Which Aimpoint for Carbine

[wintermute]

I'm new to this so bear with me. What Aimpoint should I get for my soon-to-be-purchased carbine? The only big differences I can fathom between the models is size, battery type, size of dot, and whether or not it's night vision compatible. I have no need for night vision. The CompM4's use of AA batteries is pretty convenient, which I like. Otherwise what's the difference between models? why go micro over regular (or vice versa)?

[glocktogo]

I'm new to this so bear with me. What Aimpoint should I get for my soon-to-be-purchased carbine? The only big differences I can fathom between the models is size, battery type, size of dot, and whether or not it's night vision compatible. I have no need for night vision. The CompM4's use of AA batteries is pretty convenient, which I like. Otherwise what's the difference between models? why go micro over regular (or vice versa)?

Go Micro for weight savings (most AR's weigh too much once you hang all that stuff on them). Go M4 if you really think you need 80K hours of battery life vs. only 50K. Go with an ML3 if you think you need a 30mm tube but not 80K battery life.

Battery size is irrelevant on Aimpoints. If you have a new one in the optic and two spares, you have 10 years worth of battery life on hand. Only 4MOA available on the Micros, but if you get a 3 or 4, go with the 2MOA. You can bloom the dot on max intensity for a larger appearing dot if you want, but the 4MOA can't be made to look smalller.

Hope this helps!

[Rated21R]

all the credit for this goes to rob_s:

http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/69016/69037.html


that being said i am looking at a C3 or ML3 (2 MOA). enjoy!

[wintermute]

Wow, that's a huge help straightening things up! It's almost as confusing as the actual AR platform options. When mounted, is the difference in aperture diameter between the standard and micro models noticable, or do the sidewalls just disappear?

[spamsammich]

The difference is very apparent if you are accustomed to a 30 mm tube. With training, you can get back up to speed with a micro, but they demand proper cheek weld to acquire the dot quickly. the ML3/M68 pattern optics are a bit more forgiving. Stick with the 2MOA dots, you can always crank the brightness up if you want a "bigger" dot for faster acquisition.

[PlatoCATM]

The only big differences I can fathom between the models is size, battery type, size of dot, and whether or not it's night vision compatible.

What else is there?

At least this isn't a discussion on mako vs. aimpoint. Try a couple, maybe a micro and any of the M-series, and then decide if price beats battery availability beats battery life, etc.

[User Name]

I have a M2, M3, M4 and a Micro. I say go with the micro it is my favorite.

[Jay Cunningham]

The difference is very apparent if you are accustomed to a 30 mm tube. With training, you can get back up to speed with a micro, but they demand proper cheek weld to acquire the dot quickly. the ML3/M68 pattern optics are a bit more forgiving. Stick with the 2MOA dots, you can always crank the brightness up if you want a "bigger" dot for faster acquisition.

I agree with this 100%. I use both the M4S and T-1.

[wintermute]

The difference is very apparent if you are accustomed to a 30 mm tube. With training, you can get back up to speed with a micro, but they demand proper cheek weld to acquire the dot quickly. the ML3/M68 pattern optics are a bit more forgiving. Stick with the 2MOA dots, you can always crank the brightness up if you want a "bigger" dot for faster acquisition.

I think that might've settled everything for me. Why get a parallax-free optic when you need to have a good cheek weld to see the damn dot? Plus it's good to know that you can "jack up" the 2MOA dot. Thanks everyone.

[payj]

m4s ftw imo. robust, battery compartment lower than m4 so it stays more out of your fov imo, runs on AA.....