What Holo vs Red Dot what is the difference

[Farmhand]

Okay, I like the sound of a red dot. Sounds like that would be good for me. But how are they different than a Holosight (like an EOTech)? What is the advantage of the red dot over the holosight? Or does it depend on what you are using it for - if so when is the holosight better or worse? Is one more durable?

[keens]

First, I must tell you I have no experience with the holo, but I do with the red dot. I liked the speed of the dot, but found I could shoot a bit more accuarately with a low power scope. Having said that the Eotech holo looks interesting to me ( I have looked through them and read a bit about them) that I am going to try one on my Armalite (.308). I also like the illumination they offer, both eyes open etc. The one I will purchase will definitly be the one which takes two "AA" batteries. I often hunt in treestands that the furthest I can shoot is 40 yards...this seems a perfect setup to me. I like the dot with circle surrounding it, and the outside lines make things line up just right (I think). If, or when I get one, I will report back.

[AK103K]

I've tried both and like the tube type dot sights the best, and Aimpoint specifically. I find them more natural to shoot with and I dont have to look for the dot when I shoulder the rifle, it just appears on the target I'm looking at as it comes up. With the holo type, I always felt like I was looking for the dot and if my head wasnt in just the right position, I didnt see it at all. The sight itself sits to high for me to shoot comfortably or naturally with and tends to be in the way, at least for me. I also could not co-witness my iron sights with any of my rifles. With the tube types on most of my rifles, the dot is at the same height as my iron sights, so when i shoulder the rifle, its just like it is with the iron sights, or very close, so its very natural to shoot with. Snap shots are a breeze.

Another advantage to the Aimpoints is battery life. The M2/ML2's boast a 10,000 hour life, and the M3's a 50,000 hour life. That works out to 24/7 for 6 months to 2.5 years. You can also carry an onboard spare with an accessory cap, and some mounts also carry a spare, so batteries are really not a factor.

edit to add...none of the rifle stuff really applies to pistols, since this is the pistol section. :)