The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification Made a Bold First Impression
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification arrived as a compact solution in the red dot optic world. Marketed as a shorter, lighter, and more streamlined holographic weapon sight, it promised to deliver the Eotech performance I’d come to expect without unnecessary bulk.
I had been searching for a reliable optic for my AR-15 build intended for both close-quarters training and potential home defense scenarios. I needed something that offered rapid target acquisition, durability, and wouldn’t significantly weigh down my rifle, the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification fit the bill perfectly. Alternatives I considered included the Aimpoint PRO and Trijicon MRO.
Upon unboxing, the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification felt solid and well-constructed. The matte black finish was clean, and the controls felt tactile and responsive. Compared to the Aimpoint PRO, it seemed slightly less bulky, fulfilling its promise of a more compact design.
I picked the Eotech over the Aimpoint primarily because of its holographic display, which I find faster for target acquisition, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. The Trijicon MRO, while also compact, didn’t offer the same field of view as the Eotech. My first impression was positive – I was excited to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black 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 initial test involved a day at the local shooting range, focusing on rapid target engagement drills. I mounted the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification on my AR-15 and zeroed it at 50 yards. Even under bright sunlight, the holographic reticle was crisp and clear.
The Eotech performed admirably in various conditions, including transitioning between shaded and brightly lit areas. I even tested it during a light rain shower, where the sight picture remained unaffected, proving its weather resistance. The learning curve was minimal, as the simple up and down brightness buttons were intuitive to use.
A pleasant surprise was how quickly I could acquire targets with the 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot reticle. The large ring allowed me to quickly center on the target, and the precise dot helped with accurate shot placement. No issues arose during the initial testing phase; I was impressed with its performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification continues to perform reliably. I have used it in various training exercises, including low-light scenarios, and it has held zero without issue. The sight shows minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to moderate abuse.
Cleaning is straightforward – I simply wipe down the lens with a lens cloth after each use. Battery life, while not as long as some Aimpoint models, is acceptable, and the single CR123A battery is readily available. Compared to previous red dot sights I’ve used, the Eotech stands out for its superior clarity and ease of target acquisition.
Overall, the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification has proven to be a robust and dependable optic. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
Specifications
- Reticle: 68 MOA Ring with 1 MOA Dot: This provides a fast-acquisition ring for close quarters and a precise dot for longer ranges.
- Battery: CR123A: A readily available and common battery type.
- Eye Relief: Unlimited: This allows for flexible head positioning without losing the sight picture.
- Field of View: 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief: Offers a wide viewing window for enhanced situational awareness.
- Magnification: 1x Fixed: Ensures true unmagnified view for quick target acquisition.
- Length: Compact design, contributing to less weight and rail space usage.
- Brightness Settings: 20 adjustable levels: Provides optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Non-Night Vision Compatible: A key point for users needing NV capabilities.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the sight’s performance. The unlimited eye relief and wide field of view are crucial for dynamic shooting, while the adjustable brightness ensures the reticle is always visible.
Performance & Functionality
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification excels in rapid target acquisition and accurate shot placement. The holographic reticle is intuitive, making it easy to transition between targets quickly. Its primary strengths lie in its clear sight picture and user-friendly design.
One minor weakness is battery life, which is shorter compared to some other red dot sights. However, this is a trade-off for the holographic technology, which offers superior clarity. Overall, the Eotech meets and exceeds expectations for a close-quarters optic.
Design & Ergonomics
The Eotech’s build quality is impressive, featuring durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions. Its compact size and relatively light weight make it comfortable to use, even during extended periods. The simple button layout allows for easy adjustments, even while wearing gloves.
The sight is designed to be user-friendly with no steep learning curve. Mounting is straightforward, and the sight is easy to zero.
Durability & Maintenance
The Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is built to last, with a rugged housing that can withstand significant abuse. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning the lens with a soft cloth.
With proper care, the Eotech should provide years of reliable service. While I haven’t needed to repair mine, parts are generally available if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Eotech comes with basic mounting hardware and a user manual. While there aren’t many specific accessories designed solely for the XPS2, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket mounts, magnifiers, and backup iron sights. It interfaces seamlessly with any standard Picatinny rail system.
The ability to add a magnifier behind the Eotech significantly extends its effective range, making it a versatile optic. Popular accessories include various riser mounts to achieve different co-witness heights with iron sights.
Pros and Cons of Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
Pros
- Fast Target Acquisition: The 68 MOA ring allows for incredibly quick target engagement, especially in close quarters.
- Clear Holographic Reticle: Provides a crisp and unobstructed sight picture, even in varying light conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Minimizes bulk and weight on your firearm, enhancing maneuverability.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use, ensuring reliability.
- Unlimited Eye Relief: Offers flexible head positioning for comfortable and natural shooting.
Cons
- Battery Life: Shorter battery life compared to some other red dot sights on the market.
- Price: The Eotech XPS2 is on the higher end of the price spectrum for non-magnified optics.
Who Should Buy Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black 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 Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts who prioritize rapid target acquisition.
- Tactical shooters who need a reliable optic for close-quarters combat scenarios.
- Hunters who require a fast and accurate sighting system for close to medium range engagements.
Who should skip this product?
- Long-range shooters who need magnification.
- Budget-conscious buyers who are looking for the most affordable option.
- Those who require night vision compatibility.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality CR123A battery.
- A riser mount to achieve the desired co-witness with iron sights.
- A magnifier for extending effective range.
Conclusion on Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black 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 Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification delivers exceptional performance in a compact and durable package. Its superior holographic reticle and ease of use make it a top choice for close-quarters applications. While it comes with a higher price tag and shorter battery life than some competitors, the advantages it offers in terms of speed and clarity are well worth the investment.
The price is justified for those who value rapid target acquisition and a clear, uncluttered sight picture. I would personally recommend the Eotech XPS2 to anyone looking for a high-quality, close-quarters optic. Upgrade your shooting experience and get on target faster with the Eotech HWS XPS2 1x 68 MOA Ring / 1 MOA Dot Black Holographic Sight – CR123A Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 30 yds @ 4″ Eye Relief Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification!