The face of the unit features two--or three, depending upon the model--push-button controls. Standard models feature one button with an "Up" arrow and one button with a "Down" arrow. Military/LE models also have a night vision (NV) button located between the two standard buttons. To turn on the unit you simply push either of the buttons. If the Up arrow is used to turn the unit on it will automatically shutdown eight hours after the last push button control is utilized. If the Down arrow is used, it will automatically shut down after four hours. This automatic shutdown feature prevents accidentally leaving the unit on and killing the batteries. The HWS features 20 brightness control settings to cover a wide range of lighting situations.

When the unit is turned on, the default setting is Level 12. The Up and Down buttons increase or decrease the reticle's intensity to suit the user's requirements. The NV button drops the reticle's intensity to the night vision spectrum. Doing so allows a night vision device (NVD) to be used in conjunction with the HWS for engaging targets in total darkness. Ten brightness settings are available in night vision mode.

This provides significant latitude for variances in individual NVDs, eye sensitivity from person to person, and operating conditions. One nice feature of the NV setting is that there is no visible muzzle side light signature. This means the bad guys can't see any light projected from the front lens as is possible with a reflex sight. To switch back to daylight mode you simply depress the NV button again. To turn the HWS off push both arrow buttons simultaneously.

The result is a rugged sight that weighs less than nine ounces and is simple to operate.

What you see when you turn the HWS on is a reticle that appears on the same plane as the target. The HWS is not simply projecting a dot. Unlike a reflex sight that can only create a parallax-free dot, laser holography can create multiple objects in two or three dimensions. In the case of the HWS a circle 65 MOA in diameter is projected. Located at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock are tick marks to prevent canting. In the center of the circle is a fine, 1 MOA dot. This combination of a large circle and a fine dot allows for both very rapid target engagement and precision work.

If the reticle is smaller than the target, put the reticle on the target and fire. If the target is smaller than the reticle, center the target in the circle and fire. Doing so provides very rapid hits. If greater precision is required, slow down and use the small central aiming dot. Also, as the unit is parallax-free the shooter's head and eye alignment are not an issue. As long as the shooter can see the reticle on the target, through any portion of the display window, he'll hit it. This is true even if the window is broken and part of the lens is missing.

Over the years I've used EOTech's HWS on a variety of submachine guns, assault rifles, and even belt-fed GPMGs. In doing so I've found this optical sight excels at shooting on the move, from awkward positions, at moving targets, and in poor lighting. From point blank to 300 meters the HWS works extremely well. The field of view (FOV) is huge, peripheral vision is unimpaired, and color rendition and light transmission are extremely good.