aimpoint h-1 drama

[iroc_dis]

Hey guys. Thought I would share with you my recent dealings with idiocy.

I have a patrol rifle. As of last week, my department had not put out a list of "approved optics for patrol rifles" even though they have said they would be putting one out for the last 3 years. A ton of officers have optics on their rifles, they just don't tell anyone in authoritative positions about them.

I read through Rob's Aimpoint chart, read a lot of reviews, and realized that I didn't need to spend the extra money for a T-1 since I won't be buying a NVD and don't plan on dropping it into a lake. Last week I ordered an Aimpoint H-1 with LT mount from Northwest Tactical (and got a great deal at that, big thumbs up to Matt). Got it in the mail, love it, looks awesome, works even better. Literally 2 days after I get it, the head of Training Division (the people responsible for putting out the list of approved optics and other equipment policies) send out their list of approved optics. You can see where this is going probably.

List includes the Aimpoint T-1 and all variations of MX and MLX, all Eotech 5XX and XPS, and the Trijicon RMR and Reflex. Hm, alright, well maybe they left off the H-1 because it isn't as widely known. I send an email to the head of Training Div asking if it was going to be ok if I had an H-1 and detailed that the only differences between it and the T-1 were the lack of NVD compatibility, the reduced water resistance, and the price. He sends me a note back saying, and I'll just quote him because wow, "As much as I hate to say no to you…..the H-1 is not listed as a Law Enforcement product by AIMPOINT®, therefore it is not an approved optic."

So I was thinking about what all to do, and Matt @ Northwest Tactical suggested speaking with an Aimpoint representative. Are any of you dealers on a good relationship with one that might be willing to help me out? I'm thinking if someone from Aimpoint emails this guy telling him that just because they place the H-1 under the "Hunting" category on their website, it is not solely for hunting.

Also, you guys have any other suggestions, feel free to let me know. Options right now are:
1) Talk to my chain of command and see if they will talk to this guy's boss about how retarded it is and hope that the policy will get changed
2) Take the H-1 off the Larue mount, put back in box, hope that Northwest Tactical will let me exchange it and pay the extra bit for a T-1
3) Scratch the "H-1" off it and say that I exchanged it for a T-1. This isn't a viable option but eh, I'll throw it on there
4) Sell to someone FOR WHAT I PAID FOR IT SINCE IT IS LITERALLY 1 WEEK OLD

[Dave L.]

Being in that situation, I would try and exchange it for a T-1 and then try to educate your department.

How many pairs of Night Vision Devices does your department have?

I doubt you would win the fight since the "T" stands for Tactical.

[iroc_dis]

Being in that situation, I would try and exchange it for a T-1 and then try to educate your department.

How many pairs of Night Vision Devices does your department have?

I doubt you would win the fight since the "T" stands for Tactical.

Zero that road units are allotted. I believe our narcs have a few but they only got them off a Fed Gov grant.

[MisterWilson]

I sincerely doubt that anyone who made that list (or abides by it) could tell the difference between an H-1 & a T-1. I would keep on trucking.

[HAIL-CAESAR]

Any chance of convincing your superiors they are morons?

The least knowledgeable firearms people are the folks that should have a clue.

[Dave L.]

The only way I see things changing is if an Aimpoint Rep. calls whoever makes that list and explains things.

If most of the guys have no access to NOD's and use the gun on "patrol rifle", I don't see why an H-1 shouldn't be on the list.

[iroc_dis]

Any chance of convincing your superiors they are morons?

The least knowledgeable firearms people are the folks that should have a clue.

Its just the Training Div head (a lieutenant) who is an idiot. My patrol Lt and Capt are good guys, the Capt in charge of the idiot Lt is a good guy, and the Maj in charge of him is probably the most liked and intelligent supervisor we have. I'm hoping my Lt and Capt can speak with his bosses, the Capt and Maj, and sort it all out.

I feel bad for my patrol Lt and Capt. They both just bought high dollar ACOGs with Doctor Optics for their long guns. Even those aren't allowed although I guess its because they are magnified.

The part that confuses me is that when I told this Lt that I was going to buy an LMT complete for my patrol rifle, his jaw damn near dropped off. He knows enough about guns to know who LMT is. I don't understand why he is so ignorant about something as easy as optics.

The only way I see things changing is if an Aimpoint Rep. calls whoever makes that list and explains things.

If most of the guys have no access to NOD's and use the gun on "patrol rifle", I don't see why an H-1 shouldn't be on the list.

Yea, thats why I came here. I'm hoping Grant or the other dealers see this. Maybe their Aimpoint reps know who I could call or could help out in some way.

[ST911]

Hmm... What's an H1 look like with a coat of rattle can?

There's always that thing about forgiveness and permission.

Reach out to AP, if FJB doesn't come along and offer a tip first. It seems to me that T:M::H:ML. The fix should be easy.

Approving the laundry list of Eotechs, but not an H1. Comedy.

Credit where credit is due: Your training folks appear to be trying, and willing to communicate with you. Offer to do the legwork for them, let them take the credit, and I'd be optimistic about the outcome. Win-win.

[SHIVAN]

I'd reach out to Aimpoint and see if they can't get you in touch with Freddie...he might be able to have his guys send out a quick note to the division commander stating that the H-1 is built exactly the same but with less waterproof capability and no NV capability.

Maybe since EoTech seems to have a firm foothold Aimpoint might decide it's time to send a rep out to visit and get the H-1 cleared up for use.

[signal4l]

Hmm... What's an H1 look like with a coat of rattle can?

There's always that thing about forgiveness and permission.

Reach out to AP, if FJB doesn't come along and offer a tip first. It seems to me that T:M::H:ML. The fix should be easy.

Approving the laundry list of Eotechs, but not an H1. Comedy.

Credit where credit is due: Your training folks appear to be trying, and willing to communicate with you. Offer to do the legwork for them, let them take the credit, and I'd be optimistic about the outcome. Win-win.

We have a winner. I doubt your boss will know the difference. Use the H-1