CompM2 or Trijicon Reflex?

[Jmanwit]

I have the Aimpoint, but I think that I want to get away from batteries. But I wondered what you guys thought. The one I am considering is the RX01NSN. I was wondering if there was any actual experience with the Trijicon. I briefly fired an AR with it once, and I was impressed with the clarity. I have heard negatives on the strength of the dot, (washing out etc.) but then I hear others say that it's fantastic, and only washed out when you try to wash it out. Thoughts?

[TOrrock]

If you really don't want batteries, go with a Trijicon Compact ACOG, I've used a TA-44R-4 1.5x pretty extensively and it's a good alternative.

However, when you're talking about battery life that lasts YEARS, that has become the proven Gold Standard for reliablity and durability in various conflicts around the world including Iraq and Afghanistan, I see no reason to loose the warm fuzzies about an Aimpoint because it uses a battery.

The Reflex is dated, and it does wash out.

[Jmanwit]

Doesn't that magnification throw things off a little bit? I have NO experience with a magnified optic on a carbine for fast work.

[TOrrock]

Doesn't that magnification throw things off a little bit? I have NO experience with a magnified optic on a carbine for fast work.

It takes some getting used to, but it is definitely useable.

At a Ken Hackathorn - Larry Vickers Low Light I class, I ran one on my Colt 6920 and was able to be just as fast if not faster than some other very experienced shooters.

However, I think the Aimpoint is a better overall combat optic.

Have you had a bad experience with batteries?

[Jmanwit]

Not really a bad experience, I just dont like the idea of on optic failing because of electronics. I mean, I know all about the Aimpoint's history and track record, and it is amazing. But I always think about the "What if?" in a SHTF kind of situation. I dunno. Realistically it most likely wont be an issue, but I am just curious as to what other optics are out there.

[TOrrock]

Not really a bad experience, I just dont like the idea of on optic failing because of electronics. I mean, I know all about the Aimpoint's history and track record, and it is amazing. But I always think about the "What if?" in a SHTF kind of situation. I dunno. Realistically it most likely wont be an issue, but I am just curious as to what other optics are out there.

Well, the M68 (Aimpoint M2) and the new M68 (Aimpoint M4) are being issued in some of the most hostile combat environments on earth and doing better than just about everything else.

The tritium on the ACOG's will die in several years as well.

*Edited to add.....if you honestly want the most bomb proof optic out there, the ACOG's with BAC and fiber optic are going to be damn hard to beat, but you're going to pay for all that bomb proofedness.

[Tomac]

The Trijicon RX30 is the next generation Reflex and is much improved over the earlier versions. Tritium is brighter, fiber optics are more efficient, FOV is huge through the 42mm objective so the dot is very quick to acquire from unconventional positions, 6.5moa dot is usable out to 300m (my own tests) and while reticle washout is still possible it's more difficult to achieve. Best KISS optic currently available, IMHO.
Tomac
STG-556 w/RX30:

[Hojutsu]

Among other optics, I have a Trijicon RX30 and the Aimpoint ML2

Personally, I prefer the Aimpoint.

As to getting away from batteries, the ML2 measures battery life in years. If there is a Radio Shack near you, you have a good supply of batteries. I keep mine on 24/7 and change the battery out every 01/01, along with everything else I have that takes long term batteries.

I like the smaller dot size and the ability to increase or decrease the power to the dot. The RX30 has a larger, static dot.

The RX30's power is increased or decreased by ambiant light, which is great, until your in a dark area, aiming at something in a lite area

Either one will work great and are solid/durable sights. I personally would sweat the battery thing

[Tomac]

Personally, I prefer the Aimpoint.
As to getting away from batteries, the ML2 measures battery life in years. If there is a Radio Shack near you, you have a good supply of batteries. I keep mine on 24/7 and change the battery out every 01/01, along with everything else I have that takes long term batteries.

Question: What is the service life of the Aimpoint's LED if left on 24/7? I'm sure it's measured in years but multiple enquiries to Aimpoint have gone unanswered.
Tomac

[SoDak]

Question: What is the service life of the Aimpoint's LED if left on 24/7? I'm sure it's measured in years but multiple enquiries to Aimpoint have gone unanswered.
Tomac

I asked aimpoint once and did get an answer. Here is an excerpt from the email

"The LEDs of today are much more efficient than the LEDs of even a decade ago. The first LED was made back in the 1920s, and they’ve come a long way since.

The “100,000 hour” rating you are referring to is most likely referring to Surefire LED flashlights. Surefire does indeed rate the LED lifespan of their flashlights at 100,000 hours.

An LED’s lifespan is in direct correlation to its output. The brighter and hotter it burns, the shorter the life. The LED in an Aimpoint sight puts out very little light and heat compared to the 100,000 hour rated Surefire flashlight LED.

I can only begin to speculate how long the LED in your 9000SC will run, but I’m confident it’s longer than you and I will be around. Even the older CET diode used in our CompM2 sights have shown zero signs of dimming, and those have been in service with the U.S. Army for over a decade now."

and later

"The technology of your Aimpoint sight is designed specifically to allow you to leave it turned on all the time without worry of the LED burning out, or the battery constantly dying. However, if you choose to, you can turn it off when not in use."

So I would say it is nothing to worry about.