For years, I’d heard whispers about the legendary Aimpoint CompM5. A red dot sight lauded for its ruggedness and reliability, it promised to be a game-changer for my AR-platform rifle. So, after finally getting my hands on one, I put it through its paces at the range and even took it on a recent backcountry hunting trip. Here’s my honest take on the CompM5, from its best features to the nitty-gritty realities of using it.
Built Like a Tank: Durability You Can Trust
First things first, the CompM5 feels built like a tank. It’s hefty, but not overly so, and oozes a sense of quality you can feel. Aimpoint boasts that the sight can withstand shocks, vibrations, and even extreme temperatures – claims I haven’t personally tested by dropping it off a mountain (though the temptation was there!). Still, the robust build inspires confidence, knowing it can handle the inevitable bumps and bangs of real-world use.
Seeing the Light: Excellent Clarity and Brightness
The sight picture through the CompM5 is excellent. The glass is crystal clear, with none of the annoying bluish tint I’ve experienced with some other red dots. The 2 MOA dot itself is crisp and precise, offering a perfect balance between size and aiming accuracy. Even on the brightest setting, the dot remained sharp and didn’t wash out in the midday sun. Conversely, the low-light settings were perfect for those pre-dawn hunts, allowing for clear dot visibility without interfering with night vision gear.
Zeroing and Adjustments: A Breeze
Zeroing the CompM5 was a breeze. The windage and elevation adjustments are delightfully clicky and precise, making fine-tuning your aim a simple process. Even after multiple range sessions and the jostling of a backpacking trip, the sight held its zero perfectly – a testament to its quality construction.
Battery Life: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
One of the biggest selling points of the CompM5 is its legendary battery life. Aimpoint claims a whopping five years on a single AAA battery. While I haven’t used it for that long yet, after months of range time and hunting, the dot is still going strong. This extended battery life is a major advantage, especially for situations where replacing batteries might not be an option.
Size Matters: Finding the Sweet Spot
The CompM5 sits in a sweet spot size-wise. It’s smaller and lighter than some older Aimpoint models, making it a good choice for ARs where weight and profile are a concern. However, it’s still large enough to offer a generous field of view and pair well with magnifiers, should you choose to go that route.
The Not-So-Perfect: A Few Minor Gripes
While the CompM5 is fantastic overall, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. First, the included lens covers, while functional, feel a bit flimsy compared to the overall build quality of the sight. Additionally, the rear lens cover can slightly obscure the field of view when co-witnessing with iron sights, something to consider if that’s your preferred setup.
What People Are Saying: Online Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of the CompM5 overwhelmingly echo my experience. Praises for its durability, clarity, and battery life are common. A few users mentioned a preference for a 4 MOA dot option for close-quarters shooting, but the 2 MOA seems to be the sweet spot for most users.
Alternatives to Consider: The Ever-Evolving Red Dot Market
The red dot market is constantly evolving, and there are certainly worthy competitors to the CompM5. Eotech sights offer a holographic reticle with a wider field of view, though battery life tends to be shorter. For a more budget-friendly option, Primary Arms offers some well-regarded red dots, though they might not match the Aimpoint’s legendary ruggedness.
Perfect Pairing: Guns That Fit the CompM5
The CompM5 is a versatile red dot sight that pairs well with a variety of AR-platform rifles. It’s a natural fit for carbines and tactical setups, but also shines on hunting rifles where its lightweight build and long battery life are appreciated.
The Final Verdict: A Reliable Workhorse
Overall, the Aimpoint CompM5 lives up to the hype. It’s a rugged, reliable red dot sight that delivers exceptional clarity and a near-unbelievable battery life. While the price tag might give some pause, for shooters who demand the best, the CompM5 is a rock-solid investment that will serve you well for years to come.