Steve Coulston

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Aimpoint PRO—Advanced Technology and Durability

Aimpoint PRO—Advanced Technology and Durability

Introduced at SHOT Show 2011, the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) entered the competitive red dot market with a host of features designed specifically for the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). Aimpoint, which has been in the red dot business since 1974, took its years of experience as well as input from LEO professionals to create an optic that is optimized for the LEO mission field and the LEO wallet. The features of the PRO are vast, and while Aimpoint has other red dot optics in its product inventory that may appear comparable, none could match the MSRP of $440.

The catch, at the time, was it was specifically made for LEO and could only be bought from an authorized Aimpoint Dealer. Of course with that kind of price point for a top-notch optic, everyone wanted to get his hands on one (or four). The general public was initially frustrated by the lack of availability, but Aimpoint wanted to make sure the LEO community was the first to get the PRO. Some civilians (like me) were able to get the PRO from other sources a few months down the road, but pickings were slim and disappeared very quickly. Eventually, like everything, the mystique of the optic and its “unobtainable” status faded away. Aimpoint now offers the PRO as part of its commercial line, available to the American shooting public. Even as we enter 2014, the Aimpoint Patrol Optic is still one of the most affordable, well-rounded and robust red dots on the market. I have used red dot optics that are lighter and smaller, but for my money it is hard to beat the PRO for what you get.

Aimpoint Micro H-1 Review

Aimpoint Micro H-1 Review

In 2007, Aimpoint set the bar high for the micro red dot sight (MRD), which was then new to the market. Until then, military grade red dot sights were fairly large, consisting of a wide 30mm tube with a battery compartment slung off the side. While very effective in combat and in the civilian hunting and shooting sports, they added bulk and weight to the firearm. This proved cumbersome, especially for competition shooters mounting red dots to their pistols. When Aimpoint launched its Micro Red Dot series, it took all the reliability, durability and long battery life of its proven larger red dots and crammed it into a small, light-weight package.

Originally Aimpoint had three micro models, the T-1, H-1 and R-1. All three shared the same physical dimensions, weight and operating controls, but they were intended for different applications. The T-1 was designed primarily for a military and law enforcement application, while the H-1 and R-1 were intended for the American hunter and competition shooter respectively. As the R-1 has been discontinued and the primary difference from the H-1 is the color (silver instead of black), this article will only address the T-1 and the H-1. The different specifications between the T-1 and the H-1 are their availability of night vision settings, operating temperature ranges, water resistance and color. The military and Law Enforcement T-1 has four night vision settings and is rated for operation in -50 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also submersible to 80 feet. These extra features come at a premium, and the T-1 commands a higher price point than the H-1. The H-1 looks like the more expensive T-1, but it lacks the night vision settings, has an operating temperature range of -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and is only submersible to 15 feet. The H-1 also has more distinct manufacture and product markings than the T-1.