History of Aimpoint & The Comp M4/M5

Published on July 21, 2018
Duration: 20:05

The Aimpoint Comp M4 and M5 evolved from commercial hunting sights, retaining the 30mm tube for mount compatibility. Key advancements include highly efficient LEDs extending battery life to 50,000 hours and a decoupled rheostat design to prevent flicker from impacts. The M4's larger tube offers superior light transmission for passive night vision compared to the M5's smaller footprint.

Quick Summary

Aimpoint's Comp M4/M5 sights use highly efficient, miniaturized LEDs that direct 100% of their output, enabling battery lives up to 50,000 hours. A decoupled rheostat design with intentional play prevents impact shocks from causing dot flicker, enhancing durability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Comp M4/M5 & Battery Shift
  2. 01:47Early History: Aimpoint 9000 & Commercial Roots
  3. 03:02Military Adoption & 30mm Tube Legacy
  4. 04:41LED Efficiency & Extended Battery Life
  5. 08:05Durability: Rheostat Design & Impact Resistance
  6. 11:33Comp M4 vs. M5: Tube Size & NVG Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Aimpoint switch to AA/AAA batteries for the Comp M4/M5?

The shift to AA and AAA alkaline batteries was driven by airline transport safety regulations concerning lithium batteries. It also improved military logistics, as these battery types are more readily available in the field.

How does Aimpoint achieve such long battery life?

Aimpoint utilizes highly efficient, miniaturized LEDs that direct 100% of their output, unlike cheaper optics that waste power. This drastically reduces energy consumption, enabling battery lives of up to 50,000 hours.

What makes the Aimpoint Comp M4/M5 durable against impacts?

These sights feature a decoupled rheostat knob with intentional mechanical play. This design prevents impact shocks from directly transferring through the adjustment stem to the internal electronics, thus avoiding dot flickering.

What is the advantage of the Comp M4's 30mm tube over the Comp M5's smaller footprint?

The larger 30mm tube on the Comp M4 provides superior light transmission. This is a significant benefit when using passive night vision devices, such as a PVS-14, behind the optic.

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