Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight with Mount, Spacer - 2 MOA - 12172

Hopefully this write up helps someone:***Do I need to spend $900 on a basic red dot?***Only if you need extremely high durability. In 98% of civilian situations, you won't be able to appreciate the difference between a $900 Aimpoint and a $150 red dot. The difference in price really becomes apparent when you start doing stupid stuff. Dragging it through rocks. Banging it into steel. Sleeping with it in the cold and rain.Aimpoints don't perform better than "mid-tier" red dots, they are just able to maintain that performance under a more extreme range of conditions than their competitors.***Comp M4 or Comp M4s?***Personal preference. We were issued them interchangeably in the Army. They are all M68 Close Combat Optics.The brightness adjustments on the M4 are slightly easier to access while wearing gloves. The M4s is a little more sleek, snag resistant, and offers a cleaner sight picture.I've never heard a truly compelling argument that one is significantly better than the other. I have a slight preference for the M4s, for the aforementioned reasons.***Comp M4 or Comp M5?***If you are chasing "peak performance", I'd argue the M5 is a better optic. Smaller, lighter, crisper. Allegedly even more durable. Nearly the same price.I went Comp M4 for familiarity (nostalgia?) and battery standardization. I like the fact that all my enablers run off AA.***Should I buy an Aimpoint on Amazon?***Honestly, probably not. I realize that might sound weird considering I obviously did, but... I didn't realize that Aimpoint sells directly to consumers, and offers a $100 discount to qualified professionals.I did receive an authentic Aimpoint, but in retrospect I would have just gone straight to the manufacturer, especially if I would have saved $100.***How does the M4 compare to other types of optics?***Arguably, not that well. You can get a pretty nice LPVO for $900, with a wider range of applications. Eotechs have earned a similar reputation for durability - at half the price.***So why 5-stars?***I didn't want the latest and greatest optic. I'm not chasing peak performance. I just wanted the optic I am used to, and the optic which I have already learned to trust. That's the Comp M4s. That's what I was willing to pay $900 for, and that's what I got. Too easy.

I am an infantryman with extensive experience using the Aimpoint CompM4S. My interests in this review lie solely with the customer:Purchasing an Aimpoint from Amazon is somewhat a risk. When I received the Amazon-bought optic in the mail, I called Thane and John at Aimpoint to verify the serial number and the characteristics I observed.They told me when the optic was created and where it came from. They gave deeply detailed explanations for every characteristic of the optic. I hung up the phone certain that I purchased an authentic Aimpoint.I cannot stress enough for every purchaser to call and verify the authenticity of an Aimpoint optic. I'm very happy that this ended well for me.I cannot recommend the Aimpoint CompM4S enough. Aimpoint is simply the best. You will not be disappointed.Experiential knowledge with an issued military optic is different from becoming a buying customer so I expect you will scrutinize your purchase for possible indicators of a counterfeit. I verified my concerns with aimpoint and have listed them below.Below is a list of observations that indicate an authentic Aimpoint; however, you should also use Aimpoint's guide to spotting a fake in addition to this list:15 audible clicks on rotary switchRotary switch rotates considerably in between each clickSlightly cloudy effect on Aimpoint logos (due to laser cutting AFTER coating) (taking a picture with a smartphone will highlight the effect)Innermost metal ring on front lens is offset by 6 degrees with the appearance of a varying in thicknessSealant on rear lens is hand-done, giving the appearance of being uneven on rear lensTop adjustment CAP raises slightly above the protector (1cm or less) when fully screwed in is an indication something has snagged on the threadsMetal screw knob on the mount base is attacheded to a rod that tightens the mount. The black rod has a different type of coating, thus, a slightly different color of black than the rest of the mount.Take care!

You can spend money on several cheaply priced low-quality optics which won’t last long or hold up to stress and abuse, or you can just suck it up and buy an Aimpoint. Ultimately, it’s just a red dot, BUT the Comp M4 (aka the M68 CCO) has been the U.S. Army’s standard optic for a long time and for good reason. I had one on my M4 in Afghanistan and the reports of quality and its ability to take abuse were all true. Initial experience with this Comp M4S shows that it’s no different. When I received mine, I went directly to the Aimpoint site to confirm the characteristics they list to ensure it’s not counterfeit. In addition, I emailed Aimpoint with the serial number and they were very quick to reply and confirm its authenticity (on a weekend) and gave me the date it was manufactured as well. I prefer a 50/200 yard zero (which can be done at 10 yards). After about 6 rounds I had the M4S zeroed on my AR and confirmed out to 150 yards with the expected holdover and holdunder at different ranges (I’ll confirm further ranges at my deer lease soon). It’s a simple, basic and extremely well built optic that I know I can absolutely depend on in any circumstance, so ultimately, it’s worth every penny.

This thing is made to be used in any situation. and unlike all the Chinese junk on the market actually works

Hoping this last for a long time. Looks flawless, functions. I have not sighted it in yet, although from what I have read there should bot be much adjustment

good service arrived on time, great red dot

Perfect.

ivr had this for years. back when it was under $600. crazy solid unit. a bit on the heavy side, but built to last. one battery really does last for years. i never turn it off and the dot is always there. ive tested 1 battery for 4 years and decided to swap out just because.