Recently, there has been a flood of worry across military, Special Operations, and LEO communities referring to news about the EOTech holographic sight. What is know is that the EOTech can have up to a 4 MOA shift and lose its parallax free capabilities once temperatures go below -40 and above 122 degrees fahrenheit.
Should you be striping your EOTech and sending it the way of the pawn shop?
Before we start going to extremes, lets cover a couple different things first.
- If you live in an environment where the temperature goes below or above the stated “failing” temperature range, consider changing optics. But before you do, ask how much of your life, if ever, is spent in this type of environment?
- 4 MOA – Four minutes of angle is 4 inches at one hundred yards. The questions you should ask is, can I still eliminate the enemy or perform the job that needs to be done with this variance in extreme temperatures?
- Where do you live?
- Where do you work with a weapon?
- What is the purpose of your weapon?
- One key aspect of the 4 MOA variation that many people are not considering is that extreme temperatures have an effect on powder temperature and thus, muzzle velocity. In such variance from the zero temperature, muzzle velocity can have a variation over 200-300 fps. Depending on ammunition, barrel twist, and length of barrel, this can equal 4 MOA in itself.
- Average engagement distances for any conflict and self-defense fall well below 200 yards. You hear and read about plenty of long-range engagements, but they are far less common than the average. Plus, no sniper in there right mind is going to use an electronic non-magnified optic on their sniper rifle to engage the enemy. The EOTech is and always has been for the use of fast acquisition at close range or close quarters combat. 200 yards would be 8 inches of variation. Eliminating human error, still plenty of accuracy to hit a torso.
- Any battery-powered optic has the probability of failing in extreme cold and heat. No matter the battery, none perform as well in temperature extremes. Back-up iron sights and non-battery powered illuminated reticle optics will always be more reliable.
- Can you keep your confidence? Losing confidence in your equipment can do some serious damage when it comes time to perform. Whether EOTech or not, go to the range, test your optics, and use equipment that inspires confidence. If you are comfortable and confident, don’t fix something that really isn’t broken.
We’re not telling you to sell, trash, or keep your EOTech. We just want you to consider the options and reasoning behind a firearms community mini panic.
(Featured Image Courtesy of opticsplanet.com)
