Author Archives: Red Dot Shooters

Best CZ Scorpion Pistol Brace [Top 6 List]

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cz scorpion pistol brace

I love taking my CZ Scorpion out to the range…

It’s an amazing little gun because it’s super reliable, simple, fun to shoot, and extremely customizable…

It can be had in the form of a pistol caliber carbine with over a 16-inch barrel, but you can also get variations of the Scorpion that are legally considered a pistol…

At the time I’m writing this, it is perfectly legal to attach a pistol brace on the back end of your CZ Scorpion pistol (always stay up to date on the current laws and ATF rule changes)…

But the question is… Of all the options available right now, what’s the best CZ Scorpion pistol brace?

That’s a good question, and in this post will be answering for you by giving you my list of the Top 6 Best Pistol braces for the CZ Scorpion…

CZ Scorpion Pistol Brace – Top 6 List…

The best CZ Scorpion pistol brace is the SB Tactical SBTEVO Pistol Stabilizing Brace. The SBTEVO is the best because it’s a durable stabilizing brace, it has a side-folding mechanism, it’s easy to install, and it’s designed to look similar to the iconic stocks used on HK platform sub-guns such as the MP5…

The following list will give you more information about the SBTEVO brace, and I’ll also show you some other fantastic stabilizing braces that you can consider for your CZ Scorpion…

1. SB Tactical SBTEVO Folding Pistol Stabilizing Brace (My #1 Pick!)

best pistol brace for cz scorpion

Like I mentioned above, I think the best pistol brace for the CZ Scorpion is the SB Tactical SBTEVO Folding Pistol Stabilizing Brace. I have it on my personal CZ Scorpion pistol, and I absolutely love it…

It’s a great brace for many reasons, but to start off with, it’s built from a very durable polymer which makes it both lightweight and extremely rugged. In addition to that, when I first got this brace I found it to be incredibly easy to install. All I had to do was slide it into position on the rear end of the Scorpion until it clicked into position…

I also love that it has an integral side-folding mechanism because you can make your Scorpion a much more compact package instantly, and I also think that this brace makes the Scorpion look really freaking cool, which is no accident because it was designed to look like the B&T stocks that are commonly used on HK submachine guns, like the MP5

So all in all, I love this stabilizing brace. It’s what I chose to put on my gun, and I think you’ll really enjoy it too.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The SB Tactical SBTEVO Folding Pistol Stabilizing Brace:


2. SB Tactical SBTEVO-G2 CZ Scorpion EVO Pistol Brace

pistol brace for cz scorpion

Another amazing option that you should consider when looking for a brace for your CZ Scorpion is the SB Tactical SBTEVO-G2 Pistol Brace. Just as with my first pick on this list, this is a brace made by SB Tactical, and it’s very similar to the SBTEVO in many ways…

You can actually think of it as a second generation of the SBTEVO, which is exactly why SB Tactical calls it the “G2” in its name. It’s also made from a very durable polymer which makes it both very rugged and lightweight at the same time, and it’s also extremely easy to install, which is done by simply sliding it into position on your Scorpion until it clicks…

On top of that, it has an integrated QD (Quick Detach) socket that you can use if you want to attach a sling to your Scorpion, and it also has an integral side-folding mechanism which allows you to fold the brace over and make your Scorpion a much more compact package…

Last, as you can see, it has a very different look from the SBTEVO above, and that’s because SB Tactical worked with CZ to make this brace look similar to the SB-Mini brace. I think it looks really cool, and if you’re stuck trying to decide between the SBTEVO and the SBTEVO-G2, it really comes down to which one you think looks cooler because they’re both fantastic pistol braces.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The SB Tactical SBTEVO-G2 CZ Scorpion EVO Pistol Brace:


3. Gear Head Works Scorpion Tailhook Mounting Kit And Brace

cz scorpion folding brace tailhook

Ok, this is where things start to get a little bit more complicated, only because for this system you’d need to get two separate pieces rather than one unit like the braces above. Number 3 on my list is the Gear Head Works Scorpion Tailhook Mounting Kit And Brace…

Let’s begin by discussing the Tailhook Mounting Kit. This is a very cool option when it comes to mounting a brace on your Scorpion for a few reasons. First of all, the guys over at Gear Head Works incorporate a factory CZ folding cheek rest into this kit. That means this kit features a cheek rest that was actually designed by CZ from the factory to work with the Scorpion…

In addition to that, this mounting kit is very durable, and it allows you to adjust the length of the brace to your desired position, which is something the above brace options don’t allow you to do.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Gear Head Works Scorpion Tailhook Mounting Kit:

Now, along with the mounting kit, you will need to get the Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1 Pistol Brace, which simply clamps onto the rear of the mounting kit. This is a great brace option for the Scorpion for a few reasons…

First of all, the Tailhook is made from Aluminum, so it’s an extremely rugged bracing system. In addition to that, it’s a unique design that allows you to press a button to drop a shelf that you can use to counterbalance the weight from your Scorpion’s muzzle if you choose to fire it from a one-handed position…

And as usual with my accessories lists, it does look really cool. So you end up adding style to your gun in addition to real functionality.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1 Pistol Brace (Compact, For More Weight-Savings):


CZ Scorpion Brace Adapter – Giving You More Pistol Brace Options…

A lot of pistol brace options are made to work with AR 15 pistols, and there’s actually a way that you can make these brace systems work with your CZ Scorpion…

To go with these options, all you really need is an adapter that will allow you to affix a buffer tube to the rear of your Scorpion. Now there are many different adapter options, but I’m going to give you my two favorite choices…

First of all, I like the ability to add a side-folding brace because it allows you to make your overall CZ Scorpion package extremely compact. And if you’d like to have that capability as well, I highly recommend the Sylvan Arms Titan CZ Scorpion Folding Stock Adapter

cz scorpion brace adapter

The Sylvan Arms Titan CZ Scorpion Folding Stock Adapter is an awesome piece of equipment. It’s built to an extremely high standard, and it’s also made out of CNC machined aluminum which makes it a very rugged addition to your Scorpion…

It also allows you to mount a brace to your Scorpion pistol that can be folded to the side. The folding mechanism is very sturdy, and you can even fire your Scorpion with the brace in the folded position if you want or need to. It’s also easy to assemble, and like I said earlier, it gives you a ton of pistol brace options to choose from. So you can pick out the perfect one for your Scorpion…

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Sylvan Arms Titan CZ Scorpion Folding Stock Adapter:

If you are happy with a fixed adaptor (without the ability to fold your pistol brace over to the side), I highly recommend the Anarchy Outdoors CZ Scorpion Arm Brace Adapter

cz scorpion 9mm pistol with brace

The Anarchy Outdoors CZ Scorpion Arm Brace Adapter is awesome because it’s simple, affordable, and strong. First of all, it’s built from 6061-T6 Aluminum, which keeps it lightweight and very durable at the same time…

It’s also easy to install, and it’s a great option if you’d like to mount a pistol brace onto your Scorpion that will be fixed into the straight-back position.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Anarchy Outdoors CZ Scorpion Arm Brace Adapter:


4. SB Tactical SBA4 Pistol Stabilizing Brace

pistol brace for cz scorpion evo 3

The SB Tactical SBA4 Pistol Stabilizing Brace is if one of my all-time favorite pistol brace options. There are so many things that this brace design gets right. To begin, I love that it looks like an AR 15 stock without actually being a stock… It just looks cool!

In addition to that, it actually comes with a receiver extension/buffer tube, which allows it to be adjustable in terms of length with the lever you see in the center, and you can easily mount it onto your scorpion by getting one of the adapter options that I mentioned above…

It’s also made of a heavy-duty rubber-like material. It includes QD (quick Detach) sling sockets, so you can easily mount a sling on your Scorpion, and everything about it screams that it’s high quality. I have it on one of my AR pistols, but I think it’s a great brace option for a CZ Scorpion as well.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The SB Tactical SBA4 Pistol Stabilizing Brace:


5. Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 2 Telescoping Pistol Stabilizing Brace

cz scorpion folding pistol brace

Earlier, I showed you one Gear Head Works brace option for your Scorpion, but there’s actually a second option that is really exciting as well. This is the Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 2 Telescoping Pistol Stabilizing Brace…

Much like the SB Tactical SBA4 above, this is a brace that is meant to be paired with an AR 15 pistol, but again, with the addition of one of the adapters I showed you above, you could easily mount this puppy onto your Scorpion, and it would be a great choice for many reasons…

Like the SBA4 it comes with its own proprietary buffer tube system, which allows it to be ‘telescoping’ and means that you can easily adjust it to your desired length…

It’s also made from a reinforced polymer which means it’s very rugged, and this material also keeps it extremely lightweight at the same time. In addition to all that, it has the classic Tailhook shelf which can help you balance the gun when firing one-handed, and it comes in some really cool colors as well including Black, Flat Dark Earth, and OD Green.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 2 Telescoping Pistol Stabilizing Brace:


6. SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Brace

cz scorpion pistol brace options

Even though it’s the last option on the list, the SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Brace would be a fantastic choice for your Scorpion as well. As you can imagine, it’s very similar to SB Tactical’s SBA4 which I showed you earlier on this list, but it does have a couple of small differences…

First of all, just like with the SBA4, this brace is designed to be used with an AR 15 pistol, but it can easily be paired with your Scorpion by using one of the adapters that I listed above. It’s also made from a sturdy rubber-like material, and it incorporates QD sling swivels, which will make mounting a sling to your Scorpion quick and simple…

It also comes with its own receiver extension/buffer tube, and it can be adjusted (with the use of the center lever) to your desired length just like the SBA4. The two big differences from the SBA4 are that it looks a little different, and it’s more lightweight. I personally like the way it looks. I have it on one of my AR pistols, and I think that if you like the look of it, it’ll be a great brace option for your CZ Scorpion as well.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Brace:

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Best Hellcat Optic [Top 7 List]

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hellcat optic

I’m a huge believer in the right and responsibility of concealed carry…

And these are exciting times right now because there are so many gun manufacturers…

…coming out with incredibly cool subcompact guns that have great ammo capacity and that are incredibly reliable.

One of these concealed carry guns is the Hellcat by Springfield Armory…

It’s an amazing gun because even though it gives you 11+ rounds, it’s so small that when you carry it, the pistol practically disappears…

On top of that, Springfield makes it very easy to mount an optic on your Hellcat by offering several optics ready models…

And that leads us to the main topic for today’s post… What is the best Springfield Hellcat optic?

That’s a good question, and I’ve done my best to answer it for you with this list of the Top 7 Hellcat red dots that are currently available on the market…

Best Hellcat Optic – Top 7 List…

The best Hellcat optic is the HEX Wasp followed closely by the Holosun 507k X2. The HEX Wasp is a robust little red dot with an RMSc footprint that will fit directly onto the Hellcat’s optic cut. The Holosun 507k is the best miniature subcompact pistol optic in terms of reliability and durability, but it will require a mounting plate (or modification to your slide) to mount it on the Hellcat.

The following will give you more information on these two fantastic little optics, and I’ll also give you 5 other amazing little red dots for Hellcat concealed carry pistols…

1. HEX Wasp

hellcat reddot

When you’re talking about the best Hellcat reddot, the HEX Wasp has to be at the top of the list. The reason why is because the HEX line of optics was designed by Springfield Armory, and the Wasp model was specifically designed for the Hellcat…

And here’s the best part, the HEX Wasp is a fantastic little red dot sight for many reasons. First of all, it’s a very well-built and rugged little optic. It’s made from 6061-T6 Aluminum and it has a black anodized finish that will protect it from the elements…

It’s also waterproof in up to 1 meter of water, and it can easily handle the abuse an optic takes when being mounted on a handgun slide. In addition to that, the lens on the Wasp is very clear and you get a 3.5 MOA dot reticle which I think is a good size because it’ll be easy for your eye to pick up but still small enough to aim with precision at small targets or targets at distance…

On top of all that, the Wasp is low-profile. So you can get a co-witness with the Hellcat’s fantastic iron sights while looking through the optic. It also has super long battery life (around two years worth of constant use), and it’s an “always on” optic that auto-adjusts the brightness to the ambient lighting conditions…

I do wish they offered a manual version because I like to have a little more control over my optic, but the auto-adjusting technology that they’ve incorporated into the HEX Wasp does work pretty well.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The HEX Wasp:


2. Holosun HS507K X2

red dots for hellcat

Like I said earlier, the Holosun 507k X2 is the best miniature red dot sight in its class (the size of optic that fits on slimline subcompact pistols like the Hellcat, Glock 43X, Sig P365, etc.). I say it’s the best for many reasons…

First of all, Holosun is known for making extremely rugged (and affordable) pistol optics, and the 507K is no different. It’s built from 7075-T6 aluminum, it’s anodized to protect the optic from the elements, it has the squared-off top which adds durability if it takes an impact, and it’s waterproof in up to 1 meter of water…

In addition to the durability and reliability that you get with the 507k, it’s also packed with a ton of useful features. For instance, it comes with Holosun’s Multiple Reticle System which allows you to choose between 3 different reticle options, including a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, and the Holosun Circle Dot Reticle (which is my favorite because it helps you shoot faster and accurately at the same time)…

It also gives you ultra-long battery life (over 50,000 hours on setting 6), and it has a battery tray which makes changing out the battery fast and easy when the time comes (no need to remove the optic from the handgun slide)…

On top of that, it has a Shake Awake feature which means the optic turns off when it’s not being used and automatically turns on when it senses motion, thus saving you battery life, and it also has a button lock feature which means you can set the optic to the perfect brightness and then lock it so the buttons don’t accidentally get pushed while you’re carrying it.

Why Is The Holosun 507K X2 Not Number 1?

The reason I put the HEX Wasp as #1 and the Holosun 507k at #2 is because the 507k’s footprint is close but not exactly the same as the RMSc footprint. And that means you either need to modify your Hellcat slide a little bit or simply get an adapter plate (which you can get here)…

So in the end, I do prefer the 507k over the Wasp, but because the 507k takes an adapter plate to mount it on the Hellcat, I ranked it as a close number 2 behind the Wasp.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS507K X2:


3. Shield RMSc

springfield hellcat optic

The Shield RMSc is another great choice for a Springfield Hellcat optic. To start off, because it is the actual Shield RMSc (the “c” standing for compact), it features the RMSc footprint, which as I’ve mentioned before is what the optics ready Hellcat comes with an optic cut for…

So it fits onto the optics-ready Hellcat’s slide without any modification or adapter plates. In addition to that, the RMSc is a fairly durable little sight that features prominent support rails on the sides of its aluminum sight housing…

It also comes in mutliple versions. For example you can get a 4 MOA dot reticle or an 8 MOA dot reticle on your RMSc, and you can also choose between getting a glass lens or a polymer lens depending on how you’d personally like to balance lens clarity with lens durability…

Last, the Shield RMSc is similar to the HEX Wasp in that it’s a permanently on optic that will auto adjust its reticle’s brightness level to the ambient lighting conditions of the area in which you’re shooting. So all in all, it’s another great red dot choice for the Hellcat.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Shield RMSc:


4. Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro

best optic for hellcat

Another very exciting red dot option for your Springfield Hellcat is the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro. At the time I’m writing this, the RAD Micro Pro is a brand new optic to the market, and it’s getting rave reviews for several reasons…

To begin, it’s a very rugged little red dot sight. It’s made from Aerospace Aluminum, and squared-off/angled design of the sight housing makes it very durable if it ever takes a fall or takes any other type of heavy impact. It also has large brightness buttons which are very easy to use, and it just looks really cool…

The RAD Micro Pro also has a 3 MOA dot reticle, which I think is a great size (I prefer 2 to 3.5 MOA dot reticles because they are very easy for your eye to pick up, but still allow you to aim very precisely), and the battery life is very adequate at around 10,000 hours.

It’s also a waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof optic, and it’s a great fit for the Hellcat because it comes with the RMSc footprint. So you can mount it directly onto your Hellcat slide without any modifications or adapter plates. All in all, this is an optic that has an extremely bright future, and I believe that very soon, they’re going to get incredibly popular.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro:


5. Swampfox Sentinel

optic for springfield hellcat

Another great optic for the Springfield Hellcat is the Swampfox Sentinel. First of all, the Swampfox Sentinel comes with the RMSc footprint. So it’s another optic that can be mounted directly onto your Hellcat’s slide without any additional plates or modifications…

On top of that, it’s a fairly strong little optic. It’s probably not quite as rugged as some of the other options, but to make up for that, Swampfox sells a steel cover that you can put around the Sentinel while it’s mounted on your Hellcat making it a very durable optics package…

It also comes with a 3 MOA dot reticle, which as I mentioned above is a great size for aiding you in both speed and accuracy, and the battery life is ultra-long too because you can keep the sight on for 2 years straight.

Another thing I really like about the Sentinel is that it comes in 2 versions. One version is set up with automatic brightness technology, which a lot of people love. But the other version is a manual brightness adjustment model which is the type of optic that I generally prefer because I like having that little bit of extra control over my red dot’s brightness.

I love that they offer both models because they’ve got you covered regardless of which brightness system you prefer!

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Swampfox Sentinel:


6. Holosun HS407K X2

optic for hellcat

Being a Holosun fanboy, I couldn’t resist the urge of putting another Holosun on this list. But here’s the deal, the Holosun 407K is another great optic choice for the Hellcat…

To start off, the 407K is very similar to the 507K that I mentioned above. It’s a very durable little red dot sight, and it has a lot of cool and useful features such as: ultra-long battery life (50,000 hours on setting 6), Shake Awake technology to save your battery life, a quick change battery tray, and the button lock feature, so your optic’s buttons don’t accidentally get pushed making your brightness super high or extremely low while you’re carrying the optic…

The one major difference from the 507K is that the Holosun 407K only comes with a 6 MOA dot reticle, and because of that, it’s a little less expensive than the 507K. Now to mount the 407K onto the Hellcat, you will have to get an adapter plate (go here if you need one)…

But all in all, I think the 407K is a great optic that will save you some money if you like the features of the Holosun 507K but are happy with a 6 MOA dot reticle.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS407K X2:


7. Trijicon RMRcc

best optic for springfield hellcat

The last red dot on this list of amazing Hellcat optics is the Trijicon RMRcc. Trijicon is famous for making the RMR which is an extremely rugged optic that many people mount onto their full-size or double-stacked handguns, and the RMRcc (which stands for “concealed carry”) is Trijicon’s slim-lined or subcompact optic…

Just like its bigger brother the RMR, the Trijicon RMRcc is insanely tough. It features Trijicon’s squared top design which adds strength to the sight housing, and it’s built using 7075 Aluminum. It’s waterproof in up to 66 ft of water, and it’s more than tough enough to be mounted on your Hellcat for concealed carry duty…

It also has super long battery life (4 years worth), and 10 brightness settings including 2 NV (night vision) modes. In addition to that, the RMRcc comes in two versions, a 3.25 MOA dot reticle version and a 6.5 MOA dot reticle version. I prefer the 3.25 MOA dot version because I like to run smaller dots on my optics for more precision when aiming, but there are some people who prefer a bigger dot so I’m glad that Trijicon offers both models…

Last, the Trijicon RMRcc has its own proprietary footprint. So just like the Holosun 507K and 407K, you will need an adapter plate to mount it on your Springfield Hellcat (you can get one here). But if you’re looking for absolute top-of-the-line durability, the Trijicon RMRcc is for you.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon RMRcc:

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Best Canik TP9 Elite SC Optic [Top 5 List]…

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canik tp9 elite sc optic

The Canik TP9 is a magnificently designed Turkish-made subcompact pistol chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge…

I like it because Canik has taken the best features found on several other popular pistols and combined them into the TP9…

The pistol follows the popular polymer frame design, incorporating a trigger safety…

And it comes with a twelve and fifteen round magazine, two backstraps, 3.6″ barrel, concealed carry holster, Cerakote finish, under-barrel rail, blacked-out rear and phosphorous front sight, and best of all, it’s optic-ready!

The best Canik TP9 Elite SC Optic is the Holosun HS507K X2. This open reflex sight combines a very ruggedly built pistol optic with many useful features including multiple reticle options and Holosun’s famous circle dot reticle. It also features Holosun’s Shake Awake technology and fits the Canik TP9 Elite SC pistol like a glove. 

The Canik TP Elite SC comes standard with an optic cut out on the slide, which accepts both SMS/RMS footprint optics. This universally used mounting footprint opens up a world of possibilities when choosing the right optic for Canik TP9 Elite SC…

So I’ve chosen five excellent sights, and I’ll tell you why I think they’d be a good fit for the Canik TP9 Elite SC.

Best Canik TP9 Elite SC Optic – Top 5 List

The Canik TP9 Elite SC is a concealed carry pistol; therefore, only compact and quality optics were considered for this review. 

1. Holosun HS507K X2 (My Top Choice!)

canik tp9 elite sc holosun

The Holosun HS507k-X2 red dot sight is wonderfully compact, explicitly made for concealed carry, and fits the Canik TP9 Elite SC like a glove using the RMS footprint mount.

Sight Features:

Sight TypeOpen Reflex Sight
Housing Material7075 T6 Aluminum
Size L/W/H1.6 x 0.98 x 0.95
Power SourceCR 1632 Battery and Failsafe Solar Backup 
On / Off Activation MethodShake Awake – Selectable
Surface FinishAnodize
Weight (oz)1
Reticle TypeCircle Dot: 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle. Adjustable
Brightness Settings (Day / Night)10 x Day, 2 x Night
Window Size (inch)0.58 x 0.77
Magnification1 X
Click Adjustment1 MOA
Button Lock Feature Y/NYes
Weather ProofIP 67

What I Like About This Optic…

  • Shake Awake: A convenient feature that turns the sight on when moved to save you battery life. This feature can be disabled, or the sight can stay on permanently if needed.
  • Multi-Reticle System: The multi-reticle system allows you to switch between 3 useful reticle options including the circle dot reticle (my favorite because it helps you shoot fast and accurately).
  • Multiple Brightness Settings: The Holosun super LED offers ten daytime and two night-time settings.
  • Ultra Long Battery Life: Up to 50 000 hours of battery life on setting 6
  • Positive click adjustments for windage and elevation – 1 MOA per click
  • Button Lock Feature: So you don’t accidentally turn the brightness way up or way down
  • Convenient tray battery compartment: Quick and easy battery replacement, and no need to remove the sight to replace the battery.
  • Great build quality and very rugged little optic

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS507K X2:


2. Shield RMSc

canik tp9 elite sc optic footprint

The Shield RMSc (“c,” meaning compact) is a futuristic-looking sight due to its thin support rails that run from the rear of the site to the top of the sight shield.

The sight runs itself as it is permanently on and adjusts according to the ambient lighting conditions. The single LED dot reticle sizes are offered in 4 MOA (minute of angle) and 8 MOA.

Additionally, this sight is a quality product made in Dorset, UK. And mounting to the Canik TP9 Elite Sub Compact pistol is easy through the SMS or RMS mounting system as the sight is pre-drilled for both footprints.

Sight Features:

Sight TypeOpen Reflex Sight
Housing MaterialAerospace Aluminum
Size L/W/H1.57 x 0.91 x 0.87
Power SourceCR 2032 Battery
On / Off Activation MethodPermanently On (Dot brightness adjusts with light conditions)
Surface FinishMatte Black
Weight (oz)0.57
Reticle TypeDot: 4 MOA or 8 MOA, Red LED
Brightness Settings (Day / Night)Automatic
Magnification1 X
Click AdjustmentNo felt clicks; use supplied guage
Button Lock Feature Y/NN/A
Weather ProofNot waterproof

What I Like About This Optic…

  • Polymer or Glass lens options, depending on how you’d like to balance strength and clarity in your sight. 
  • Clear, multi-coated lenses meaning the sight is less visible from the barrel end.
  • At 0.57 Ounce, this is one of the lightest sights on the market
  • Co-witness slot, which doubles as a backup rear sight

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Shield RMSc:


3. Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro

canik tp9 elite sc light

The Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro is a great compact reflex sight offering self-adjusting dot intensity controlled by CT Radiant technology. The 3 MOA red dot is highly visible in all lighting conditions…  

And mounting the sight to the Canik TP9 Elite SC is as easy as securely screwing the site into the SMS footprint holes in the slide.

Sight Features:

Sight TypeOpen Reflex Sight
Housing Material7075 Series Aluminum
Size L/W/H1.7 x 1 x 1
Power SourceCR1632 Battery (7 000 to 20 000 Hours)
On / Off Activation MethodShake awake. It turns off after 8 hours without movement
Surface FinishBlack
Weight (oz)1.76
Reticle Type3 MOA Red Dot or 5 MOA Green Dot
Brightness Settings (Day / Night)Self-adjusting brightness, CT Radiant. 8 Day, 2-night auto settings 
Window Size (inch)Just under an inch
Magnification1 X
Click Adjustment Yes
Button Lock Feature Y/NN/A
Weather ProofYes IPX4

What I Like About This Optic…

  • Built-in co-witness slot machined into the rear section of the sight 
  • Two Dot options in the model, 3 MOA in red and 5 MOA in green (I prefer the 3 MOA dot for more precision when aiming)
  • Rubber sight cover which fits the sight when attached to the Calik TP9 Elite SC
  • Recessed glass lens that allows using the sight as a cocking lever without picking up unnecessary grime
  • Shake Awake technology: to help save you battery life
  • Durable little red dot
  • Sleek looking design

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro:


4. Holosun HS407K X2

canik tp9 elite sc optic plate

The Holosun HS407 X2 is another great reflex sight suited for use on the Canik TP9 Elite subcompact pistol. Mounting the sight is easy with the modified Shield RMS footprint.

It’s much like the Holosun HS507K that I mentioned earlier, but the key difference is that you only get one 6 MOA dot reticle rather than the multiple reticle system featured on the 507K.

So If you like the Holosun 507K, but are happy with a 6 MOA dot reticle, you can save a little bit of money by going with this optic.

Sight Features:

Sight TypeOpen Reflex Sight
Housing Material7075 T6 Aluminum
Size L/W/H1.6 x 0.98 x 0.95
Power SourceBattery CR1632 (50 000 hours on setting 6)
On / Off Activation MethodShake Awake Feature
Surface FinishAnodize
Weight (oz)1
Reticle Type6 MOA Red Dot (8 Day and 2 Night Settings), Green Available.
Brightness Settings (Day / Night)Adjustable
Window Size (inch)0.58 x 0.77
Magnification1 X
Click Adjustment1 MOA
Button Lock Feature Y/NNo
Weather ProofYes IP67

What I Like About This Optic…

  • Multi-Coated Reflective glass lens
  • Convenient battery replacement, no need to remove the sight, and it’s a quick and easy process
  • Robust build quality (very durable little sight)
  • Convenient, low positioned buttons
  • Ultra Long battery life: Up to 50,000 hours on setting 6
  • 6 MOA dot is clearly visible in all lighting conditions. It’s a little large than I generally prefer, but it’s still a good size for balancing speed and accuracy when you’re shooting
  • Button Lock Feature: so you can lock out your buttons which will prevent you from accidentally hitting them and changing the brightness level on your sight.
  • The rear sight slot is incorporated in the Holosuns design as a backup rear sight. 

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun HS407K X2:


5. Swampfox Sentinel-M (The Best Budget Option)

canik tp9 elite sc laser

The Swampfox sentinel micro reflex sights are available in two models, the “M” and “A.” The M stands for manual, and the A is automatic…

Both sights are identical in size and quality, with the main difference being that the “A” version adjusts the dot brightness according to the lighting conditions.

My choice is the manual version because it just gives you greater control over the brightness level you want on your sight…

Sight Features:

Sight TypeOpen Reflex Sight
Housing Material7075 Aluminum
Size L/H/W1.61 x 0.91 x 0.94
Power SourceCR2032 (Minimum 2 year battery life)
On / Off Activation MethodShake awake and push-button adjustable. Also, manual On/Off
Surface FinishHard Coat
Weight (oz)0.62
Reticle Type3 MOA Red Dot, Green also available.
Brightness Settings (Day / Night)10 x Manual Settings, 8 Day, 2 Night
Window Size (inch)0.62 X 0.62
Magnification1 X
Click AdjustmentYes, dial
Button Lock Feature Y/NNo
Weather Proof3.3ft (1 meter): IPX7

What I Like About This Optic…

  • RMSc footprint fits directly onto the Canik TP9 Elite SC. 
  • Ability to physically turn off the Sentinel-M sight when storing the weapon (this will save you battery life)
  • The 3 MOA dot is clearly visible and a good size for balancing speed and accuracy when you’re shooting (I like a 3 or 2 MOA dot) 
  • Robustly built unit, and you can get a steel cover to put around the optic for more durability.
  • Shake ‘N Wake feature (again, saving you battery life)

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Swampfox Sentinel-M:


Final Thoughts…

So again, my choice for the best open reflex sight for use with the Canik TP9 Elite SC is the Holosun HS507k X2, even though there are a few great options…

This sight’s compact size, excellent build quality, long battery life, mut=ltipel reticle options, Shake Awake feature, easy battery replacement, and co-witness design make it an amazing sight for any small or concealed carry gun! 

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Best M&P 15 Sport 2 Free Float Handguard [Top 6 List]

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m&p 15 sport 2 free float handguard

The M&P 15 Sport 2 is a fantastic AR 15…

I consider it to be the best budget AR that’s currently on the market…

…because Smith And Wesson really put a lot of quality into the design, especially when you consider just how affordable it is.

But even though it’s an amazing gun, S&W had to find areas that would allow them to keep the price down…

And one of the obvious areas that decided to help trim the cost down is the factory handguard, which is just a cheap piece of plastic…

Because of that, I think it’s a great idea to consider upgrading the handguard on your M&P 15 Sport…

And if you’re looking for the best M&P 15 Sport 2 free float handguard that you can get, you’ve comes to the right place because I’m going to share with you 6 amazing options that you can use to upgrade your rifle…

M&P 15 Sport 2 Free Float Handguard – Top 6 List…

1. ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard (My Top Pick)

m&p 15 sport 2 handguard replacement

The Atlas S-One M-LOK Handguard by Aero Precision is my top pick if you’re looking for an M&P 15 Sport 2 handguard upgrade. I think it’s a fantastic handguard for many reasons. First of all, it has that reduced top rail section, which I think looks cool, but also reduces the overall weight of the rail and gives you both a more ergonomic and slimmer handguard to grip the gun…

You still have rail sections on top in the areas that most people will use, like at the front of the handguard for BUIS (back up iron sights), but Aero Precision eliminated the top rail in areas that you’re less likely to use. In addition to that, the Atlas S-One is an M-LOK rail which means you can attach M-LOK compatible accessories or M-LOK rails pretty much where ever you’d like to…

This gives you a lot of options for mounting lights, lasers, vertical foregrips, bipods, and other accessories as well. Another cool feature is the included QD sockets, which will give you options when mounting a sling to your rifle, and you can get the Atlas in an anodized black color or with a Magpul FDE Cerakote finish…

All in all, the Atlas S-One is packed with useful features, pretty affordable for a top-quality handguard, and it looks pretty freaking cool. Important Note: I recommend going with the 15″ handguard because it will cover most of your M&P 15 Sport’s 16″ barrel, but you could also make the 12.7″ handguard work if you prefer a shorter handguard.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard:


2. Bravo Company KMR Alpha Keymod Rail

m&p 15 sport 2 handguard upgrade

Another amazing free float handguard that you can put on your M&P 15 Sport 2 is the Bravo Company KMR Alpha Keymod Rail. BCM (Bravo Manufacturing) is known for making some of the best AR 15s and AR accessories on the market, and the KMR Alpha rail has been setting the standard for a few years now…

I love it because it’s extremely lightweight without sacrificing strength. And it’s also incredibly slim, so it feels very comfortable in your hand when you’re shooting. It is a Keymod rail rather than M-LOK, which some people won’t like. But I personally like both mounting systems, and I don’t think that either one is ‘head and shoulders’ better than the other…

In fact, I actually find Keymod to be just a little bit easier to use when mounting accessories. And one of the cool things about this rail is that you get Keymod in the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions…

So there’s virtually no area on the handguard that’s off-limits when it comes to mounting accessories like lights, lasers, vertical foregrips, hand stops, and more because you can put them all exactly where you want them…

So I love this rail because it gives you a ton of function while still keeping the weight down, and I also think it will make your Sport look really cool as well. Important Note: Once again, I recommend going with the 15″ handguard because it will cover most of your M&P 15 Sport’s 16″ barrel, but with the KMR rail you could also make the 13″ rail work if you prefer a shorter handguard.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Bravo Company KMR Alpha Keymod Rail:


3. Geissele Super Modular Rail MK8 (15in M-LOK)

m&p 15 free float handguard kit

Geissele is another manufacturer that is known for making absolute top-quality AR 15 accessories, and their 15″ Super Modular Rail (SMR) MK8 would be an amazing addition to your M&P 15 Sport…

This rail is both extremely lightweight and very strong, and it’s also slim which makes it more comfortable in your hand when you’re shooting. Unlike, the BCM KMR Keymod rail above, this rail is an M-LOK rail, and it features M-LOK in the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, as well as the upper 45-degree quadrants…

So again, you can pretty much put your lights, lasers, hand stops, and other accessories anywhere you want to, and the lower 45-degree quadrants are designed to help vent out the heat from your barrel and handguard as well…

On top of all that, this rail looks incredible, and you can get it in an anodized black color or an FDE color. Last, I should also mention that this is a 15″ rail which I think is perfect for an M&P Sport, which has a 16″ barrel.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Geissele Super Modular Rail MK8 (15in M-LOK):


4. Daniel Defense MFR XS Rail

M-lok handguard for m&p 15 sport 2

Did you know that Daniel Defense actually makes rails and handguards for the U.S. Military? So they can truly claim, at least on some of their products, that they make ‘Mil spec’ equipment. And all that really means is that their rails are super high quality and built to be tough, and that’s exactly the case with the Daniel Defense MFR XS Rail…

Once again on this list, we have a lightweight, rugged rail that looks incredibly cool. You can actually get the MFR XS rail in either a Keymod version or an M-LOK version, and you get those attachments on both sides and the bottom of the handguard. The top rail is uninterrupted, which could be important if you wanted to mount a laser and other accessories up there, and overall, the built quality on this handguard is amazing…

Just as I’ve been saying, I recommend you go with the 15″ version because your M&P 15 Sport 2 has a 16″ barrel, and that 15″ handguard will allow you to hold the rifle further out (for more leverage) and to rest your handguard (without touching the barrel) on barricades, tree branches, rocks, walls, or whatever else you need to to get more stability when you’re shooting.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Daniel Defense MFR XS Rail:


5. ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard

m&p sport 2 handguard options

The Atlas R-One M-LOK handguard by Aero Precision is very similar to its brother that I mentioned earlier on this list, the Atlas S-One. It’s a very sturdy and well-built rail, and at the same time, it’s designed to be lightweight…

It’s also very ergonomic to grasp, and it does a great job at protecting your hand from the heat of the barrel when you’re shooting multiple magazines through your M&P 15 Sport. It also has integrated QD sockets giving you a lot of sling mounting options

And the M-LOK attachments can be found on both sides of the rail and on the bottom. The main difference from the Atlas S-One (as you can see) is that the Atlas R-One has an uninterrupted Picatinny rail going across that top…

This might be an important feature to you if, for example, you wanted to mount a pressure pad for your weapon light or a laser on the top rail. And there are a number of other accessories that you might want to mount on the top rail as well…

So if that’s the case for you and you like the Atlas S-One but wish the rail on top went all across the top, the Atlas R-One is for you. And just as I’ve said before, I recommend going with the 15″ version of this rail because it’ll fit perfectly with your M&P 15 Sport’s 16″ barrel.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard:


6. Daniel Defense DD M4 Rail

best quad rail for m&p 15 sport 2

Ok, I’ve already told you how Daniel Defense makes super rugged and extremely high-quality rails, and the Daniel Defense DD M4 Rail is, at this point, an absolute classic. As you can see, it is a quad rail, and it’s the only one on this list because quad rails can be extremely heavy and bulky in the hand…

That’s not the case for this rail though because even though it is going to be a little heavier than the other rails on this list, Daniel Defense did a great job of trimming weight wherever they could on this design…

On top of that, DD quad rails are known for being ergonomic and slim in the hand, and even though Keymod and M-LOK rails are very secure, neither will ever be as strong as an old-school quad rail…

So if you’re interested in the best quad rail for your M&P 15 Sport 2, I recommend you take a closer look at the DD M4 rail. And just as I’ve said throughout this entire post, I suggest that you go with the 15-inch version because it’ll pair best with your Sport.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Daniel Defense DD M4 Rail:

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14 Smith And Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 Upgrades [Ultimate List]

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smith and wesson m&p 15 sport 2 upgrades

If you’ve recently picked up a Smith And Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2, then Congratulations! You’ve picked up an awesome AR 15!

The M&P 15 Sport is an amazing AR because it’s an affordable option that doesn’t really sacrifice on quality…

But are there parts on this incredible rifle that can be upgraded or improved? Is The M&P Sport 2 Customizable? The answer is… absolutely!

And that’s exactly why I’ve created this Smith And Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 Upgrades list…

In it, you’re going to see what I think are some of the best accessories for your M&P 15 Sport 2…

And by the end, you’ll be able to decide which areas you should upgrade on your Sport II and which areas you should keep stock from the factory (just as they came)…

Let’s get started!

Smith And Wesson M&P 15 Sport 2 Upgrades – Top 14 List…

1. Midwest Industries AR-15/M16 M-Series Two Piece Drop-In M-LOK Handguard 

smith and wesson m&p 15 sport 2 handguard

Like I said earlier, the M&P 15 Sport is a fantastic rifle, but there is one part that I consider to be absolute junk…and that is the cheap plastic handguard…

Now don’t get me wrong, I think the M&P 15 Sport 2 handguard looks nice, but it’s junk because it’s just a thin piece of plastic. It doesn’t have any heat lining in it, and I’ve seen one (the stock handguard) start to melt after firing just a couple of mags through the gun…

Here’s the good news… I think this is a great place for Smith & Wesson to save you some money (on the overall price you paid for the gun) because changing out your handguard is one of the easiest things you can do on your AR…

So the first upgrade I recommend for your M&P 15 Sport 2 is to replace the cheap plastic handguard with something better, and my favorite option right now is the Midwest Industries Drop In M-LOK Handguard. This is an amazing handguard for a few reasons…

First of all, it’s made from a high-quality aluminum. So it’s going to be a durable addition to your AR, but in addition to that, the M-LOK is also going to allow you to mount any other accessories that you might want (such as lights, lasers, vertical grips, bipods, etc.) onto your handguard

It’s also super easy to install, and aside from adding a lot of function to your rifle, it looks really freaking cool.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Midwest Industries Two Piece Drop-In M-LOK Handguard:


2. MAGPUL MOE SL CARBINE STOCK (MIL-SPEC)

m&p 15 sport 2 stock upgrade

Another great place to upgrade your M&P 15 Sport 2 is in the collapsible stock. Again, the stock that comes from the factory is just cheap plastic, and I have seen this type of AR stock break many times before…

It also limits you on the ways you can attach a sling to your rifle, and it rattles around quite a bit, which isn’t a functional problem but some people find it to be pretty annoying…

So right now, my favorite stock upgrade is the Magpul MOE SL Carbine Stock. I love this stock for many reasons. First of all, it fits very securely onto the buffer tube of your rifle. It’s still easy to adjust the length of pull, but it doesn’t have any of the annoying rattling that you get with the factory M&P 15 Sport stock…

In addition to that, it’s a very strong stock, and it does offer you a few different ways of attaching a sling to your rifle. It’s also extremely comfortable in your shoulder, and I think it looks awesome. In fact, I love the variety of colors that Magpul always seems to offer on all of their AR accessories. Important Note: The M&P Sport comes with a Mil-Spec sized buffer tube. So make sure that the stock you get is “mil-spec” rather than “commercial” in size.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The MAGPUL MOE SL CARBINE STOCK:


3. Magpul MOE K2 + Grip

best accessories for m&p sport 2

Another part that I think you should seriously consider upgrading on your M&P 15 Sport is the grip. Most models of the Sport come with an A2 style pistol grip, and frankly, I think the A2 pistol grip sucks…

There are two reasons why I, personally, do not like the A2 pistol grip. The first reason is because it has a finger ledge. I can’t stand the A2 grip’s finger ledge because every time I try to grip one, my middle finger sits right on top of it. I then have to lower my hand on the grip and then start shooting, which is incredibly annoying…

The second reason why I don’t like the A2 grip is because it’s pretty skinny and doesn’t really fill my hand well. This is less of a problem than the finger ledge for me, but it’s still not ideal. So I always end up changing A2 style grips on my AR’s, and right now, my favorite aftermarket grip is the MOE K2+ Grip…

First of all, the MOE K2+ has no finger ledge. So I can grab it comfortably every time without adjusting my hand. In addition to that, it fills my hand the perfect amount without feeling too skinny. Also, because it’s the K2 version of the MOE, it sits at a slightly more vertical angle than the A2 grip, which I find to be a bit more comfortable when shooting. And last, it’s also the + model, which means it has a rubber coating around it that makes the grip feel amazing…

And don’t forget that Magpul makes their grips in a number of really cool colors, so you can either pick up a black grip to keep your rifle more unassuming, or get a grip with color to add a little more personality to your M&P 15 Sport.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The MAGPUL MOE K2 + Grip:


4. INFORCE WML Gen 2 Weapon Mounted White LED Tactical Light

best accessories for s&w m&p 15 sport

One of the best accessories for your S&W M&P 15 Sport is the addition of a weapon light. This can easily be done if you’ve already upgraded the stock handguard, but even if you don’t want to upgrade the Sport’s handguard, there are light mounts that can attach to the front sight post and other areas as well…

A weapon light is extremely important if you think there’s ever a chance that you could use your rifle in self-defense, and I automatically put a light on all of my AR 15s. That being said, one of the coolest weapons light you can get is the Inforce WML…

The Inforce WML is a fantastic light because it has 400 lumens, which is plenty of power to light up targets at close or mid-range distances. It also comes with an integrated mount, so you can put it on your M&P Sport without buying an extra part (a light mount), and the angled button is simple and very easy to use. Aside from all of that, it’s a very rugged light, and it looks awesome.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The INFORCE WML Gen 2 Weapon Mounted White LED Tactical Light:


5. CMMG .22 LR CONVERSION KIT BRAVO WITH 3-10 ROUND MAGAZINES

m&p 15 sport 2 upgrade kit

These days, the cost of shooting .223/5.56 ammo out of your M&P 15 Sport 2 can really add up. But what if there was a way that you could shoot your Sport a lot more without having to break the bank on expensive ammo bills. Well, there actually is and it’s called the CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit…

This is an amazing M&P 15 Sport 2 Upgrade kit! Basically, all you have to do is replace your BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) with the .22 LR Conversion Kit and change out your magazines, and in a few seconds, you can switch calibers on your Sport from .223/5.56 to .22 LR (much cheaper)…

I love it because it’s a reliable conversion kit, and again, it allows you to save quite a bit of money by shooting much less expensive .22 LR out of your Sport. You can use it as a training device that allows you to shoot your exact same rifle and optic set up at a much lower cost, or you can use it as a way to have fun at the range shooting boxes of cheap .22 LR. It really is an awesome upgrade and I recommend it to anyone who owns an AR 15.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The CMMG .22 LR CONVERSION KIT:


6. CMC DROP-IN TRIGGER (SINGLE STAGE, TACTICAL FLAT BOW, 3.5LBS)

m&p 15 sport 2 optics ready upgrades

The M&P 15 Sport 2 has what’s generally referred to as a “Mil Spec” trigger. It’s a decent trigger, but there’s definitely room for improvement. And right now, my favorite trigger upgrade for the Sport II is the CMC Tactical Flat Bow Drop-In Trigger…

First of all, this trigger looks really cool, and because it’s a drop-in trigger, it’s easy to install. In addition to that (and I can’t really explain why) but the flat-faced trigger feels better to me than a standard curved trigger, and it just makes my shooting experience more enjoyable (maybe because I’m more accurate)…

This trigger also pulls at a clean 3.5LBs which makes it very easy for you to pull the trigger straight back without disturbing your sights (it’s easier to be accurate with it). And on top of all that, the CMC Drop-In trigger is pretty affordable, especially considering the prices of other aftermarket triggers that are in its class.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The CMC DROP-IN TRIGGER (SINGLE STAGE, TACTICAL FLAT BOW, 3.5LBS):


7. VG6 GAMMA 556 Muzzle Brake

VG6 GAMMA 556 Muzzle Brake

The muzzle device that comes standard on the M&P 15 Sport 2 is basically an A2 flash hider. It’s a good muzzle device if you want to hide the flash from your muzzle in low-light situations, but it’s definitely a basic muzzle device that can easily be upgraded…

One of the best options, if you want to upgrade this part of your rifle is the VG6 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake. The reason why I like it is because it makes your rifle recoil less and stay extremely flat when you shoot. This allows you to make very quick and accurate follow-up shots, and it just helps you shoot faster because your rifle doesn’t push you back as much…

The one downside to the VG6 Gamma (and all muzzle brakes really) is that it can make your AR pretty loud. That being said, I think the benefits you get in shooting performance from the VG6 Gamma far outweigh the noise, and if the noise is a big problem for you, you can pair it with the VG6 Cage Device which will quiet down your rifle.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The VG6 GAMMA 556 Muzzle Brake:


8. PSA CUSTOM AR 15 AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE

PSA CUSTOM AR15 AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE

For me, there are two main problems with the standard GI-style charging handle, which is what comes on the M&P 15 Sport. First, it’s small and extremely hard to pull back with just your left hand if you’re right-handed (my hand slips off almost every time)…

Second, it’s not ambidextrous (a huge problem if you’re left-handed). Because of that, I like medium/big latches on my charging handles, and even though I am right-handed, I like ambi charging handles just because they give you options…

Now you can end up spending a lot of money on a charging handle if you’re not careful, but one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ charging handles you can get to upgrade your M&P 15 Sport is the PSA Custom AR 15 Ambidextrous Charging Handle…

I love this charging handle because it has large (but not too large) latches that make it easy to manipulate your gun. It’s also ambi, which again, gives you more options (to reload, clear malfunctions, etc.) even if you’re right-handed. Last, it’s built to a high standard with quality materials. It’s a simple upgrade, but it’s one of the best accessories for your M&P Sport 2 because you’ll notice it every time you shoot your rifle.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA CUSTOM AR 15 AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE:


9. Holosun 510C Red Dot Sight

Holosun 510c review

I think it’s a good idea to upgrade your M&P 15 Sport with an optic. There are many different types of optics that you can choose from, but if you choose to go with a red dot sight, I think the Holosun 510C is an amazing option…

Now the 510C is an awesome choice for several reasons. To start, it has a large viewing window which gives you a huge amount of visibility when you’re shooting. And I also love the multiple reticle system because it has a Circle Dot Reticle, which is my favorite on a red dot sight because it helps you shoot fast and accurately…

It’s also packed with useful features such as super-long battery life, a solar panel on top, and shake-awake technology, and because the 510C has a titanium hood protecting its lens, it’s a very rugged sight as well…

Last, it’s a Holosun. So that means you’re going to get a high-quality sight that’s set at a reasonable price. For all those reasons, I think the 510C makes a great pair with an M&P 15 Sport!

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun 510C Red Dot Sight:


10. MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT

MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR rear SIGHT

Magpul makes some fantastic flip-up sights. In fact, your M&P 15 Sport 2 might have come with a polymer Magpul rear sight when you purchased it. That polymer Magpul MBUS sight is very good, but like most other parts, it can be upgraded as well…

If you don’t have a rear sight on your Sport, or if you want to upgrade your rear sight, I highly recommend you take a look at the Magpul MBUS PRO LR Adjustable rear sight. Magpul is known for their polymer products, but this is actually a steel rear sight that they offer. And even though I think their polymer sights are very good, their steel sights are even better…

Being steel, this sight is obviously going to be more rugged and reliable than polymer Magpul sights. But at the same time, it’s also very low profile when flipped down. So it can easily fit under a scope or behind a red dot and be used at a BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight). Another feature I really love about the MBUS PRO LR is that it’s fully adjustable for windage and elevation without any tools…

That allows you to really dial in your iron sights, which is obviously important because you can be more accurate, but having that ability to precisely dial in your iron sights makes shooting with them a lot more fun (in my opinion). So all in all, the Magpul MBUS PRO LR Adjustable Rear sight is one of the best sights you can get if you want to upgrade your rear BUIS.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT:


11. Bushnell AR Optics Rifle Scope 1-8x24mm

bushnell ar optics 1-8x24 riflescope

Like I mentioned before, it’s a good idea to put an optic on your M&P 15 Sport 2, and another great option is to go with an LPVO (low powered variable optic), which is a rifle scope that can be switched from 1x power to a higher magnification very quickly…

Now, scopes of this type can get extremely expensive, but one of the best options that balances affordability with performance is the Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x Rifle Scope. This is an awesome scope for any AR 15…

I like it because it has a very useful BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle which is designed to help you acquire a sight picture fast when the scope is on 1x power (much like you would with a red dot sight) and at the same time, do hold-overs when you’re shooting at different far off distances…

I also like that the glass is pretty clear, especially considering the cost of the scope, and I love that you get a throw lever included because it allows you to switch from high to low power (and back) on your scope very easily and very quickly. So all in all, the Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x is a great scope, and it would go well with any AR 15 including the M&P Sport. (Bonus – add this magnifier to it for double the magnification!)

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x Rifle Scope:


12. PSA CUSTOM 5.56 BCG (DLC COATED, DARK EARTH)

PSA CUSTOM 5.56 BCG DLC COATED- DARK EARTH

The BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) that comes in the M&P 15 Sport is very good. It’s not a part that needs to be upgraded, but if you do want to upgrade it, I think the PSA Custom 5.56 BCG is a great choice to go with…

I like the PSA Custom BCG because it’s made using very high quality materials and it’s built to a high standard. The DLC (Diamond Like Coated) finish is an upgrade over the standard finish that comes on the M&P 15 Sport’s BCG because it’s more rugged, and it also adds lubricity to the Bolt Carrier Group…

That extra lubricity makes your gun run smoother even with a minimal amount of oil, and it also makes your BCG very easy to clean because most of the time you can just wipe off the gunk with a dry rag…

The Dark Earth color also adds a little bit of flair and personality to your Sport, and I do think it’s a good idea to have spare parts ready for your AR 15 because even quality parts can and do break. So if you do choose to upgrade your BCG, you can keep your stock BCG (and all its little parts) in reserve and ready to go if you ever need them.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA CUSTOM 5.56 BCG:


13. Raven Ultra-Compact 3×32 Prism Scope

monstrum tactical raven review

Another really cool optic that not many people know about right now is the Raven Ultra-Compact 3×32 Prism Scope by Monstrum Tactical. It’s a fixed 3x scope, but it’s much more lightweight and more compact than an LPVO (low powered variable optic)…

It also has a Circle Dot Reticle which is etched and can be illuminated to be red or green with the optic’s batteries. And because the reticle is etched, you don’t even need to have a battery in the scope to have the reticle show up, which is not the case with a red dot sight…

I also like the Raven because the lens is pretty clear, it’s built like a tank, it’s affordable, and it comes with a mount, so you won’t have to buy an extra part to get it mounted on your gun. So I think it’s a really cool and unique optic that would look and perform great on your M&P 15 Sport.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Raven Ultra-Compact 3×32 Prism Scope:


14. Faxon Firearms AR-15 Pencil Profile Barrel

smith and wesson m&p 15 sport 2 barrel upgrade

The AR 15 is like a lego set for gun guys (and gals), and if you haven’t realized by now, there’s really no part that you can’t customize or upgrade. Even the barrel on your M&P 15 Sport can be swapped out for something a little bit better, and right now, a really cool option is the Faxon Firearms AR-15 Pencil Barrel…

Faxon is famous for making super high-quality barrels that are very accurate, and that have upgraded features like a 1-8 twist rate. On top of that, because it’s a pencil profile barrel, adding it on to your Sport will make the gun much lighter in terms of weight (especially weight toward the front of the gun which affects how the weapon handles)…

So again, if you do want to upgrade your M&P 15 Sport barrel and maybe keep the original as a back up, the Faxon Firearms Pencil Profile Barrel is a fantastic option that doesn’t break the bank.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Faxon Firearms AR-15 Pencil Profile Barrel:

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19 Badass AR 15 Accessories [Ultimate List]

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badass ar 15 accessories

One of the coolest things about the AR 15 is that it’s so easy to customize…

Because of that, the after-market has come out with all sorts of accessories that you can either include in an AR build or add-on piece by piece to a complete AR 15 that you already have.

Some of these accessories add real functional value to your AR 15, and some, quite frankly, just look cool…

So, to help you cut through the junk that might look cool without adding anything to your rifle but extra weight and bulk…

Here are 19 badass AR 15 accessories, that will add function to your rifle and look cool at the same time…

Badass AR 15 Accessories – Top 19 List…

1. FRANKLIN ARMORY BINARY TRIGGER (BFSIII AR-C1)

franklin armory binary trigger (BFSIII AR-C1)

That’s right! We’re starting off this list with a BANG – or maybe several BANGs. If you don’t know what a binary trigger is let me give you a quick run-down…

Basically, guns that can fire fully automatic are rare, expensive, and extremely hard to acquire here in the United States. But there is a legal way (at least at the time I’m writing this) to get a semi-automatic trigger which might help you shoot faster

The Franklin Armory BFSIII trigger allows you to fire normally like any other semi-automatic trigger, but it also gives you the ability to fire a round when the trigger is pulled AND when the trigger is released (it’s called Binary mode)…

All you do is switch your safety selector to the 3rd position and then you’ll be able to shoot extremely fast while still keeping your AR as a semi-automatic rifle…

It’s great if you want to be able to shoot faster for tactical situations or for competitions, and it’s also pretty cool if you just want to pop off some rounds really quickly and have some fun at the range.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Franklin Armory BFSIII Trigger:


2. POF TOMAHAWK AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE

POF TOMAHAWK AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLE

One of the easiest accessories to change out on your AR 15 is the charging handle. It’s simple because all you have to do is swap out your old charging handle with a new one when you field strip your AR for cleaning…

And the standard GI style charging handle leaves a lot to be desired because it’s small and hard to grab with one hand, and because it’s not ambidextrous…

Right now, one of the most badass charging handles you can get is the POF Tomahawk Ambidextrous Charging Handle. First of all, it looks really cool, which is always a plus, but it’s also built by POF, so the quality level is extremely high…

It’s also very ergonomic and easy to grab with one hand, and as the name implies, it’s great if you’re a lefty or in need of an ambi charging handle.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The POF Tomahawk Ambidextrous Charging Handle:


3. CMMG .22 LR CONVERSION KIT

CMMG .22 LR CONVERSION KIT BRAVO WITH 3-10 ROUND MAGAZINES

Wouldn’t you love to shoot your AR 15 more? I know I would, but the problem I run into a lot of times is that the ammo bill starts to really add up! But what if there was a way to you could shoot your same AR 15, but save some money while doing it?

Well, there actually is because with the CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit, all you have to do is swap out your bolt carrier group (and your magazines), and you can fire .22 LR through your normally 5.56/.223 AR 15…

This is an awesome conversion kit because it’s pretty reliable, and because it’s so quick and easy to switch from shooting .223 to .22LR and back again. It’s great if you want to shoot more often and at the same time, save money by shooting less expensive .22 LR…

And it’s also a great training aid because you can shoot more from the exact same AR 15 (with the same optic and furniture) that you normally train with and use. All in all, I think it’s an amazing accessory because it allows you to shoot a whole different caliber from your AR, and it’s still pretty affordable…

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit:


4. SB TACTICAL SBA4 PISTOL STABILIZING BRACE

SB TACTICAL SBA4 PISTOL STABILIZING BRACE

AR 15 pistols have come a long way in the last few years, and the reason why is because of the invention of the stabilizing brace. It might look like a stock, but as of right now (when I’m writing this) the ATF has stated that these are not classified as stocks and that they’re legal to put on an AR pistol with a barrel that is shorter than 16 inches (again, always check the current laws for yourself)…

Anyway, the SB Tactical SBA4 Stabilizing Brace is awesome for two reasons in my opinion. First of all, it can be used to create more stability when shooting an AR pistol by strapping it around your arm, placing it against your cheek, or right now, putting it on your shoulder like you would a stock (again, always check for ATF updates because this could change in the future)…

The second reason I love these braces is because they make an AR pistol look so much cooler than if they just have a naked buffer tube at the rear of the gun. And they come in a few different cool colors as well!

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The SB Tactical SBA4 Stabilizing Brace:


5. VG6 GAMMA 556 MUZZLE BRAKE

VG6 GAMMA 556 Muzzle Brake

One of the most simple things you can do to your AR 15 is change the muzzle device. But that one change can make a massive difference in how your rifle shoots…

The VG6 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake is one of the best muzzle devices you can add to your AR. The reason why is because it makes your rifle extremely flat shooting and softens the recoil to the point where it nearly disappears. This allows you to shoot a lot faster than you normally would.

Now I can tell you from personal experience that the VG6 Gamma is loud, but that’s how every muzzle break is, and I think that the improved performance that you get out of your AR is very much worth it. And if you really don’t like it, you can get the VG6 Cage Device which is will soften down the noise.

And since both the VG6 Gamma and the VG6 Cage Device look super cool in addition to how they make your rifle shoot softer and flatter, I think they definitely belong on this list of Badass AR 15 accessories…

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The VG6 Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake:


6. CMC DROP IN TRIGGER (SINGLE STAGE, TACTICAL FLAT BOW, 3.5LBS)

CMC DROP IN TRIGGER (SINGLE STAGE)

The CMC Drop In Trigger is the second trigger I’ve put on this list, but I just couldn’t avoid including it. First of all, the Flat Bow looks really cool from an aesthetics point of view, but it also performs really well…

Now, the CMC Drop In Triggers are semiautomatic triggers, but they are upgraded pretty heavily. There’s just something about the flat face of the trigger that feels good to me, and because this trigger is 3.5LBS it helps you shoot more accurately and quicker because it’s less work to pull the trigger straight back without disturbing your sights…

It’s also super easy to install because it’s a drop in unit, and compared to other triggers in its class, I think it’s a really affordable option. All in all, I have it. I love it. and I think you will too.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The CMC DROP IN TRIGGER:


7. Midwest Industries Drop-In Handguard (AR-15/M16 M-Series Two Piece Drop-In M-LOK)

midwest industries drop in handguard (AR-15_M16 M-Series Two Piece Drop-In M-LOK)

I have quite a few AR 15s now, but my first was a Colt LE6920. I love that rifle, but I remember that one of the first things I did was change out the handguard.

It wasn’t a matter of looks, it was a matter of function. I wanted to put a tactical light on my rifle (which I think is a very important accessory), and the standard military-style plastic handguards just aren’t the best for that. I ended up dropping a Daniel Defense Quad rail on it (which is a great rail!), but had the Midwest Industries M-Series Drop-In M-LOK Handguard been around, I probably would have chosen it.

First of all, it looks awesome! But it’s also lightweight, and because it’s an M-LOK handguard, you can put any accessories (lights, lasers, vertical grips, bipods, etc.) that you want on it. It’s also very easy to install and comes in Carbine Length, Mid Length, and Rifle Length.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Midwest Industries M-Series Drop-In M-LOK Handguard:


8. INFORCE WML Gen 2 Weapon Mounted White LED Tactical Light

INFORCE WML Gen2 Weapon Mounted White LED Tactical Light

Aside from an optic, I think the next most important accessory that you should have on your AR 15 is a good tactical light, and the INFORCE WML Gen 2 is a great one to go with…

As with all the accessories chosen on this list of badass AR gear, it looks really cool and comes in a couple of different color options. The INFORCE also has 400 lumens, which is plenty to light up close to mid-distance ranges. It also comes with an integrated rail, so you save money by not having to buy an extra part to mount it…

And the angled on/off button is simple, and very ergonomic which makes it a very easy weapon light to use. Last, it’s also waterproof in up to 66 feet of water, and it’s built to be rugged. So it can handle the recoil of being mounted on an AR 15 without any issues at all.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The INFORCE WML Gen 2 Tactical Light:


9. MAGPUL BAD LEVER

MAGPUL BAD LEVER

The AR 15 is my favorite rifle, and part of the reason why is because it’s an inherently very ergonomic platform. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t make small improvements to the ergos here and there…

Take, for example, the Magpul B.A.D. (Battery Assist Device) Lever. This little guy is affordable, and it allows you to do a few things a little easier on your AR 15. It attaches to your bolt release and sits just inside your trigger guard. And what this allows you to do is to drop the bolt or lock the bolt back without taking your hand off of the pistol grip…

It makes reloading your rifle faster, and it can also make clearing malfunctions a little easier as well. On top of all that, it’s very easy to install, and very affordably priced. So it’s a great addition to any AR 15.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Magpul B.A.D. Lever:


10. ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard

ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard

Let me get right to the point on this one, this is an awesome rail. The ATLAS S-ONE is a fantastic rail because it’s sturdy, lightweight, and extremely functional. For example, it’s an M-LOK rail, so you can basically mount any accessories you want on it…

It also saves a lot of weight by not having the picatinny rail go all across the top, the way most rails do. That feature makes the ATLAS S-ONE look very unique and cool, but it also makes the rail slimmer, easier to grab, and more ergonomic…

It basically gives you the ability to grab and aim your AR more comfortably, without giving up the ability to mount accessories like weapon lights, lasers, and vertical grips anywhere you want them.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard:


11. MAGPUL MOE SL CARBINE STOCK

MAGPUL MOE SL CARBINE STOCK

Another simple accessory that you can add to your AR 15, which will completely change its look, is to add an after-market stock. But the truth is that adding a new stock is NOT just about changing the looks of your rifle…

I’ve seen the cheap plastic AR stocks break very easily, and they’re also not the most comfortable stocks to put into your shoulder either. On top of that, they rattle around a lot of your rifle, and they limit the ways you can mount a sling on your AR as well…

Now, the Magpul MOE SL is one of my favorites when it comes to upgrading your AR 15 stock. It’s very comfortable in the pocket of your shoulder, and it fits securely onto your AR’s buffer tube without any annoying rattling sound. It also gives you a variety of ways to mount a sling on your AR, and I’ve always loved the cool color options that Magpul offers on all their AR accessories.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The MAGPUL MOE SL CARBINE STOCK:


12. PSA CUSTOM 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group (BGC) DLC COATED

PSA CUSTOM 5.56 BCG DLC COATED- DARK EARTH

Ever thought about upgrading your BCG (Bolt Carrier Group)? If you have, I think the PSA Custom DLC Coated BCG is a fantastic option. First of all, the machining on this BCG is extremely well done. It’s made from a high-end carpenter steel, and it’s also high pressure tested.

The DLC (Diamond Like Coated) finish is also very cool. The dark earth color looks just a little bit flashy, and it adds a little bit of personality to your AR. On top of that, it’s also an incredibly tough finish and fairly slick, so you don’t need as much oil on your BCG (as you normally do) for your AR 15 to run smoothly. It also makes for easy cleaning too (usually by simply wiping off your bolt carrier with a dry rag).

And here’s the thing, I like having spare parts for my AR 15s because even quality parts can and do break. So picking up an upgraded BCG and keeping your stock BCG in reserve as a back up, is a really good idea in my mind.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The PSA CUSTOM 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group (BGC) DLC COATED:


13. Holosun Compact Laser Sight

Holosun Compact Laser Sight

Have you ever looked into mounting a laser on your AR 15? Oftentimes, people like to go with IR lasers on their AR’s, but some are looking for green or red lasers. The problem is that lasers are typically either really cheap (and they fall apart) or they’re incredibly expensive…

Luckily, if you’d like to add a laser to your AR, Holosun has come out with a high-quality, affordable option… the Holosun Compact Laser Sight. I really like the Holosun Compact laser because you can get it in IR, green, or red, and even though it is built to be rugged, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg…

It also comes with a quick detach mount, so you won’t have to spend extra money just to mount it, and overall, it’s a great laser at a good price-point (which always seems to be the case with Holosun products).

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Holosun Compact Laser Sight:


14. Trijicon MRO Red Dot Sight

Trijicon MRO

In my opinion, the first accessory you should add to your AR 15 is an optic, and if you choose to go with a red dot as your optic, I think the Trijicon MRO is an amazing choice…

I love the MRO because it’s built to be insanely rugged, but at the same time, it’s not priced as high as something like an Aimpoint T2, which is also an amazing sight, but it is very expensive. The MRO is a good balance because it offers you extreme high-quality at a reasonable price in my opinion…

I also like the large objective lens that you get with the MRO because you can see more when you’re shooting, and the 2 MOA reticle is great because it’s small enough to allow you to aim with precision, but also large enough that it attracts your eye very quickly (for fast shooting). All in all, I think the Trijicon MRO is a badass optic, at a solid price-point…

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Trijicon MRO Red Dot Sight:


15. Bushnell AR Optics 1-8×24 Riflescope

bushnell ar optics 1-8x24 riflescope

If you don’t want to go with a red dot, you also have the option of mounting a scope on your AR 15… And if you want to go that route, I recommend a low powered variable optic ( a 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, etc.) because you can use the scope in a similar way to a red dot on 1x power, but bump up the magnification when you need to shoot at distance…

One of the coolest scopes of this type (without breaking the bank) is the Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x Scope. I like this scope a lot because the glass is pretty clear, the BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Reticle is awesome, and the included Throw lever allows you to switch magnification (from 1-8x) very quickly and easily…

All in all, this scope gives you a huge advantage with you’re shooting at close range AND at mid-to-long range, especially because of the BDC reticle and the included throw lever. And if you want to take it out even further, you can check out this magnifier to pair with it.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope:


16. MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR REAR SIGHT

MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR rear SIGHT

Magpul makes a lot of awesome stuff, and I like most of the flip-up sights that they offer. But that being said, the coolest option they have is the MBUS Pro LR Adjustable Rear Sight…

Like I said, I think the polymer sights that Magpul makes are very good, but this is a steel rear sight, which means it’s a lot more durable than the polymer sights. But the thing that I like most about this rear sight is that it’s FULLY adjustable. That means you can adjust the windage and elevation from the rear sight without any tools…

I like that because shooting with irons sights is a lot of fun when you can really dial in your sights. On top of that, this sight is super low profile when it flips down, so it can sit under a scope or behind a red dot as a BUIS (back up iron sight)…

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The MAGPUL MBUS PRO LR ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT:


17. MAGPUL MBUS PRO FRONT SIGHT

MAGPUL MBUS PRO front sight

Some AR 15’s have a fixed front sight, and if that’s the case with your gun, you can just skip number 17. But if your rifle doesn’t have a front sight, the Magpul MBUS PRO Front Sight is an amazing option…

Like I mentioned earlier, I love the polymer sights that Magpul offers, but even though that’s the case, their steel sights are better. They’re just more rugged and more reliable. And that rings true for the MBUS PRO Front Sight…

Aside from being a very durable sight, it’s also elevation adjustable with no tools, and it’s very low profile when flipped down on your rifle’s rail.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The MAGPUL MBUS PRO BACK-UP FRONT SIGHT:


18. Andro Corp Industries AR-15/M16 TiN Gold Bolt Carrier Group

Andro Corp Industries TiN Gold Bolt Carrier Group

The Ando Corp Industries TiN Bolt Carrier Group is my second BCG on this list, but I feel I had to include it because the Gold TiN finish it has is super badass…

Now, that gold looks great, but it also adds to the function of the BCG in a few important ways. You see, that gold finish is polished TiN (Titanium Nitride), which is a super durable coating that can add extra life to your bolt and carrier, and it will make your bolt and carrier have more lubricity…

This means that your AR will cycle very smoothly even with a minimal amount of oil or grease. On top of that, the polished TiN finish makes cleaning your bolt and carrier super easy. You basically just have to wipe the gunk off, apply a little bit of oil, and you’re good to go with a bolt that’s going to turn some heads at the range!

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The Ando Corp Industries TiN Bolt Carrier Group:


19. JP Enterprises 2 Silent Captured Spring System

jp enterprises silent captured spring

Have you ever noticed the springy sound when you fire your AR 15? That’s your buffer spring getting pushed in while the bolt reciprocates. There’s nothing wrong with having that noise, but there are ways to get your AR to run a little smoother and a little quieter…

The JP Enterprises Gen 2 Silent Captured Buffer Spring System is a fantastic accessory if you want to get your AR 15 running smoother and quieter (without any grating or springy noise).

It can easily be installed by replacing your old buffer spring, and you can also custom tune it to any particular load that you like, which will get your rifle running even better. JP Enterprises is known for making top-notch AR 15s and accessories, and the Silent Captured Buffer Spring System is definitely badass and deserves a spot on this list.

Click The Button Below To Learn More About The JP Enterprises Gen 2 Silent Captured Buffer Spring System:

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DPMS AR 15 Review [Is It The Right Gun For You?]

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dpms ar 15 review

The AR-15 has been dubbed ‘America’s Rifle’ for a reason…

It’s by far the most popular rifle is the country, and when you think about it, it’s easy to see why… 

It’s an accurate design, it’s reliable, and it offers you (as the shooter) some really fantastic ergonomics… 

In addition to that, there are many quality AR’s being built right now that you can get at very budget friendly prices…

So in this DPMS AR 15 review, we’re going to examine if the DPMS Oracle is one of the AR 15’s that offers you good quality at an affordable price tag…

And we’ll do that by discussing how the Oracle stacks up in the following categories…

  • Barrel And Accuracy
  • Bolt And Carrier
  • Upper And Lower Receivers
  • Trigger
  • Stock, Handguard, and Pistol Grip
  • Pros and Cons

In the end, I’ll tell you if I would personally choose a DPMS AR 15 as my own budget-friendly AR or not…

And you should have all the information you need to determine if it’s the right gun for you…

Let’s start the review!  

Check Out My 2 Favorite Budget-Friendly AR-15s…

M&P 15 Sport II
PSA PA-15

Barrel And Accuracy…

The DPMS Oracle features a barrel made from 4140 steel which has a 1/9 twist. 4140 is a decent barrel steel…

It’s not quite as hard as 4150 or some other barrel steels you’ll find out there, but for a budget AR (which probably won’t have a very high round count) it should serve you pretty well…

dpms ar-15 review

In addition to that, the 1/9 twist on the barrel is ideal for lighter (55 grain) 5.56 or .223 loads. Typically, a 1/7 twist barrel is better for heavier loads, and it’s what I personally prefer when I can get it…

But the 1/9 twist barrel that you get on the Oracle works pretty well, and actually shoots pretty accurately too…

There is no barrel lining with the DPMS Oracle such as a chrome lining, but as long as you clean your rifle and barrel, that shouldn’t be much of an issue either…

Overall, I think the barrel quality that you get with the DPMS Oracle is fair-to-good, but there is room for improvement in terms of the materials used.

Bolt And Carrier…

The bolt carrier group (BCG) that comes with the DPMS AR 15 has a full auto profile. Even though that’s not a huge deal in a semi-auto civilian-use AR 15

I still like having a full auto profile bolt carrier, and I’m glad that DPMS didn’t choose to go with a semi auto profile carrier, even though it really wouldn’t make much of a difference in terms of how the gun functions… 

In addition to that, the carrier and the gas key are both chrome lined which will help prevent corrosion and make them easier to clean…

And the gas key is properly staked onto the carrier, so it won’t loosen up as you fire the rifle…

On top of that, the extractor on the bolt includes an O-ring which gives you a little extra extractor power when the rifle pulls out spent cartridges and then kicks them out…

There are no markings on the bolt or carrier showing if they are MPI and HP tested, and DPMS doesn’t seem to have that information easily accessible…

However, they seem like they’re decent quality in relation to that budget-friendly price tag that you pay for the rifle.

Upper And Lower Receiver…

Both the upper receiver and the lower receiver on the DPMS AR 15 are made from 7075 T6 aluminum and they appear to be mil spec in terms of their dimensions…

They also fit together fairly tightly, and the charging handle also appears to be a standard mil spec charging handle as well… 

The upper does include M4 feed ramps which will help aid you in terms of reliability, and it also features a forward assist and a shell deflector which are features that you don’t always find on budget AR 15s…

dpms oracle

The gas block is aluminum, and it sits on a lower plane than the rail on the top of the upper receiver. 

I’m not too sure why they chose to go with this system because if you do end up putting flip up iron sights on the rifle you might run into issues getting them zeroed…

That said, it won’t end up being an issue for you at all if you decided to put a red dot (check out my favorite budget red dot here) or a scope on this rifle…

The lower receiver is also mil spec in terms of its dimensions, and the receiver extension has a  castle nut which is staked (another feature that you don’t always find on budget AR 15s)…

Additionally, you get a carbine weight buffer, and the receiver extension is commercial spec. So if you ever want to change out the stock, make sure you get the commercial spec size rather than the mil spec size…

Last, the extension gives you 6 positions for your stock, so you get a lot of adjustability when it comes to fitting the length of pull to what is most comfortable for you.

All in all, I think the quality of the upper and lower receiver are pretty good considering the price point of this rifle, but I’m not a fan of the gas block that sits lower than the rifle’s top rail.

Trigger Specs And Feel…

The trigger appears to be mil spec in terms of the way it is constructed, and it breaks like a mil spec trigger when you pull it at around 6 pounds…

It’s perfectly usable, but like all AR 15 triggers, it’s pretty easy to swap out if you want to upgrade it in the future…

Stock, Handguard, and Pistol Grip…

The handguards that come included with the DPMS Oracle are a bit strange. They don’t include any sort of heat shield on the inside, and they also have these strange ridges that fit around the barrel…

They’re also kind of fat to hold on to, and they just seem kind of clunky. They’re an easy thing to swap out, but honestly I would have preferred a more slimmed down design even if it doesn’t include a heat shield (similar to the M&P 15 Sport)…

The pistol grip is an A2 style pistol grip which is pretty standard on AR-15s. I’m personally not a big fan of the little nub because it always hits my finger in the wrong spot…

But that’s not too big a deal because again, it can easily be swapped out or even just grinded off if you don’t want to spend 20 bucks on a new grip…

dpms panther ar-15 review

Last, the stock that DPMS includes is also kind of clunky. The back of the stock is angled outward toward the bottom, and it’s just not a really comfortable design in my opinion…

Again, the stock can easily be swapped out for something better, but I wish that it was just flat at the back because I think it would end up being a more comfortable design. 

Overall, I’m not a fan of any of the furniture included on the DPMS AR 15, but as I mentioned before, these are all accessories that can be easily swapped out for something better…

The only problem is that that is going to cost you more money as you upgrade the accessories along the way. 

Pros and Cons…

Pros…

  • It’s An Accurate Rifle
  • Its Reliable
  • The Upper and Lower Receiver Are Good Quality
  • The Bolt Carrier Group Is Chrome Lined
  • The Extractor Includes And O-ring For Extra Power
  • In Includes A Forward Assist And Shell Deflector
  • The Castle Nut On The Receiver Extension Is Staked

Cons…

  • The Barrel Steel Could Be Better Quality
  • The Aluminum Gas Block Sits Lower Than The Top Rail
  • The Handguard Is Odd and Clunky
  • The Stock Design Is Not Very Comfortable

DPMS AR 15 Review – Final Thoughts…

In the end, I think the DPMS AR 15 gives you some decent value at its budget price, but would I choose it as my budget rifle?

No, I would not… I think that the M&P 15 Sport, The PSA PA-15, and the AC-15 from Aero Precision are the best budget AR 15s available and they’ll give you a ton more quality at a similar price point as the DPMS…

Click The Buttons Below To Check Out My Favorite Budget-Friendly AR-15s…

M&P 15 Sport II
PSA PA-15

That said, if you like the DPMS AR 15, and you don’t intend to shoot a high round count through it, it will probably serve you just fine as a plinker for range use…

But if it’s a rifle that you think you might like to use as a self-defense gun, like I said, click the buttons above because I consider each of those rifles to be a big step above the DPMS in terms of quality.

Anyway, I hope this helps you out, and remember to stay safe at the range!  

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Aimpoint T2 Vs Comp M4 [Which Is The Better Optic For You?]

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aimpoint t2 vs comp m4

I think it’s pretty hard not to like Aimpoints…

They’re just super high quality sights, and they give you a sense of confidence that they’re going to keep working for you (no matter what) when you put them on your rifle…

And right now, two of the most popular Aimpoints on the market are…

So in this Aimpoint T2 Vs Comp M4 comparison, we’re going to put these two fantastic sights up against each other and see how they stack up against each other in the following categories… 

  • Durability And Toughness
  • Reticle And Lens Clarity
  • Size Comparison
  • Battery Life And Brightness Settings
  • Extra Goodies Included With The Optic
  • Price Comparison

In the end, I’ll tell you if I personally prefer the compact Aimpoint T2 or the full-sized Comp M4, and you should have all the information you need to determine which optic will work best for you…

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the durability and toughness of these two sights…

Durability And Toughness…

Aimpoint T2

Aimpoints have a legendary reputation for durability and reliability and the Aimpoint T2 is no different. For starters, it has a sight housing that’s constructed from high strength aluminum…

…and it also has a hard anodized non-reflective finish which helps protect the optic from the elements. In addition to that, the sight housing is built up around the windage and elevation adjustments. 

Aimpoint comp m4 vs t2

This is actually a pretty important design feature for me because it means that those adjustment knobs can never be bumped or snapped off accidentally…

The Aimpoint T2 is also a waterproof optic. It’s rated to be waterproof and up to 25 meters (80 feet) of water, and it can easily handle duty use in rainy, snowy, or wet conditions…

Last, the Aimpoint T2 is also a shock proof optic. So it can handle the recoil from being mounted on high-powered rifles, shotguns, and pistol caliber carbines or submachine guns…

All in all, the durability and reliability that you get with the Aimpoint T2 is very impressive especially in such a small optic.

Aimpoint Comp M4

The Aimpoint Comp M4 is also an extremely durable and reliable optic. It also has a sight housing that’s constructed from high strength aluminum…

And it’s also hard anodized with a non-reflective finish which will help you keep a low profile and protect the body of the optic from the elements…

Aimpoint comp m4 vs aimpoint t2

In addition to that, the sight housing on the Comp M4 is also built up around the windage and elevation adjustments… 

So again your adjustment turrets can never be accidentally bumped or snapped off, which isn’t always the case with red dot sights…

The Comp M4 is also a waterproof optic. It’s rated to be waterproof in up to 45 meters (150 feet) of water, and it will easily handle serving in tough rainy or wet conditions…

Last, the Comp M4 is also a shockproof optic, so it can handle being mounted on shotguns, high-powered rifles, and PCC‘s without any issues at all…

Just as with the T2, the durability and reliability that you get with the Aimpoint Comp M4 is extremely impressive to me.

Durability And Toughness Conclusions…

OK so in this category both of these sights are Aimpoints, so they’re both extremely durable and reliable…

For example, they’re both constructed from high strength aluminum, and they both have a sight housing that protects their windage and elevation adjustments…

The biggest difference that I see is in terms of waterproof rating because the Comp M4 has a little bit better waterproof rating than the T2 (even though the T2’s rating is still extremely impressive)…

So because of that small difference I’m gonna give the slight win in this category to the Aimpoint Comp M4.

Winner: Aimpoint Comp M4

Reticle And Lens Clarity…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 has a very clear lens. You don’t get any of that annoying blue tint that you’ll sometimes find on other red dot sights (such as the Trijicon MRO)…

And overall the lens is very clear and you get a very clean sight picture when looking through the optic. Now the reticle on the T2 is a simple 2 MOA (minute of angle) dot which I think is a great reticle for this style of optic… 

Comp m4 vs t2

The reason why I like it is because the dot is large enough for your eye to quickly and easily pick it up, which helps you to shoot faster…

But at the same time, it’s still a small enough dot that it allows you to aim precisely at small targets or targets that are off in the distance…

So it’s a reticle that helps you shoot faster without sacrificing any precision for shots that require a high degree of accuracy, and I much prefer it over a larger MOA dot such as a 4, 6, or even 8 MOA dot.

Aimpoint Comp M4

The Aimpoint Comp M4 also has a very clear lens. Just like the Aimpoint T2, the Comp M4 doesn’t have any of the blue tint that can sometimes be found on these optics…

And overall you’re able to see very clearly through the sight and establish a very clean sight picture. In addition to that, because the Comp M4 is a larger optic than the T2, you get a larger field of view when looking through the sight…

Aimpoint comp m5 vs m5s

That allows you to see more of what’s down range when you’re taking aim, and seeing more is always a good thing when you’re shooting…

The reticle on the Comp M4 is the exact same 2 MOA dot that you get with the T2, and again, I really like this reticle on a red dot sight because…

…at 2 MOA the dot is very easy and quick for your eye to pick up (so you can shoot faster), but it’s also small enough to allow you to aim precisely at small targets.

Reticle And Lens Clarity Conclusions…

So in this category, both of these sights are pretty similar. They both have an extremely clear lens which allows you to establish a very clean sight picture…

And they both feature a 2 MOA dot reticle which I think is a great reticle because it helps you shoot quickly without sacrificing any precision when you need to make an accurate shot…

The only real difference I can think of in this category is the size of the field of view, and even though I think the field of you that you get with the Aimpoint T2 is fairly good, the Comp M4’s  field of view is larger because it’s a bigger optic…

So because seeing more is always an advantage when shooting, the larger field of view on the Comp M4 is going to make it the slight winner in this category.

Winner: Aimpoint Comp M4

Size Comparison…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 is one of Aimpoint’s micro red dot sights, so it’s very small and the exact same size as other Aimpoint Micro sights such as the Aimpoint H2

Aimpoint h2 vs t2

The height on the T2 measures in at 1.4 inches. The width measures in at 1.6 inches, and the length measures in at 2.7 inches…

In addition to that, the weight on the Aimpoint T2 comes in at just 3.0 ounces, which is very lightweight for a red dot sight.

Aimpoint Comp M4

The Aimpoint Comp M4 is a more traditional-sized red dot sight. It’s much larger than the Aimpoint T2, and is a little closer in size to something like the Aimpoint PRO

Aimpoint comp m4 vs m5

The Comp M4 has a height that measures in at 2.8 inches. It has a width that also measures in at 2.8 inches, and the length measures in at 5.3 inches…

In addition to that, the weight on the Comp M4 comes in at 9.4 ounces.

Size Comparison Conclusions…

These two sights are very different in this category. The Aimpoint Comp M4 is a full size red dot sight whereas the Aimpoint T2 is a micro red dot sight…

Because of that, the Aimpoint T2 is much smaller than the Comp M4 in every dimension, and its also much more lightweight as well…

Having a compact and lightweight optic is pretty important for me. I like to keep my rifles lightweight, and its very easy to put too much weight on a rifle when adding accessories…

Even though a few ounces might not seem like much, the ounces can quickly turn into pounds when adding optics and other accessories to your gun…

So I really like the super lightweight and compact size that you get with the Aimpoint T2, and that makes it the clear winner in this category.

Winner: Aimpoint T2

Battery Life And Brightness Settings…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 uses one CR2032 battery which is able to power the sight for over 5 years (around 50,000 hours)… 

I love when red dots have super long battery life like this, and the reason why it’s very simple… you don’t want your optic’s battery dying on you at the wrong time…

Aimpoint t2 vs comp m5

I’ve had red dot batteries die on me at the range before, and it’s something that can get pretty annoying…

But at the end of the day, it’s not really that big a deal because you can just swap out your battery when you get home… 

That being said, I’m a firm believer that you should keep your optic turned on at all times so that the sight is ready to go at a moment’s notice if you ever need to use it in an emergency self-defense situation…

With 50,000 hours worth of battery life, you can keep the Aimpoint T2 turned on at all times and as long as you swap out the battery at least once a year (which is what most people recommend)… 

…you can keep the sight turned on at all times and not have to worry about your battery dying on you at the wrong time.

Now with the T2 you get a total of 8 daylight brightness settings, 4 night vision settings, and 1 extra bright setting… 

The daylight brightness settings are very powerful, and you won’t have any problem seeing the dot even on a sunny day…

And if conditions get really extreme, you always have that extra bright setting that you can bump the side up too…

The night vision settings will have to be used along with night vision equipment, but if you have that equipment (or if you plan on getting some in the future) you’ll be able to run the T2 at night without having any issues at all.

Aimpoint Comp M4

The Aimpoint Comp M4 uses one AA battery which is able to power the sight for over 8 years which is around 80,000 hours…

Again, I love super long battery life like this because you can keep your sight turned on at all times (so that it’s ready to go), and you won’t have to fiddle around with buttons just to turn your optic on if you ever need to use it for self-defense…

Aimpoint pro vs comp m5

Now with the Comp M4 you get a total of 9 daylight brightness settings, 7 night vision settings, and 1 extra bright setting…

Just as with the T2, the daylight brightness settings are very powerful, and you won’t have any problems seeing the reticle even on a bright day (again, you have the extra bright setting as well if you need it)…

On top of that, you also have 7 night vision settings which, again, will have to be used along with night vision equipment… 

But having so many settings can really allow you to fine-tune the brightness level to exactly what works best for you. 

Battery Life And Brightness Settings Conclusions…

So in this category, we (again) have several similarities between these two sights. They both have super long battery life, and they both have several daylight brightness settings, night vision settings, and an extra bright setting…

The differences are small, but that being said, there are some differences. For example, with the Comp M4 you get 80,000 hours of battery life whereas with the T2 you get 50,000 hours…

Honestly, both sights are fantastic in terms of battery lifespan, but even though that’s the case, the Comp M4’s battery lifespan is a little bit longer than the T2’s…

In addition to that, the Comp M4 has more daylight and night vision brightness settings. Again, this isn’t a huge deal in my opinion, but it might allow you to fine-tune your brightness level just a little bit more…

So in the end, even though this is another extremely close category I’m going to give the slight edge to the Aimpoint Comp M4.

Winner: Aimpoint Comp M4

Extra Accessories Included With The Optic…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 comes with front and rear flip up lens covers. The front lens cover is blacked out just like you would normally find, however the rear lens cover is actually clear.

This might seem like a strange set up, but there is an actual purpose behind it. You see, even with the front lens cover blacked out, you can still see the dot through the clear rear lens cover… 

aimpoint t2 for sale

And as long as you keep both eyes open, the dot will actually superimpose over the target that you’re aiming at…

The benefit of this is that you can keep both lens covers closed for maximum protection of your optic, but at the same time, you can still make a quick shot in an emergency (even with both of those lens covers closed)…

Now when it comes to mounts, you can purchase the T2 with a high mount, a low mount, or no mount at all… 

The high mount is going to set you up for a cowitness with back up iron sights (BUIS) on an AR platform rifle such as an AR-15 or an AR-10…

…and the low mount will work well with any firearm that favors a low mounted optic such as an AK or a shotgun.

If you choose to include the high or low mount with the T2 the price of the overall package will go up. So I think it’s more accurate to call these mounts ‘add on’ items rather than included items…

That being said, the least expensive option would be to purchase the sight with no mount, however if you choose to go this route, you will have to purchase a mount on the aftermarket to be able to put the sight on your gun…

The good news is that the Aimpoint T2 is an extremely popular optic, so there are tons of companies out there making high quality mounts that will fit the Aimpoint T2 footprint.

Aimpoint Comp M4

The Aimpoint Comp M4 does come with a rubber bikini lens cover, but much more importantly, it comes with the QRP2 mount…

The QRP2 mount stands for a ‘Quick Release Picatinny’ and it’s a very high-quality mount. It sets you up for a cowitness with back up iron sights (BUIS) on an AR-15 or an AR-10…

However, it has a removable spacer which will allow you to mount the sight lower and that makes it a useful mount for the AK platform, shotguns, and several other types of firearms as well…

aimpoint comp m4

So it’s a fully adjustable mount, which I think is awesome because you’ll be set up to mount your optic right out of the box regardless of the type of firearm you have… 

In addition to that, the QRP2 mount is a truly included item that comes with the Comp M4. That means that getting the mount with your optic is already built into the price…

And that’s convenient because you won’t have to go searching around for a mount on the aftermarket, and you won’t have to spend extra money on that mount either…

So overall I really love that the QRP2 mount is included with the Aimpoint Comp M4, and I think it adds a lot of extra value to the overall sight package.

Extra Accessories Conclusions…

OK so in this category, these 2 sights have some key differences. The Aimpoint T2 can be purchased with a high or low mount…

…but it’s really more of an ‘add on’ item rather than an included item because the cost of the sight does go up when you get it with one of the factory mounts.

On the other hand, the Aimpoint Comp M4 comes with the QRP2 mount which is a fully adjustable mount, and it’s a truly included accessory because it’s built-in to the actual price of the optic…

So because you get an included mount with the Comp M4, once again I’m going to give it the win in this category.

Winner: Aimpoint Comp M4

Price Comparison…

Unfortunately I won’t be able to give you exact numbers in this section because the prices of the sights are changing all the time…

And with the Aimpoint T2, the price can actually change depending on if you get it with a mount or not…

But with that being said, in general, you’ll usually find that the Aimpoint T2 (without a mount) is around 90 to 100 bucks less expensive than the Aimpoint Comp M4…

And even if you include a mount with the Aimpoint T2, the price still usually comes in under the price of the Aimpoint Comp M4 which does include the QRP2 mount… 

So if you’re trying to budget your money and get the less expensive option between these two sights, the Aimpoint T2 is probably going to be the best option for you.

Winner: Aimpoint T2

Aimpoint T2 Vs Comp M4 – Final Thoughts…

So in the end, in the Durability And Toughness category, both of these sights are Aimpoints and they’re both extremely durable and reliable because they’re both built using very strong materials…

But because the Comp M4 has a slightly better waterproof rating than the Aimpoint T2 (even though the Aimpoint T2’s rating is still pretty impressive), I gave the win in this section to the Comp M4…

In the Lens Clarity And Reticle category, both of these sights have a very clear lens which allows you to get a clean sight picture, and they both feature a 2 MOA dot reticle, which I think is a great reticle…

However, because the Comp M4 has a little bit larger field of view than the T2, It came away as the winner here…

In the Size Comparison, the Comp M4 is a full size red dot sight and the T2 is a micro red dot sight… 

So the T2 is much more lightweight and smaller than the Comp M4, and it came away as the winner in this category…

In the Battery Life And Brightness Settings category, both of these sights have super long battery life, they both have powerful daylight brightness settings and night vision settings…

But because the Comp M4’s battery life is a little bit longer than the T2’s battery life, and because you have just a few more options in terms of brightness settings, I gave the win here to the Comp M4…

In the Extra Accessories category, the Aimpoint T2 comes with flip up lens covers, but the Comp M4 comes with the QRP2 mount which is fully adjustable. So I gave the win here to the Comp M4…

And last in the Price Comparison, the Aimpoint T2 without a mount is usually around 90 to 100 dollars less expensive than the Aimpoint Comp M4 which includes the QRP2 mount…  

So which of these sights do I prefer? I prefer Aimpoint T2…

Aimpoint t2 review

I prefer the Aimpoint T2 for a few reasons. First of all, even though I gave the slight win to the Comp M4 in the durability and toughness category, the Aimpoint T2 is still extremely tough…

You can put it through very hard use, and it’s going to keep working for you even in the toughest conditions…

In addition to that, it’s a much smaller sight than the Comp M4, and this is important because it will take up less space on your rifle and keep the weight down as well…

Having a lightweight carbine helps make it faster into action, and it allows you to carry the firearm for a longer period of time without getting fatigued, so it’s a pretty important feature for me…

Last, the Aimpoint T2 is less expensive than the Comp M4 even if you include a mount with it. So it’ll end up saving you a little bit of money as well.

Now if you want maximum durability, a full sized red dot sight, and an included mount, then feel free to go with the Comp M4 because it’s still and amazing optic…

Aimpoint comp m4 review

You won’t go wrong by going with either of these fantastic red dot sights because they’re both Aimpoints and they’re both extremely high-quality optics! 

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Aimpoint T2 Vs Eotech EXPS3 [Which Is The Best Optic For You?]

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aimpoint t2 vs eotech exps3

Whenever you’re talking about premium red dot sights there are two names that will have to be part of the discussion… Aimpoint and Eotech…

Both of these companies have a reputation for making super high quality and reliable optics…

…and they’ve both supplied optics to law enforcement and military units that have been put through the toughest conditions.

And right now, two of their most popular offerings are…

So in this Aimpoint T2 Vs Eotech EXPS3 comparison, we’re going to put these two sights up against each other and see how they stack up in the following six categories… 

  • Durability And Toughness
  • Reticle And Lens Clarity
  • Size Comparison
  • Battery Life And Brightness Settings
  • Extra Goodies Included With The Optic
  • Price Comparison

In the end, I’ll tell you if I personally prefer the rock-solid Aimpoint T2 or the blazing-fast Eotech EXPS3, and you should have all the information you need to determine which optic will work best for you…

Let’s get started!

Durability And Toughness…

Aimpoint T2

Aimpoints are pretty much known for their durability and reliability and the Aimpoint T2 is no different. To start off with, the sight housing on the T2 is made from high strength aluminum…

It’s very rugged, and it also has a hard anodized non reflective finish which helps the sight (and you) keep a low profile and also helps protect the body of the optic from the elements…

Eotech vs aimpoint for home defense

In addition to that, the sight housing on the T2 is built up around the windage and elevation adjustments. This is actually an important feature for me because it prevents them from getting bumped accidentally or even snapped off which is something that can happen with some other red dot sights out there…

The Aimpoint T2 is also a waterproof optic. It’s rated to be waterproof in up to 25 meters (80 feet) of water, and it can easily handle serving in rainy, snowy, or wet conditions…

Last, the T2 is also a shockproof optic. So it can handle the recoil from high-powered rifles, shotguns, and pistol caliber carbines or submachine guns without having any problems at all…

All in all, the durability and toughness that you get with the Aimpoint T2 is extremely impressive, especially considering just how small the sight actually is.

Eotech EXPS3

The Eotech EXPS3 is also a very durable optic. It’s sight housing is also made from a high quality aluminum, and it also has an anodized finish which will help protect the optic from the elements…

In addition to that, the EXPS3 has a large protective hood that goes over the sight window, and I really like this feature because it gives you extra protection in an area that could be a weak point on the sight without it…

Eotech exps3 vs aimpoint t2

Next, the windage and elevation adjustments on the EXPS3 are actually recessed into the sight housing. They can still be adjusted easily with the use of a small screwdriver, but they can never be bumped or snapped off accidentally…

The EXPS3 is also a waterproof optic. It’s rated to be waterproof in up to 10 meters (33 feet) of water, and just like the Aimpoint T2 it can easily handle any rainy, snowy, or wet conditions that you can throw at it…

Last, the EXPS3 is also a shockproof optic and can handle the recoil from being mounted on shotguns, high powered rifles, and PCCs, just like the Aimpoint T2…

All in all, the ruggedness that you get with the EXPS3 is also very impressive.

Durability And Toughness Conclusions…

In this category these two sights have a lot of similarities, but there are a few differences. Both sights are built using very rugged materials, and they both have an anodized finish to help protect them from the elements…

In addition to that, they’re both also shockproof and waterproof. That being said, the Aimpoint T2 waterproof rating is significantly better than the EXPS3 waterproof rating (even though the Eotech’s rating is also pretty good)…

So even though both of these sights are extremely durable and it’s really close in this category, I’m going to give the edge to the Aimpoint T2 but only by a hair…

Winner: Aimpoint T2

Reticle And Lens Clarity…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 has a very clear lens. You don’t really get any of that blue tint (which can end up being distracting) like you do on some other red dots (such as the Trijicon MRO)…

And overall you’re able to see very clearly and to establish a very clean sight picture when looking through the optic…

Aimpoint pro vs eotech exps2

Now the reticle on the Aimpoint T2 is a simple 2 MOA (minute of angle) dot, and I think it’s a very good reticle on this style of optic…

The reason why I like it is because the 2 MOA dot is fairly quick and easy for your eye to pick up, which allows you to shoot fast…

But at the same time, it’s still a small dot that allows you to aim precisely at small targets or targets that are at further distances… 

So I like the 2 MOA dot as a reticle on a red dot sight, and I’m glad that Aimpoint decided to go with a small dot rather than something like a 6 or 8 MOA dot…

…because I’ve found that those larger dots end up covering up too much of the target when you’re trying to shoot very accurately. 

Eotech EXPS3

The Eotech EXPS3 also has an extremely clear lens. It’s actually a holographic sight, which is a little bit different from a reflex sight…

…and it uses a laser driven hologram to produce the reticle rather than a traditional emitter. The result is that the lens is extremely clear without any blueish or greenish tint.

So just as with the Aimpoint T2, the lens on the EXPS3 is very clear, and it allows you to get a very clean sight picture when looking through the optic…

Eotech exps3-4

In addition to that, the EXPS3 has a huge sight window, it’s much bigger than the lens found on the Aimpoint T2, and it gives you a much larger field of view when you’re shooting…

Now the reticle that you get with the EXPS3 will actually depend on which version of the sight you get. For example, the EXPS3-0 has a circle dot reticle which includes a 1 MOA dot which is surrounded by a 68 MOA ring…

I love circle dot reticles like this, and they’re actually my favorite type of reticle on red dot sights. The reason why I like them so much is because that large 68 MOA is extremely quick and easy for your eye to pick up, and that allows you to shoot very fast at large targets up close…

But at the same time, you still have that small 1 MOA dot which is even more precise than the Aimpoint T2’s 2 MOA dot for shots that require a high degree of accuracy…

So it’s a reticle that helps you shoot fast without sacrificing any precision, and that’s why I’m such a big fan of it… 

Another version of this sight is the EXPS3-2, and it gives you a 68 MOA ring reticle with a 1 MOA dot in the center and another dot just below it forming a simple BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle…

With this reticle you can zero the optic at 50/200 meters and the lower dot will set you up for shots at 500 meters…

The last option is the EXPS3-4, which also has a 68 MOA ring but has a 4 dot Bullet Drop Compensator that helps you range out to 600 meters…

My favorite of the 3 options is definitely the EXPS3-0 because it’s simple and straightforward. However, if you’re going to run a magnifier behind your optic, either of the two BDC reticles would be a great choice.

Reticle And Lens Clarity Conclusions…

Ok so in this section, there are a lot of key differences between these two sights. First of all, they both have great lens clarity which is great because it allows you to get a very clean sight picture…

But that’s pretty much where the similarities end. For example, the EXPS3 has a much larger sight window than the Aimpoint T2, and it allows you to get a larger field of view when looking through the sight…

In addition to that, the Aimpoint T2 only has a 2 MOA dot reticle (which does work well), but the Circle Dot Reticles offered on the EXPS3 are better in my opinion…

The big 68 MOA ring is faster for your eye to pick up than the 2 MOA dot on the T2, and you still have that 1 MOA dot in the center for shots that require a high degree of accuracy…

So taking all that into consideration, I think the clear winner in this category is the Eotech EXPS3.

Winner: Eotech EXPS3

Size Comparison…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 is a very compact optic. It’s much smaller than a traditionally sized red dot sight like the Aimpoint PRO because it’s actually a micro red dot sight just like the Aimpoint H2

Aimpoint vs eotech vs trijicon

Now the height on the Aimpoint T2 measures in at 1.4 inches, and the width measures in at 1.6 inches. In addition to that, the length measures in at 2.7 inches…

And the weight comes in at just 3.0 ounces, which is extremely lightweight for an optic.

Eotech EXPS3

The Eotech EXPS3 is a much larger sight than the Aimpoint T2. It’s not quite as large as the Eotech 512, but its still a fairly large optic…

Eotech vs aimpoint

That said, the height on the EXPS3 measures in at 2.9 inches. The width measures in at 2.3 inches, and the length measures in at 3.8 inches long…

In addition to that, the weight on the EXPS3 comes in at 11.2 ounces.

Size Comparison Conclusions…

In this category these two sights are very different. The Eotech EXPS3 is a full size holographic sight whereas the Aimpoint T2 is a micro red dot sight…

And because of that, the T2 is a much smaller sight (in every dimension) than the EXPS3. In addition to that, the T2 is much more lightweight than the EXPS3…

Now, it’s actually very easy to add too much weight to your rifle when adding accessories and optics because even though a few ounces doesn’t seem like much, ounces quickly add up to pounds…

I like to keep my rifles very lightweight because it keeps them more handy and faster into action. So because of the significant advantage that you get in terms of compact size and lighter weight…

The clear win in this category goes to the Aimpoint T2. 

Winner: Aimpoint T2

Battery Life And Brightness Settings…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 is powered by 1 CR2032 battery, and it’s able to power the sight for over 5 years (around 50,000 hours)…

I love it when red dot’s have super long battery life like that, and the reason why is simple… You don’t want your optic dying on you at the wrong time…

I’ve had red dot sights die on me at the range before and even though that can get pretty annoying, at the end of the day it’s not that big a deal because you can just change out the battery when you get home…

Aimpoint pro

In addition to that, I personally believe it’s a good idea to keep your optic turned on all the time so that it’s ready to go at all times without you having to fiddle around with the buttons to turn it on…

And with 50,000 hours worth of battery life, you can keep the T2 turned on and ready to go at all times, and as long as you swap out your battery at least once a year (which is what most people recommend)…

…you’ll never have to worry about the battery dying on you in an emergency self defense situation or at any other time. 

Now with the T2 you get a total of 8 daylight brightness settings, 4 night vision settings, and 1 extra bright setting…

The daylight brightness settings are very powerful on the high end, and you’ll have no problem seeing your dot even on a bright day…

If you do end up having a problem seeing the dot in some extreme situation, you also have the extra bright setting that you can bump the sight up to…

The 4 night vision settings will only be visible with the use of night vision equipment, and they’ll allow you to easily run the T2 in the dark. 

Eotech EXPS3

The Eotech EXPS3 uses one CR123 battery which is able to power the sight for around 1,000 hours when on setting 12…

1,000 hours might seem like a lot, but in the world of premium red dot sights, it’s actually a fairly short lifespan for a battery (again, the Aimpoint T2 gives you 50,000 hours worth of battery life)…

Eotech exps3-2 review

As I mentioned earlier, I like when red dot sights have super long battery life because you can keep them turned on all the time (so that they’re always ready to go) and really not worry about the battery dying on you…

If you plan on keeping the EXPS3 turned on all the time, then be prepared to change out your batteries several times per year…

Now with the EXPS3 you get a total of 20 daylight brightness settings and 10 additional night vision settings…

The daylight settings get very bright, especially on the high end, and you won’t have any problems with the reticle washing out even on a bright day…

The addition of NV settings is something that distinguishes the Eotech XPS3 line from the XPS2 line, which only has daylight brightness settings…

So just as with the Aimpoint T2, you can run the EXPS3 in the dark as long as you pair it with night vision equipment. 

Battery Life And Brightness Settings Conclusions…

Once again, we have a category in which these two sights have several significant differences. First of all, they both feature powerful daylight brightness settings and NV settings, so there’s not much that differentiates the two there…

But that being said, the Aimpoint T2 gives you 50,000 hours worth of battery life whereas the EXPS3 only gives you 1,000 hours…

Like I mentioned earlier, this is actually a pretty important feature because it allows you to keep the T2 on at all times, and as long as you change out the battery at least once a year…

You’ll never have to worry about your optic’s battery dying on you. The same can’t be said for the EXPS3, and that’s a big downside in my opinion… 

So because of that, the clear winner in this category is the Aimpoint T2. 

Winner: Aimpoint T2

Extra Accessories Included With The Optic…

Aimpoint T2

The Aimpoint T2 comes with a front and rear flip up lens cover. The front lens cover is blacked out like you normally will find, however the rear lens cover is actually clear…

This might seem like a strange set up, but there is an actual purpose behind it. You see, when looking through the clear rear lens cover, you can still see the red dot against the black background of the blacked out front lens cover…

Aimpoint vs eotech

And if you open both eyes, you’ll actually be able to superimpose the dot over any target that you see. It’s just a weird way that your brain works…

And I think it’s a pretty cool feature because it means that you can keep both lens covers closed but still have the ability to make a quick shot in an emergency…

No you can purchase the T2 with a high mount, a low mount, or no mount at all. The high mount will pair nicely with an AR-15 or an AR-10, and the low mount will work well with a shotgun, an AK, or any other firearm that favors a low mount…

Both the high mount and the low mount will increase the overall cost of the sight package, so they’re really more ‘add-on’ items than included, but it is an option to get your T2 with a factory mount…

The least expensive option will be to get the T2 with no included mount. However, if you do this, you will have to pick up a mount on the aftermarket to be able to put the optic on your gun…

The good news is that the Aimpoint T2 is a very common sight, so there are tons of companies making mounts that will fit the T2 footprint…

And by going with an aftermarket mount, you can pick out the exact features you want in your mount. For example, you might want an ultra light weight mount or a QD (Quick Detach) mount…

Those options and many others are easy to find when looking for a mount for the T2.  

Eotech EXPS3

The Eotech EXPS3 comes with a mount built into the housing of the sight, and it’s actually a QD (Quick Detach) mount…

Now the included EXPS3 mount is a high mount, so it sets you up for a cowitness with back up iron sights (BUIS) on an AR platform rifle such as an AR-15, an AR-10, or an AR-9…

Eotech exps3-0 review

That will make it a less than ideal set up for something like a shotgun or an AK which will favor a low mount, but since most people will be mounting it on an AR anyway, I don’t think that’s too big of a problem…

All in all, I love that the EXPS3 comes with an included mount because it means you won’t have to spend extra time and money hunting down something on the aftermarket…

And I really think it adds a lot of extra value to the overall optics package. 

Extra Accessories Conclusions…

Ok so in this category, there are some more key differences between these two sights. First of all, the Aimpoint T2 comes with lens covers, which are actually pretty nice…

But if you want it to come with a mount, you’re going to have to spend extra money or hunt down a mount on the aftermarket (and again pay more money)…

On the other hand, the Eotech EXPS3 comes with an included mount that sets you up for a co witness with flip up sights on an AR-15…

So you won’t have to spend any extra time hunting down a mount for your optic with the Eotech, and you won’t have to spend any extra money just to mount your optic either…

So in this category, I’m going to give the win to the Eotech EXPS3. 

Winner: Eotech EXPS3

Price Comparison…

Unfortunately I won’t be able to give you exact numbers in this section because as the market changes, the prices on these sights are known to change as well…

That being said, in general, you’ll usually find that the Eotech EXPS3 is around 180 to 190 bucks less expensive than the Aimpoint T2…

That’s a significant chunk of change for most of us, and it could be a major factor if you’re trying to decide which of these two sights is right for you…

So if you are on a budget and trying to keep the price of your sight low, keep in mind that the Eotech EXPS3 is definitely going to be the less expensive option for you.

Winner: Eotech EXPS3

Aimpoint T2 Vs Eotech EXPS3 – Final Thoughts…

So in the end, in the Durability And Toughness category, both sights are made using very high quality and rugged materials, and they’re both shockproof and waterproof…

But because the Aimpoint T2 has a slightly better waterproof rating than the Eotech EXPS3, I gave the win to the T2 in this section…

In the Lens Clarity And Reticle category, both of these sights have a very clean lens which allows you to get a clean sight picture…

But the Eotech EXPS3 has a bigger sight window (which gives you a larger field of view), and a Circle Dot Reticle (which I think is a better reticle than the T2’s 2 MOA dot because it helps you shoot faster without sacrificing accuracy)…

So in this section, I gave the win to the EXPS3…

In the Size Comparison, the Aimpoint T2 is smaller in every dimension and more lightweight than the EXPS3. So it came away as the clear winner in this category…

In the Battery Life And Brightness Settings category, both sights feature powerful daylight brightness settings and night vision settings…

However the Aimpoint T2 gives you 50,000 hours of battery life whereas the EXPS3 only gives you 1,000 hours. So I gave the win to the T2 in this section…

In the Extra Accessories category, the Aimpoint T2 comes with flip up lens covers but not with a mount, whereas the Eotech EXPS3 comes with an included high mounting system which makes it perfect for an AR-15… 

So in this section I gave the win to the EXPS3…

And last in the Price Comparison, the Eotech EXPS3 is usually around 180 to 190 dollars less expensive than the Aimpoint T2…   

So which of these sights do I prefer? I prefer Aimpoint T2

Aimpoint t2 review

I prefer the Aimpoint T2 for a few reasons. First of all, it’s an Aimpoint, so it’s going to be super durable and super reliable for you even if you have to use it in tough conditions…

In addition to that, it’s very compact and lightweight, and that’s important because it will help keep your rifle lightweight and fast into action…

Last, I love the super long battery life that you get with the Aimpoint T2 because you can leave the sight turned on for years (so it’s always ready to go), and still not have to worry about the battery dying on you…

Simply put, the Aimpoint T2 is the king of red dot sights right now, and unless something comes out that is as small, lightweight, and just as durable and reliable, it’ll remain the king for years to come.

Now if you want a Circle Dot Reticle, you don’t mind the shorter battery life, and you want to save some money, then feel free to go with the EXPS3 because it’s still an awesome sight…

Eotech exps3 review

Either way, I hope I was able to show you the main similarities and differences between these two legendary red dot sights. 

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Eotech 512 Vs Holosun 510c [Which Is The Better Optic For You?]

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eotech 512 vs holosun 510c

There are so many options when it comes to red dot sights these days, and they come in different styles and forms…

You’ve got micro red dot sights, which are super popular, but some of us are looking for bigger optics that offer better field of view and visibility when shooting…

And right now, two of the most popular larger red dot sights are…

So in this Eotech 512 Vs Holosun 510c comparison, we’re going to put these two sights up against each other in the following 6 categories…

  • Durability And Toughness
  • Reticle And Lens Clarity
  • Size Comparison
  • Battery Life And Brightness Settings
  • Extra Accessories Included With The Optic
  • Price Comparison

In the end, I’ll tell you if I prefer the old school Eotech 512 or the new kid on the block, the Holosun 510c, and you should have all the information you need to determine which optic will work best for you…

Let’s get started!

Durability And Toughness…

Eotech 512

The Eotech 512 is a very tough red dot sight. It has a sight housing that’s constructed from high quality aluminum, which is a very rugged material…

And it’s also anodized which helps protect the body of the sight from the elements…

Eotech vs holosun

In addition to that, there is a protective hood that covers the sight window, and that gives you extra protection over the most vulnerable part of the optic…

On top of that, the windage and elevation adjustments on the 512 are recessed into the sight housing, and this is an important design feature because it prevents them from ever getting bumped or snapped off accidentally…

The Eotech 512 is also a waterproof optic. It’s rated to be waterproof in up to 3 meters (10 feet) of water, and it can easily handle rainy, snowy, or wet conditions…

And it’s also shockproof, so it can handle the recoil from high powered rifles, shotguns, and pistol caliber carbines or submachine guns…

All in all, the durability that you get with the Eotech 512 is very impressive.

Holosun 510c

The Holosun 510c is also a very durable red dot sight. It has a sight housing that’s made from high strength aluminum, and it also has an anodized finish which helps protect it from the elements…

On top of that, it also has a protective hood over the lens, but Holosun decided to make their hood out of titanium which is a super tough material that is also very light weight…

Holosun 510c elite

Additionally, the windage and elevation adjustments on the 510c are flush with the sight housing, so they can also never be accidentally bumped or snapped off…

And they also keep the sight very slick-sided so it doesn’t catch on to any loose clothing or a sling…

The Holosun 510c is also a waterproof optic, and it’s rated to be waterproof in up to 1 meter of water. It can probably handle more depth than that…

But regardless, it can easily handle duty in snowy or rainy conditions, just like the Eotech 512…

The 510c is also a shockproof optic. So it too can handle being mounted on shotguns, high-powered rifles, and PCCs without having any issues at all…

The one knock I have against the 510c in this category is actually just an issue with the style of sight that it is. It’s an open style reflex sight…

And that means that the emitter, which projects the reticle onto your lens, is exposed. Even though it’s highly unlikely, it is theoretically possible for a piece of dirt or debris to fall into the sight and block the emitter from projecting the reticle…

This is not something I’ve ever seen happen, but it is something that’s possible. So I think it should be mentioned in this section of the comparison…

But that being said, the Holosun 510c is still a very durable and rugged optic, and I especially like the titanium hood that it features.

Durability And Toughness Conclusions…

In this category, both of the sights are very durable. They’re both made from very strong materials, they’re both shockproof, and they’re both waterproof…

That being said, the Eotech 512 has a slightly better waterproof rating than the Holosun 510c. So it gets a few extra points there…

But in addition to that, the Holosun 510c is also an open style reflex sight, and even though it’s unlikely to happen, something can theoretically fall into the sight and block the emitter from projecting the reticle onto the lens…

That can’t happen with the Eotech 512 because it’s a fully enclosed optic. So in this section, I’m going to give the win to the Eotech 512.

Winner: Eotech 512 

Reticle And Lens Clarity…

Eotech 512

The Eotech 512 comes with a very clear lens. To start off with, the 512 is actually a holographic sight, not a traditional reflex style red dot sight…

So it uses holographic technology to create the reticle, rather than a traditional emitter which projects the reticle onto the glass…

Eotech 512 for sale

Sometimes traditional red dot sights have a distinct blue tint because it helps the emitter project the reticle more brightly, but that’s not an issue at all on the Eotech 512  because of the holographic technology…

So the result is that you get a very clear lens with the 512, and that allows you to establish a very clear sight picture.

Now the reticle on the 512 is a 1 MOA dot with a 68 MOA ring surrounding it, and I think it’s an awesome reticle…

It’s called a Circle Dot Reticle, and I like it because the 68 MOA ring is extremely easy and quick for your eye to pick up, which allows you to shoot very fast…

But at the same time, the 1 MOA dot in the center is very precise when you need to make a shot that requires a high degree of accuracy…

So it’s a reticle that helps you shoot very fast without sacrificing any precision, and that’s why I’m such a big fan of it.

Holosun 510c

The lens on the Holosun 510c is also very clear. Even though it is a traditional reflex sight with an emitter that projects the reticle onto the glass…

…you don’t get any of that annoying blue tint, the way you do with some other red dots such as the Trijicon MRO.

So as I said, the lens is very clear, and you’re able to get a clean sight picture when looking through the optic…

Now as for the reticle, the 510c includes a feature called the Multiple Reticle System (MRS). Basically this means that you get 3 reticles included in the sight and the 3 reticles are…

  • A 2 MOA dot surrounded by a 65 MOA ring
  • A 2 MOA dot
  • A 65 MOS ring with no dot in the center

The first reticle option is the 2 MOA (minute of angle) dot surrounded by a 65 MOA ring. It’s basically Holosun’s version of a Circle Dot Reticle, and it’s very similar to the reticle that you get on the Eotech 512…

Holosun 510c sale

Again, that 65 MOA ring is very quick and easy for your eye to pick up, which helps you shoot fast, and the 2 MOA dot is still very precise when you need to make an accurate shot or a shot at distance…

So it’s fast and precise just like the Eotech 512’s reticle, and it’s my favorite of the 3 options you get on the Holosun 510c…

Now the second option is a 2 MOA dot. This is also a very good reticle in my opinion because the 2 MOA dot is still fairly easy for your eye to pick up, so you can shoot fast with it…

But at the same time, you still have that fine aiming point for small targets or targets at further distances. If you end up trying out the Circle Dot Reticle and just prefer a more simple sight picture, I think this is a great option…

The last option is the 65 MOA ring with no dot in the center. This is my least favorite of the 3 options, but let me explain to you why some people like to run it…

Because you have the large 65 MOA ring, it is a very fast reticle when you’re shooting at large targets up close, and because you don’t have a dot in the center of the circle, you’re able to see more of your target when shooting…

The obvious downside is that you have no precise aiming point for accurate shots, and that’s why it’s not a reticle that I personally like…

In the end, all 3 reticle options have strengths and weaknesses, but the cool thing about the 510c is that you can try out all of them before settling on which one works best for you.

Reticle And Lens Clarity Conclusions…

Ok, so in this section we have a few similarities and a few important differences between these two sights…

Even though the two sights use completely different technology, they both have a very clear lens which allows you to establish a very clean sight picture…

In addition to that, they both feature a Circle Dot Reticle. Now like I said earlier, the Circle Dot Reticle is my favorite style of reticle on a red dot sight…

…because it helps you shoot faster without sacrificing precision, and both Circle Dot Reticles work very well even though there are some slight differences between them.

That being said, not everyone likes to run a Circle Dot Reticle, and the Holosun 510c gives you 2 other options with its Multiple Reticle System…

So because of that, I’m going to give the win to the Holosun 510c in this category.

Winner: Holosun 510c

Size Comparison…

Eotech 512

The Eotech 512 is a full size sight which uses fairly large batteries, so it’s going to be a little bit larger than something like the Eotech XPS2, and a lot larger than a micro red dot sight like the Aimpoint T2

Holosun 510c vs eotech 512

It has a height that measures in at 2.5 inches, and a width that measures in at 2.0 inches…

In addition to that, the overall length on the 512 is 5.6 inches, and the weight comes in at 11.5 ounces, which I think is fairly heavy.

Holosun 510c

The Holosun 510c is also a full size red dot sight, so it’s also going to be a bit larger than a micro red dot sight, but it’s not quite as large as the Eotech 512…

Holosun 510c with magnifier

It has a height that measures in at 2.31 inches, and a width that measures in at 1.80 inches…

On top of that, the overall length on the 510c comes in at only 3.30 inches, and the weight comes in at only 4.94 ounces.

Size Comparison Conclusions…

So this category definitely favors the Holosun 510c because the 510c is smaller than the Eotech 512 in every dimension, which includes height, width, and length…

On top of that, the Holosun 510c is around six and a half ounces lighter than the Eotech 512…

This is actually a pretty important feature for me because I’m always trying to keep the weight down on my rifles to keep them fast into action…

And even though a few ounces doesn’t seem like much, the ounces can quickly turn into pounds if you’re not careful with the accessories you add onto your gun…

So I really like that the Holosun 510c is the more lightweight option, and that (along with its smaller size) makes it the clear winner in this category.

Winner: Holosun 510c

Battery Life And Brightness Settings…

Eotech 512

The Eotech 512 uses 2 1.5V AA batteries which can be lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable, and they’re able to power the sight for around 2,500 hours on setting 12…

2,500 hours of battery life might seem like a lot to some, but it’s actually pretty low in comparison to many other red dot sights available today…

This is an important feature for me because I believe you should leave your optic turned on at all times and the reason why is simple…

If you are ever forced to use your gun in self defense, you probably won’t have time to start fiddling around with the buttons just to get your optic turned on…

And if you keep the 512 turned on all the time, you’re going to have to keep a close eye on your batteries, and change them out pretty regularly…

Holosun vs eotech

Now the 512 comes with a total of 20 daylight brightness settings. The settings are very powerful on the high end, so you won’t have any problems with your dot washing out on you, even on a very bright day…

And because there are so many of them, you can really fine tune the brightness level exactly to the level that you want it…

There are no night vision brightness settings on the Eotech 512, which isn’t that big of an issue in my opinion because most people will never use them…

But if you are looking for an Eotech that does include NV settings, I recommend you check out the Eotech XPS3.

Holosun 510c

The Holosun 510c uses 1 CR2032 battery which is able to power the sight for a whopping 50,000 hours on setting 6…

That’s the type of ultra long battery life that I like to see on red dot sights because, again, you can keep the sight turned on all the time, and it’ll be ready to go if you need to use it in an emergency…

And as long as you follow the standard advice of swapping out your battery at least once a year (like on your birthday), you’ll never have to worry about your optic’s battery dying on you…

On top of that, 510c also includes Holosun’s Shake Awake technology. This basically means that your sight will automatically turn off after a period of non use, and it will automatically turn on once the sight senses motion…

Holosun 510c vs 507c

This is a great feature because it will help you save battery life (which is already super long), but at the same time, your optic is always so ready to go because it will turn on as soon as you touch your gun…

In addition to that, Holosun includes a solar panel on the 510c, and this is a useful feature for 2 reasons…

First of all, you can use the solar panel as a backup power source (as long as you have sunlight) if your battery does end up dying on you…

Secondly, you can use the solar panel to save your battery life even more if you just switch the sight to the solar setting when you take your gun out to the range…

Now with the 510c you get a total of 10 daylight brightness settings and 2 night vision settings…

Just as with the Eotech 512, the brightness settings on the 510c get very bright on the high end, so you won’t have any problems seeing the reticle even on a sunny day…

And as I mentioned before, most people probably won’t use the 2 NV settings, but some people who use NV equipment will, and they’re included at no additional cost to you…

So all in all, the Holosun 510c is packed with features that are really useful to you as a shooter.

Battery Life And Brightness Settings Conclusions…

Alright, in this section we have some very important differences between these two sights…

First of all, they both have daylight brightness settings that get very bright. So you’ll easily be able to see your reticle, even on a bright sunny day…

But that being said, the Holosun 510c includes night vision settings whereas the Eotech 512 does not. So you get a little extra value there…

In addition to that, the Holosun 510c gives you years worth of battery life, whereas the battery life on the Eotech 512 is actually pretty low in comparison to most other quality red dots these days…

On top of that, the Holosun 510c includes the Shake Awake feature which will save your battery life and keep your sight ready to go at the same time…

And it has the solar panel which will save your battery life even more and back up your sight’s power if the battery does end up dying on you…

So for all of these reasons, I think that the Holosun 510c is the clear winner in this category.

Winner: Holosun 510c

Extra Accessories Included With The Optic…

Eotech 512

The Eotech 512 comes with some pretty cool accessories. First of all, it comes with batteries, which I actually appreciate because it means you won’t have to run off to the store just to be able to turn your sight on…

But more importantly, the 512 comes with an integrated mount. Now the 512’s mounting system sets you up for a co witness with back up iron sights (BUIS) on an AR style rifle (such as an AR-15 or an AR-10)…

eotech 512 or holosun 510c

And I really like that it’s included as a feature on the 512 because it means you won’t have to spend time and more money hunting down an aftermarket mount that will fit your optic…

High quality mounts aren’t always included when it comes to premium optics. So I think that the included mount is great and adds a lot of extra value to the 512.

Holosun 510c

The Holosun 510c also comes with a battery. So again, you won’t have to run off to the store just to be able to turn your sight on…

Holosun 510c green

And just like with the Eotech 512, the Holosun 510c comes with a mount. The mount that comes with the 510c also sets you up for a co witness with back up iron sights on an AR-15 or an AR-10…

And overall, I think it’s pretty high quality. So again, you won’t have to spend time and extra money searching for a mount because the sight comes ready to go right out of the box.

Extra Accessories Conclusions…

Ok, so in this category these two sights are very similar. First of all, they both come with a battery, which I think is a nice touch because you won’t have to run to the store to pick one up when you receive your optic…

But more importantly, they both come with an included high mount, which is ideal for an AR-15 or an AR-10…

An included mount is a pretty important accessory in my opinion because it saves you time and money by not having to search one out on the aftermarket…

So I’m very happy that they both come with mounts, and I don’t think there’s really anything that separates the two in this section. So I’m going to have to call it a draw here.

Winner: Draw

Price Comparison…

Unfortunately I won’t be able to give you exact numbers in this category because the prices of these sights are changing all the time…

That being said, in general, you’ll usually find that the Holosun 510c is around 165 to 175 bucks less expensive than the Eotech 512…

For most of us, that’s a pretty significant amount of money, and it could be a major factor in your decision process when deciding between these two sights…

So if you are on a budget and trying to keep the price of your sight low, then the Holosun 510c is definitely going to be the less expensive option.

Winner: Holosun 510c

Eotech 512 Vs Holosun 510c – Final Thoughts…

So to sum it all up, in the Durability And Toughness category, both sights are made from strong materials, and they’re both shockproof and waterproof…

But because the Holosun 510c is an open style sight in which it’s possible for debris to fall into the sight and block the emitter and the Eotech 512 is an enclosed sight in which that cannot happen, I gave the win to the 512 in this section…

In the Lens Clarity And Reticle category, both sights have a very clear lens which allows you to get a very clean sight picture…

And they both have a Circle Dot Reticle, which as I mentioned is my favorite style of reticle on a red dot sight…

That being said, the Holosun 510c gives you 2 other reticles that you can choose between if you want to. So it came away as the winner in this section…

In the Size Comparison, the Holosun 510c is smaller in every dimension than the Eotech 512, and it’s also more lightweight. So it came away as the clear winner in this category…

In the Battery Life And Brightness Settings category, both sights have powerful daylight brightness settings which is good…

But the Holosun 510c includes NV settings, has much longer battery life than the Eotech 512, and includes the Shake Awake feature and solar panel. So it came away as the clear winner in this section…

In the Extra Accessories category, both sights come with a battery, and they both come with a high mount, which is nice because it makes both optics ready to go right out of the box. So I called it a draw in this section…

And last in the Price Comparison, the Holosun 510c is usually around 165 to 175 dollars less expensive than the Eotech 512…

So which of these sights do I prefer? I prefer the Holosun 510c… 

Holosun 510c review

I prefer the Holosun 510c for a few reasons. First of all, even though I gave the win to the Eotech 512 in the durability category, the 510c is still a very durable sight…

It’s built to be very rugged, and even though it’s an open style reflex sight, it’s very unlikely that something will fall into the sight and block the emitter from projecting your reticle…

And if that does happen, just switch to your back up iron sights, and continue to shoot. In addition to that, I like that you get 3 reticle options with the 510c (including a Circle Dot Reticle!) because you’ll be able to try out all 3 options before settling on which one is right for you… 

I also like that the 510c is smaller and more lightweight than the Eotech 512 because that will help keep your rifle lightweight and fast into action…

And the battery life on the 510c blows away the battery life on the Eotech 512, and that’s aside from it having the Shake Awake feature (which saves your battery life) and the solar panel which backs up your battery…

Oh and the Holosun 510c is a lot less expensive than the Eotech 512 too. So it’ll end up saving you some money.

Now if you want an enclosed optic with a Circle Dot Reticle, and you don’t mind paying a little bit more money, then feel free to go with the Eotech 512 because it’s still an awesome sight…

Eotech 512 review

Either way, I hope I was able to show you the major similarities and differences between these two great red dot optics.

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