Questions for anyone familiar with Aimpoint optics.

[Z_Infidel]

I would like some feedback from anyone who has used Aimpoint optics in either military or sporting applications. I am thinking of mounting an Aimpoint (either 7000SC or CompC) on a rifle that will be used in a general purpose role, including hunting in brushy wooded areas.

How vulnerable is the Aimpoint in typcial mounts (probably a Weaver base) to getting bumped out of zero? I would like to be able to carry the rifle in dense cover without worrying about zero when a shot opportunity presents itself. The rifle will have a backup ghost ring setup in case of scope or battery failure, but that won't save a snapshot with an optic that is out of zero. I'm assuming Aimpoint units are pretty rugged as far as optics go, but would like some assurance.

I am also wondering about the best mounting position. I am used to a rear aperture sight mounted close to the eye, but I'm thinking I will want to place the Aimpoint further forward in a "scout scope" manner for maximum eye relief and optimal field of view -- I definitely want to be able to keep both eyes open when using the optic. Would you suggest this, or a more standard mounting over the bore?

Any opinions / advice appreciated.

 

[fix]

What rifle will it be mounted on? That will dictate the type of mounting more than anything else. Retaining zero will be more a function of the mounting hardware than the sight. The aimpoint itself is extremely rugged and dependable. Eye relief is mainly a personal preference thing, so long as the integrity of the mount is not compromised in order to achieve the desired eye relief. I like to have mine mounted as far back as I can get it without interfering with the irons. You also need to consider height of the mount. The accepted method of running the aimpoint is so that the iron sights are in the lower third of the tube, allowing the dot to be viewed clearly without being obscured by the irons. Generally, this means your cheek weld will be a little different when using the optic, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. Beware mounting too far forward. I have seen guys to this and get "lost in the tube" due to the decreased FOV this causes. Think aperture when discussing field of view. The closer your eye gets to the hole, the larger the usable field of view. By usable, I mean "the dot is in there with you". Peripheral vision is another matter entirely. I think that's what you were referring to when you discussed the advantages of a scout type mount. Shooting with both eyes open tends to provide the best compromise between both FOV and peripheral vision.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Thank you for that reply - it gives me some more to think about.

I haven't decided between a lever action 30-30 and a bolt gun in .308, but I'm leaning toward the 30-30 with a scout mount from XS sight systems (I would also install their ghost ring sights). If I decide on the bolt gun, I will most likely mount the optic in the more standard rear position, and I probably won't install backup irons.

As for the 30-30, I've also considered a scout scope, but I would like to maximize the various lighting conditions I might encounter -- although pitch black darkness is NOT a consideration since being sure of the target is my main concern.

 

[Zak Smith]

If you are using one of the 1X Aimpoints, I suggest mounting it in the "scout" position. Shoot with both eyes open. The further forward it is, the less of your natural field of view is obscured by the scope housing. Instead of "looking through" the scope, the dot will just be superimposed on the point of aim.

If your rifle has a solid Weaver-type based, any of the military-type Aimpoint mounts will be sturdy enough. Besides the one from Aimpoint themselves, there's GG&G, PRI, ARMS, etc.

-z

 

[444]

I have been using an Aimpoint optic on an AR15 for the last couple years. I think you will find it, and any serious mount more than adequate for any reasonable use. The US Army bought 80,000 of them and has been using them in combat for several years and I have not heard anything but favorable reports on them.
I also agree that the optic should be mounted as far from the eye as possible with the "scout" type mount being just about optimal. The dot is an optical illusion. It appears to be on the target. You don't look through the optic as you would a conventional rifle scope. You keep both eyes open and the dot appears to be on target. The Aimpoint ML2 that I use has flip up caps on it. If you leave the front cap closed, you don't even realize it. The dot still appears on the target. The point is, you don't look through the tube. As you mention, this also gives you maximum periferal vision.
Personally, I have no problem hitting targets out to the effective range of the rifle. I have shot at pepper poppers at 400 meters on more than one occasion and had a high rate of success. However, having a rail allows you to almost instantly change optics to suit your needs. For example, if you have a rail installed on the rifle, and use something like the excellent ARMS mounts. You can remove the Aimpoint and install a scout scope. Or you can remove the optic and use iron sights (if your iron sights don't cowitness with the optic). This whole "modular" concept of using a rail is IMO one of the most innovative inventions (for firearms) in the last 10 years (I realize the rail concept is older than that but it didn't find widespread use before maybe the last 10 years).

 

[Jaywalker]

I've thought about putting my Aimpoint on my Marlin, but so far have avoided it. The AR-15 guys are pretty sure that a forward mount is the way to go, but I just don't like them. Mounting forward means the balance point moves forward, too, and I normally don't care for muzzle-heavy rifles.

With a Marlin 336 (or similar) the choces are equally bad to me, but YMMV. It's a choice between moving the balance point forward on a carbine that balances exceptionally well already, or putting it in the tradional spot and blocking the one-hand-carry around the receiver, my preferred way of carrying it. So, it isn't on the 336. I suspect I'll evetually settle for receiver sights, when I get a roundtoit - I need a lot of those.

Jaywalker

 

[Zak Smith]

If you want less weight, you could consider a JPoint (improved Tasco Optima) or DoctorSight mini red dots. These are often used on IPSC pistols are the primary optic, or an auxilliary optic on "Open" rifles. Either would be sturdy enough for your application.
-z

 

[Z_Infidel]

Thank you to everyone for your input. I may have to wait until I've got the rifle and experiment with the type of mountings and decide which works best for me.

 

[444]

Personally, I think this balance issue is much to do about nothing. I have a Marlin 444 with the AO scout base installed. It uses your rear sight dovetail and the forward screw holes originally intended for a conventional scope base. This places the scope basically, right over the balance point of the rifle. It doesn't make it "muzzle heavy" in any way.