Starting to look at red dot optics, and despite the price I kinda like the Eotech's.  Question is which height is better for the AR platform.  The EXPS are raised 7mm(and have the QD mount), where as the XPS does not.  I figure I'll run Magpul Mbus or Mbus Pro, but they'd be folded 99% of the time, in the event that they were needed flipped up, so I don't know if the 1/3 vs. center co-witness is a huge deal.  Or is it?  Which would you go with and why?  Joe

Aimpoint

Aimpoint

Aimpoint pro on both of my AR15s

 

Fixed front sights

Troy backup

vortex

If you dont want to spend an arm and a leg, the Vortex SPARC is a great red dot.  I have it on my AR.  It comes with 3 different risers, so you can play around until you get the setup you want.  I have mine on an absolute co-witness.

If you dont want to spend an arm and a leg, the Vortex SPARC is a great red dot. I have it on my AR. It comes with 3 different risers, so you can play around until you get the setup you want. I have mine on an absolute co-witness.

I've seen it. And the reviews seem half decent. I'm a little concerned with a "dot" larger than 1moa though. Or is that silly for a gun I'd like to use from 200yds in? Usually 100 or less. Seems like it would be tough to hit a target precisely with a big ole 3 or 4 MOA dot

Raised for lower 1/3

 

I just got my first eotech and completed a carbine course. I liked it. Gives me an unobstructed view in the reticle.

Makes no difference if you run the irons closed.. anything else and 1/3rd for sure..

I have an XPS2-0 on one of my ARs. I got it without the riser because I run it on an AR with no FSB and the front sight stays down all the time. If you have a FSB then I would recommend getting the EXPS for the lower 1/3 co-witness. Something else to consider are where the controls are located. I believe the XPS has the controls in the back of the unit where the EXPS has them on the left side. This is important if you plan on running a magnifier or something immediately behind the Eotech because you might not be able to reach the controls. It's a pain but not impossible.

I've seen it. And the reviews seem half decent. I'm a little concerned with a "dot" larger than 1moa though. Or is that silly for a gun I'd like to use from 200yds in? Usually 100 or less. Seems like it would be tough to hit a target precisely with a big ole 3 or 4 MOA dot

That is silly.

 

A TDP/Mil-Spec M4 is spec'ed to be 4 MOA. Most .223/5.56 ammo is spec'ed to be anywhere from 3-10 MOA. Not to mention I don't know many shooters that are consistent 1 MOA shooters. Not to mention that if I put a red dot in front of your eye you couldn't discern the difference between a 1 MOA dot and a 2 MOA or a 2 MOA and a 4 MOA.

 

The 4 MOA and 2 MOA dots on Aimpoints are more than adequate for use on a carbine and in my opinion are preferred on a social gun.

 

If you want to make the Aimpoint's dot a more precise aiming point, there are tricks for that as well - such as turning the dot down in brightness to the lowest visible setting and choosing the edge of the dot at 12 o'clock as your aiming point.

 

Aimpoint in a lower 1/3 cowitness is hands down the way to go.

It helps for me to look through the rear peep if you have buis. Maybe its just my eyes but it really cleans up the dot.