What's a good EOTech 551 replica?

[karasutomoe]

Is there anywhere I can buy a good RELIABLE 551 sight for maybe around $80-100?

I found some sites with models for under $100, but are these reliable? What are some of the issues between these and more expensive replicas like Hurricane, and more importantly, versus the real thing (other than sharper reticle and an apparent Nightvision mode)?

Other info: I used to own a B-2 Panorama Electro Red Dot Sight, a 50-dollar sight which proved more than reliable and accurate enough for my needs (up until I accidentally broke it). So as long as whatever I go with can measure up to my old sight, I'll be happy.

[Zorak]

The real thing uses holographic projection, whereas the replicas use the same reflex technology found in the B-2. The night vision mode on the real one doesn't give you night vision, it's just a super-dim mode that can be seen clearly through a night vision device.

[Great Troub of Troubistan]

You're better off going with a G&P Aimpoint, cheap, reliable, and good.

[karasutomoe]

I dunno. Aimpoint-style scopes like the one I bought recently (a Meijer hunting scope) sit too low to the body of the gun. My mask makes it so I have to press hard against the top of the gun to line it up right, and if I have to do that, I might as well just use the iron sights. That's the advantage of my old B-2; the scope part sits on an elevated base, it doesn't take as much effort to line things up. I can even use it with the rear iron sights in place.

Besides, I don't know how to take off the front iron sights on my gun (or if I even can). With my current scope, the iron sights completely obscure my sight.

EDIT: How about this one? There are a few of these for 75 bucks if I act quick. One review does mention an issue with brightness, but in all honest I think brightness issues are something inherent in all reflex-based sights. Or am I wrong?

Or maybe this one?

P.S. Now look how high it sits off that gun! The iron sights aren't even in the way I have nothing else to say (even if it is a flip-up sight).

[Kilo Oscar Tango]

There are all sorts of mounts for Aimpoints for varying heights. Wilcox mounts are particularly high. If you need something higher you are doing something wrong. G&P Aimpoints are much better quality, and cheaper than Eotech replicas.

All the Eotech replicas are pretty much the same. The really bad ones don't have vertical adjustment. I have owned a cheap 552 for a year now and it's starting to give me trouble. It seems to eat up batteries or not get enough juice from batteries now, and the reticule managed to misalign itself, so the cross is not straight.

[karasutomoe]

And how much is "cheap"? I have nothing else to say

Honestly though, I don't think there's such a thing as a perfect replica unless you're willing to shell out a LOT of money (which I'm not). As long as its performance and reliability can measure up to my old B-2 and costs under $100, I'm perfectly happy. I just kinda want the Eotech cuz it looks nice. And you had yours for a year? Well, I had my B-2 for less than that before it broke down (albeit accidentally).

EDIT: I found this one too: cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220603334702&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF%3F&GUID=d75b36961250a02652b6ca56fddb770e&itemid=220603334702&ff4=263602_263622 Looks cheaper than the RRAGE model, but apparently is very high quality. Main thing to mention: windage/elevation dials are (supposedly) completely functional.

Is this the ghosting affect I hear so much about?

[Ghast]

Yes it is, but it'll wash out when you use it outdoors and in the sunlight. The more important thing is to get a really bright dot. Ghosting isn't as important as people make it out to be unless you plan on doing some night ops.

[karasutomoe]

Ok. I went ahead an ordered a G&P Eotech. I've read reviews and watched demos, and it looks pretty solid.