US Army M68 Close Combat Optic aka Aimpoint CompM Series

Published on March 16, 2026
Duration: 19:46

This video details the evolution of the Aimpoint Comp M series, from its origins in competition shooting to its adoption as the US Army's M68 Close Combat Optic. It covers key upgrades like night vision compatibility, ruggedization, improved battery life, and design changes to address field failures, culminating in the Comp M4.

Quick Summary

The Aimpoint Comp M series, adopted by the US Army as the M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO), evolved significantly from its origins. Key models include the Comp M, Comp M2, and Comp M4, each introducing improvements in ruggedness, battery life, and night vision compatibility.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:03Introduction to Aimpoint Comp M Series
  2. 00:00:22US Army Trials for Close Combat Optic
  3. 00:01:14Origin: Aimpoint 5000 and Competition Use
  4. 00:02:27Military Modifications for the Comp M
  5. 00:03:18Night Vision Compatibility Challenge
  6. 00:05:14M68 CCO Adoption and Early Production
  7. 00:06:47Improved LED Technology (XD)
  8. 00:07:25Picatinny Arsenal Ring Mount
  9. 00:08:27Field Use and the Comp M2 Development
  10. 00:09:02Comp M2 Improvements: Ruggedness and Finish
  11. 00:11:08Comp M2 Electronics and Dot Size
  12. 00:11:42Civilian and Law Enforcement Variants (ML2, C2)
  13. 00:12:12The Aimpoint Comp M3
  14. 00:13:14Development of the Comp M4: 10-Year Battery Life
  15. 00:13:53Comp M4: AA Battery Housing and Ruggedization
  16. 00:15:43Comp M4: Redesigned Power Knob
  17. 00:17:11Comp M4 Battery Compartment Placement
  18. 00:18:18Comp M4 Lens Cover: Kill Flash
  19. 00:18:55Aimpoint's Military Impact and Future
  20. 00:19:34Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aimpoint Comp M series and its military designation?

The Aimpoint Comp M series refers to a line of red dot sights developed by Aimpoint. The US Army adopted the initial model as the M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO), which was the Aimpoint Comp M.

What were the key improvements in the Aimpoint Comp M2 over the original Comp M?

The Comp M2 featured a more rugged housing with the inner tube fully contained, a rubber strap replacing the wire retainer, and hard anodizing for increased durability. It also used improved LED technology for longer battery life.

How did the Aimpoint Comp M4 improve upon previous models?

The Comp M4 introduced a AA battery housing for significantly extended battery life (around 10,000 hours), a redesigned power knob to prevent breakage, and further ruggedization of the housing and turrets.

What technical challenges were overcome for night vision compatibility in the Comp M series?

A major challenge was developing a lens coating that could reflect the red LED reticle while simultaneously allowing visible and infrared light to pass through for use with night vision devices.

What is the significance of the M68 CCO designation?

The M68 CCO is the US Army's official designation for the Aimpoint Comp M series of red dot sights, signifying its adoption as a standard optic for close combat engagements.

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