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EOTech

EOTech EXPS3 + G33 Magnifier Combo

Holographic sight paired with flip-to-side 3x magnifier for versatile CQB to mid-range engagement

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Quick Specs

Price: $1,279
Weight: 1 lb 6.3 oz
Brand: EOTech
Category: optic

Features

•EXPS3-0 holographic sight with 68 MOA ring / 1 MOA dot
•G33 3x magnifier with flip-to-side mount
•Switch between true 1x and 3x magnification
•Night vision compatible across all settings
•Quick-detach lever mounts on both units

Capability Boosts

CQB+3

Long Range+2

Low Light+2

Night Vision+2

Reliability+1

Recommended For

Home Defense+6

Range Training+5

Duty/Patrol+3

Competition+3

Vehicle Operations+3

Outdoor Defense+3

Where to Buy

Compare current prices and availability from retailers we work with.

RetailerPriceAvailabilityUpdatedShop

Optics Planet

EOTech HHSVIII EXPS3-0 Holographic Red Dot Sight w/G33 3x Magnifier, 1x, 0-Reticle, Tan, HHS-VIII-TAN

$1279.00

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3d ago

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Compatibility Tags

interface: picatinny-topsuitable-for: ultra-compactoptic-type: reflex

Overview

The EOTech EXPS3 + G33 Magnifier Combo pairs EOTech's EXPS3 holographic weapon sight with their G33 3x magnifier in a single package. This pairing delivers versatility for shooters who need both close-quarters speed and mid-range precision without compromising either capability. Adopted by special operations units, law enforcement SWAT teams, and competitive 3-gun shooters, this combo has seen widespread use across shooting disciplines.

The EXPS3-0 provides EOTech's signature 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA center dot, enabling lightning-fast target acquisition in close quarters while the precise center dot maintains accuracy beyond 200 yards. When extended range precision is required, the G33 magnifier flips into position behind the holographic sight, instantly transforming the system into a 3x magnified optic effective to 300+ yards. The magnifier's Switch-to-Side (STS) mount allows instant transition back to 1x by flipping the magnifier out of the optical path—no tools, no adjustment, just pure speed.

Buyers should be aware of EOTech's quality history: in 2015, L-3 Communications paid $25.6 million to settle a lawsuit for knowingly selling defective optics with thermal drift issues to the military since 2006. Post-2016 units show improved thermal performance comparable to competitors, though some users continue to report delamination issues. The EXPS3 features 30 brightness settings (20 daylight + 10 NVD), quick-detach lever mount, and submersibility to 33 feet. The G33 magnifier delivers edge-to-edge clarity through its multi-coated glass and features its own QD mount for tool-free removal. At $1,349 for the combo, this pairing costs less than purchasing the components separately.

Key Features

EXPS3-0 holographic sight: 68 MOA ring / 1 MOA dot reticle
G33 3x magnifier with Switch-to-Side flip mount
True 1x holographic sight when magnifier stowed
Instant magnification transition via flip-to-side mechanism
30 brightness settings on EXPS3 (20 daylight + 10 NVD)
Both units feature quick-detach lever mounts
Waterproof construction (EXPS3 to 33 feet)
Factory-matched optical pairing for optimized performance

Pros

+Unmatched versatility from 0-300+ yards with instant transitions
+True 1x holographic sight maintains both-eyes-open shooting
+Combat-proven durability from special operations adoption
+Excellent night vision compatibility across all brightness levels
+Large holographic window provides superior situational awareness
+Flip-to-side magnifier faster than flip-up BUIS or scope caps
+Factory combo pricing saves versus separate component purchase

Cons

−EOTech's $25.6M thermal drift settlement and ongoing delamination issues affect brand trust
−Post-2016 EXPS3 units improved but quality concerns persist
−Heavy at 22+ oz—significantly more weight than single optic
−Combined battery draw from both units (EXPS3: ~600-1000 hrs)
−Premium $1,349 pricing positions above budget alternatives
−Adds considerable length to upper receiver
−Magnifier eye relief requires proper head position for full FOV

Setup & Operation

Step-by-step procedures for setting up, operating, and maintaining the EOTech EXPS3 + G33 Magnifier Combo.

→ Mount the EXPS3 and G33 Magnifier
→ Zero the EXPS3
→ Brightness, Night Vision, and Reticle Centering Reference

Mount the EXPS3 and G33 Magnifier

The EXPS3 and G33 both ride on quick-detach lever bases sized for a 1 inch Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail. Mount the EXPS3 in front and the magnifier directly behind it, leaving enough rail between them for the G33 to sit at the correct distance for full edge-to-edge field of view.

The G33 does not arrive preassembled to its Switch-to-Side mount because EOTech HWS models sit at two different heights above the rail. The EXPS3 uses side-mounted quick-detach levers, so the included 7mm riser and the spacer are both required to raise the magnifier's optical axis into line with the holographic window. Configure the magnifier before it goes on the gun, and decide left or right flip first: right-handed shooters typically run the mount flipping to the right.

What you need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• 1/4 inch torque wrench
• Cleared, unloaded firearm

01
Configure the G33 in its STS mount
Place the 7mm riser on the magnifier's mounting interface, then set the open Switch-to-Side mount on top of the riser oriented to flip left or right per your preference. Use the four longer screws (the shorter screws are for riser-less HWS models, which the EXPS3 is not). Run each screw through the stack and tighten to 24 in-lbs with a torque wrench.
02
Mount the EXPS3 on the rail
Push the EXPS3 locking button inward, then swing the quick-detach lever away from its nested position to expand the clamp. Set the small cross bolt fully into a Picatinny slot, push the sight forward, and close the lever until it nests flush in the base.
03
Tune the EXPS3 clamp tension
If the lever will not fully close or the sight feels loose, open the lever and turn the adjustment nut opposite the lever clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen for your rail's tolerance. Never turn the adjustment nut while the lever is closed.
04
Mount the G33 behind the sight
Depress the magnifier mount's locking button with your thumb and swing its quick-detach lever open. Position the mount on the rail behind the EXPS3, push the magnifier forward until its cross bolt seats in the mount slot, then close the lever. If fit is loose or tight, remove the unit and turn the rail adjustment dial clockwise to tighten before remounting.
05
Set the diopter and verify the flip path
Look through the magnifier at a distant object and turn the adjustable diopter ring clockwise or counterclockwise until the holographic reticle is crisp. Push the magnifier to the side and back to confirm it reaches a hard stop in both the engaged and flipped positions.

Caution

Never adjust either quick-detach base's tension nut or dial while the lever is closed. Make tension changes only with the lever open and the unit off the rail.

Zero the EXPS3

The EXPS3's windage and elevation adjustments sit on the right-hand side of the sight: the front knob is windage, the rear knob is elevation. Both are slotted and turn with a screwdriver, a coin, or spent brass. Each click moves point of aim approximately 0.5 MOA, which is 1/2 inch at 100 yards or 1/4 inch at 50 yards. One full rotation of either knob moves point of aim about 10 MOA, and total travel is plus or minus 40 MOA per axis.

EOTech factory-collimates the sight parallel to the rail, so a properly installed rail leaves the EXPS3 near mechanical zero before you touch anything. Confirm the rifle's irons or a bore sighter first, then refine with live fire. After the G33 is in place you may perceive a small point-of-impact shift because the magnifier lets you read the target and group more precisely, so re-confirm zero with the magnifier engaged.

What you need

• Flat-head screwdriver, coin, or spent brass casing
• Zeroing target
• Bore sighter (optional)

01
Bore sight and fire a group
Use a chamber laser or bore sighter for preliminary alignment, then fire a 3 to 5 round group at a target at your chosen zero distance, typically 50 or 100 yards for a 5.56 carbine.
02
Correct elevation
To move point of impact UP, turn the rear elevation knob LEFT. Each click is 1/2 inch at 100 yards; one full rotation is roughly 10 inches at 100 yards. Reverse the direction to bring impact down.
03
Correct windage
To move point of impact to the RIGHT, turn the front windage knob RIGHT. Reverse the direction to move impact left. Apply the same 1/2 inch per click at 100 yards math used for elevation.
04
Confirm and re-check with the magnifier
Fire a confirmation group and repeat corrections until rounds print on point of aim. Flip the G33 into the optical path and fire one more group, adjusting the EXPS3 if a perceived shift appears so 1x and 3x both hold the same zero.

Caution

When a knob suddenly resists, you have reached the end of the plus or minus 40 MOA travel. Do not force it past the stop; serious damage to the sight can result. If you cannot reach zero within range, the mounting rail is not parallel to the bore.

Brightness, Night Vision, and Reticle Centering Reference

The EXPS3 runs on a single Type 123 lithium battery, good for roughly 600 hours at setting 12. Install it by unscrewing the battery cap counterclockwise, sliding the battery in with the plus marking matching the plus on the cap, and threading the cap back clockwise without cross-threading.

The sight has 30 brightness settings: 20 daytime levels and 10 dedicated night-vision levels. Pressing the UP or DOWN arrow turns the sight on at daytime Level 12; pressing both arrows together turns it off. Pressing the NV button turns the sight on at night-vision Level 4 and toggles between normal and NV modes. When pairing with a night-vision device, confirm the sight is OFF before pressing NV, or it will jump to normal mode and saturate the image intensifier. Sights started with the UP button auto-shut after 8 hours; started with DOWN, after 4 hours.

The G33 has its own horizontal and vertical reticle position adjustments on the top and side of the magnifier body. After zeroing, if the holographic reticle looks off-center inside the magnifier window, turn these by hand, with a coin, or with a flat-head screwdriver to recenter it. This is cosmetic only and does not change the rifle's zero.

Note

The reticle blinks at startup when the battery has roughly 2.5 to 5 hours of life left. Treat a blinking reticle, or one that flickers under recoil, as a cue to swap the Type 123 battery before the next range trip.