Introduction
This is a review of the EoTech XPS 3-2, and Gen 2 3x Magnifier with Flip-To-Side mount, based on my experience with it. This optic combination was used for work purposes, every day, for seven months. While lead wasn't going downrange every day, the optics (and rifle they were attached to) were regularly abused beyond what I would consider reasonable use.
EoTech XPS 3-2
The optic itself is compact, with one CR123A battery powering it. I won't list the manufacturer specs for battery life. However: I changed the battery three times across seven months, with the optic being used virtually every single day. I often forgot to turn it off when finished with it, as well. It wasn't an inconvenience to change the battery, and the reticle blinks on power-up when it has between 2.5 - 5 hours of usable life left.
The often-maligned auto-shutoff feature was great - and I never found myself in a situation where the optic shut off on me during use (as some people seem to imagine would happen). The brightness of the sight is adjusted every few hours depending on available light and your location, so it's a non-issue. It does wonders when you forget to turn it off, however.
The reticle consists of a 65 MOA ring, with two 1 MOA dots arranged vertically. With a 50/200 yard zero for the center dot, the lower dot is on at 500 yards, and the bottom of the ring is on at 7 yards. It was very easy to use, and shoot through. I didn't find that the second dot impaired the use of the optic in relatively close-quarters, at all.
The optic was dropped from heights, scratched up (gouged, is more like it), and never once failed to perform. It has been used in temperatures ranging from -20C to 45C without issue. I'd love to post something negative about it, but I can't. It was perfect, for me, in all respects.
Gen 2 3x Magnifier with FTS mount
The Magnifier is fairly solid, even when mounted on the ARMS flip-to-side mount. My initial impression of the mount was that it was likely to fail - as it just simply appeared flimsy. It proved to be quite durable, however.
The optics are quite clear, even when the lens is coated in a liberal application of dust and grime. With the BDC reticle of the XPS 3-2, the Magnifier permits the accurate positive identification and engagement of targets out to 500. It takes literally a second to flip the Magnifier back and forth, which is very helpful when moving from open terrain to built up areas. Or from outside, into buildings.
When the optic is flipped to the side, it doesn't bounce around or impede the operation of the rifle. I had my Magnifier flip towards the ejection port, so that I could still dump the rifle comfortably against my body when necessary.
Negatives? It can be hard to operate the controls of the EoTech with the Magnifier positioned right up close to it. Not a major issue, but some of the newer EoTech's have their controls on the side of the optic - eliminating this problem.
Also, some of the little openings on the elevation/windage adjustments and the edges of the glass liked to collect grime and dirt like crazy. There isn't much that can be done about it - but I found it to be worse on this optic than on others.
Conclusion
I'm very impressed with both the EoTech alone, and with the Magnifier as an optics system. The 'issues' which I've heard repeated over and over are imagined or overblown. While not changing a battery for years is neat, it isn't an issue. I wasn't left scrambling for batteries, or worrying that my sight might turn off in a fight.
To the contrary, I have absolute faith in this particular optic. It was 100% reliable under a variety of highly adverse circumstances.
