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One of the most commonly asked questions in the history of the firearm-accessories universe is: which one is better? It is asked about everything, from triggers and rails, through light and sights, to scopes and magazines. It is also true to the EOTech holographic weapon sight (HWS) models 512 and 552. People are constantly asking what is the difference between EOTech 512 and 552 and which one they should go for.
Well, I feel that the question itself is fundamentally flawed. It shouldn’t be “which one is better?”, but rather “which one is better for me?”
Weapons accessories are a matter of personal opinion and taste. Just because you feel comfortable with an item of some kind, it does not mean that others will gain the same satisfaction from it. So many people are preoccupied with telling others how sight A is perfect and sight B is trash.
If you have decided on an EOTech sight – good for you. You are making a wise choice. If you treat your optic well, it will serve you for many years to come. So, with all congratulations aside, the question remains: 512 or 552 – which ones is better for me?
Comparison Between EOTech 512 and 552
Okay, it’s a fair question. The 512 and 552 are very much alike, though. Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison:
| Model 512 HWS | Model 552 HWS | |
| Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 5.6 x 2 x 2.5 inches | 5.6 x 2 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight (oz.) | 11.1 | 11.1 |
| Eye relief | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Power | 2 AA (lithium, alkaline, rechargeable) | 2 AA (lithium, alkaline, rechargeable) |
| Battery life | Lithium: approximately 1,000 continuous hours Alkaline: approximately 600 continuous hours | Lithium: approximately 1,000 continuous hours Alkaline: approximately 600 continuous hours |
| Brightness settings | 20 (daytime) | 20 (daytime) 10 (night vision) |
| Night vision | Incompatible | Compatible |
| Submersible (depth) | 10 feet | 33 feet |
| Lens coating | Anti-fog Anti-reflection | Anti-fog Anti-reflection |
| Ideal target range | Close to mid-range | Close to mid-range |
| Price (MSRP) | $459 | $569 |
As you can plainly see, the only real difference between these two excellent sights is the night vision-compatibility, and the increase in price (due to that compatibility). These two sights are almost identical – they look the same, they weigh the same, they work the same, and they will give you the same accurate results, whether you are at the neighborhood range or in the middle of actual combat.
Ultimately, every single optic or weapon accessory is only as useful and beneficial as its operator. If you have the skills to back it up, you can hit anything, at any distance. It is all about using the tools which are at your disposal. What a sight does is make target acquisition faster, easier, and more convenient. Everything else is up to you, the shooter. In short – train, train, and train some more, even if you have the world’s best eyesight and gunsight.
Not everyone needs night vision capabilities on their sights. As an example – if you know that you are going to be using this weapon for run-of-the-mill home defense, and not much else, there is a good chance that night vision is not even on your list of requirements.
The EOTech HWS series is probably the best of its kind. No other company does it quite like EOTEch. They were the first company to introduce holographic sights into the market in the 1990’s, and – thanks to their superb craftsmanship and ingenuity – they have stayed popular and relevant with civilians, law-enforcement, military, and government agencies. That is impressive, especially when considering the competition in this field. There are so many scopes and sights out there, but people keep coming back to EOTech for a reason. It works. It is durable. It is battle-tested and battle-proven. The U.S. Armed Forces and law-enforcement departments use EOTech sights, as do other forces around the world.
EOTech Sights 512 and 552
Okay, we’ve gone over the basic differences and similarities. By now, you should have some idea of what kind of sight is the one for you. I suppose that if I had to choose one, I would obviously go with the one which has the most potential for growth. In other words, even though I may not be using night vision now, you never know what the future will bring. If you are really split down the middle, invest the extra money and pick up a 552.
If, on the other hand, there is no place for night vision in your intended use – don’t think twice, and pick up the 512. Both of these sights will help your bullet hit the mark. The 512 and 552 have the potential to seriously transform your shooting experience.
Fast and easy target acquisition is what EOTech is all about. When the chips are down, and you have split-seconds to react, you need to use your skills and hit the target. EOTech’s sights, including the 512 and 552, are there for that reason. It is why they exist. I agree, they are very cool. But, they also serve an actual purpose, besides looking nice on your AR-15.
One last note, about price. Many shooters are tempted to spend a very low amount on their scope or sight. This is usually not the best way to go about buying an optic. A quality optic costs money. Sometimes, it cost a lot of money. These companies are not out there to overcharge you for nothing. Companies like EOTech, Trijicon, and Aimpoint set the standards for the rest of the optic world, and their sights and scopes are pricey for a reason. They are worth it.
The 512 and 552 HWS are also worth every dime. When you mount that sight on your rifle, switch it on, and take a peek through that window at that beautifully-lit ring and dot reticle – you will know where that money has gone. Not down the drain or into anyone’s pocket, but rather into protecting yourself and the ones you love. It is an investment not only in the weapon, but in yourself.
If you like EOTech’s HWS series, but have the need for a more compact package, check out the XPS and EXPS HWS series.
