fuzzy with my astigmatism, a common issue with holographic sights. This was easily corrected by wearing my prescription shooting glasses.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification has proven to be remarkably reliable. It has held zero consistently despite being subjected to hundreds of rounds and various weather conditions.
The anodized aluminum housing has shown minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being bumped and jostled during drills and training sessions. The water-resistant design has also held up well in light rain.
Cleaning the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is straightforward, requiring only a lens cloth and occasional cleaning of the battery compartment. The controls remain crisp and responsive.
Compared to other red dot sights I’ve used, the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification excels in speed and field of view, though its battery life is a definite trade-off. Its overall performance and reliability have exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
Specifications
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification boasts the following key specifications:
- Battery: CR123A. The CR123A battery provides power to the holographic display.
- Eye Relief: Unlimited. This allows for flexible head positioning, improving target acquisition speed.
- Field of View: 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief. A wide field of view enhances situational awareness and target tracking.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a tactical aesthetic.
- Length: 3.80″. Its compact length allows for ample rail space.
- Objective Diameter: 11-30mm. This contributes to a bright and clear sight picture.
- Magnification: Fixed Magnification. It has 1x Fixed Magnification for rapid target acquisition in close to medium-range engagements.
- Reticle: 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots. The reticle provides a versatile aiming solution for both speed and precision.
- Weight: 9.0 oz (255 g). Its lightweight design minimizes added weight to the firearm.
- Water Resistance: Submersible to 10 ft. (3 m). This ensures reliable operation in wet conditions.
- Mount: Compatible with 1 Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail. Provides versatile mounting options for a wide range of firearms.
These specifications contribute to the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification‘s performance by providing a balance of speed, accuracy, and durability. The unlimited eye relief and wide field of view contribute to faster target acquisition, while the rugged construction ensures reliability in demanding environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification excels at rapid target acquisition and maintaining situational awareness. The holographic reticle is easy to see in various lighting conditions, and the unlimited eye relief allows for flexible head positioning.
The 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dots offers a versatile aiming solution, allowing for both close-quarters speed and precise shots at longer distances. The brightness settings are easily adjustable.
A strength of the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is its speed, while a weakness is its shorter battery life compared to some red dot sights. The reticle distortion experienced by individuals with astigmatism is also a minor drawback, though correctable.
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification largely meets expectations, offering the quick target acquisition it advertises. The 600-hour battery life, while shorter than some competitors, is manageable with proper planning.
Design & Ergonomics
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is constructed from high-quality anodized aluminum, resulting in a durable and lightweight optic. The controls are easily accessible and provide tactile feedback.
The optic is user-friendly, with a simple interface and intuitive brightness adjustments. There is a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with holographic sights, mainly concerning reticle clarity and battery management.
Durability & Maintenance
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is designed to last, with a robust housing and water-resistant construction. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and battery compartment. Replacement parts, such as batteries and lens cloths, are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is compatible with a range of accessories, including magnifiers, rail-mounted lasers, and backup iron sights. It is designed to mount directly to Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rails.
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is compatible with most aftermarket magnifiers designed for red dot sights, such as the Eotech G33 or G45. These magnifiers can extend the optic’s effective range for longer-distance engagements.
Pros and Cons of Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
Pros
- Incredibly fast target acquisition thanks to the holographic reticle and unlimited eye relief.
- Wide field of view enhances situational awareness in dynamic environments.
- Durable and rugged construction ensures reliable performance in harsh conditions.
- Versatile 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dots reticle suitable for both close-quarters and medium-range engagements.
- Compact and lightweight design minimizes added weight to the firearm.
Cons
- Shorter battery life (600 hours) compared to some red dot sights.
- Reticle distortion may be experienced by individuals with astigmatism.
Who Should Buy Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification?
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is perfect for law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, and home defense enthusiasts who prioritize speed and situational awareness in close to medium-range engagements. It’s also suitable for hunters who engage targets at shorter distances and need a fast-acquiring optic.
This optic might not be the best choice for long-range precision shooters who require high magnification and extended battery life. Similarly, individuals with severe astigmatism may find the reticle distortion problematic, even with corrective lenses.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality CR123A battery, and a magnifier like the Eotech G33 or G45 can extend its effective range. Also, consider a lens cleaning kit to keep the optic in optimal condition.
Conclusion on Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is a top-tier optic that delivers on its promise of speed and versatility. While its battery life is a trade-off, its exceptional performance in close to medium-range engagements makes it a worthwhile investment.
At $579.00, the price is justified for those who need the quickest target acquisition possible and appreciate the wider field of view offered by a holographic sight. The ruggedness and reliability of the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification further contribute to its value proposition.
I would personally recommend the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification to anyone seeking a high-performance optic for fast-paced shooting scenarios. Consider the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA 2 Dots Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification and experience the speed and precision of holographic technology for yourself.
