Welcome to our comprehensive comparison of two exceptional red dot sight products: The Aimpoint Comp M4 and the Aimpoint Comp M5. As an enthusiast looking to optimize my shooting proficiency, I undertook this detailed exploration of the M4 and M5 to aid others who may also be on the fence about which model to choose.
Aimpoint Comp M4 vs M5: A Comparison Table
Here is a rundown of the key characteristics of both models:
| | Aimpoint Comp M4 | Aimpoint Comp M5 |
|—|—|—|
| Size | 130mm X 55mm X 55mm | 85mm X 40mm X 40mm |
| Weight| 264g (including mount and spacer) | 238g (including mount and spacer) |
| Battery Type | AA | AAA |
| Night Vision Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 80,000 hours | 50,000 hours |
An In-Depth Look at the Aimpoint Comp M4
As a shooter who prefers durability and long-term reliability in my equipment, the Aimpoint Comp M4 holds a significant appeal. The M4 is designed to offer excellent light transmission and is compatible with night vision devices, which earned this model serious points in my book.
M4: The Best Aspects
One factor that immediately makes the M4 stand out is its outstanding battery life. Offering 80,000 hours of operation, owning the M4 is like sporting an indefatigable partner on the field. As someone who never favors interruptions, the M4’s battery life is simply unbeatable.
The robust housing of the M4 is also worth mentioning. Crafted for meticulous operations and rough conditions, Aimpoint blessed this model with impressive resilience. I now realize that its rugged design was truly intended to surpass any environment obstacles.
M4: The Challenges
As substantial as the M4 proves to be, there were a few hitches. The major one for me was its size. When compared to the M5, the M4 is considerably larger and bulkier. Being quite heavy too, it wasn’t as smooth to manoeuvre as I had expected.
M4: Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Unbeatable battery life
- Robust design and high durability
- Night vision compatibility
- Cons:
- Relatively large and heavy
A Closer Look at the Aimpoint Comp M5
The Aimpoint Comp M5, on the other hand, is designed with portability and user-friendliness in mind. Despite its smaller size, the product performs without compromise in terms of light transmission and night vision compatibility.
M5: The Best Aspects
Undeniably, the major attraction of the M5 is its compactness. Smaller and lighter than the M4, handling it was a breeze. The M5 is a clear winner for close-quarter combat or home defense scenarios where speed and agility are vital.
Despite its smaller size, the M5 doesn’t lag in terms of battery life, offering a solid 50,000 hours. While the M4 might outshine it in this aspect, the M5 still offers a reliable operation without frequent battery changes.
M5: The Challenges
Despite its compactness, I took a while to get used to the M5’s smaller controls – especially after being accustomed to the M4’s larger and more tactile controls.
M5: Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Solid battery life
- Night vision compatibility
- Cons:
- Smaller controls may take getting used to
Final Thoughts:
As difficult as it was to choose between the two, the overarching comparison between the Aimpoint Comp M4 and M5 boils down to the prospective user’s preferences. The M4 is designed for long-lasting, rugged use, while the M5 offers convenience and lightweight handling. Both products impressively meet the demands of various shooting scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should rest on your personal shooting style and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Aimpoint CompM5 and CompM5b?
The main difference between Aimpoint CompM5 and CompM5b is the battery compartment location. The CompM5b has a battery compartment on top of the sight, allowing it to be co-witnessed with backup iron sights. The CompM5, on the other hand, has a lower battery compartment, making it more suitable for use with magnifiers.
2. What is the difference between Aimpoint CompM4 and CompM4s?
The Aimpoint CompM4 and CompM4s are very similar but have one key difference. The CompM4s includes a low battery compartment, which makes it compatible with the Aimpoint 3X magnifier. The standard CompM4 does not have this feature.
3. Is the mount for Aimpoint Comp M5 the same as the one for T2?
No, the mounts for the Aimpoint Comp M5 and T2 are not the same. While they have a similar design, the Comp M5 uses a proprietary LRP mount, and the T2 utilizes a standard Micro interface mount.
4. What is the most durable Aimpoint sight?
The most durable Aimpoint sight is arguably the Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic). It is built to withstand extreme conditions and has been tested to survive being submerged up to 45 meters. The PRO also features a robust aluminum housing for maximum durability and reliability.
5. How long does the battery last in an Aimpoint CompM4?
The battery life of the Aimpoint CompM4 depends on the brightness setting used. At the highest setting, the battery can last up to 8 years of continuous use. However, when set to a lower brightness level, the battery can provide approximately 30,000 hours of use.
6. Can the Aimpoint CompM5 be used with night vision devices?
Yes, the Aimpoint CompM5 is compatible with all generations of night vision devices. It has an adjustable intensity setting that allows it to be used in conjunction with various night vision equipment.
7. What is the size and weight of the Aimpoint CompM4?
The Aimpoint CompM4 has a length of 4.7 inches and weighs approximately 9.3 ounces (including the mount). It is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for tactical use with minimal impact on weapon balance.
8. Does the Aimpoint CompM5 come with a killFlash anti-reflection device?
No, the Aimpoint CompM5 does not come with a built-in killFlash anti-reflection device. However, Aimpoint offers a separate accessory called the ARD (Anti-Reflection Device), which can be purchased separately and installed on the CompM5.
9. Can the Aimpoint CompM4s be used with both eyes open?
Yes, the Aimpoint CompM4s is designed for both-eyes-open shooting, which allows for improved situational awareness and faster target acquisition. The large viewing window and unlimited eye relief of the sight make it possible to maintain peripheral vision while aiming.
10. Is the Aimpoint CompM5b compatible with all Picatinny rail mounts?
Yes, the Aimpoint CompM5b is designed to be compatible with any Picatinny rail or similar mounting system. It has a standard 30mm tube diameter, allowing it to be easily mounted on various firearms with the appropriate Picatinny mount.