Aimpoint is known to make the most durable and reliable red dot sights. However, the Aimpoint PRO is a budget model that makes me wonder whether it is as reliable as the upper tier ones. I’m also curious on what’s the difference between the Aimpoint Pro and other Aimpoints like the Micro T-2. Or in other words, why does the Aimpoint PRO have lower price. So, today I’ll present you what I found out in my Aimpoint PRO review.
Table of Contents
Should you get an Aimpoint red dot sight?
First of all, red dot sights are designed for fastest target acquisition at close range. Aiming is very easy as you just need to align the dot to the target and nothing else. Aimpoint red dots are designed for durability and reliability in military/tactical operations. If you want a close range, fast target acquisition optic with military grade reliability, consider an Aimpoint. Home defense application is also viable for this, as you won’t be using it much but need to make sure that it will not fail you when emergency arises.
Price is, however, not cheap compare to lower tier red dots out there. If you are going to use it for plinking or less-competitive target shooting, cheaper dots will do. Unless you have ample funds, of course.
If you normally shoot within 25-200 yards and want the fastest target acquisition possible, red dot is the only way to go. Note that the red dot sight provides no magnification and is not suitable for long range shots. For long range applications, consider a scope instead.
Get an Aimpoint red dot if you :.
- Value extreme durability and reliability
- Emphasize on speed and short range shots
- Want something light and badass on your firearms
Aimpoint PRO at a Glance
This Aimpoint PRO is a 1×26, 2 MOA red dot sight. It weighs 7.8 oz and has 2.19×4.5×2.63 inch in W x L x H dimension. Featuring a tube style reflex sight with 10 brightness settings, 4 of which are night vision compatible. It comes with QRP2 rail grabber mount for Picatinny rail and operates on 3v lithium batteries, 2L76 or DLI/3N. Note that the Aimpoint PRO is an affordable, budget friendly model from Aimpoint catalogue.
This is a newer version with elevation and windage turret caps separated. An older version has a link between turret caps. This is minor difference as it doesn’t really affect performance.
If you want the reliability of an Aimpoint, but is a bit cash strapped, the Aimpoint PRO is a nice option to look at. That said, it’s still not that cheap and if less durability is acceptable, you can go with the Sig Sauer Romeo 5.
Note that the Aimpoint PRO has 2 MOA dot. If you favor larger dots, consider the Trijicon RMR 3.5 or 6.5 MOA dot. Furthermore, this is a tube type of red dot. If you’re looking for open sights or holographic sights, consider an EOTech.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Military grade durability and reliability | ✗ A bit heavy for red dots |
| ✓ Long life battery | ✗ Not much additional features |
| ✓ Clear and bright and night vision compatible | |
| ✓ Affordability | |
| ✓ Decent warranty |
What I found out about Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic
The Dot
The Aimpoint PRO has clear and crisp 2 MOA dot. This 2 MOA can do both close range shots and precision shots up to 300 yards on a 6 inch target if you know enough of your bullet drop.
Featuring 10 brightness settings with 4 night vision compatible level, Aimpoint PRO is suitable for any lighting condition even on a snowy background in a sunny day with lots of bright reflections.
Note that the dot is also visible from the other end and can give out your position if your enemy is close enough (within 25 yards) and is generally looking in your direction. For further distance, the dot should be small enough to be unnoticeable.
If you’re worried about the dot giving away your position, you can get an anti-reflective device or close the front lens cap for close range shots. To clarify, the front cap is opaque while the rear cap is transparent.
Aimpoint PRO – 5 YEAR TEST! by TiborasaurusRex
1x, Both Eyes Open
Both eyes shooting is recommended with this red dot as it’s 1x and you get significantly better peripheral vision. Unlimited eye relief us also a plus as you can use high recoil rounds like .50 BMG and have no risk of the sight kicking your eyes at all.
Some people complain about Aimpoint’s tube design, saying that it has restricting field of view. In fact, users are not supposed to focus through the glass. One should focus on the surroundings and just move the dot to aim. If done correctly, one shouldn’t even be aware of the tube housing. This means unlimited FOV.
Battery Life
Incredible battery life is one of the main reason for getting an Aimpoint. You want the reliability and peace of mind, knowing when SHTF happens, your red dot will work.
The Aimpoint PRO boasts 30,000 hours (about 3½ years) of battery life on level 7 brightness settings. This is generally true from my experience and some other users of Aimpoint PRO. Note that battery quality and cold temperature affect battery life.
This Aimpoint PRO has no standby mode or motion activated feature. It just relies on low energy usage design. The red dot is designed for always on, ever ready mode. In home defense situation where I’m not sure if I would panicked, it’s one less thing to fumble as you don’t have to worry about turning it on. Just pick up the firearm and run (to protect your house and family, of course).
Note that you can lengthen its battery life by opting for lower brightness when not in use. One thing to mention is that there is no turning off option for this Aimpoint. Dialing the brightness setting down will result in night vision mode which isn’t visible to human eyes, but the red dot is still on. Only by taking its battery out can you truly shut it off.
Mounting
Aimpoint PRO comes with a QRP2 rail grabber mount which can be used on a Picatinny rail. Once mounted, turn the knob until it clicks 3 times and you’re good to go. This mount has torque-limiting twist features which gives optimal level of pressure and will not deform the rail.
Mount height is designed for absolute co-witness with AR platform. This means that it will be rather high for most other rifles. You can use other third party mount of your choice to fix this.
Why Aimpoint Red Dot Sight? by Instructor John Lovell
Sighting In
The turret adjustments are accurate. However, I’m not very familiar with the click value. One click equals roughly 0.7 inch @ 100 yards. The turrets are not finger adjustable. You’ll need a flathead to do this. This is ok since you’re suppose to adjust it only once, not recalibrating it all the time.
The Aimpoint PRO has turret caps to prevent unintentional adjustments. One cool thing is that there are straps on both turret caps. Unlike many other optics, you’re unlikely to lose the turret caps when you take them out for adjustments.
Weight
The Aimpoint PRO is not so light for a red dot (7.8 oz). Maybe that’s why they’re durable. Note that it certainly will not throw your firearms off balance.
Durability and Warranty
The optic can hold zero to any round, be it shotgun, springer airgun or a .600 NE. Note that this Aimpoint is airgun rated, meaning that it is also designed to withstand the unique 2 directional recoil of springer airguns.
Waterproof up to 150 feet and rated for -49 to 160 degree fahrenheit, the red dot can be used in extreme weather. Since it’s waterproof, you can also clean and wash it.
Shockproof capabilities are the same as the famed Aimpoint Micro T-2 model (40 +/- 4 g in y and z axis, 500 g in x axis). It also has chemical, vibration and humidity resistance. To sum up, this is a very rugged, reliable red dot and will only be inferior to higher end Aimpoints.
Aimpoint offers a 2 years warranty for professional or competition use and 10 years for normal use. The warranty is applicable to the original owner only. In my opinion, the warranty is considered very acceptable.
Aimpoint PRO vs Aimpoint Micro T-2
The Aimpoint PRO has :
- Same durability
- Less battery life (30,000 vs 50,000 hours)
- More green tint, less color contrast
- Image less crisp
- Slower target acquisition in my opinion, (maybe just my imagination)
- Price slightly above ½ of the Micro T-2
Alternative options
1.EOTech 512 Tactical Holographic Sight
This EOTech holographic sight features 1 MOA with 65 MOA circle making it suitable for both short and long range. It has open sight design for people who feel that Aimpoint tube is restrictive. Note that this one is not night vision compatible.
Battery consumption is much faster than reflex sights. And there are Thermal drift issue, zero moving when temperature difference is too much. Make sure to re-zero when moving to a place with significant temperature difference.
is an issue for it. When you move to another area with significant temperature difference, such as from +122 to -22 degree, your zero can possibly shift by a whopping 20 MOAs. Make sure to re-zero when moving to a place with significant temperature difference.
Auto shutdown feature of 4 or 8 hours is a bit annoying. Durability is military grade but is less than the Aimpoint PRO. 5 years warranty is offered, plus another 5 years for $79 bench fees for each fix you send in.
Compare
- Open holographic sight
- Much shorter battery life
- Thermal drift issue
- Auto shutdown not that great
- Less durable
- Not night vision compatible
2. Sig Sauer Romeo 5 1x20mm Compact 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
This is a budget option for red dot sight. It has 2 MOA dot reticle with 10 brightness level of settings. 2 of which are night vision compatible.
The Sig Sauer Romeo 5 doesn’t have as long battery life as the Aimpoint. However it has Motion Activated Illumination feature to save battery life. This makes single battery for a year span possible.
It can hold zero well and is magnum and shotgun rated. That said, it doesn’t work on springer air gun. And won’t be as reliable as the Aimpoint PRO.
Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof to a degree. It’s far less durable than the Aimpoint PRO, but is durable for its price point.
Compare
- Lower price
- Shorter battery life
- Motion activated
- Also night vision compatible
- Much less durable
Conclusion
The Aimpoint PRO is a bargain. Its ability to withstand abuse from external force is admirable. You can also use it in extreme weather without a doubt in your mind. Consider the fact that its durability is on par with the Aimpoint Micro T-2, from what I’ve seen, with only about 60% of the price.
Battery life of 30,000 hours is a boon. And you can rest assured that the Aimpoint PRO will not fail you in time of need.
I recently bought the Windham weaponry SRC.308. I’ve been debating back and forth as to get a Sig Sauer Romeo 5 or Aimpoint Pro. I’ve decided to go with the aimpoint pro. This review helped my decision greatly.