Aimpoint Micro T-1 vs Trijicon Tri Power

[usmcgrunt]

Looking at getting my hands on an Aimpoint Micro T-1 but would really like to hear more on the the pro/cons of it compared to a Trijicon Tri Power! Other than weight which would I have the best results with! I havent had any experience with either of these sights so Im looking for those of you who have used either or both! Price is a non-issue on this particular subject! TIA!

Grunt Out!

[Failure2Stop]

I am not a fan of the tri-power. I love Aimpoints. There is absolutely no advantage in going with the tri-power over the Comp M2 series, and they are nowhere near the M3/M4.

Lots of little problems, a few big problems.

Little problem example- All fiber-optics work both ways. What goes in one way, comes back out that same way. What I mean here is light. Bright day- you now have a big glowing red polka-dot on your gun.

Big problem example- if the battery dies (fairly short life anyway)- the fiber-optic doesn't really get all that much light onto the reticle. Not bad if you have night adapted eyes, really bad if you don't. The throw from a tac-light will not be sufficient to illuminate the dot, same problem with the ACOGs.

Compare the Tri-Power to the M3- you have four years of constant use out of your M3, with a dot you can see in the brightest of conditions. Tri-Power? Nope. Durability? M3 all the way.

However, just as the Tri-Power is a proven non-performer, the T-1 isn't yet a proven performer. Looks good, but not yet proven. I want to drop one on a VSBR project, but I am not gonna do it until Freddie Blish and Pat Rogers both say that it is ready for prime-time.

YMMV.

Semper, Devil

ETA- Funny thread just below this one www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=8136

[C4IGrant]

While the Tri-power does not need batteries, the tritium in low light situations is not acceptable to me. The Micro Aimpoint would be my choice.



C4

[Farrelljt]

Is the micro compatible with the aimpoint magnifier?

[C4IGrant]

Is the micro compatible with the aimpoint magnifier?

Yes.


C4

[FJB]

[QUOTE=Failure2Stop;87840]
However, just as the Tri-Power is a proven non-performer, the T-1 isn't yet a proven performer. Looks good, but not yet proven. I want to drop one on a VSBR project, but I am not gonna do it until Freddie Blish and Pat Rogers both say that it is ready for prime-time.

F2S,
We have ran a Micro T-1 on a VangComp 870 through a Louis Awerbuck/Scott Reitz three day shotgun class (100 slug, 100 00B, 400 Target loads) and through a Jeff Gonzales, TriCon COC class, on a LaRue Tall mount putting 2300 rounds down range in three days. It's durability and reliability is every bit as good as other Aimpoint sights. The Micro T-1 battery life is five years on setting 8 (out of 12 settings - first four are NVD settings) and one year on setting 12 (the brightest). The Micro T-1 uses a Lithium 2032 watch battery.

As an aside the Aimpoint CompM4 is a seven year battery life constantly on in a visible setting with one AA alkaline battery and ten years with AA Lithium battery. The CompM4 has 16 settings, seven NVD settings and nine visible.

S/F

[Failure2Stop]

Freddie-Hope I didn't come across negatively in my post regarding the T-1.

I (heart) Aimpoint. I particularly love the M3. That's it, I'm out of the closet, I am ghey for the M3.

I really want to like Trijicon, but they need to make something worth owning first. I have spent as long as I could stomach on the tri-power. Bleah. Red-headed stepchild, hell, it can only hope to be seen as a bastard Aimpoint.

The problem was with the question. T-1 v/s Tri-Power. The T-1 has awesome potential, and I have an ever-growing fondness for it. I feel the same way about a few other products. And frankly, there are about three people in the world that I blindly believe in when it comes to weapons and optics. (I can't tell you who the other two are, they may take advantage of me for a good laugh) Most of the advantages of the Aimpoint aren't really realised until years down the line, when it merrily continues on despite drops, spills, neglect, and being taken for granted. You know that term, you don't miss it till it's gone? That was my feeling when I turned in my M2 for an issued ACOG. I really missed that little dot when things got all dark, and especially the first time I turned on my white-light.:eek:

One person I greatly respect likes the T-1. But has not *yet* given it the G2G Thumbs-Up (tm). As soon as he does, Mark LaRue will have another order shooting into his in-box. The little time I have personally spent with the T-1, I cannot personally recommend it, only pass on the remarks of other disinterested parties.

If, however, you want to send me one for T&E, I will happily post my thoughts here!;)

[FJB]

F2S,
No worries and I didn't take it wrong. You have your trusted sources and I probably know who they are. I have full confidence that they will soon give it the thumbs up. They have their own vetting process as well as reputations regarding what they recommend. I respect them and their opinions.

I forgot to mention that I loaned a different Micro T-1 with LaRue Tall Riser to an Air Force PJ for a Gunsite 223 class several weeks ago and he put 1500 rounds through it in five days and I had to practically pry it out of his hands to get it back.

If you are AD or Reserve military then drop me a PM and maybe we can arrange a T&E.

S/F

[User Name]

I have a Tri Power with mount that you can have for $250 shipped. I find the optic fine for daylight but it has a very low battery life for low light. My 2 cents would be go with a Micro T-1.

[User Name]

F2S,
We have ran a Micro T-1 on a VangComp 870 through a Louis Awerbuck/Scott Reitz three day shotgun class (100 slug, 100 00B, 400 Target loads)

What did Awerbuck think of the sight mounted on the 870? I've taken his classes and greatly respect his opinion. What mount did you use for the 870. I'm an optics advocate and would love to mount a T-1 on my 870. Thanks:)

[FJB]

User Name,
The Micro T-1 comes with it's own integral mount that I used. I also recommend the LaRue Tactical Short Riser for shotguns with Picatinny Rails, or the LaRue Tactical Tall Riser for M4 carbines. Hans Vang installed a Badger Ordnance Pic rail on my 870. Hans has developed his own iron sights with pic rail that allows for co-witness. Call him for more details. www.vangcompsystems.com

Louis was skeptical at first, but admitted at the end of the class it had a lot of potential. This was back in March and the Micro was just introduced, thus it was new to all of us and we hadn't had a chance to truly run it hard. Now that I have had lots of time behind one I plan to take another shotgun class with Louis to really run it through its paces and truly demonstrate it's strengths over iron sights.

Scotty Reitz has become a big fan of the Micro on shotguns. Has have several other well respected shotgun instructors, but I prefer not to put words in their mouths. I will be taking a CA Post Shotgun Instructor class with Bill Jeans at the end of November and will report back.

S/F