Hey there, fellow night owls and hunting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another deep dive into the world of optics. Today, we’re settling the score between two heavyweights in the red dot sight arena: the Aimpoint ACO and the Aimpoint PRO.
As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field, I know how crucial it is to have a reliable optic that won’t let you down when it matters most. Whether you’re defending your home, serving in law enforcement, or like me, chasing that trophy buck, your choice of sight can make or break your shot. So, let’s break down these two popular options and see which one deserves a spot on your rifle.
The Aimpoint Legacy: A Brief History
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Aimpoint brand. These Swedish optics wizards have been at the forefront of red dot technology since the 1970s. When the US military decided to upgrade from iron sights to the more advanced red dot sights, Aimpoint was right there, leading the charge. Their reputation for durability and quality has made them a go-to choice for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.
Now, let’s meet our contenders. In the red corner, we have the Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) – the civilian-friendly, budget-conscious option that’s been turning heads since its release. And in the blue corner, the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) – the beefed-up, duty-ready sight that’s trusted by professionals worldwide. Both are fantastic sights, but which one is right for you? Let’s find out!
- Absolute co-witness with iron sights (with the supplied spacer installed)
- Features 2 MOA red dot for accurate target engagement
- Includes front and rear plastic flip cap lens covers
- Features 10 brightness settings including one extra bright for use in bright sunlight
- Up to 30,000 hours (over 3 years) of constant operation from 1 DL1/3N battery
- Aimpoint quality and performance at an entry-level price.
- 2 MOA dot with 9 low light and daylight brightness settings.
- Includes mount configured for absolute co-witness with standard height sights.
- Up to 1 year of continuous operation using one DL1/3N battery (included).
Glass Clarity and Reticle: The Window to Your Target
First things first – how’s the view? Both the ACO and PRO sport a crisp 2 MOA red dot reticle, perfect for rapid target acquisition and precision shooting. The 38mm objective lens on both sights offers a generous field of view, but here’s where things get interesting.
I’ve taken both these bad boys out to the range, and I’ve got to say, the PRO has a slight edge in clarity. Its multi-coated lens does an incredible job of reducing glare and providing a crystal-clear sight picture, even in challenging lighting conditions. I’ve nailed targets out to 200 yards with ease using the PRO.
The ACO is no slouch either. Its glass is plenty clear for most shooting scenarios, and I’ve had no trouble ringing steel at 150 yards. The multi-coated lens does a great job of minimizing glare, which is a godsend when you’re out in the field all day. But if you’re looking for that extra bit of clarity, especially in low-light situations, the PRO takes the cake.
One thing I absolutely love about both sights is the parallax-free design. No matter where that red dot appears in the sight picture, you can be confident your rounds are going where you’re aiming. This is especially helpful for those awkward shooting positions we sometimes find ourselves in when hunting.
Battery Life: Keep on Ticking… and Ticking… and Ticking
Now, let’s talk juice. One of the most crucial aspects of any electronic sight is how long it’ll last before you need to swap batteries. And boy, do these Aimpoints deliver!
The ACO boasts an impressive 10,000-hour battery life on a single DL1/3N battery. That’s over a year of continuous use! I’ve taken this sight on multiple week-long hunting trips without a worry in the world. The lithium battery performs well even in extreme temperatures, which is a huge plus for those of us who don’t let a little weather get in the way of our shooting.
But if you thought that was good, hold onto your hats. The PRO takes battery life to a whole new level with a mind-blowing 30,000 hours from a single 2L76 or DL1/3N battery. That’s over three years of non-stop use! For those of us who tend to forget to switch off our optics (guilty as charged), this is a game-changer. You could literally mount this sight, zero it, and forget about the battery until your kid graduates high school.
Both sights feature always-on operation, which means they’re ready to go the instant you need them. No fumbling with buttons or waiting for the sight to power up when seconds count. Just shoulder your rifle and send it.
Durability: Built Like a Tank (Maybe Two Tanks)
When it comes to ruggedness, both these sights are tough as nails. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, they’re designed to take a beating and keep on performing. I’ve accidentally knocked my ACO against tree trunks, dropped it in the mud, and even had it take a tumble off my workbench (don’t tell my wife), and it hasn’t missed a beat.
The ACO is waterproof and can handle being submerged up to 5 meters. It’s also shockproof and able to withstand the recoil of pretty much any rifle you’d want to mount it on. The hard-anodized matte black finish not only looks tactical as hell but also provides excellent scratch and corrosion resistance.
The PRO, however, takes durability to the next level. It’s not just shockproof and scratch-resistant like its little brother; it’s also fog-proof and submersible up to 45 meters! I once had a little “oopsie” moment crossing a stream with my PRO-equipped rifle, and let’s just say I was mighty glad for that waterproofing. The PRO also comes with flip-up lens covers, which add an extra layer of protection when you’re trudging through the brush or tossing your rifle in the back of the truck.
Both sights will serve you well in harsh conditions, but if you’re planning on taking your optic swimming (or if you’re just particularly clumsy like yours truly), the PRO is your go-to choice.
Brightness Settings: Illumination for Every Situation
Lighting conditions can change in a heartbeat when you’re out in the field, so having a sight that can adapt quickly is crucial. Both the ACO and PRO offer 10 brightness settings to dial in the perfect dot intensity for any situation.
The ACO provides 9 daylight settings and one extra-low setting for use with night vision devices. This range allows you to crank up the brightness for those harsh midday conditions or dial it way down for low-light scenarios. I’ve found the ACO’s brightness range to be more than adequate for most hunting situations, from dawn to dusk.
The PRO, however, takes it up a notch with 6 daylight settings and 4 night vision compatible settings. As someone who loves a good night hunt, I can’t overstate how valuable those additional NV settings are. They’ve helped me bag more than a few nocturnal critters over the years. The PRO’s brightness settings are also slightly more refined, allowing for more precise adjustment in tricky lighting conditions.
Both sights feature a rotary switch for brightness adjustment, which I find much easier to use than push-button controls, especially when wearing gloves. The switches are nice and stiff, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally changing your settings when moving through thick brush.
Mounting and Ease of Use: Ready, Set, Shoot!
One of the things I love about both these sights is how user-friendly they are right out of the box. Both the ACO and PRO come with a Picatinny rail mount that’s both low-profile and rock-solid. The mounting process is straightforward – just slap it on your rail, tighten it down, and you’re good to go.
Zeroing is a breeze with both sights. They use covered turrets for windage and elevation adjustments, which protect your zero from accidental changes. Each click moves the point of impact by ½ MOA (about ½ inch at 100 yards), allowing for precise adjustments. I’ve found both incredibly easy to zero and adjust in the field, even without tools.
One small but significant difference: the PRO comes with flip-up lens covers, while the ACO doesn’t. It’s a minor detail, but those covers have saved my lenses from scratches more times than I can count. If you go with the ACO, I’d recommend picking up some aftermarket covers.
Both sights offer unlimited eye relief, which is a huge plus in my book. It allows for rapid target acquisition and makes shooting with both eyes open a breeze. This is especially helpful for moving targets or in tactical situations where situational awareness is key.
Weight and Size: Ounces Equal Pounds
When you’re lugging your gear through the backcountry, every ounce counts. The ACO has a slight advantage here, weighing in at a svelte 7.8 ounces, while the PRO tips the scales at 11.6 ounces. Is that difference noticeable? On a scale, sure. On your rifle? Not so much.
Both sights are compact enough to not interfere with your peripheral vision or add significant bulk to your rifle. The ACO measures 4.7 inches in length, while the PRO is slightly longer at 5.1 inches. In practice, I’ve found both sights to be well-balanced and unobtrusive on a variety of rifle platforms.
Price: Bang for Your Buck
Now, let’s talk turkey. The ACO typically runs about $400, while the PRO will set you back around $450-500. Is the PRO worth the extra cash? In my humble opinion, absolutely.
The extended battery life, improved waterproofing, and night vision compatibility make it a no-brainer for serious shooters or anyone who demands the utmost reliability from their gear. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the extra features, the ACO is still an excellent choice that’ll serve you well for years to come.
It’s worth noting that both sights come with Aimpoint’s excellent warranty. For civilian use, you’re looking at a 10-year warranty from the date of purchase. That’s a decade of peace of mind, folks. For professional users (military and law enforcement), the warranty is 2 years. Either way, Aimpoint stands behind their products, which is always a good sign.
The Verdict: Which One Wins?
After spending quality time with both these sights, I’ve got to give the edge to the Aimpoint PRO. Its superior battery life, enhanced durability, and night vision capabilities make it the more versatile option for a wider range of shooting scenarios. The extra features justify the slightly higher price point, in my opinion.
That said, the ACO is still a fantastic sight, especially for civilian shooters who don’t need all the bells and whistles. It’s more than capable of handling most shooting tasks with aplomb, and the lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either of these Aimpoint red dots. They’re both top-notch sights that’ll elevate your shooting game. Choose the ACO if you want a solid, no-frills optic that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank. Go for the PRO if you want the cream of the crop and don’t mind spending a bit extra for premium features.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice
When deciding between the ACO and PRO, consider your specific needs:
- If you’re primarily a daytime shooter and don’t need night vision compatibility, the ACO will serve you well.
- If you frequently shoot in extreme conditions or need the extra durability, the PRO is the way to go.
- For those who hate changing batteries (don’t we all?), the PRO’s 30,000-hour battery life is hard to beat.
- If weight is a critical factor for your setup, the lighter ACO might be the better choice.
- Budget-conscious shooters will appreciate the ACO’s lower price point without sacrificing much in terms of performance.
Remember, the best sight is the one that meets your needs and that you’ll actually use. Both the ACO and PRO are excellent choices that will help you shoot more accurately and confidently.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a sight that’s built to last and perform when it counts. And isn’t that what we’re all after in our gear?
Happy shooting, folks! Until next time, keep your eyes on the target and your night vision clear!