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Founded in 1995 Eotech has been on the front line of weapon sight technology. They got their start as part of the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM). This non-profit R&D institute made developments in laser holography, aperture radar and other fields. They created Eotech as a way to bring their technology to the commercial market. Eotech is most famous for their holographic weapon sights (HWS). They were the first to introduce this technology and have been one of the industry leaders ever since. Initially marketed as the Bushnell-Holosight, the first generation HWS sight was revealed at the 1996 SHOT Show. That year they won the award for “Optic of the Year”.
Four years later in 2000 the second generation HWS was introduced. This model was more compact and therefore made it suitable for military and law enforcement applications. In 2005 the USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) signed a contract making the HWS the official optic for close combat. That same year Eotech was bought by L-3 one of the biggest U.S. defense companies. The acquisition has allowed Eotech to expand and grow in leaps and bound. Their product line has tripled. Since 2010 that have been a part of the Warrior Systems Division of L-3. This division has developed products involving thermal, intensified night vision, aiming and illumination for customers around the world.
EOTech has several drop in replacements for their holographic weapons sight (HWS) series, and two of the most popular drop-ins are the EOTech Laser Battery Cap, or LBC, and the LBC 2.
The LBC and LBC 2 were both released in 2014. They may be purchased as part of a package deal [sight + LBC (or LBC 2)], or as a standalone product for use with a pre-existing, compatible EOTech HWS. These are intended for models 512/552/518/558.
Laser Battery Cap Model
Essentially, the laser battery cap is precisely what it sounds like. It is a device which upgrades a sight from a standard EOTech HWS to an infrared and/or laser sight.
Some technical specifications on the EOTech LBC:
- Dimensions – Length/Width/Height: 2.75 x 2.77 x 0.96 inches
- Weight – 4.1 oz.
- Power source – 2 AA batteries (powers HWS and laser beam)
- Battery life –
- Lithium: 60 continuous hours with laser on at room temperature
- Alkaline: 50 continuous hours laser on at room temperature
- Adjustable windage and elevation dials
- Water resistant up to 10 feet
- Input port for remote pressure switch (sold separately, ~$70)
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this unit is $285. For a quality visible laser, which can transform your HWS into an even greater and more accurate threat – you can’t beat that price. It is an item that is sure to stay with you for a long time.
This top-grade laser device is made in the U.S.A, and it comes with a 2-year warranty on defects in craftsmanship and materials.
Laser Battery Cap 2 Model
This LBC unit is also meant for the very same HWS models: 512/552/518/558. But, there is a key difference between the two LBC models.
While the LBC employs a visible laser beam, the LBC 2 takes the whole thing a step or two further. The LBC 2 has a visible laser beam, and an invisible infrared beam. This is a very useful combination, and it is ideal for home-defense or combat training.
Technical specifications for the LBC 2:
- Dimensions – Length/Width/Height: 2.75 x 3.27 x 0.96 inches
- Weight – 5 oz.
- Power source – 2 AA batteries (powers HWS, laser beam, and infrared beam)
- Battery life –
- Lithium: 36 continuous hours with laser on at room temperature
- Alkaline: 24 continuous hours laser on at room temperature
- Adjustable windage and elevation dials
- Water resistant up to 33 feet
- Input port for remote pressure switch (sold separately, ~$70)
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this unit is $429. The infrared technology used on the LBC 2 is civilian legal Class I, meaning it is eye safe.
The EOTech holographic sights were made primarily for short-range, close-quarter battle (CQB) confrontations. There is the ability to use them for mid and long range, but they really shine at close ranges. It is a convenient and speedy way to acquire a target, especially one which is near.
However, what the LBC products bring to the table is more than just convenience. The ability to use a visible or invisible beam to take a shot – it can be downright crucial. It means that a shooter has the option of shooting from the hip, quickly, without having to meet the holographic window to effectively acquire a target. In a tight spot, those split seconds can make all the difference in the world.
This is why the LBC and LBC 2 make such outstanding optic upgrades, and it is also why the optional remote pressure switch is also something worth considering. The switch facilitates momentary or prolonged activation of the laser/infrared beam, without your eyes leaving the target. The LBC and LBC 2 are worth every penny, and if you treat them right, there is no reason why they won’t last a very long time.
My Experience with the EOtech Laser Battery Cap
The Eotech LBC took my HWS to the next level. The laser sight allowed me to find the target, aim and shoot fast and efficiently. The laser point is easy to see and it has improved my accuracy in leaps and bounds. In my personal opinion if you spent the money on the 512 or 552 I recommend you buy this laser cap add-on. I found it super easy to remove the HWS battery cap and install the LBC. Once installed you turn on the laser with a flip of a switch on the side. The adjustment knobs are easy to control and allow you to get the laser focus exactly where you want it. There is a slot for a EOtech remote pressure switch.
The only issue i found was with the metal disc on the back of the LBC that send power to the laser. They flip up to allow you to put batteries in and the hinge is a bit flimsy. As long as you read the directions beforehand you should be okay. Besides that the LBC has a narrow profile that doesn’t take up too much space. The design is simple and easy to manage and this addition will allow you to shoot at the hip if need be. This is a solid laser sight that looks and feels like it’s built to last.
