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EOTech XPS3-2 HWS is definitely one of the best Holographic Weapon Sights available on the market in 2020. The biggest strengths of this optic are its clear glass, open window and its reticle’s ability for fast sight acquisition.
The manufacturer has designed it with a compact and lightweight profile. What makes it special is the electronic heads-up target reticle having a two-dot reticle pattern. It includes a 68 MOA ring with two 1 MOA dots.
EOTech XPS3-2 Sight is engineered and manufactured to meet strict military standards, ensuring that these optics will be durable enough to be utilized by any type of shooter. It comes at a price of around US$600, which is almost half the price of the top of the league. The bomb-proof build, the compact/lightweight profile, and the accompanying features come at a price much less than many of its peers (such as Aimpoint Micro T2 and Aimpoint CompM5) make the XPS3-2 one of the best holographic sights in the market currently and also a value for money.
The EOTech XPS3-2 works best when you mount it on a stable Picatinny rail. That’s why it is most suited for an AR-15 having a flat top receiver or a flat top M4 carbine. Its reticle is designed for 5.56/223. As it is a compact optical device, it takes very little rail space. The compact design of the XPS3-2 allows you the rail space to mount a variety of magnifiers directly behind the EOTech. You can mount an optional EOTech 3x Magnifier (G33 or G45 being excellent choices) with a switch-to-side mount. By using the magnifier along with EOTech XPS3-2, you can easily get the long-distance accuracy beyond the 50-yard line.
If you are looking for a good quality holographic sight, the EOTech XPS3-2 is the perfect device for you. It is a premium quality sight with a rock-solid build including exceptional features at around $600, at least a hundred bucks more affordable than many other reflex sights such as Aimpoint Micro T2 and Aimpoint CompM5.
EOTech XPS3-2 Reticle Explained
While most EOTech sights come with a reticle design having a big circle and a single 1 MOA dot, the XPS3-2 is equipped with a single circle with two 1 MOA dots. You can easily distinguish the two-dot reticle pattern with or without magnification. This two-dot reticle pattern provides you with an additional long-range, aiming dot.
Usefulness of the Two Reticle Dot Pattern
Now, let’s check the usefulness of the two 1 MOA dots on the EOTech XPS3-2 HWS sight. While the center dot has the same function as any other red dot sight, the second lower dot helps you when you really want to reach out.
An example will help you understand better. Suppose, you are using standard military 50 Yard zero on your AR rifle.
- In that case, the 1 MOA sized little center dot will be dead on at 50 yards and 200 yards.
- The second dot (also 1 MOA size) will help you reach out to 500 yards.
- The impact will be either at the bottom of the 68 MOA ring (at 6 o’clock hash) at 7 yards or even closer than that.
In the above image, the aim points are given as per the following load: .223 cal. 62 gr. 2,900 vel.
During rapid target acquisition on the field, these two dots look like a short line, which makes it much faster than that of a 1 MOA center red dot only. That’s why more and more shooters are preferring this two-dot reticle pattern over the standard single dot one. You’ll find that at 25 yards, you’re around 1.5” below the point of aim (POA).
With the two-dot reticle design, head shots have become easy up close. You simply have to place the center dot on the forehead of the target and then make headshots in the center of the face.
This unique reticle pattern of EOTECH XPS3-2 helps you in fast target acquisition as well as accuracy at all ranges. Therefore, you can always pick up and lock on a target quickly.
Two Dot Reticle Design Solves Many Fire Control Issues for a Wide Array of Weapon Platforms
The chart below provides you with the fire control issues with the help of this two-dot reticle pattern on different loads:
| Load | Center Dot (First Zero) | Center Dot (*Second Zero) | Second Dot (Zero) | Bottom of Circle (at 6 o’clock hash) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .223 CAL. 62 GR., 2,900 VEL. | 50 Yards | 200 Yards | 500 Yards | 7 Yards |
| .44 MAG. 240 GR., 1,300 VEL. | 25 Yards | 50 Yards | 165 Yards | 165 Yards |
| 12 GAUGE. 385 GR., 1,850 VEL. | 25 Yards | 100 Yards | 250 Yards | 250 Yards |
| .50 CAL. BLACK POWDER 350 GR., 1,850 | 25 Yards | 100 Yards | 250 Yards | 250 Yards |
The Eotech XPS3-2 is an optic that makes it very easy to use while shooting with both eyes open. This can be attributed to the clear glass and easily distinguished reticle. With a bit of range practice, you’ll be comfortable with the concept. The two-dot reticle pattern will blend with your vision and will eventually become easier for fast target acquisition during combat and range use.
Battery Life: Is it Good Enough?
EOTech XPS3-2 provides you around 1,000 hours per battery. The engineers of EOTech have incorporated a programmable feature that shuts off either 4 hours or 8 hours of operation from the last adjustment time. The reticle will start flashing and indicate that it needs more juice once there is a low battery. If you are on a long mission and will be out of touch with the civilized world, you can keep an extra CR123 battery in your bag.
Is EOTech Durable?
One of the major reasons why more and more serious shooters use EOTech HWS devices is because they are virtually bombproof. The best part is that even if the glass gets shattered or gets covered with debris, you’ll never lose sight of the target or field of view. This is mainly because the hologram and the reticle image is recorded in every particle of the glass. The operator can engage with confidence by utilizing a reliable and durable EOTech XPS3-2 holographic sight on their firearm.
Zeroing EOTech XPS3-2
The XPS3-2 sight comes with the pre-labeled dials ‘Down’ and ‘Right’. You simply have to make your clicks to zero the unit easily. It will be easier for you to zero if it is possible for you to use this EOTech device with the iron sights. Zeroing and fine-tuning becomes easier.
Pros & Cons
- Optical Performance: The best thing about theEOTech Holographic Sight XPS3-2 is its high-end optical performance.
- Reticle Brightness Levels: You’ll get one of the widest arrays of reticle brightness levels including 20 daylight settings and 10 night-vision compatible brightness (Gen I through III+) settings.
- Compact & Lightweight: XPS3-2 is one of the most lightweight holographic weapon sights available in the market currently. As the device comes with a compact design, it takes up very little space on the mounting rail. Therefore, you can easily use additional magnifiers and other attachments with ease.
- Parallax: It is parallax free.
- Clear Open Sight: EOTech XPS-3-2 provides you with clear open sight, providing you with co-witnessed sighting and rapid target acquisition.
- Mounting: You can easily mount or dismount the device on your firearms with the help of a quick-release pull lever.
- Anti-Glare: The manufacturer has incorporated anti-glare properties on the optical surface.
There is no significant negative aspect associated with XPS3-2 holographic weapon sight. This high-end HWS optic comes at a price of around US$600, which is almost half the price of the other leading sights such as Trijicon ACOGs.
You may also check out this comparison blog for a better idea of why EOTech XPS3-2 is best for you: “Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II vs EOTech XPS3 Holographic Sight: Which one to Buy?”
Specifications
| Model | EOTech Holographic Sight XPS3-2 |
|---|---|
| MPN | XPS3-2 |
| Reticle Details | 2 Reticles: 68 MOA Ring & Two 1 MOA Red Dots |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited |
| Max Elevation / Windage Adjustment | #ERROR! |
| Brightness | 30 Illumination Brightness Setting (20 daylight settings and 10 additional settings for Gen I through III+ night vision devices) |
| Water-Resistance | 33 ft. (10 m) depth |
| Power Source | 1 x CR123A battery |
| Battery Life | 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temperature. |
| Dimension (L x W x H) | 3.8” x 2.1” x 2.5” (97 x 53.3 x 64 mm) |
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Mount | 1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail |
| Warranty | EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty: EOTECH guarantees every product to be free from manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of ten (10) years from the manufacturer’s date or customer’s proof of purchase. |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA |
| Price | CLICK HERE |
Bottomline
Overall, EOTech XPS3-2 HWS is the technological answer to fast-acquisition. It comes with bombproof durability and reliability. You can continue using the sight without any issue even after accidentally dropping it on the floor or subjecting it to even harder impacts. With a simple push of the right and left buttons, you can make the reticle brighter or dimmer respectively. The XPS3-2 has a robust look and feel, making it the perfect optical device for military use as well as law enforcement. If you want to go past 50 yards, use an EOTech 3x Magnifier (either G33 or G45) and extend your reach. The two-dot reticle is surely a game-changer for tactical shooters and to get the best out of it you should use a magnifier along with it.
In terms of capability and price point, the XPS3-2 is definitely the right choice for the tactical and advanced shooters who are looking for an optic that allows for fast sight acquisition, clear glass quality, and durability.
FAQs
Both the XPS3 (XPS3-2 and XPS3-0) and XPS2 holographic sights are amazing optical devices for fast target acquisition. In fact, the button locations, battery life, and reticles/adjustments are also similar in both XPS2 and XPS3. However, the major differences between these two are in terms of waterproofing and night vision capabilities. While XPS3 is submersible up to a depth of 33 feet, XPS2 can be underwater up to 10 feet. When it comes to night vision compatibility, XPS3 is far superior to XPS2. While XPS2 is more suitable for daylight shooting, XPS3 can be used both day and night.
EOTECH XPS-3-2 HWS is compatible with a wide array of loads including .223 CAL. 62 GR., 2,900 VEL., .44 MAG. 240 GR., 1,300 VEL., 12 GAUGE. 385 GR., 1,850 VEL., .50 CAL. BLACK POWDER 350 GR., and 1,850. One is also able to use whatever caliber they would like to although the reticle measurements may not line up like they do for the stated calibers.
Yes, you can use XPS3-2 holographic sight with a 3x magnifier. The combo will enable you to shoot at medium-to-long range, especially when you are trying to shoot beyond 50 yards.
