Video Demo
Features
The EOTech EXPS3-DCR is a holographic sight that features a center dot zeroed for 50 and 200 yards when using .223/5.56mm NATO. It also features a Danger-Close Reticle, which is a modified “speed ring” layout that now includes a 7-yard point-of-aim chevron.
This 7-yard chevron solves the issue of the optic’s height over the barrel for close-range shooting. It effectively allows the shooter to cheat their point of aim when shooting up close for faster and better accuracy.
Here’s a closer look at how that reticle layout is set up.
Unlike your standard red dots that use a simple LED to project the dot, this holographic sight projects a hologram of the reticle onto the lens. This method offers superior performance in low-light conditions and easier target acquisition with both eyes open. In the case of the DCR, it also allows for a more complex and customized reticle than a red dot.
When compared to standard red dots, the window on the EXPS3 is dramatically wider, increasing your field of view for multiple target engagements. It is also shielded by an aluminum hood and waterproofed for harsh conditions.
There is no shake-awake feature, but the EXPS3 does offer a 4- or 8-hour auto shutoff and about 1,000 hours of battery life on the lowest setting. There are 20 daytime brightness settings and 10 night-vision settings.
EOTech ships the EXPS3-DCR with an integrated 7mm raised quick-detach base, which sets you up with a lower-third co-witness on standard-height AR iron sights. The optic runs on CR123 batteries, which can be loaded via a convenient front compartment.
Windage and elevation dials are both located on the right side of the optic and recessed to prevent accidental bumping. Each click on the adjustment knobs represents a 0.5-inch adjustment at 100 yards.
Specifications
Here’s a rundown of the basic specs for the holographic EXPS3:
Optic Type: Holographic Weapon Sight
Weight: 0.7 pounds
Length: 3.8 inches
Width: 2.3 inches
Height: 2.9 inches
Calibers: .223/5.56mm NATO
Adjustments: 0.5 MOA
Brightness Settings: 20
Night Vision Compatible: Yes
Night Vision Brightness Settings: 10
Co-witness: Lower third
Battery: CR123
Battery Life: ~1,000 hours (lowest setting)
Auto Off: Yes, after 4 or 8 hours
Operating Temperatures: -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Resistant: 33 feet
Country of Manufacture: USA
Accuracy Testing
The holographic EOTech EXPS3-DCR is a fantastic close-range optic, as the video at the top of this article demonstrates. At 7 yards, I found it easy to rapidly engage targets with multiple shots. The danger-close chevron solves the problem of needing to estimate your hold on a target.
Here's another look at how that hold-over chevron compensates for the optic’s height over the bore at close ranges.
Now, you may wonder if the holographic can compete with a magnified optic. The answer is that it can, but not with extreme precision.
We recently ran a test comparing the EOTech Vudu 3-9x32 SFP scope and the holographic EXPS3-DCR featuring the Danger-Close Reticle, and both optics were fantastic. However, for close-range work, the DCR reticle is a clear winner. Yet, it can do some mid-range work easily enough as well.
Here's a look at a few targets I shot at 50 yards with the DCR reticle.
The center dot on the EXPS3-DCR is zeroed at 50 and 200 yards with 5.56mm NATO. Of course, the groups above would spread out at 200 yards. But as far as fighting accuracy goes, it certainly has the potential to quickly engage targets out to 200 yards with the flat-flying 5.56mm for combat-effective accuracy.
That 50/200-yard dot essentially allows you to simply pop the dot onto man-sized targets between 50 and 200 yards. If you aim for the center mass, you can expect hits well within the space of a torso. It may not be extreme precision, but in a fast-paced engagement, there isn’t necessarily much time for anything other than rapid shooting anyway.
Pros & Cons
Here are my top pros and cons for the holographic EOTech EXPS3-DCR.
Pros:
- Very accurate
- Highly robust design
- DCR reticle is great for close- and mid-range shooting
- Night-vision capable
- ~1,000-hour battery life
- Auto shutoff after 4 or 8 hours
- Made in America
- Integrated quick-detach base also holds zero
- Extra-rugged design
- Fog, water, and shock resistant
- Faster close-range target acquisition
- 20 brightness settings, 10 night-vision settings
- Excellent visibility
- Near-infinite eye relief
Cons:
- No magnification (but supports magnifiers)
- Wide profile
- Caliber-specific reticle for .223/5.56mm NATO
- Hard to do precision work past 100 yards
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No auto-on feature
Final Thoughts
I’m sold on the DCR reticle and the EXPS3 as a go-to close-range optic that would be fantastic on pretty much any close-quarters tactical, home-defense, or competition firearm chambered for .223 Rem/5.56 NATO. It’s easy to use, and it gets me on target easier and faster than any red dot I’ve tested.
If I had to put my money on the table for just one close-range optic for a modern sporting rifle or tactical carbine, I would open my wallet for this one right now.
It’s also enjoyable to shoot over long periods, with the reticle and wide window sparing me from eye strain and tunnel vision that often come with prolonged shooting on narrow scopes and red dots.
