Anyone using the Aimpoint Micro T-1 as a primary optic?

[Failure2Stop]

I don't know anything about weapons lights, but I've always wondered why I don't see the X300 and similar small lights on ARs...not enough lumen output? Or what?

Small lights are fine in rooms, and compared to the lights of the past, the X300 is far and above small. Most people will be perfectly happy with 65 lumens inside a residiential building. There is really not enough difference in lighting to make a big difference. The high output lights (over 150) are awesome for penetrating dark when you are standing in the light, with light adjusted vision. The X300 type kind of bridge the gap for me. Not a super-light, but loads of light for all but the worst-case lighting conditions.

The problem (to me) with the X300 lies in it's activation method. The toggle is fine for pistols, and does not require altering the normal grip.

Rifles are bit different. First, the bezel of the light needs to be forward of the edge of the handguard or you get unacceptable shadow forward, and illuminate yourself. Both considered to be "bad". Second, the X300 requires toggle activation, which requires that the support hand be right behind the light. This is not really a problem on an SBR, but is unaceptable on most mid-lengths or rifles (for me). I would really be happy if SF made a tape-switch for the X300 like the Insight M3X.

This is just me though, YMMV.

[Robb Jensen]

Why would someone go with a Micro over an M3 or M4? Weight? Thanx

Simply size & weight. The M4 has it's place, I think it's at home on a 14.5-16" carbine, where as the T1 is more for the guys running smaller guns or where every ounce of weight counts (wanting a very light and fast carbine). An M4 on a shotgun would look funny and could make it quit running (Benelli), adding a T1 (5 ounce) would make much more sense. Each optic has it's place, the T1 isn't and never was meant to replace the M4.

[rob_s]

Small lights are fine in rooms, and compared to the lights of the past, the X300 is far and above small. Most people will be perfectly happy with 65 lumens inside a residiential building. There is really not enough difference in lighting to make a big difference. The high output lights (over 150) are awesome for penetrating dark when you are standing in the light, with light adjusted vision. The X300 type kind of bridge the gap for me. Not a super-light, but loads of light for all but the worst-case lighting conditions.

The problem (to me) with the X300 lies in it's activation method. The toggle is fine for pistols, and does not require altering the normal grip.

Rifles are bit different. First, the bezel of the light needs to be forward of the edge of the handguard or you get unacceptable shadow forward, and illuminate yourself. Both considered to be "bad". Second, the X300 requires toggle activation, which requires that the support hand be right behind the light. This is not really a problem on an SBR, but is unaceptable on most mid-lengths or rifles (for me). I would really be happy if SF made a tape-switch for the X300 like the Insight M3X.

This is just me though, YMMV.

I think it depends on how you grip the gun. "chicken chokers" may have issues, but there are many ways you can grip the forend or a vertical grip that allows you to hit the switch.

Agree completely re: the length though.

[Failure2Stop]

I think it depends on how you grip the gun.

Absolutely agree.

The guys that grip far forward on the handguard don't have the problem with activation that I do.

I use a "broken isoscelese" grip on my rifle, thumb on support side pointed toward the target. I can use bigger lights such as the SF 95/96 with no problem. I don't really like tape switches, but only because work guns have too damn many of them. I hate premature illumination. I would be happy to use the X300 w/ tape switch on my personal SBR, as it will be the only tape switch on that gun.

And to end the unintentional hijack- I am going to put a T-1 on the SBR as the co-primary optic. Will also be running a fixed larue BUIS.

[tiger seven]

I've had mine for slightly more than a week, and I've only made one trip to the range, but my initial impressions are all favorable. So far I'm really loving this little thing.



I'm going to run my EOTech on my carbine and spend a little time comparing the two side-by-side. But I think I've already been converted...

Derek

[Robb Jensen]

I just got my T&E Aimpoints T1 and M4 today (I'll be writing an article for each). I'm running the T1 on my 10" LMT on the RAS2 rail in front of the 'hump' on a tall LaRue mount as a primary optic. I'll post a pic tomorrow. The M4 will go on my Colt 6920 upper that's currently being fitted with a Primary Weapons piston kit and will have a 9.5" extended FSB lite rail.

[WasatchAR]

[IMG][/IMG]
Yea Baby!! 3000 Rds class, and rocking out. Hey guys, I'm here now the parity can start!

[wild_wild_wes]

Yes, we must have "parity"...if one guy has a lot more stuff, we get jealous

[Yojimbo]

How is the T1 in unconventional shooting positons like SBU prone?

Do you find the smaller tube to be a lot less forgiving of less than perfect head position?

[2011BLDR]

Small lights are fine in rooms, and compared to the lights of the past, the X300 is far and above small. Most people will be perfectly happy with 65 lumens inside a residiential building. There is really not enough difference in lighting to make a big difference. The high output lights (over 150) are awesome for penetrating dark when you are standing in the light, with light adjusted vision. The X300 type kind of bridge the gap for me. Not a super-light, but loads of light for all but the worst-case lighting conditions.

The problem (to me) with the X300 lies in it's activation method. The toggle is fine for pistols, and does not require altering the normal grip.

Rifles are bit different. First, the bezel of the light needs to be forward of the edge of the handguard or you get unacceptable shadow forward, and illuminate yourself. Both considered to be "bad". Second, the X300 requires toggle activation, which requires that the support hand be right behind the light. This is not really a problem on an SBR, but is unaceptable on most mid-lengths or rifles (for me). I would really be happy if SF made a tape-switch for the X300 like the Insight M3X.

This is just me though, YMMV.

The X300 accepts all X series accessories. The XT Tailcap assy ( carbine application) will work giving you a remote tape switch in addition to the toggle. The toggle is your constant on placed within reach of your support hand index finger or you can use a SR tape switch with the constant on feature. The Shadow efect is not present with the LED's.
Out
2011BLDR