Introduction
I’ve owned a fair number of Aimpoints over the years, so I think I’ve developed a good feel for the brand. Having said that, if you’ve owned just one Aimpoint you will know precisely what they are all like in terms of overarching design principles – if not form factor. All Aimpoints are simple, efficient, rugged and dependable.
I started my Aimpoint journey with a CompML2 which I bought when one of my EOTechs dimmed.
Up until that point I’d been an EOTech-only guy, but the dimming knocked my confidence in the brand. This malfunction was years before EOTech started issuing user refunds (due to its scrape with the US government over capability expectations) and was completely unrelated. Simply, the EOTech 5-series of that era had a reputation for nitrogen loss and it was this which caused the dimming (a problem I believe is now solved).
Nevertheless, it’s what sent me down the Aimpoint path.
A svelte Aimpoint Micro H-1 followed the bulky, heavy CompML2.
This was a cathartic move. The Micro form factor is pretty much unbeatable in my opinion. It’s radically smaller and lighter than any previous Aimpoint generation but without losing functionality; and – of course – with that legendary Aimpoint toughness which comes as standard.
True, I dithered on the H-1 purchase for a while. I couldn’t comprehend how an 18mm lens could deliver the same sight picture – let alone a better one – than a ‘full size’ Aimpoint. That was until Tactical Optician explained to me how the eyes and brain work in unison to stitch together what we perceive as vision.
A T-1 followed the H-1 when I spotted a bargain; then an H-2; then a CompM4; and now a T-2.
Physical Differences between T-1 and T-2
The salient physical differences between the Aimpoint Micro T-1 and T-2 are that the T-2 exhibits:
Also of note is that the T-2 offers enhanced light transmission for truer-colour sight picture (i.e. less blue).
Finally, the T-2 is only available in 2MOA dot diameter. The T-1 is available in both 2 and 4MOA.
Footprint
No dimensional changes have been made to the footprint of the T-2 (or H-2), so mounts which work with the T-1 (and H-1) usually work with it. Here I’m using Aimpoint’s own LRP mount with 39mm spacer, which delivers lower third co-witness. It’s not the best mount out there, but it fits with my L119A2 replica.
Notes
The T2 has four night vision compatible settings and eight daylight settings. One of the latter settings is extra bright, for use with laser protection glasses or in bright desert sunlight. Brightness controls and the off setting are all accessible from the rotary adjuster on the right side – which also houses the battery.
Zeroing the optic is achieved by adjusting the windage and elevation controls. These are housed in the top and right side turrets.
The unit is hard anodized dark grey to black (according to Aimpoint’s instruction leaflet) which aptly characterises the vagaries of the ano process (as the dye runs out, units will be produced more grey than black).
The T-2 is submersible to 80 feet (25 meters).
Conclusion
What I really like about the Aimpoint Micro series is the one thing which makes it different to their other product lines: its form factor.
Micro optics are – as the name suggests – small. As such, sight picture is highly comprehensive because there’s not a lot of optic body (or mount) to obscure the view. The 18mm lens is more than adequate to carry a red dot, because the user is not so much looking through the sight as looking past it. Remember: this is an unlimited eye relief reflex sight which is properly used with both eyes open, meaning stereo vision. The optic only occupies a very small part of that vision, which is a huge advantage.
The Micro form factor also means that the T-2 is so light as to be barely noticeable (3.7 oz. [105g] including mount, sight only 3.0 oz. [84g]). That translates rather differently to the top heavy feel of a CompM4, or an EOTech (even my EXPS3-0 sometimes felt like I had a brick attached).
As for efficiency, I left my H-2 running at a medium setting for nearly three years before I sold it. I gather I should get five years out of the T-2’s battery on setting 8. Some dislike the lack of an automatic shut-off option with Aimpoint sights, but given their efficiency you may as well leave the optic running and always ready.
Equally, some dislike the battery required for the T-2. I think this harks back to a time when the CR2032 watch battery was less ubiquitous. Even so, Aimpoint has recognised this gripe and has come out with the Aimpoint CompM5, which uses an AAA battery and the Micro footprint; definitely worth a look and I’d love to get hands on myself.
Lastly, I have to repeat that Aimpoints just don’t break! Certainly, with such a limited feature set there is less to go wrong inside; but they are also just incredibly robust.
More information here.
The Reptile House 