Well, I'd be interested to hear about what Vortex does about it. Whether it's repaired or replaced, I'm not sure if they do full refunds or not?

They are supposed to update the firmware when you send it in. I'd just send it in if you can't return it to your original point of sale for a refund. My gripe is that if I'm buying it new in 2021, then it ought to have the firmware already updated. Otherwise it is kind of half baked.

I agree, they should have done a recall with how many seem to be affected... I'm actually expecting to experience the battery drain issue more than I'm expecting not to at this point.

I just received my UH-1 today and so far I like it... Of course I've only played around with it for a few minutes at this point, so only time will tell if I have any issues pop up.

I had no issue with the adjustment for the QD lever, but I could see that if you had to adjust it down enough to fit a particularly undersized Picatinny rail that the threaded post would stick up too far into the adjustment nut and prevent a normal flat head screwdriver from fitting. At that point you'd probably have to notch out the center of the flat head screwdriver to clear the threaded post. The same issue exists in Trijicon's TA51 ACOG mounts... The threaded post sticks too far up into the thumb nuts and prevents a flat head screwdriver from fitting properly without modification.

Anyways, the UH-1 feels like a quality solid optic, actually better than I was expecting. The reticle, though pixelated like an EOTech reticle, was nice and crisp to my eye. Only very slight star burst effect on the center dot when set to the appropriate brightness level for the lighting conditions... In that regard it's better than the dots on the Aimpoints and the Trijicon MRO that I've looked through.

Unfortunately the S/N on this one is in the U211xxxxx range, so I'm probably going to experience the battery drain issue... Though I have my fingers crossed that I don't, I have low hopes on that.

My only complaint so far in my short time playing around with it is that I'm not a fan of the tethered battery cap. So if I end up really liking the UH-1 and keeping it around I'll probably end up snipping that cable off at some point... Hopefully that won't screw me over on Vortex's VIP warranty. I'll leave it alone for now though just to play it safe.

Well, my U211 model has been going strong for about 2 weeks now.  Several hours of use already as well as storage in the safe.  No battery issues as of yet.  Fingers still crossed.

Good to hear!

Interested to see if these are are still functional after a month or two. And even if they aren't I won't be ruling out the UH-1 just on account of that. It will all depend on if they suffer the same battery drain issue after being fixed by Vortex.

I'm really liking the sight so far, so I'm hopping it works out. I just need to find a good place to buy a good stock of Lithium Ion CR123A batteries... Any opinions of what brand to stick with for those? The one it comes with is made by Panasonic but I have no idea if one brand is better than another? I'm sort of a battery newb coming only from ACOGs.

A couple of months ago Lowe's had an online sale of the surefire 2 pack CR123As for $1.50 or so with free shipping/in store pickup. I will keep an eye out for more. It was posted to GD

I actually forgot that Surefire had their own branded batteries. I'd have to assume that those are among the best ones that you could buy?

I'm pretty sure that Surefire contracts with one of the big battery manufacturers (Duracell, Rayovac, Panasonic) for the batteries. Maybe spec'd by Surefire, but they do have a 10 year shelf life.

Well, I think I'll give them a try... I was needing to get another set of Sonic Defenders for work anyways and I'll just pick up a 12 pack while I'm at it.

Also, I didn't know that there was a difference between Lithium and Lithium Ion batteries. Lithium Ion being rechargeable and regular Lithium has a longer shelf life, so I guess I just need to stick with the regular Lithium batteries.

Cliff as you know (Fil here) I gots me one, too.
I just checked (again) AND my battery has been going strong for about two or three months; never replaced, Duracell one. I guess I DO NOT have the issue (for once!)
Mine is a gen II but I bought mine used; I didn't know whether I could trust it AND I loved its look just for the ARX to be on. I feel it completes it really well -- but you knew this already.

Just wanted to chime in with my personal experience (i.e., optic working fine no battery discharge issue, apparently)

Beretta ARX SBR and Huey by SoloDallas, on Flickr

Not gonna lie, that ARX looks sweet.  

I have my UH1 sitting on a Tavor 7 with an Optimus suppressor.  Vortex mini 3x magnifier rides behind it.

Love it on the Tavor, too!

Thanks! I honestly regret not buying an ARX when they were practically giving them away a few years ago. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Anyway, sorry for the threadjack.

Not a thread jack at all - you been on point with everything.

PS now, a funny one - just saw this one on the Firearm Blog and thought it deserved a mention here; some photographer and Hera Arms have made this one up as the rifle for the US Space Force!

Hera Arms by SoloDallas, on Flickr

Good to hear that you're still on the same battery! Gives me some hope at least.

I actually just sighted in (best I could with the time I had) the UH-1 as well as the factory BUIS on the ARX today! I had the hardest time deciding on where exactly I wanted to place the optic on the rail... I actually considered the same exact placement as where yours is in that picture, but I also really liked it as far back as the rear back up sight would allow me to go. In the end I placed the optics cross bolt directly in slot 17 of the top rail. That's where I sighted it in at least, but I'm still not sure I like it that far forward. As I have it, it's basically in a similar position as it would be on an AR15 pushed out as close the the front of the upper receiver as possible. And that's how most red dots and EOTechs are mounted anyways, so there's nothing wrong with my placement for the UH-1 on the ARX, but I'm just very unsettled with the placement is all.

Awesome match up though!

Mine after getting sighted in today... SBR looks cooler though.



50 yard sight in target... Triangle 1 with the point of aim highlighted in red was me getting dialed in with 3 round groups on the UH-1 and then firing a bigger group when I felt I was close enough. Then for triangle 2 with the point of aim highlighted in green I removed the optic and sighted in the BUIS. Once I was satisfied I remounted the optic in the same position and moved on to triangle number 3 with the point of aim highlighted in red and fired a bigger group to confirm return to zero.

Not the tightest of groups at around 2 inches, but I'm pretty sure it's typical of the ARX's accuracy due to the quick change barrel. I've had similar results with the ACOG (TA31H-G) mounted on my 2nd ARX using the same ammunition (IMI M855) and I do much better with ARs.



I'm seriously not sure how to sight in the Beretta factory BUIS and the manual doesn't specify. I just set the dial to 200 and hope that sighting in at 50 sets all the distances on the dial close enough, but I'm sure I'm wrong about that.

Oddly, using the BUIS through the window of the UH-1 has me missing a steel gong at 135 yards, but with the optic removed I'm right on using the BUIS. Since the BUIS were sighted in with the optic removed I must have a bit of a distorted image effecting my sight alignment when sighting through the window of the optic.

I'm now running an ACOG TA33R (the 3x mini ACOG) with an ADM B5 Titanium lever mount on my Tavor SAR. The total weight of that optic is 277 grams. Super light. I inadvertently ended up with that optic on the Tavor after swapping some scopes around, and the Tavor is already a fairly heavy beast (but balanced). That Tavor 7 is sweet though and probably could use a more powerful optic eventually for that 7.62 to stretch out.

Lol, I'd figure that guys wearing space suits would want a shorter length of pull?

Duhhhh (anything goes these days)

I considered putting a more powerful optic on the Tavor 7 but decided against it for a couple of reasons.

The first is that the rifle won't be used for precision shooting. I leave that to my bolt guns and hand loads if I'm really chasing the smallest groups. I also have a POF P308 Edge and a POF Revolution in 6.5CM if I want to shoot MOA or better with a gas gun.

Second, the layout or packaging of the Tavor, as well as its factory trigger, isn't conducive to precision shooting (IMO). It's awkward to lay behind one as well as use it on a rest.

The Tavor 7 on the other hand is an excellent battle rifle that can be used in tight quarters. It also has a round that's excellent at penetrating hard obstacles or dense brush much more effectively than a 5.56 round can.

That said, the Vortex UH-1 and 3X magnifier combination is a perfect match for the rifle's philosophy of use. I don't think I'll ever see myself reaching out past 500, maybe 600 yards max with this gun. Instead, most targets would likely fall well below the 250 yard line.

By the way, I'm curious about who makes the mount for the UH-1? Vortex doesn't seem to be the only one using this mount and I swear I've seen it in use by other brands... Looks like it's Midwest Industries.

I'm a Bobro mount guy because I like the simplicity and I don't like having to adjust anything when mounting things between different rails on different guns. I've tried LaRue mounts on other peoples optics and never really liked them or the method used for adjustment, but I'm actually liking the mount (probably MI) on the UH-1. Adjusting it has been super simple and it seems very sturdy in my messing around with it so far and the return to zero at least for a 50 yard zero looks good.

I would like to know about what (if any) maintenance and possible lubrication points that there might be on the mount... I just want the thing to last. So I might need to ask MI about that.

That was my thought about my Tavor SAR as well. With 1:7 twist, I can run 77gr SMK bullets and ballistics allow for almost same range as 7.62/.308 loads just with less energy. The TA33 is 3x only but with the front scope cap down I can use the BAC for shorter stuff.

I can shoot the Tavor off a rest just fine. It's not my intent to make it a precision rifle, but for sighting in and testing different loads, why not? I have an Athlon Cronus 4.5-29x set up for bench shooting on my LaRue Stealth Upper next year. This year I used a Trijicon Credo 3-9x with that upper and was getting sub-MOA out of the box for the new upper. .335" groups or so at 100 yd with different 77gr loads. When I was younger I subscribed to the "just blast some ammo" at the range, but now I understand why accurate rifles are more interesting.

ETA: Also why I like QD mounts. I can swap optics all over the place without too much difficulty. Even my 300 Win Mag bolt gun has a Picatinny rail and Seekins MXM.

Exactly, and if the return to zero is good then there's really no downsides... Not that you shouldn't at least try to verify your zero after removing and reinstalling an optic anyways. I also like to remove optics when I'm doing a deeper clean than normal on a rifle and I don't want to damage lenses with brake cleaner.

This is one area where I think IWI goofed and that was to give the T7 a 1:12 twist barrel.  Anyway, my initial out of box zero and testing with the T7 was done at 100 yards, with the UH1 and 3x magnifier.  147gr M80 ball yielded about 2 to 2.5 MOA.  168gr Fiocchi match was about the same at 2 MOA.  Perhaps I'll throw a higher power scope on there just to see what it'll do with my handloads but TBH, I'm not expecting much better than 1.5 MOA.

As for the rest, I tend to keep hitting the bolt release with my left hand supporting the stock on the rear bag. Not a huge deal but it's awkward in comparison to a regular rifle layout.

Update: It's been about a month and my UH-1 still works with no issues to report. Will the battery last 2 months? Only time will tell... I still have my fingers crossed that I won't experience the battery drain issue.

The only thing that I will ding it on after playing around with it for a while now (mostly just moving it around on different guns), is that the mount needs finer adjustments. A lot of the time it will be just on the edge of being tight enough, but if I adjust it just one click tighter it will be too tight to feel comfortable about attempting to close the QD lever. So if I was able to go just a half click in between the increments that this mount adjusts in I could always find a perfect tension.

Are you listening, Vortex? Probably not, but it would be cool if they were.

My battery has been going strong too. No problems to report with my UH1 at all.

Awesome! I was hoping you'd give an update as well. You've had yours for just a little longer than I've had mine, so that gives me something to compare to.

Thanks for checking in!

No problem. Glad to hear your unit has been functioning exceptionally as well. It seems (at least between our sample size of 2), that Vortex got the battery drain issue sorted.

I have the same issue with the UH-1 mount as I do with the ADM mounts. It's either too tight or not tight enough. This is why I prefer LaRue or Scalarworks. Even the ARMS Mk2 levers can be adjusted somewhat better.

The ADM QD mount system is very similar in the way it adjusts and it even seems to adjust in the same increments as the mount on the UH-1. The mount on the UH-1 (to my surprise) is not made by Midwest Industries like I had assumed, Midwest Industries doesn't even make the throw levers on their own optics mounts. When I asked MI they told me the name of the company that makes their throw levers and it had "defense" in the name, though I don't think it was ADM... I whish I had saved the email or at least noted the manufacturer of these QD levers as my memory is failing me trying to remember.

Anyways, that's besides the point... The QD throw levers being made for MI actually seem to offer a finer adjustment, but MI's system is set up opposite and the lever assembly extends away from the mount body instead of having a separate clamp piece. If you go look up a video of how to adjust the MI mounts you can see. The way that Vortex opted for a captured detent adjustment nut probably limits their ability to have any finer adjustability in their system, which is pretty frustrating.

I'm used to Bobro mounts, so having to adjust the mount is kind of annoying to have to do, but the fact that you can't get the tension just right on the UH-1 mount unless you get lucky with a particular rail really sucks.

I feel like Goldilocks with the three bowls of porridge and a flat head screwdriver every time I move the UH-1 around.

The Scalarworks mounts for my Aimpoints are just super slick and lightweight with infinite adjustment. No complaints. LaRue is great as well with its adjustments, but the Scalarworks are lighter.

Any updates on those testing their UH1s? I've seen a few others not on this board noticing theirs having the battery drain and sending it back to Vortex.

BTW I keep a log of all optics that I weigh, and my new EXPS3-2 is 313 grams, 20grams lighter than the UH-1 Gen 2 at 333 grams.

Funny you ask.  I just checked my UH1 last night which I received back on 21 October.  It's been used several times since then but otherwise, has sat in a safe in my basement which isn't temperature controlled.  It's been below 68F down there for the past month, and the optic turned right on.  I believe it's safe to say that mine does not have a parasitic drain issue, or if it does, is not excessive.

I was actually under the impression that the UH-1 was lighter than the EXPS3. The weight didn't play too much into my decision to buy the UH-1, but it is interesting to note.

I last checked my UH-1 three days ago and it was still working. No real issues to note other than I'm still not a big fan of the mount.

Except for a couple of times I haven't kept it on for long periods of time more than 10 minutes at a time, for the most part it's just been in the gun safe in the house which is usually always around 72 degrees,+/- 5 degrees or so.

Would I buy a second one? I'm not sure at this point, but only because the mount is a real turn off for not having finer adjustability. Not that it's a huge deal, though it does bug me.

Oh, and I guess I should mention I received my UH-1 on November first, so that's when I first popped the battery in and turned it on for the first time... So just about 2 months now.

If you don't want a Chinese made optic but like a large FOV,check out the Meprolight RDS PRO V2. It's basically an Eotech/Aimpoint baby. MIL-STD 810 tested and certified,each one is hand checked,used by the IDF,crisp dot even magnified, and they even have a 2moa dot with a 55 moa circle for those that want it. I've had 5 of them and not a single issue with ANY of them. I change the lithium aa battery every 6 months. They've also been the easiest sights to zero, and haven't lost or changed zero from -15 to 110 degree weather.

The UH-1 is assembled in the USA with UK and other foreign-sourced parts.

UH-1 Gen II:

Owned for 4 months, replaced the battery once so far.  Optic is on almost permanently as its on my HD Scorpion.  EDIT:  Also used often under NV, no issues to report.  Light transmission is notably less than an Eotech or Aimpoint, but it is usable.

One weird thing that happened recently is that it would not "wake up" after it shut itself off the other day.  Removed the battery and re-installed, no issues since.  Less than confidence inspiring on that front.

Aside from that one instance (which is still too many instances..) its a pretty nice optic.

Likely will sell off and get another Aimpoint though.

Thanks for the update. I think you're ok as well. The drain really rears its ugly head within 4-6 weeks. If you can/want, you could use a multimeter to measure the voltage on that battery.

I think you're good if it's been more than 6 weeks without a drain issue. I agree on the mount. It's either too tight or too loose. The Vortex warranty is great though.

Yeah 20 grams isn't a whole lot, but I weigh everything and keep it in a log in case I need to pull up a comparison or for future reference. I was able to buy the EXPS3-2 in Tan with the MIL/LE discount direct from EOTech, and the final price was within spitting distance from the UH1 Gen 2 with the same MIL/LE discount on ExpertVoice. I've been testing out the battery life in it as well. It only stays on for 8 hours when turned on with the up arrow, at a default setting of 12. The manual says 1000 hours life at setting 12, but I found 12 to be overkill as 11 is what I needed to see the reticle aimed at a bright sky. On setting 7, it is the same as setting 8 on an Aimpoint T2 (just visible indoors). I mainly want to see if it has any parasitic drain as well. If anyone's wondering, the 2-dot reticle is perfectly visible without a magnifier (it's the 4 dot that really needs it).

FWIW, I picked up a Romeo 7 (Aimpoint PRO clone) and installed it on my Boog Blaster.  For the money paid, the thing is perfect.  I leave it on constantly and is rated for 62,500 hours or some ridiculous number like that.  Very well built also.  Only problem is you're limited to using Sig's proprietary mount.  If battery life is important to you, then the Romeo 7 is like 3/4 of an Aimpoint at 1/2 the price.  Can't go wrong with it.

I guess another thing I should mention in regard to the mount on the UH-1 is that it wears in on itself quite a bit (and I have the friction points lubed). My constant installing it and removing it to put on other guns and just trying to find a spot on the rail that I like it has decreased the clamping force from feeling tight enough to feeling not tight enough. So I have had to tighten it up one or two clicks since I got it. I'll need to get out sometime next Spring to see if it's held zero, I'm sure not going out there now to check in 7 degree temps.

How does the mount on your EXPS compare to the mount on the UH-1? I thought they might be similar, but maybe they have a finer adjustment?

Hmmm, thanks for the heads up on that odd occurrence... Something new for me to look out for.

I was referring to the Holosun AEMS.

The EXPS3 mount has a nut that has pre-machined indents for a ball bearing, so it's similar in concept to the UH-1 and ADM mount adjustments. But maybe a little finer since the ball bearing is fairly small.

Just bought a used one for a pretty good deal and got it in yesterday. First thing I've noticed is the refresh rate is pretty slow and I can see the reticle flickering/stuttering when I transition. This normal with all UH-1's? Also the reticle was working fine when I got it but I go to turn it on today and the battery's dead. Probably not a good sign for the battery drain issue... Does anyone know for sure if Vortex's supposed software update actually works if mine does have the issue? Overall I like the sight but would never pay full price for one of these when an EOtech 2-0 is almost the same price and the 3-0 is only $100 more.

Worst case scenario you send it in to Vortex and they replace it. It can't hurt.

I agree that with their price increase, they basically priced themselves into EOTech territory. I just grabbed an EXPS3-2 tan for basically slightly more than the UH-1 Gen 2 when comparing the MIL/LE discounted prices for both.

Bummer on the dead battery, was it a brand new battery?

Also, I've heard of the refresh rate being slower on these compared to EOTech and that it can cause some to see the reticle flickering when quickly transitioning from target to target, but I haven't noticed that in mine at all so far up to this point.

No it was the one that it came with. It was turned off when it died though which is spooky.

Hmm, (I'm sure you probably already have) but put a new battery in and keep an eye on it for a while. It would be great if you could post any updates here along the way to let us know if it's still going.

What's the serial number on your particular UH-1? I'm wondering if it's earlier production than mine and amstel78's, which are in the U211xxxxx range.

I have experienced no battery drain issues with my eotech 3.0.