EOTech came out with their new Vudu 1-6x24mm rifle scope at SHOT Show this year. The Vudu is a first focal plane, variable magnification rifle scope, mostly targeted to the AR-15 or similar rifle. The design captures the best features of a reflex sight, with the advantages of a variable magnification rifle scope. Though a little late to the heavy push for these scopes in the last few years, EOTech appears committed to remaining a competitor in firearm optics.
Despite suffering a serious blow from a Federal Government investigation that resulted in a $26 million settlement, EOTech (and its parent corporation L3 Communications) appear to be pushing forward at full strength rather than reeling backwards from the judgment. The Federal Government charged EOTech with making false performance claims in their highly popular red dot line of optics. It was found that EOTech products did not meet the MIL-SPEC requirements in regards to performance at extreme heat and cold temperatures as the company had claimed they would.
EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Scope
The Vudu 1-6x24mm scope, along with the Vudu 3.5-18x50mm scope, are EOTech’s first venture into magnified rifle optics. Previously EOTech offered their popular G33 magnifier as a separate combination magnifier for their reflex sights. The are several benefits of a variable magnification reflex sight.
- Maintains fast reflex sighting option on 1x
- Provides accurate aiming to at least 500 yards
- Removes the need for a separate magnifier
- First Focal Plane allows accurate use of scope markings.
The Vudu 1-6x24mm scope comes with XC high density glass to provide good light transmission and a quality view of targets. When looking through the EOTech Vudu at SHOT Show the glass was very clear and the reticle was crisp in appearance and not blurry. To fulfill the reflex sight requirement, the Vudu’s reticle is illuminated for excellent aiming points during both day and night shooting. The illuminated reticle is also a benefit for long-range shooting. For longer range shooting the EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm scope uses 1/2 MOA adjustments to dial in accuracy.
When the EOTech is set at the lowest, 1x magnification, setting the familiar XPS3-4 reticle appeared with the 65 MOA outer ring. This is the classic EOTech reflex sight targeting image.
One of the greatest features of the Vudu 1-6x24mm scope is the adjustment lever on the magnification setting. Though it may appear awkward at first, sticking out from the scope, the benefits allow a much quicker magnification adjustment than traditional rotational levers on the tube. The older styles require the shooter to grab the scope itself to make adjustments, and depending on the ease of movement, can actually place input into the rifle’s position and the scope’s view. The adjustment bar allows minor adjustments much easier, and without having to manhandle the scope.
EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Features
- First Focal Plane
- 30mm Tube
- 24mm Objective Lens
- 1-6x Magnification Range
- Illuminated Reticle
- XC High Density Glass
- 1/2 MOA (.2 Mil) Adjustments
- Optional reticles: BDC and Mil Dot
- MSRP: $1299.00.
One drawback to the EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm scope it is the price. At $1300 the Vudu is much higher than a high quality competitor like the Vortex Strike Eagle (MSRP $499). Instead, the Vudu is more in line with the higher end models like the Leupold VX-6 (MSRP $1299.00) or the Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS (MSRP $1299.00).
Another drawback of any 1-6x24mm scope is they are nearly twice as heavy as a simple reflex sight. The SHOT Show EOTech booth did not list the Vudu’s length, height, width, or weight specifications, but I would estimate the Vudu at roughly 1.5 lbs. (around 24 ounces). Add to that a separate scope mount, and the combination could easily be over 2.0 lbs. This is definitely a consideration when most reflex optics are about 10-12 ounces (about 3/4 pound).
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane
EOTech joined several other optics companies this year by giving the Vudu a first focal plane (FFP) reticle. A first focal plane rifle scope allows the shooter to accurately use the striations (has marks/dots) on the reticle, regardless of magnification setting. This can be incredibly important when making long-range shots quickly. This feature is due to the magnification settings on the scope being placed behind the reticle.
So as magnification increases both the target and the reticle size increase. Likewise as magnification decreases both the target and the reticle size decrease. Some shooters like this for the ability to use hold-over markings regardless of magnification, while others do not prefer the FFP due to the reticle taking up more of their visual picture at higher magnification settings.
Most scopes on the market today use the popular second focal plane reticle. There are benefits to both systems, but what seems to be the most popular aspect of the second focal plane system is that the reticle size remains constant throughout the magnification range. This means the shooter is not going have a reduced visual appearance of their target from an increased reticle size like in the FFP option.
This is because the second focal plane design placed the magnification settings in front of the reticle. So as magnification changes, the only change is the magnification of the target. However, by doing this, the striations on the reticle lose their function, because the reticle is not changing in conjunction with magnification. A second focal plane scope requires the shooter to zero their rifle for a particular magnification, and only then are the reticle striations able to accurately depict hold-over.
This is not to say that a shooter could not spend a lot of time marking down various changes at different magnifications, but in the field this would require the shooter to constantly reflect on their notebook to make elevation or hold-over adjustments. A first focal plane scope does not require this. If hunting, this may not be an issue. However, for law enforcement snipers this added reference and calculation could be mission critical and only compound an already difficult assignment where innocent lives hang in the balance.
This video by Vortex Optics is an excellent description of the two focal plane options.
Final Thoughts
I have used an EOTech HWS reflex sight for over 10 years, and have enjoyed the options that the reticle and sight provide. The only real issue our department had with our EOTech sights was the battery life. Our EOTech sights are the now discontinued N-cell battery model. Those batteries were expensive and did not last sufficiently long.
I am glad to see EOTech looks to remain a strong competitor in the market. I believe the best options come from a free market with strong competition. Though I have not shot a rifle with the EOTech Vudu scope, I would jump at the chance to do so. From first appearances the Vudu 1-6x24mm scope appears to be well made with some outstanding features.