My Aimpoint quandry... (long)

[HeavyDuty]

I'm trying to decide between an M4/M4S or T1 Aimpoint for my lightweight general purpose carbine - I'm having a hell of a time with this decision, and would welcome input. I've read a slew of M4 vs. T1 threads, reviews and comments here, but specific features are wrapping me around the axle.

I've been using a 511 for quite a few years but became fed up with its battery life limitations, so it's been downloaded to my 9mm range toy. I used to run it with a gooseneck on what was then my only 5.56 AR, a lightweight 16" A1 with an M4 stock. That carbine has since been rebuilt as a retro clone with no RDS, and I'm now relying on a LW 16" flattop for a general purpose carbine.

When I started this project a few months back I briefly considered an EOTech XPS but rapidly came to the conclusion that an Aimpoint was the way for me to go. The big question became which model? The T1 really turns me on due to its extremely light weight, but I like the M4 because of the ability to mount objective covers and its use of AA batteries.

Some of the features I've been taking into consideration are:

• Light weight is very important to me - keeping the unloaded weapon weight close to or under 7 pounds is a goal. The T1 is obviously the winner here.
• Durability. Not really an issue with Aimpoint except for one major issue I mention below.
• Long battery life. Again, a non-issue with Aimpoint.
• Battery availability. Point M4.
• I don't see myself adding a magnifier but I don't want to completely forgo the ability to do so at a later date. My eyes are slowly turning to shit, and after a few more years...

I'm on a tight budget so just dropping the coin on an M4 or a T1 blind wasn't an option. I decided I'd try the T1 form factor first using one of the Primary Arms Micro clones - after I was done evaluating the concept I'd move it down to one of my .22LRs.

The PA Micro has been great. It has reaffirmed my preference for absolute co-witness over lower 1/3, but it has shown me that I really like the concept of an ultra-small, ultra-light RDS mounted at the forward end of the receiver. I'm about 75% sold on the T1 concept.

But. (There's always a but.)

The one thing I tremendously dislike about the Micro form factor is having the objectives hanging ass out there all the time unless I use the bikini cover. I'm in snow country, protection is essential in my book. (Being a former pro photographer might have something to do with this, too.) Having a set of flip to side covers would be a huge improvement IMO, but the T1 has no provision for mounting these. To be honest IMO bikini covers are a horseshit solution to optical protection.

I do see GG&G makes a T1 base with provision for flip covers - it's pricey, but the option is there. Alternately, I can move on to the M4 concept and give that a try via a PA clone.

Not sure where to go from here - I know that either of these would be a top quality choice, but which one?

[GMZ]

The T-1 is waterproof so the lack of flip covers to protect from snow or other things of that nature wouldnt be enough to sway me away to the M4. If I were in your shoes Id get the T1. You can always overcome the lack of flip up covers with a bit of ingenuity, but can you overcome the increased size/weight of the M4?

[Submariner]

You can always overcome the lack of flip up covers with a bit of ingenuity, but can you overcome the increased size/weight of the M4?

Aimpoint's see-through flip-up covers are nice but don't tip the scales on this.

[HeavyDuty]

It's not just wet that concerns me about the lack of protection - it's impact damage, too. Those lenses are right out there.

If I were Aimpoint I would have threaded the T1 for optional short extensions that could take covers - but I ain't Aimpoint, so what do I know.

[sff70]

I have 2 micro H1s and 1 ML2.

If lens covers are important to you, get a C3 or a M4S. Battery life/availabilty is not an issue with the non-AA aimpoints. Get a few extras and change them out every year (M2/ML2) or every few years (all the others).

If lens covers aren't important, get a T1.

Of course, use a LT mount regardless of the optic you go with.

[HeavyDuty]

Has anyone tried or handled the GG&G Micro riser with integral flip-ups?

[Harv]

Don't be such an Old Lady... Make a decision. You already answered you own questions... The T-1 wins in every category, and the Batteries are as common as AA's...

Theirs no good reason to get a larger M4 Aimpoint now that there is the T-1. Does everything the M4 does in a smaller package....

[sff70]

It's not just wet that concerns me about the lack of protection - it's impact damage, too. Those lenses are right out there.
.

Freddie Blish routinely removes T1s from weapons and throws them onto hard surfaces. No damage.

If a T1 was mounted on a weapon and the weapon was dropped on the optic, it's not likely to damage a lens.

If something did smack the lens of a T1 when mounted on a firearm, why would it not smack the lens of a larger optic?

If T1 lenses were getting damaged in real world use, I'm sure we would have heard of it by now.

[spamsammich]

...
If T1 lenses were getting damaged in real world use, I'm sure we would have heard of it by now.

I agree with this, there are enough of us running them to have at least a few reports of busted lenses. I dropped my H1 on some gravel during a fat fingered attempt at moving it to my other rifle and it is no worse for wear. I was sure it hit the front lense, but I didn't get so much as a scratch.

[Iraq Ninja]

Has anyone tried or handled the GG&G Micro riser with integral flip-ups?

Yes. It was ok, but in the end I didn't need the covers. One of them kept falling off anyhow. The rise worked well, but seemed a bit big.

Don't get too wrapped up in this choice. Personally, if I was operating in snow, I would go with the M4 simply because it is easier to clean stuff off a big lens than a small one, especially with gloves on.