by David Crane
david@defensereview.com
It's no secret that we really like our
Aimpoint CompM2 Red Dot sights/optical gunsights here at DefenseReview. The Aimpoint CompM2 Red Dot optic is currently the best red dot tube sight in the world for CQB (Close Quarters Battle) applications. It's fast on target, and makes rapid multiple target engagement a snap at CQB ranges. However, what if you want to engage the enemy or hostile subject at extended range, outside the typicle distance envelope for close quarters battle (CQB)?
Normally, DefenseReview would recommend one of the
Trijicon ACOG models. However, now there's another option. Aimpoint calls it the "3-Power Magnifier" sight (or, "3X Magnifier" sight). DefRev was really excited to get to...
handle this brand new product at SWAT Round-Up 2004. When Michael Beltran, Aimpoint, Inc.'s director of military and law enforcement sales, handed it to me, I remember getting this really sneaky grin on my face. I couldn't help it. I know I just got handed a really cool little item. The phrase "shit hot" immediately came to mind. For anyone not already aware, "shit hot" is operator speak for "really cool", so please excuse the language.
The Aimpoint 3X Magnifier sight/3-Power Magnifier sight attaches/detaches instantly to any MILSPEC M1913 Picatinny rail flattop receiver, right behind any Aimpoint CompM2 Red Dot sight (or
CompML2 Red Dot sight), via a proprietary "twist-mount" base that's really slick. I mean, it's FAST. You just press down and twist it right on. The pivot radius is 90 degrees. Once you mount/attach it, it automatically center's the Aimpoint CompM2's or CompML2's red dot reticle in the field of view, even though this isn't really necessary. The 3-Power/3X Magnifier sight doesn't require precise zeroing, like the Aimpoint red dot sight, itself. If you have to re-engage at CQB ranges, you just twist/pivot the 3-Power/3X Magnifier sight right back off --just as fast--and you're back in business.
U.S. military end-user response to the Aimpoint 3X Magnifier Sight has apparently been very positive. That's all we can say about it right now (until we're told otherwise). DefRev doesn't yet have any pictures of the Aimpoint 3-Power/3X Magnifier sight yet, because none have been released, and Mr. Beltran wouldn't let us take any pictures of it at Round-Up. In fact, Mr. Beltran asked us not to write about the 3-Power/3X Magnifier sight until it's formally introduced at the upcoming Shot Show 2005, late January. We agreed to to this stipulation, and kept quiet on it. However, "
Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement (GWLE)" Magazine just published a quick blurb on it in Gary Paul Johnston's "New for SWAT" section in their February 2005 issue. Hmh. So, all bets are now off. Now that
GWLE has let the cat out of the bag, DefenseReview is free to report on the 3X Magnifier sight. Now, we just need some pics, and a product sample.
If you'd like to inquire about the new Aimpoint 3X Magnifier Sight/3-Power Magnifier sight, you can contact
Aimpoint, Inc. by phone at 870-423-3398, or toll free at 877-Aimpoint (877-246-7646). You can also email them at
info@aimpoint.com. Ask for Mike Beltran.
