EOTech XPS3-0 Review

Knowing how to aim properly is one of the essentials of effective shooting. When it comes to aiming, most long guns are equipped with some type of built-in sights. To aim the gun, the sights must be lined up on the target before the trigger is pulled. Even though this action usually takes no longer than several seconds, you may not have that luxury during a critical moment.

The Reflex Sight

Also commonly referred to as a red dot or holographic sight, a reflex sight is a style of optic that allows the user to point and shoot with high speed and accuracy. Once properly sighted in, your shots should connect with whatever the reticle covers. The term "reflex" is appropriately given to these optics because they give you the ability to act more instinctively with one equipped on your rifle. An easy-to-see reticle trumps irons any day of the week.

When it comes to high-quality reflex sights, Eotech is a frontrunner in the industry. The company is well-known for supplying U.S. military and law enforcement with its famous holographic reflex sights. A number of models are also used by international peacekeepers. Eotech is a pioneer in the holo sight market, having developed the first one in 1998.

The XPS3-0 Holographic Sight from Eotech

The XPS series of holographic sights was developed in response to overwhelming user demands. Earlier models carried batteries that were oriented north to south. While the majority of these units worked quite well, the batteries would occasionally damage the connectors and cause flickering or sudden outages under harsh recoil. The XPS series is designed with a transverse battery compartment that eliminates the recoil issue. Using a single 123 battery for power, these newer units are lighter and much more compact than previous models.

The XPS3-0 holographic sight is purpose-built for police and military users who require night vision capabilities. It features a protective hood, anodized finish, and 1 MOA red dot surrounded by a 65 MOA circle. The dot makes taking precision shots a breeze, while the circle allows for extremely quick target acquisition for close-range work. On the XPS3-0, the buttons face backwards toward the user. Up and down adjustment buttons brighten or dim the reticle a notch at a time, and the centrally located night vision button activates a reticle that can only be seen while wearing infrared goggles. The buttons are very accessible, but those who wish to pair the sight with a magnifier should consider the EXPS series with the side-mounted buttons instead. As far as mounting goes, a cross screw will secure the optic to any picatinny rail. EOTechs all have an approximate runtime of 600 continuous hours, plenty for all practical purposes.

The Verdict

Anybody looking for a durable, reliable, and fast reflex sight would be well served by the XPS3-0. Trusted by elite professionals all around the globe, EOTech sights have proven themselves for more than a decade. Those who need the night vision capabilities will find this model to be one of the finest close-quarters optics out there. Anyone else can stick with the XPS2 models without the night vision.