Aimpoint Scope Reviews

Aimpoint, the company that gave the U.S Military those classic M4 sights that have assisted and won numerous battles. Their products are among the most renowned and trusted choices for firearm users in the civilian or the military market. Here we will dive into their expanse of products and also outline some of their best products for your taking. 

Comparison of the Best Aimpoint Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Super lightweight design and integrated base
  • 50,000 hours of operation on one battery without switching
  • 12 brightness settings for use in day or low light
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  • Tough design and submersible upto 15 feet in water
  • Budget model specially designed for sporting rifles
  • Up to 1 year of constant use on a single battery
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  • Used by the U.S Military on their M4 style weapons
  • Works with all generations of night vision devices
  • 150 ft water resistant and 50,000 hours of operation
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  • Exclusively designed for & used by law enforcement
  • Threaded front lens and three years battery life
  • Quick detach rail grabber mount and clear covers
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  • Advanced version of the T1 micro red dot sight
  • 50,000 hours battery life and 25 m water resistance
  • 1 off, 4 night vision and 8 daylight settings
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  • Top of turret caps work as adjustment tools
  • 4 night vision compatible settings. Suits all gen.
  • Suits rifles, carbines, SMG’s, shotguns and handguns
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Who is Aimpoint?

Aimpoint is a Swedish optics manufacturer located in Malmö, Sweden. The company was established in 1974 and manufactures electro-optic sights and accessories. They serve the civilian, law enforcement, and military market, and the Comp M4 aka the M68CCO is widely in use by the U.S Military. 

All their products are manufactured in Sweden at their Malmö and Gällivare production facilities. The company covers all sold products by a 2-year warranty for professional use and 10 years warranty for personal use. The warranty agreement is limited to the original owner and a receipt of the original purchase shall be presented. 

Why Are Aimpoint Scopes so Popular?

Aimpoint scopes are very popular among professionals because of their quality and unique innovative features. The company invented the red dot technology and is a recognized worldwide leader in that. There’s a reason why the military has a vast number of their sights deployed all over the force. Which is also a driving factor, their scopes being quite expensive on the civilian market. Since they have a proven reliability tag attached to them. 

The company also has a very extensive line of products. Which gives buyers a ton of options to choose from. Additionally, the durability and long battery life of their products are also outstanding when compared with their counterparts. 

Review of the Best Aimpoint Scopes

Now that you’ve learned about the company. It’s time to scour their lines for the best products they have to offer. That is what this review includes. A list of the best scopes from Aimpoint, so you may find one for yourself. 

Best Overall:
Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA - 200185

Pros

  • Battery lasts for 5 years
  • Turret caps work as adjustment tools
  • QD mount for quick attachment/detachment
  • Stainless steel ‘helicoil’ threads to for durability
  • 2 MOA red dot reticle with 12 brightness settings
  • Mount is keyed to the sight body to absorb recoil

Cons

  • Too pricey for most buyers

Best Uses for the Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA - 200185

The Micro H-2 dot is perfect for close-quarter engagements like home defense or tactical operations. The 2 MOA dot offers a perfect balance for long and short-range targets. Another use for this scope is in limited 3 gun competitions given the 1x magnification which is preferable for many users. Other uses include varmint eradication and practice. 

Is the Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA - 200185 Compatible With Any Rifle?

The model works with any rifle featuring a Picatinny rail. However, the micro size makes it great for small semi-auto rifles and SMGs. Calibers are not really a problem due to its durable build and the ability to hold zero even under harsh recoil.  

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA - 200185?

The red dot scope features a quick detach mount that can be quickly mounted or swapped when required. The sight is not very suitable for night vision devices but works perfectly in broad daylight and other low light conditions. 

The turret adjustments are simple and the turret caps can be used as tools to adjust the windage and elevation. Eye relief and field of view are absolutely out of the question since it is a red dot sight. 

Runner-up:
Aimpoint ACO 2 MOA - 200174

Pros

  • 2 MOA red dot
  • Clear glass and crisp red dot
  • Water submersible up to 15 feet
  • Pretty affordable for an Aimpoint
  • Integrated mount suits modern sporting rifles

Cons

  • No NVD compatibility
  • Battery not up to the mark for an Aimpoint

Best Uses for the Aimpoint ACO 2 MOA - 200174

The carbine optic is best suited for sporting competitions and home defense. The scope has a 2 MOA red dot that feels far better than a target dot reticle. Since it offers a clearer view of the target and the background. The scope is also suitable for hunting at a close range. 

Given the price point, you can also procure it as a target shooting or simple plinking scope just to hone your skills with your rifle. 

Is the Aimpoint ACO 2 MOA - 200174 Compatible With Any Rifle?

The scope is best suited for sporting carbines. Generally chambered in .223 caliber. Or in other words, an AR-15 would be a good fit for this scope. The scope won’t be a good fit for long barrel rifles, bolt action rifles, and very compact SMGs.

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Aimpoint ACO 2 MOA - 200174?

The scope uses a different battery, unlike most Aimpoint models that use a common AA battery. Plus, the battery life isn’t that long compared to other Aimpoint scopes. However, that’s still 10,000 hours and far better than other red dots. 

The scope includes an integrated mount that is very easy to attach on any 20-22 mm Picatinny rail base. It doesn’t come with flip caps so you should better invest in a good pair to protect the lenses. 

Best for the Money:
Aimpoint CompM5 Red Dot Sight

Pros

  • 50,000 hours of battery life
  • In service with the US Military
  • High AAA battery compartment
  • Submersible to a depth of 45 meters
  • 4 NVD settings and 6 daylight settings
  • Anti-reflex, multi-layer, NVD (gen 1, 2, 3) compatible lenses

Cons

  • No reticle options
  • Too expensive for most buyers

Best Uses For the Aimpoint CompM5 Red Dot Sight

The CompM5 scope is best suited for combat and tactical applications. It offers the most you can ask from an advanced red dot. Additionally, it is a complete scope compatible with every generation of NVD’s.  The scope is durable and submersible upto 150 feet. Making it suitable for the harshest terrain and inclement weather conditions. 

This is the best red dot scope for 3 gun competitions, appleseed events, and almost anything you can think of for a red dot. 

Is the Aimpoint CompM5 Red Dot Sight Compatible With Any Rifle?

The scope works best with M4, M16, and AR-15/10 rifles. Along with SMGs and light machine guns. The setup weighs 8.4 oz on standard configuration and matches with Aimpoint magnifiers, NVD’s. The scope can also be used on shotguns and pistol rifles with absolutely no issues. 

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Aimpoint CompM5 Red Dot Sight?

This red dot comes with an integrated mount and a 39mm spacer that helps it quickly co-witness with the AR-15. The mount base has been keyed into the sight to absorb recoil. It uses the standard AAA batteries which are very easy to find. 

The sight also features a mechanical switch for speed and reliability. Plus, it works flawlessly even in the most horrible weather conditions. 

Best Aimpoint Pro Scope:
Aimpoint PRO 2 MOA - 12841

Pros

  • Waterproof to 150 feet
  • Threaded front lens for use with ARD
  • Recessed lens openings for protection
  • Sturdy mount can suit rifles or shotguns
  • Works for up to 3 years on a single battery
  • Transparent flip covers for instant use in emergency

Cons

  • A bit big and bulky for a red dot sight

Best Uses For the Aimpoint PRO 2 MOA - 12841

Marketed as a patrol rifle optic, this red dot is an amazing add on for close-quarter engagements, practice, home defense, and competitions. The three-year battery life is a great feature for people who tend to forget switching off their gear’s power. 

This will be best used on an AR or M4 style fighting rifle due to its extreme tactical capabilities. However, you can still use it for eradicating varmints, 3 guns or simply honing your skills with a red dot. 

Is the Aimpoint PRO 2 MOA - 12841 Compatible With Any Rifle?

The sight is submersible in water upto a depth of 150 feet. Plus, it can mount on almost any firearm with a rail. So you can use it with shotguns and sub-machines. Other than the normally prescribed AR and M4 style rifles. 

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Aimpoint PRO 2 MOA - 12841?

The optic comes pre-attached with a mount base that has a QRP2 rail grabber mount. Just snap the knob three times to attain a perfect mount, as recommended by the manufacturer. It comes with a modular mount that suits flat top rails like with the AR-15, M4, and M16 style rifles. However, you can remove the spacer on the base for use with other guns. 

The front is threaded to accept ARD and the scope is compatible with all generation NVD’s. 

Best Aimpoint AR Scope:
Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA - 200170

Pros

  • Submersible upto 25 meters
  • Very lightweight and works with all firearms
  • 1 off, 4 NVD, and 8 daylight brightness settings
  • 5 years / 50,000 hours of operation on one battery
  • Can be used standalone or in conjunction with other optics

Cons

  • Pricey for a compact red dot

Best Uses For the Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA - 200170

The Micro dot T-2 scope will be best used for CQB, competitions, shooting up to 300 meters, events like project appleseed, and with NVD’s. The range and size also make it suitable for hunting during the day. Or during the night with appropriate night vision devices. 

The battery never dies or the dot gets dim before the prescribed period. This is a very versatile red dot sight with professional-grade quality. 

Is the Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA - 200170 Compatible With Any Rifle?

This red dot sight works with almost all firearms due to its compact size and weight. While it is best used with AR-15 and SMG’s, you can also mount it on shotguns and handguns. It is a water-resistant sight and is also compatible with all generations of NVD’s.

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA - 200170?

The sight comes with an integrated mount that suits Picatinny and Weaver rails. Mounting this scope is very easy and it does not consume much rail space. Which is also a factor why it works great with additional optics. 

The mount is quick to detach and can be removed instantly to use BUIS. The front and rear lens have transparent covers and the adjustor switches are all well-protected. The sight weighs only 3 oz so it won’t add any significant weight to your weapon. 

Best Aimpoint Night Vision Scope:
Aimpoint 12417 Micro T-1

Pros

  • Integral Picatinny style base
  • Submersible to 80 feet (25 meters)
  • Durable design with a mechanical switch
  • Long battery life of 50,000 hours (5 years)
  • 4-night vision and 8 daylight brightness settings
  • No optical signature is visible at a 10-meter distance

Cons

  • Less sharp than the T1

Best Uses For the Aimpoint 12417 Micro T-1

The T-1 micro dot sight is best used for very close range tactical applications, short-range hunting, learning the basics of red dot sights, and for competitions to some extent. This is a predecessor of the T-2 micro dot sight and has a different design. Plus it costs around $150 less than the T-2 sight. 

Most people aren’t obviously gonna procure such an expensive red dot. But if the nature of your applications requires extreme precision. Don’t hesitate to buy it. 

Is the Aimpoint 12417 Micro T-1 Compatible With Any Rifle?

While this red dot can be mounted on any class of modern firearms. It performs best with carbines. You can mount it on AR’s, M4’s, AK’s, and any other semi-auto or full-auto assault rifle or submachine gun. The red dot sight is also compatible with all generations of night vision devices. 

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Aimpoint 12417 Micro T-1?

The scope comes with an integrated Picatinny mount. Which can be replaced using Allen keys. This is a standard mount only and does not include the spacer. The scope will work in co-witness with iron sights and will hold zero under all circumstances. 

The top cap on the turrets works as a tool to make windage and elevation adjustments. The battery lasts for years before fading. However, if you stay aware, it is better to turn it off using the on/off switch. 

Types of Scopes From Aimpoint

Aimpoint classifies its scopes (red dot sights) into two categories. One for the commercial market and the other for the professional market. The company has been around for over 45 years now, so you’ll also find a lot of discontinued scopes around. 

Commercial Market Scopes

These include sights intended for civilian use. Which includes applications like hunting, range use, target shooting, home defense, and similar. These sights offer basic functions and settings reasonable for such applications. 

Professional Market Scopes

These scopes/sights have been exclusively designed for the law enforcement and military market. The famous Comp M2 and Comp M4 sights also belong to this category. The features of sights falling under this category include better endurance, and extra tactical features to suit the expected application environment. 

Comparison Overview 

Aimpoint is a renowned brand, but it has its competition. Let’s take a look at points where the company excels or sits back.  

Eotech vs. Aimpoint

Both Eotech and Aimpoint sights are widely used by the US military forces and depict exceptional quality. The quality factor is similar but Eotech has a better warranty. On the contrary, Aimpoint has better battery life. Both companies are also similar in pricing. 

ACOG vs. Aimpoint

ACOG utilizes a battery-free tritium-based optic setup whereas Aimpoint uses a battery-based system (however with a long life). Aimpoint is better under all lighting conditions at better acquisition and is tough as a hammer. But ACOG offers magnification. 

Vortex vs. Aimpoint

Vortex is more of a civilian market brand compared to Aimpoint, which serves the LE and military markets. Vortex offers a long line of variable zoom scopes, whereas Aimpoint mostly sticks to red dots and reflex sights. Additionally, Vortex is a clear winner in terms of the warranty.

Conclusion

Aimpoint is a renowned Swedish manufacturer that is credited with the invention of red dot sights. Their Comp M4 and M5 red dots are used by the U.S. Military and proven for combat. Their scopes are overly expensive, but the best in their class and quality. You can never go wrong with an Aimpoint.  

People Also Ask

Let’s find out answers to some common queries about Aimpoint products and their famous red dot scopes. 

Is Aimpoint Pro Worth the Money?

Definitely yes. Aimpoint Pro (Patrol Rifle Optic) is a value for money product from Aimpoint’s extensive product line. It weighs only 11.6 oz and has a 30,000 hours battery life. The price is also decent compared to other Aimpoint red dots. Plus, it was designed for LE and will invariably suit civilian use. 

Why is Aimpoint so Expensive?

Aimpoint scopes have a ‘wow’ factor to them because they are used widely by the military. That ensures people that they’ll be the most trustworthy option and which motivates them to pay more. Another menial factor is that Aimpoint products are made in Sweden. 

What Aimpoint Does the Military Use?

The military uses Aimpoint Comp M2 designated as the M68CCO. Where CCO stands for Close Combat Optic. This sight is designed for use with the M16/M4 class of rifles. The Comp M4 also won the military’s red dot optic contract in 2017. 

Is Aimpoint Pro Parallax Free?

Yes. The Aimpoint Pro is parallax free. It offers nice click adjustments for brightness, windage, and elevation. Plus, the sight has over 30,000 hours of battery life.



Ankit

Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. He’s a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When he’s not writing, he’s either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.