The EOTech HWS 512 is perfect for anyone who wants fast target acquisition, reliability, durability, and the logistical ease of using AA batteries. The 512 is among the most popular holographic sights and has been around for a very long time.

The model 512 has control buttons in the rear and does not have specific NVG settings for the reticle.

The Holographic Advantage

Holographic sights offer a few pros over conventional reflex-type red dot sights. While the battery life is shorter and these are bulkier items you do get a lot in return:

First, the reticle is projected on the target instead of the front lens so you can keep both the reticle and target in focus at the same time.

The dot size relative to the target appears smaller with a magnifier. In reality, the dot is a lot smaller than 1 MOA but the resolution of a human eye isn't accurate enough to tell the difference: We perceive it as 1 MOA. Even with the magnifier, the dot doesn't appear enlarged even though the target is magnified normally.

The hologram remains functional even with damage to the optics. If the front lens of a reflex sight shifts or breaks from a bump, the sight will be totally off zero if you see a dot at all.

Finally, holographic sights have a smaller parallax error compared to reflex sights, though it must be noted that it's minimal with high-quality conventional red dots already.