For years, I’d heard whispers and shouts (mostly shouts) about the Aimpoint PRO. It’s a red dot sight with a legendary reputation, but is it all hype? I finally got my hands on one, and after running it through its paces, I’m here to tell you: the hype is real.
Built Like a Tank
The first thing that struck me about the PRO is its ruggedness. This thing feels like it could survive a nuclear winter. It’s constructed from military-grade anodized aluminum, and Aimpoint boasts that it’s waterproof down to 45 meters. I haven’t taken it diving (and wouldn’t recommend it), but I’ve gotten caught in downpours and blasted it with a hose without any issues. The included flip-up lens covers offer an extra layer of protection for the scratch-resistant glass.
Battery Life for Days (Literally)
Let’s talk battery life. Aimpoint claims a staggering 30,000 hours on the lowest brightness setting. That translates to roughly three years of constant use! While I haven’t been able to test it for that long (obviously), I can say that after several months of use with the brightness on a mid-range setting, I haven’t seen any dimming. Plus, the sight uses a common DL1/3N battery, which you can find online or at most convenience stores. No more scrambling for specialty batteries in the middle of a match.
Simple and Effective Controls
The PRO’s controls are about as straightforward as you can get. Two dials adjust the brightness – one for daylight and one for night vision compatibility. There’s no complicated menus or buttons to fumble with, which is a major plus in high-stress situations.
Seeing Red (In a Good Way)
The 2 MOA red dot is crisp and clear, even in bright sunlight. Aimpoint’s proprietary technology ensures the dot stays sharp at all brightness levels. While some red dots can wash out in low light, the PRO’s night vision compatibility allows you to seamlessly integrate it with night vision gear.
Field Tested
I’ve put the PRO through the ringer at the range and even taken it on a couple of hog hunts. Here’s what I experienced:
- Quick Acquisition: The large field of view and uncluttered design make target acquisition incredibly fast. Those close-up encounters with hogs became a lot less stressful.
- Minute of Angle Accuracy: The 2 MOA dot allows for precise shot placement at typical rifle engagement distances.
- All-Weather Performer: From the scorching desert to a chilly mountain hunt, the PRO has functioned flawlessly.
What Customers Are Saying
Online reviews for the Aimpoint PRO are overwhelmingly positive. Users praise its durability, battery life, and ease of use. Some common complaints include the size and weight (it is a bit on the bulky side compared to some micro red dots), and the lack of a quick-detach mount (which can be purchased separately).
Alternatives to Consider
The red dot market is crowded, so there are definitely alternatives to the PRO. Here are a few to consider:
- Eotech Holographic Weapon Sights: Eotech sights offer a wider field of view and a holographic reticle that some shooters prefer. However, they tend to have shorter battery life and are generally more expensive.
- Aimpoint Micro Series: If size and weight are a major concern, Aimpoint’s Micro series sights are a great option. They offer similar durability and performance to the PRO in a smaller package.
Who Should Get This Sight?
The Aimpoint PRO is a versatile red dot sight that’s well-suited for a variety of applications. It’s a great choice for:
- AR-15s: The PRO is a popular choice for AR-platform rifles due to its durability and ease of use.
- Hunting Rifles: The PRO’s ability to handle recoil and various weather conditions makes it a great option for hunting rifles.
- Home Defense: The PRO’s always-on functionality and bright dot make it a reliable choice for home defense applications.
The Final Verdict
The Aimpoint PRO isn’t the fanciest red dot sight on the market, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a tough-as-nails, reliable sight that delivers exceptional performance. If you’re looking for a red dot that you can count on, no matter the conditions, the Aimpoint PRO is an excellent choice.