EOTech XPS3 vs EXPS3 [Which One Is Better?]

The EOTECH XPS vs EXPS is nothing new. We always get confused while choosing a sight between these series. Especially if we have to choose between sights like EXPS3 and XPS3 which have quite similar features. These sights are best known for their military-grade performance.

You can use the sights to shoot from the close-quarter range to medium-range shooting. So whether you own a defense rifle or any tactical rifle, they will be perfect for you. But the dilemma is if both are quite similar then which one to choose?

To help you decide better you have brought a comparison of the sights’ features. In this article, we will be discussing how their differences can impact your shooting experiences. Hence, without any delay, let’s begin!

Eotech XPS3

When it comes to holographic sights, one sight hovers inside your head rent-free. That’s right, talking about the XPS3. Eotech used high-quality aluminum to construct the chassis of this optic through CNC machining.

They also made the sight compatible with any kind of weather. Let it be rain, freezing your toes, or even under heavy sunlight, XPS3 will show you top-tier vision without any issues. While the lack of adjustable buttons

With minimal tool usage, you can also remove the optic and install it in a different gun if you wish to. The reticle will also shift focus in case you have a broken lens in your hand. Don’t worry, it’s not fragile enough to break from a single drop or two. Using a CR123 battery, you will find yourself with an illuminated reticle for years to come!

Eotech EXPS3

Eotech EXPS3 has been the go-to sight for civilians and security enforces alike. The sight is made out of high-quality aluminum and is extremely lightweight as well.

While you might think it’s a civilian-only sight, that’s far from the truth. You can use this with military weapons and military services as well. The sight is built well enough to last anything you throw at it. It fancies a fully multi-coated lens. The lens is bright and will show you a clear vision under any circumstances.

While Eotech has done wonders with the optic, the Chinese companies were fast on the clone train. If you are buying an EXPS3, then you should be aware of the counterfeits.

Specs

Specs	XPS3	EXPS3
Reticle	1 MOA Dot and 68 MOA Circle	1 MOA Dot and 68 MOA Circle
Power Source	Battery	Battery
Battery	CR123	CR123
Battery Life (hours)	1000	1000
Brightness Settings	20	20
Side Button Control	No	Yes
Adjustment per Clicks	0.5 MOA	0.5 MOA
Night Vision Compatibility	Yes	Yes
Submersion	33ft. (10m)	33ft. (10m)
Weight	9.0 oz.	11.2 oz. (317.5g)
Mount	1″ weaver and MIL-STD 1913	1″ weaver and MIL-STD 1913
Warranty	10 years	10 years

EOTECH XPS3/ EXPS3 – Differences

Even though the sights are mostly offered with the same features, there are some technical factors that you should consider before picking a sight for your rifle. The main difference they have:

• The MOA dot size and ring size are the same in both sights. But they are offered with different reticle types.
• Both the sights are made with high quality material. However, there is a difference in their designs.
• The sight weights also differ from each other.
• The sights are compatible to mount on 1″ weaver and MIL-STD 1913 rails but the mounting system is a bit different which ultimately influences their co-witnessing with the iron sights.

Discussion On The Holographic Sights

In order to make an economic purchase, it is important to know which sight can cover almost every feature you want to fulfill your shooting needs. Therefore, we would suggest when you’re going through the discussion, keep your shooting needs in consideration. It will help you to make a better decision while choosing a sight.

Reticle

It is crucial that you have the right MOA dot and ring size in your Holographic sight. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to make quick aims on the target.

XPS3: This model comes with two versions such as XPS3-0 and XPS3-2. These two versions are offered with two different reticle types:

• XPS3-0 features one 1-MOA dot at the center of the 68 MOA ring.
• XPS3-2 has two 1-MOA dots at the center of the 68 MOA ring.

So, you have an open option to choose either one type of reticle for your sight. The XPS3-0 version is ideal for any shooting environment. But if you want more precise aiming points on the target, you can go for the XPS3-2 model.

EXPS3: On the other hand, this model series has 3 types of reticles. These reticles are offered with different versions of EXPS3. The 3 reticle types are:

• One 1-MOA dot at the center of the 68 MOA ring.
• Two 1-MOA dots at the center of the 68 MOA ring.
• Four 1-MOA dots at the center of the 68 MOA ring.

When it comes to providing precision shots, this model gives more versatile options. The EXPS3-0 version with its one 1-MOA dot at the center of the 68 MOA ring works like a classic aiming point for fast target acquisition. If you want an additional long-range aiming point, the EXPS3-2 is your best call. You can easily distinguish this two-dot reticle pattern with or without magnification.

However, you can also use the ballistic reticle offered with EXPS3-4. It works great with 5.56 Nato/.223 cal with 62 gr M855 FMJ at roughly 2,680 fps with a 14.5″ barrel. But one problem is the aiming points on the 4-dot reticle may not be distinguishable without magnification.

Therefore, since both of the sights come with one and two MOA dots, you can choose either of the sight versions. But if your shooting need is more like the EXPS3-4, you can choose this version as well.

Weight

Whenever you’re buying an accessory for your rifle, make sure it is as lightweight as possible. Because extra weight makes the rifle heavier to carry it for a long time.

XPS3: Honestly, the EOTech sights weigh quite higher than the other brand’s sights. So, when you’re looking at the different versions of EOTECH sights, try to find out which model weighs comparatively less. The sights of the XPS3 series weigh nearly 9.0 oz.

EXPS3: The weight of this series of sights is around 11.2 oz. It means this model’s sights weigh quite higher than the XPS3 series. Therefore, this is one of the factors you should consider while choosing between the sights.

Hence, in the case of the weight, the XPS3 wins the battle.

Design

Both of the sights have a rugged construction. They even look quite similar. However, there is a slight difference in their designs which can cause inconvenience for some shooters.

XPS3: Whenever we’re in a shooting environment, we look for an easy adjustment system in our sights. So, it is very important that the sights you are choosing provide you with that flexibility. Plus, it should come with a compact design so that it doesn’t take up much of your rail space.

One issue with this model sights is that they don’t have side buttons for brightness adjustments. They rather have a rear button system for the brightness settings. Hence, it becomes a bit of an inconvenience when you want to change the brightness level of the sight.

Additionally, the length of the sights is 3.8” and the width is 2.1”. Besides, the height of the sights is 2.5”. The dimension shows that they are designed to be compact in size.

EXPS3: Unlike the former sight series, this one has a side button system for brightness adjustment. Therefore, it will be easier for you to change the brightness settings with this model sights. However, even though the length is the same in both sights, they have differences in their widths and heights.

The sights of this series are designed with 2.3” of width and 2.9” of height. On the appearance level, it may not seem like a big thing to worry about. But this sort of difference in the sight’s dimensions can impact on your co-witnessing with the iron sights.

Hence, your decision in this case should be like if compact design is what you want, go for XPS3. But if you’re more interested in the flexibility of the brightness adjustment system, you should choose the EXPS3 for your rifle. However, one thing to remember is that both sights offer you 20 daylight brightness settings and 10 additional settings for Gen 1-3+ night vision devices.

Mount and Co-witnessing

Even if they sit perfectly on the 1″ weaver and MIL-STD 1913 rails, the mounts provided by the company are a bit different from each other. This also impacts their co-witnessing ability with the iron sights.

XPS3: The XPS3 is provided with a regular mount type which allows you Absolute co-witness with your iron sights. Especially, if you’re using flip-up iron sights or folding iron sights, this Absolute co-witness setup will be perfect for you. Because you can keep them out of your sight picture when they are not needed.

EXPS3: The best part of this sight is that its mount is offered with a 7mm riser. This helps you to increase the mounting position of the sight, enabling you to have ⅓ co-witness setup on your rifle.

Many shooters prefer ⅓ co-witnessing setup in their firearms because it provides a clearer and less obstructed view through the sight. However, this setup is best suited when a rifle has a fixed front sight.

So, depending on your iron sights and shooting style, you can choose either sort of sight for your firearm.

Conclusion

In the end, it comes down to your shooting needs whether you want to use XPS3 or EXPS3. So, there is no clear winner in this battle. We will only suggest if you’re looking for a versatile reticle system, flexible side button system, and ⅓ co-witnessing ability in sight, the EXPS3 is your best call.

However, if compact size and lightweight are the prime features that you want in your sight, the XPS3 will be the right choice for you. Plus, note that the price of the XPS3 series sights is much less than the EXPS3 model sights.

Therefore, while choosing a sight for your firearm, you are highly recommended to consider your shooting needs and budget. It will help you to make better decisions when buying the sights.