512 HWS®(Holographic Weapon Sight)
The Model 512 HWS® is a lightweight, non-magnifying, optical sight designed for close to mid-range engagements. It allows very fast target acquisition and engagement at short ranges while providing aiming capability out to 300 meters equal to or better than iron sights.
The major combat advantage of the HWS® is an Extremely Rapid Reticle-On-Target Acquisition. As quickly as a target is identified, the holographic reticle can be superimposed on the target. The sight allows operators to maintain eye contact on the target and to place the holographic reticle onto the target without shifting focus. Operators can quickly acquire the target and reticle in the same focal plane for fast and accurate shot placement.
Key Features
- Holographic Technology — This is not a red dot. EOTech uses laser holography to project the reticle, which means you see the reticle and the target in the same focal plane. Both-eyes-open shooting with no parallax shift. The reticle stays accurate even if the front window is cracked, chipped, or partially obstructed — a red dot won't do that.
- 68 MOA Ring + 1 MOA Dot — The large ring draws your eye to the target area for fast acquisition at close range. The 1 MOA center dot gives you the precision for accurate shots at distance. Together they provide three usable aiming points calibrated for .223/5.56 at 7, 50, and 200 yards. On a shotgun, the ring approximates your shot pattern.
- AA Battery Powered — Two standard AA batteries (lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable). Up to 2,500 hours on lithium, 2,200 on alkaline. AA batteries are available everywhere on the planet — no hunting for CR123s or coin cells in the field.
- 20 Brightness Settings — Twenty daylight settings let you dial the reticle brightness to match any lighting condition from dark indoor environments to full desert sun. Note: the 512 is not night vision compatible — if you need NV settings, look at the 552 or EXPS3.
- Submersible & Combat-Proven — Waterproof and submersible to 10 feet. Operates from -40°F to 140°F. This sight has been deployed by US Special Operations, military, and law enforcement units worldwide since EOTech invented the holographic weapon sight.
Details
- Range: Close & Mid-Range Engagements up to 300 meters
- Length/Width/Height: 5.6” x 2” x 2.5” (143 x 51 x 64 mm)
- Weight: 11.5 oz (325 g)
- Water Resistant: Submersible to 10 ft. (3 m) depth
- Mount: 1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
- Power Source: Two 1.5 V AA batteries Supports lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable
- Battery Life: Lithium: 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temp. Alkaline: 600 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a holographic sight and a red dot? A: A red dot projects an LED onto a lens — you see a dot. A holographic sight uses a laser to record a holographic reticle pattern onto the window. The advantages: the reticle and target are in the same focal plane (faster acquisition), there's virtually no parallax, and the sight keeps working even if the window is cracked or partially blocked. A broken red dot lens kills the optic. A broken EOTech window still shows the reticle.
Q: Why AA batteries instead of CR123 or coin cell? A: Availability. AA batteries are the most common battery on Earth. You can find them at any gas station, convenience store, or military supply point. In a real-world scenario — whether that's a natural disaster, extended deployment, or just forgetting to pack spares — AA availability is a massive advantage over specialty batteries.
Q: Is this night vision compatible? A: No. The 512 has 20 daylight brightness settings but no NV-compatible modes. If you need to use this sight behind night vision goggles, you need the 552 HWS (AA powered, NV-compatible) or the EXPS3 (CR123 powered, NV-compatible, QD mount).
Q: Can I use a magnifier with this? A: Yes. The 512 pairs with EOTech's G33 3x Magnifier or similar flip-to-side magnifiers for a 1x/3x system. The rear button placement works with most magnifiers, though side-button models like the 518 or EXPS give slightly more clearance.
Q: Does the reticle work for non-.223 calibers? A: Yes. The three aiming points (ring bottom, center dot, ring top) are calibrated for .223/5.56 62gr at 2,900 fps. Other calibers will produce different zero distances at those points — you'll need to determine the ranges for your specific load. The sight works on any caliber, you just can't rely on EOTech's default aiming point distances.