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Posted: 6/4/2009 3:04:33 PM EDT
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I am thinking of an Aimpoint for my LMT carbine...
1. Why the M3 instead of the M2 ? 2. What mount do you like for piccy rail with either? 3. How does co-witness with Irons work with these sights.... I will have a flip-down front and rear, as I have an Adams Arms gas block up front... 4. Do all models of AimPoint have the same dot appearance? Pictures anywhere? thanks |
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Well the big difference between the 2 is battery life. The M2 is rated for 10,000 hours and the M3 is rated for 50,000. The M2 is rated to a depth of 75 feet and the M3 is rated to 135 feet. The M2 is only available with a 4MOA dot and the M3 can be had with either a 2MOA or 4MOA dot. The M3 comes with a rubber cover.
All that said...you really have no reason to buy a M3 or M2 over a ML3 or ML2. All the optics will work with NVD. I'd spend my money buying a ML3 with 2MOA dot if I was you. |
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There are several EXCELLENT tacked threads in this optics forum you really must see. A few with the word "Aimpoint" in the title and the other with some reticle shots which are nice.
- ML3 has 2MOA dot and longer battery life than the 4MOA M2. M2 may not even be sold anymore. - LaRue mount LT150 or cantilever LT129. ADM is also worth a look, but I only have experience with LaRue. - 1/3 cowitness is the way to go, but matters even less if you only have flip up BUIS. Here's a great run-down and the C3 is gonna be the best value IMHO: Aimpoint Options:
No need for deep diving or NV, and on a budget? Aimpoint C3 Need a deeper waterproof rating? Aimpoint ML3 Need the deeper rating and NV? Aimpoint M3 Need the most robust and bomb-proof sight Aimpont has ever made? Aimpoint M4 or M4s Need a compact and/or lightweight solution without the need to dive or NV? Aimpoint H-1 Need a compact and/or lightweight solution and you dive with it or need NV? Aimpoint T-1 Good luck. ETA: dang! Beat by 40 whole seconds! 
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I have both. I don't know whether Aimpoint actually changed anything but the advertising when they introduced the M3. I can tell you that the battery life of an M2 is better than 10,000 hrs. My M2's been on for about 3 years - still looks bright.
The real advantage of the M3 is the 2MOA dot, if that's what you're after. Price difference isn't huge. And I really don't care that the M3 can handle an extra 50 feet of submersion. If mine gets to 70' of water I'm screwed anyway. Same goes for my wrist watch. Sam |
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Quoted:
Well the big difference between the 2 is battery life. The M2 is rated for 10,000 hours and the M3 is rated for 50,000. The M2 is rated to a depth of 75 feet and the M3 is rated to 135 feet. The M2 is only available with a 4MOA dot and the M3 can be had with either a 2MOA or 4MOA dot. The M3 comes with a rubber cover. All that said...you really have no reason to buy a M3 or M2 over a ML3 or ML2. All the optics will work with NVD. I'd spend my money buying a ML3 with 2MOA dot if I was you. I totally agree with you on giving the nod to the ML3 w/ 2MOA over an M2. HOWEVER, it doesn't matter how "low" you turn it down, running an illuminated optic that is not designed for night vision will burn an image into your NVD and ruin it, FYI. |
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I own two of the M2 on two rifles. They are copies of each other. I run the Wilcox Mount. They have never given me any problems. Than again I don't run Ops in the Sandbox. I have never thought "Man I wish my M2 did that thing like the M3 did".  I say get the one you feel better about getting. If you want to save money get the cheaper one. If money is not an issue get the most expensive. |
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correct information about Aimpoint sights.
Here I made it easy for you. I told someone else here earlier today that the C3 is a great sight for the average shooter. You really can't go wrong with any model Aimpoint some are just better than others as far as battery life goes. The submertion level and NV settings are pretty much a moot point for 99% of the people on this board....including me.
I run micros though. 
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I'm running an ML3 2MOA in a Burris XTR ring. Durable, highly water resistant, holds zero, excellent battery life.
I could not justify the cost of an M4, but I do not use my rifle every day to protect my life or the lives of others. YMMV. A friend has the same sight in a LaRue cantilever mount and he's very happy with his. You can't go wrong with LaRue mounts. |
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