Simply defined, holography is an optical process of wavefront reconstruction of a three dimensional object by recording the interfering pattern of light. The concept and theory of holograms was defined in the late 1950s in a paper published by Dennis Gabor (a paper that would subsequently lead to a nobel prize for him in that area of study) but it wasn't until a few years later in the early 1960s that the availability of a stable source of light in the form of a helium-neon gas laser allowed the theory to be applied in the creation of the first hologram. The scientific community, as well as the rest of the world, was astounded by the ability to reconstruct a three dimensional object in waveform.

Fast forward to the early 1990s where the cutting edge, labratory sized lasers used in the 1960s experiements can now fit inside your fist and can be produced extremely economically. This advancement was one of two that made the modern holographic gun sights such as EOTech possible. The other was the development of holographic heads up displays (HUDs) for fighter aircraft.

This second advancement was perfected and implemented by the early 80's and put to use in advance fighter aircraft at the time. The holograms in these systmes were of very high quality and allowed the pilots to effeciently gauge readings as well as quickly acquire targets.

In 1995 with these two sucesses to build off of EOTech was formed as a subsidiary of ERIM to re-assess the possibility for holographic weapon sights for small arms. EOTech managed to sucessfully shrink the larger systems being used on helicopter gunships and anti-aircraft batteries to a compact and rugged sight similar to the one we know today. By January, 2000 the second generation Holosight was released to the consumer market.

-The optical cavity where the hologram is produced is thoroughly sealed allowing for the possibility of submersion and ensuring fogproof operation.

-All of the EOTech's electronics are completely encased in a special resin compound designed to absorb shocks and sudden impacts.

-Components such as the thumb screws for mounting are made of hardened corrosive resistant materials to hold up to abuse as well as inclimate conditions.

-Protective anti-reflective coating on optical surfaces which eliminates muzzle side glare.

-Use of shatterproof 3 layer glass laminate for Heads Up Display.

These are a few of the things that make EOTech a pretty safe bet in the durability department. Of course there are always going to be differing opinions as far as EOTech vs Aimpoint in the area of ruggedness and no doubt both are worthy options.

So whether you're looking for a model 552 for hunting or an xps2 for your next three gun competition you shouldn't have to worry too much about treating it delicately.

With all of the choices in firearms optics out there, red dot sights being only one of many, you may be wondering if a holographic weapon sight (HWS) is the right choice for your firearm and for the applications you intend for it.  Well, as with most things it comes down to personal preference and specific use but there are a few places where it's hard to beat an EOTech style red dot sight.

Red dot sights typically have no magnifications such as a more traditional cross hair rifle scope and are therefore usually better suited for short to medium range applications.  Many sports shooters and hunters prefer HWS sights like EOTech over standard iron sights or sight beads on many firearms including handguns, shotguns, rifles and even bows.

Target acquisition times in close up situations, especially on moving targets, can be much faster with a red dot style sight.  In fact, this is probably the single greatest advantage of these EOTechs and similar sights.  It's the reason many hunters, particularly those taking flying game, have started using EOTechs.

The ability for the shooter to keep both eyes open while aiming complements and adds to the fast target acquisition characteristics of the sight. A hunter finding himself suddenly upon his game or an individual engaged in law enforcement or military duties will both find that an EOTech gives them an immense advantage.

Another reason the red dots are a bit faster than traditional scopes is due to the fact that there is no set eye relief.  At an inch or three fee the dot and the sight picture remain equally clear.  In a tight situation this is great since you don't have to worry about getting your eye to that "just right" spot behind the sight to be able to see your target and your dot/cross hairs at the same time.

Perhaps one of the most impressive things about the EOTechs is the ability to keep aiming and shooting accurately even when the sight is partially obscured or even busted.

I borrowed these images from the EOTech website because they show quite dramatically how well this sight can perform even in extreme situations.  Though most of us won't need to worry about trying to shoot if our sight is covered in mud, it's nice to know we can.