EOTech 553

[Peregrino]

Anybody seen this in official channels? I'd heard rumors about the battery contacts from other sources but this is the first "published" complaint. FWIW - I've been hit with the link three times tonight from friends in the shooting community. Since it is part of the new kit, I figured others might be interested even if it is still in the rumor stage. I'm personally curious and intend to follow-up because I've got two - a 552 and a 553. I like them both (better than the Aimpoint as a matter of personal preference) but haven't put enough rounds through my carbines to have experienced the problem. (Course the 552 on the FAL Para will show wear first! :D)

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=369513

I'll check with the SMEs Monday

[jbour13]

Yes

I'll try to find the e-mail or link on Monday.

May have came via PimbleGram ;)

[gtcrispy]

We've been experiencing the problems with our 553's that we got back in January. It's good that we still have a bunch of 552's we can use.

[sleepyhead4]

We just received emails saying that the battery contact might be an issue...which my 18B was well aware of from our 552's. Too bad Eotech uses that weird battery contact rather than the traditional coil contact.

[optactical]

There is a replacement memo out, if you are someone who uses one for work, you will get it, namely the version that comes as part of SOPMOD Block II, the 553 or SU-231/ PEQ.

EO Tech's have historically had a problem with the rubber donut with the battery contact inside the battery case coming out. I have never had an issue with it once it became apparent, just be careful when changing batteries, and make sure they don't fall out. Always test your sights after replacing the batts, no worries. It may seem kind of a BS solution, but it works, and holosight batteries, even the N Cell versions (551) don't burn out that quick.

The fact that they haven't found a solution yet kind of baffles me, I figured that by the time the more recent models rolled out that they would have addressed this historic failure in their systems. Now the bigwigs in charge of SOPMOD are talking about a total recall of all systems.

[The Reaper]

Surefire had problems with the X200 battery contacts, which were leaf type springs, going flat and losing contact during shooting.

They eventually changed the design to the coil type, and replaced the switches/battery covers.

No idea why EOTech does not, but they are part of a big company now, L3.

I hope they do the right thing.

TR

[JEVapa]

We got an official Memo on it for all the SOPMOD Eotechs. They are going to replace all the faulty contacts including ones already issued.
How long that takes is another issue.

[Mac308]

I am looking at purchasing an Eotech, and in my research, came across this thread. Have the issues been worked out with the 553's coming out today, or are things much the same they were a year ago?
Thanks for your assistance.

Mac

[kawika]

The arms mounts continue to be a problem. While I haven't personally had any(this is the sight I use everyday) i'd much rather get the new XPS for me personal weapon as the shorter size would allow me to use much more railspace. The battery compartment issues are fixed in this version also.

[Mac308]

Thanks for the information on the battery issues.
What is the issue with the ARMS mount?

Mac

[kawika]

There are alot of people that say there are issues with the ARMS mount. How much of that is just general internet hearsay who knows? I know personally one person whos throw levers were getting loose and we couldnt repair it. EOTECH however was very very helpful in getting the unit replaced and shipped to us free of charge.

Basically it boils down to the way the mount is designed with constant mounting and unmounting it could get loose enough to require being sent in to the shop. It just isnt as good a design as something like a screw a la the 552's where you know for sure its always going to work.

[Mac308]

I appreciate the information.
Being a canadian police officer, they don't trust us with full-auto's and I don't think semi-auto fire will be enough to wear out the mounts. Once the sight is on the rifle, it will more than likely stay on the rifle, unless it has to come off quickly and I don't want to be worrying about screws at that point.
Thanks again for the information.

Mac

[kgoerz]

There are alot of people that say there are issues with the ARMS mount. How much of that is just general internet hearsay who knows? I know personally one person whos throw levers were getting loose and we couldnt repair it. EOTECH however was very very helpful in getting the unit replaced and shipped to us free of charge.

Basically it boils down to the way the mount is designed with constant mounting and unmounting it could get loose enough to require being sent in to the shop. It just isnt as good a design as something like a screw a la the 552's where you know for sure its always going to work.

Remember not all rail systems are the same. I'm talking Rails made by the same manufacturer. That why we use the Larue mounts. You can adjust the tension on the throw levers to fit your rail. Don't know if ARMS has this feature.
Also remember the Battery indicator on the EOTEC doesn't work with the new Lithium AA batteries. Alkaline batteries burn out gradually. But the Lithium Batteries basically cut off when low.

[Animal8526]

having noted that about the lithium AA's, would you suggest them or the standard AA's for models that use them? I've got a 511 on my AR, and chose the model specifically because of the abundance of AA's (and price). I've been wondering if I should slap some of those lithiums in. though, that begins to defeat the price purpose of going with an optic that uses AA's, it still maintains my conformity with all my other gear, minus the pistol lights.