Description

EOTech HWS 518.A65 — Holographic Weapon Sight with QD Lever

Name: Holographic Weapon Sight EOTECH HWS 518.A65 with QD Lever
Brand: EOTECH
Price: 799 CHF
Availability: InStock

Overview

The EOTech HWS 518.A65 is the modern evolution of the legendary Model 512 — the same American-made HWS holographic technology adopted by USSOCOM, the same cost-effective dual AA battery power source, but with two major upgrades that make it the best-value option in the EOTech lineup for 2026: a Quick-Detach (QD) lever and left-side control buttons — the premium ergonomics of the EXPS3 series without the CR123 battery running cost.

The legendary 68 MOA / 1 MOA reticle (large enclosure ring + precision center dot) remains the reference design for fast target acquisition in dynamic and CQB shooting. The compact housing frees up Picatinny real estate for a magnifier (G33/G43), an offset weapon light, or backup iron sights. The adjustable, locking QD lever enables 2-second mounting and dismounting with repeatable zero to 1 MOA — ideal for multi-platform shooters who swap their optic between several rifles.

The 518.A65 is the non-night-vision version — for use with NV equipment, see the Model 558.

Technical Specifications

Optic type: 1x holographic sight (HWS — Holographic Weapon Sight)
Magnification: 1x (no magnification)
Reticle: 68 MOA (outer enclosure ring) + 1 MOA (precision center dot) — red reticle
Viewing window: 30 x 23 mm (1.20" x 0.85")
Eye relief: Unlimited
Parallax: Parallax-free
Front window: Solid glass
Rear window: Shatter-resistant laminate
Optical coating: Anti-glare multi-coating
Brightness settings: 20 levels, left-side buttons (unlike the 512's rear buttons)
Power source: 2x AA 1.5V batteries (lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable)
Battery life (lithium): 2,500 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 (room temperature) — 2.5x the 512's battery life
Auto shut-off: Programmable
Night-vision compatibility: NO (choose model 558 for NV)
Mount: Integrated, Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 or Weaver 1", adjustable and locking QD (Quick Detach) lever
Zero retention: Repeatable to 1 MOA after QD remount
Windage/elevation adjustment: 0.5 MOA per click (1/2" at 100 yards)
Adjustment range: ±40 MOA
Waterproof: Submersible to 3 m (10 ft), fog-proof internal optics
Length: 142 mm (5.6")
Width: 56 mm (2.2")
Height: 74 mm (2.9")
Weight: 391 g (13.8 oz) — QD lever included
Finish: Matte black, non-reflective coating
Made in USA — Michigan

Key Benefits

Adjustable, locking QD lever: tool-free mounting and dismounting in seconds, fast transfer between platforms (AR-15, PCC, .22 LR, tactical shotgun), reliable zero retention after remount.
Left-side control buttons: ergonomics inspired by the EXPS3/EXPS2 — access controls without changing shooting position, leaves room for a flip-to-side magnifier without conflict.
2,500-hour battery life (lithium): more than 2x the 512's runtime — a single set of AA lithium batteries can last multiple intensive shooting seasons.
Legendary 68 MOA / 1 MOA reticle: the enclosure ring captures the target in a fraction of a second, the 1 MOA dot ensures precision out to 300 m — a design proven over decades of operational use.
Universal AA power: no dependence on CR123 batteries (as on XPS/EXPS) — batteries available anywhere at minimal cost.
Compatible with EOTech G33/G43 magnifier: the iconic EOTech 518 + G33 flip-to-side combo = universal 1x/3x duty configuration in one motion.
Multi-rail compatibility: both Weaver 1" AND Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 — fits nearly every modern tactical firearm.
Made in USA ruggedness: aluminum housing, submersible to 3 m, tested for intensive duty use — a long-term investment.
HWS holographic technology: optical reconstruction of the reticle in the field of view (not a standard LED projection) — ultra-fast acquisition, perfect overlay on moving targets.

Use Cases & Context

Dynamic sport shooting: IPSC/USPSA rifle, 3-Gun, PCC competition — EOTech is a historic standard in these disciplines.
Tactical shooting and CQB: the 68/1 format is optimized for fast multi-target engagement.
Multi-platform configuration: the QD lever lets a single optic move between multiple rifles (sport carbine / training PCC / range shotgun) — one optic investment, zero re-zeroing.
Professional training: LEO, security agencies, tactical schools — the 518 is frequently adopted by instructors for its versatility.
Recommended magnifier combo: pairs naturally with EOTech G33 or G43 for one-touch 1x ↔ 3x flip-to-side transitions.
Stand hunting / small-game drives: fast acquisition, reticle visible in low light.
Premium recreational shooting: for the shooter who wants the best of EOTech's AA lineup without moving to CR123 (XPS/EXPS).