Both companies offer a variety of sights and we are going to look at both today. Then you might find the answer of who’ll win in the Battle of Sightmark vs Eotech sights.
Sightmark vs Eotech Round 1: The High-End Options
Eotech EXPS3 Holographic Sight
The Eotech EXPS3 is quickly becoming Eotech’s holographic flagship optic. It’s a compact holographic optic that utilizes much less rail space than previous models while keeping the same viewing window as older full-sized optics. The XPS3 comes in multiple reticle configurations and is designed for a multitude of different weapons.
Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
The Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight is one of Sightmark’s newer optics. It takes most of the features folks liked on the original Ultra Shot and built it up. The M-Spec model is their mil-spec variant and is designed to be the toughest model, a duty grade model if you will. The M-Spec is a compact holographic sight as well and is a step up for Sightmark’s optics.
Features
The EXPS3 is packed with notable features. The optic packs 20 daylight settings and 10-night vision settings. The optic is submersible to 33 feet underwater and can take as much rain and water as you can toss at it. The optic comes with a built-in sight mount that functions with standard Picatinny rail systems.
The EXPS3 is powered by one 123 lithium battery and will run for up to 600 hours. The EXPS3 is a professional grade optic tough enough to take all the abuse you can throw at it.
The Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec model is new but is built to be strong and durable. It is submersible for up to 40 feet. It’s also shockproof and is rated to survive an 8-foot drop. The optic is reportedly rated for up to a .50 caliber rifle’s recoil.
The Ultra Shot M-Spec has 10 brightness settings and one night vision setting. It utilizes a single CR123 battery and can last up to 200 hours of the lowest NV setting and as long as 200 hours on the highest setting.
Reticles
Reticle wise, the EXPS3 (see full specs) can utilize several different types of reticles and this includes the traditional 68 MOA ring with a single dot in the center. There is also the 2 dot system designed for estimating bullet drop and a 4 dot and ring system that allows for precise bullet drop from 50 to 600 yards.
The Sightmark (see full specs) uses a very similar reticle, and there is only one. The reticle is a 60 MOA circle with 4 subtensions and a 2 MOA dot in the center.
This style of reticle is massively popular in holographic optics. It’s very easy and quick to use for close quarters and moderate range shooting. The big 68 or 60 MOA circle is perfect for close-quarters shooting while the smaller dots work for longer range engagements.
Durability
The Sightmark M-Spec sports an impressive durability factor. It can be submerged 7 feet deeper than the Eotech. It’s also shockproof and can be dropped 8 feet and survive. It can also withstand heavy recoil from big guns. The M-Spec is impressive, especially when you consider its price.
However, if your pockets are deep, the Eotech is proven. Eotech optics are favorites of Marine Special Ops guys as well as Air Force Spec Ops bubbas. The sight is well-proven across warzones worldwide. If I had to go to war, I’m taking an Eotech—and if you want the best, that’s the one.
Sightmark vs Eotech Round 2: The Budget-Friendly Versions
The Eotech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
The Eotech 512 holographic weapon sight is one of the older Eotech models. It lacks a lot of modern technology, but it’s also one of the most affordable Eotechs on the market. The Eotech 512 is well-proven and is the OG Eotech holographic sight. Good school can be good school.
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus
Like the Eotech 512, the Ultra Shot is one of the original Sightmark sights. This older model is cheaper and quite efficient. It’s not a duty-grade sight but is an awesome hobbyist optic. The Sightmark Ultra Shot is a simple optic and likely one of the most common on the market.
Features
Neither optic has night vision modes, and both are daylight optics only. The Eotech 512 runs on common and affordable AA batteries. The optic can last up to 1,000 hours if you are using lithium batteries and 600 with alkaline. The Eotech 512 is submersible up to 10 feet and has no issues with shock or fog.
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus has red and green options for reticle color. Additionally, you have a multitude of reticle options as well. The optic can last between 200 to 2000 hours depending on the settings. The Sightmark is splash-resistant but not submersible. Don’t try to be Aquaman and try to hunt for killer whites with your rifle and you’ll be fine.
Reticles
The Eotech 512 only offers one reticle choice and that’s the standard 68 MOA circle and 2 MOA dot. This simple set-up works well and as I mentioned above is the standard for holographic optics.
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus comes with 4 reticles including a 5 MOA dot only, a 3 MOA dot inside a 50 MOA circle, a 3 MOA dot with a 50 MOA crosshair, and a cross hair inside a dot. All reticles are available in both red and green.
Durability
Hands down the Eotech is the more durable optic. It can be used in most environments and was designed to be a tactical sight. As time passed, it’s admittedly become a bit outdated but can still be durable enough to be a tactical sight.
The Sightmark is a hobbyist sight designed for range time or possibly even hunting rifles if you are on a budget. It’s not designed and doesn’t sell itself for serious use. It generally costs far less than even the cheapest Eotech so you do get what you pay for. That being said, as a hobbyist optic, it does offer some protection from water, and it’s shockproof and rated up to a .50 caliber rifle. It’s a winner in my book.
Sightmark vs Eotech Conclusion: Far Out, Man
Holographic optics sound like something out of a cheesy straight-to-VHS 1980s movie, but they are actually real and are one of the best choices for close-quarters combat combat. They’ve been proven dependable, easy to use, and versatile.
Eotech and Sightmark both make interesting holographic optics at various price and quality points. You need to decide how your rifle will be used, and determine which optic you need based on your expectations. A target shooter will be fine with a Sightmark, but a police officer or soldier may want to invest in Eotech. The poor man, remember, always buys twice.
