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AIMPOINT
COMP M
Recently,
The United States Army went looking for a reflex site for
both the M-16A2 rifle and the M-4A1 carbine. After some
stringent testing the contract was awarded to Aimpoint for
their Comp M and it was designated the M68 sight for close
quarters combat. The M68 sight is a reflex (non-telescopic)
sight. It uses a red aiming reference (collimated dot) and
is designed for the "two eyes open" method of sighting.
The "two eyes open" method allows for quick acquisition
of the target with a high hit probability. Most everyone
is familiar with how a red dot scope works, so I won't ramble
about that any longer.
What I will ramble about will be the extraordinary features
of the Aimpoint Comp M.
Foremost, the Comp M features 10 switch settings which gain
in intensity, the first two being Infrared-Red. For the
grunt in the field, this means he can use the reflex sight
while wearing his night vision device. Aimpoint uses a double
front lens that eliminates parallax that is seen so often
in other red dot sights
Secondly ,the mounting units for the Comp M allow for rapid
installation and removal from the weapon both on the M-16
and the M-4. The mount for the M-16 carrying handle allows
iron sight usage.
The Army has finally accepted the usefulness of both eyes
open sights. They will see a definite decrease in target
acquisition and possibly in quick fire type accuracy.
The
only problem that is foreseen with the use of electronic
scopes……BATTERIES. 1) are they going to be removed from
the sight when the weapon is turned in to prevent the
battery from dying? 2) if so what happens when the soldier
forgets to grab one on the way out? 3) is the transition
from red dot to iron sights going to be practiced? Face
it the batteries will die when your in the field and
need it most. None of these questions are Aimpoints
problems and are not meant to detract from their product
in anyway.
The Army has guaranteed the purchase of 80,000 units and
has the option of purchasing 20,000 more. The Aimpoint
M68 sight is available through the NSN listing and has
a few different options such as dot size ( 3 , 7 or 10
MOA) and with or without the I.R. settings. More information
can be found at
www.aimpointusa.com.
As Aimpoint says" When conditions won`t permit second
chances, when the life of shooter depends upon the shot,
count on the Comp M series. The U.S. Army does!".
By: Ron England
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