Advantages of Aimpoint M4 vs M3

[TOMTOM]

1) Size
2) mounting options, a large variety of 30mm Aimpoint mounts
3) flip down caps, I hate completely taking off (and risk losing) the M4 bikini covers, but if I leave it hanging around the optic it can get in the way and bounce brass and cause malfunctions
4) 2MOA (personal preference)
5) price, especially now with the Pro and T-1 being the rage

1. Strictly speaking, the M4 is shorter than the M3, and it's almost the same width & height. However, the M4 weighs 1.5 oz more (just unit, not with mount).
2. Not nearly as many mounting options for the M4 as the M3, but there are enough, IMO. The factory QRPII is actually decent.
3.Flip down caps are available for the M4, just like the m2/3 series.
4. M4 comes in 2 MOA
5. Price is high, thats for sure. BUT, You can usually buy used for $450-500.

I find the mounting design to be better than the M3's tube design. The locking lugs is a nice feature.

[Stan_TheGunNut]

The battery life and ability to use a AA battery did make a difference for me. I don't see the AA battery as an enhancement. I've experienced alkaline batteries pucking themselves and making a mess and generally messing up electronics. I have yet to experience that with lithium batteries. Lithium batteries also store well compared to alkaline, so I really just don't see the "advantage" of the AA batteries. Add the additional cost of the M4, and the M3 seems the clear winner, at least for me.

Now I'm wondering if I should stick with the M3 or get a T1 micro. I'll probably stick with the M3, at least for the next purchase.

[BCmJUnKie]

Exactly.

$300.00 For the ability to use AA batteries....not worth it. IMO.

N batteries are small and if you go with a LaRue mount, it stores an extra battery anyway.

Aimpoint says that the M4 is the best optic ever. I disagree.

Why did they skip the M3 for M68 and go with the M4? The last
M68CCO was the M2.

Anyway, Im with you Stan,
Im in the same boat, deciding whether to go with another M3 or T-1 for my 12.5".

Im thinking I should go with the M3 for the 2moa dot.

[Magic_Salad0892]

I prefer the M4.

More solid mount.
Batteries are more easy to find if a flood, power outage or something occurs where law cannot be sustained.
More waterproof.
More battery life.
M4S has good battery placement.
Blue tint seems to be a little less with the M4.
Field of view seems to be a little better.
Absolute co-witness is easier.
More brightness settings.
More settings to use with NV.

That's worth the $300 to me, but I'd buy used anyway.

Anybody who thinks the M3 is better is blantantly in denial.

However, I do think the M3 is an extremely viable optic based on price, and availability.

The Trijicon ACOG TA44S-10 is also a viable option. I have one. However I may part with it, due to future plans to use NV, and IR laser.

... If I actually do it.

[Makarov]

I've got both a M4 w/original QPR mount and a M4s with a LaRue mount. I prefer the M4 series due to the AA batteries(I like to standardize all my electronics around either AA or CR123) and the 2MOA dot, and since I got both fo' cheap, I saw no reason not to buy these over other Aimpoints.

Also, with good alkaline AA batteries, leakages are not a problem, but if you want some peace of mind, Lithium AA's cost $2, and will last a looong time.

[Dos Cylindros]

M4/M4s for me all the way. An M4s in an ADM socom mount sits on my patrol carbine. The AA bateries and battery life are big sellers for me, as is the enhanced durability over the previous generations (not that they were slouches mind you) clearly make this the optic of choice for my use. Nothing wrong with the M3 though.

[markm]

I tried a loaner M4 for a few weeks. Couldn't learn to love it.

When I first got it, it had a puked battery in the compartment. Not so messy that it affected function, but it highlighted a potential downside.

I haven't had a chance to run a compM3, but I can say that I didn't like how much of my field of view was gobbled up by the bulk of the M4.

[Dave L.]

A retard can mount an M4 and the AA battery, which can be found everywhere, lasts 80K hours.

I also have an M2 and it's ok for the money but I prefer the M4 over it.

[RPD03]

I like the M4s but again personal preference. All our agency guns have Aimpoints (M2, M3 and Pro) and all serve the purpose well. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

[jhs1969]

I've had aprox 4 ML2's and currently run one on my MP15-22. I do like it very much but I replaced it on my primary carbine a couple of years ago with the M4s and have not looked back. The "s" model is sweet, I never expected the lowered battery compartment to be as big of an improvement as it is. After getting the M4s I no longer look at nor wonder about another RDS. Maybe it's just me.