Aimpoint M4s or T1 on an "everything" gun?

[Lucky Strike]

Currently have an Eotech 517 that i'm pretty happy with....haven't had any issues with it (but then again I haven't done any 3 day carbine course) and really like the reticle but I want to try out an Aimpoint to see if I possibly would like it better. I figure I'll try them both out back to back on different occasions and see which want to keep and then sell the other off. Sure i'll be out some cash if I decide to keep the 517 but i figure it's worth it to make sure i've got the best sight for me.


Unfortunately I've only got the funds to own one AR15 so I'm looking at a sight that one would use on a "do everything gun" (target shooting, practical rifle competitions, varmint hunting and home defense). I will say that I don't see myself doing any shooting out past 300yds.

I know it'd be preferable to have a couple rifles set up differently for these tasks but my pocketbook won't allow it.

Currently looking at the M4s and T1

Just looking for some opinions on which of the two would better serve my needs

Costwise I think they're about the same (since you need to buy a mount for the T1).

I've never used an Aimpoint before, only looked through a 2MOA M3 at a gunshop when I was out of state a while back...the reticle seems kinda like a flattened football which was annoying but it may have been more because i was focusing on the dot (doing so also makes my Eotech turn fuzzy as opposed to focusing on the target which makes the dot really sharp). One thing I'm concerned about is the size of the T1 dot since i'm used to a 1moa dot.

My gun is a BCM middy upper with DD Omega rails on a RRA lower with Magpul ACS stock.

Any advice you could provide is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[PRGGodfather]

The price difference between the T1 and M4S comes to about $100 for the M4S at $727 and the T1 for $625 -- prices include mounts:

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...ail.bok?no=149

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...ail.bok?no=226

Both RDSs are NVG compatible, and most of us don't need that capability.

The H1 is essentially a T1 without NVG compatbility. Have you thought about the H1 with a LaRue tall mount for $542 shipped?

http://www.smartgunner.com/MicroH1.aspx

LaRue offers discounts to LE, just as Grant does does for M4C members. With the discounts in play, there may be significant savings.

The H1 is an excellent RDS and suits the needs of the vast majority of Aimpoint Micro users. Housings and construction for the T1 and H1 are identical, so don't let the submersion specifications fool you.

[Icculus]

I don't have a wealth of experience and the only optic I've ever owned is my T1 (used a buddies eotech and a m2 breifly) so please take this advice with a grain of salt. If I focus on the dot it does go a little fuzzy or football shaped but when focusing on target as I should be its crisp and round. Also from my experience shooting from 100yrds and reading on here I believe the 4moa dot in the T1 is actually closer to 3moa

I like the T1 for the lower profile and weight. My rifle is heavy enough

[Lucky Strike]

I didn't realize the submersion depth and NVG are the only differences between the T1 and H1...if that's the case I'd probably go with the H1. Doesn't the H1 have a shiny finish? That's something i wouldn't want

However like I said I only plan on owning one AR so if I'm getting a lot of opinions that the M4s would better serve my needs then I'd be willing to spend another $100-150.

Given Aimpoint's reputation for reliability I plan on buying whichever model i choose as a LNIB or lightly used model from one of the many fine gun forums out there catering to ARs.

[Icculus]

If I'm not mistaken, originally the H1's had the shiny silver finish and the T1's had the black. Now I'm pretty sure the finish is the same (black on both) and as Godfather pointed out the only difference is the NVG compatibility.


ETA: If the couple ounces weight difference doesn't matter to you I would try and look through both and see if you like the 30mm or 20mm tube better and choose based on that.

[PRGGodfather]

Yes, both the H1 and T1 both come with black MATTE finishes now.

As to the submersion specs, I highly suspect the H1 exceeds its stated 5m submersion, given the H1 has identical housing and construction to the T1 -- confirmed by Aimpoint at this very site. It would seem Aimpoint is underselling the H1's submersibility.

The M4S' greatest asset is the AA battery. All three of the Aimpoints use ACET technology, which means you can leave ALL of them ON at Setting 6-7 for about 5 years. Change the batteries every leap year. The M4S is heavier.

If I had ONLY ONE rifle and the zombie apocalypse was part of the equation, I would get the M4S and load it with lithium AAs and add a 3x magnifier. (Hey, I have one of those! AND a T1, AND an M3...)

Good luck... (I hate paying retail)...

I didn't realize the submersion depth and NVG are the only differences between the T1 and H1...if that's the case I'd probably go with the H1. Doesn't the H1 have a shiny finish? That's something i wouldn't want

However like I said I only plan on owning one AR so if I'm getting a lot of opinions that the M4s would better serve my needs then I'd be willing to spend another $100-150.

Given Aimpoint's reputation for reliability I plan on buying whichever model i choose as a LNIB or lightly used model from one of the many fine gun forums out there catering to ARs.

[Lucky Strike]

If I'm not mistaken, originally the H1's had the shiny silver finish and the T1's had the black. Now I'm pretty sure the finish is the same (black on both) and as Godfather pointed out the only difference is the NVG compatibility.


ETA: If the couple ounces weight difference doesn't matter to you I would try and look through both and see if you like the 30mm or 20mm tube better and choose based on that.

that's the crappy part.....i don't have any way to check one out near me

[PRGGodfather]

So you know, with both eyes open and good cheek weld -- the 20mm vs. 30mm isn't a real issue when actually using the RDS. Both work just great.

At the end of the day, the choice boils down to budget, weight and personal preference.

Informally, I notice that most people are trading M4/M4S for T1/H1 as weight is a significant issue.

[Lucky Strike]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Learned something already that can save me some cash if I choose the Micro (getting the H1 instead of the T1) .

Any other opinions on which you would get and why if given my situation are much appreciated

[diving dave]

Ive owned Eo's,aimpoints, acogs...the best of the breed for a AR,in my humble opinion, is a T1 on a Larue mount.