MAY 25, 2021

Pistol Optic, Revisited

Aimpoint image.

In 2018, Aimpoint released their Acro enclosed red dot sight designed for use on handguns. The closed design keeps debris, moisture, etc. from blocking the ’emitter’ and preventing use of the sight in battle. It looked like a pillbox atop the pistol and it wasn’t a ’good look’ for some of us. That said, the durability and protected aspect of the optic likely made it the best option for a professional pistol RDS in terms of working in adverse conditions.

Aside from the ’look’ – the Acro has a similar footprint to open-emitter RDS, but it’s taller -- there was the battery life issue. Yesterday, Aimpoint provided a press briefing, run at 7AM Central time, followed by a consumer webinar to announce a new product. They announced the Acro P-2 red dot sight. This new version features ”an improved LED emitter” giving a brighter dot with less power required. Adding power provided by the ”higher capacity” (and readily available) CR2032 battery, the combination yields five years -- 50,000 hours -- of constant-on power. The battery is enclosed in a side-mounted battery compartment; you don’t have to remove the optic to replace the battery.

The battery is sealed inside the optic – the access port is sealed also, keeping water out. Being able to change the battery without removing the optic prevents the need to re-zero after a battery change.

Aimpoint addressed the power issue this way: ”The Acro P-1 utilizes a CR1225 with a 2-year run time and the Acro P-2 is powered by a CR2032 battery with a 5-year run time.” The new LED projects the 3.5 MOA dot, they explained, while using less current.

Assuming the durability stays in place, that likely puts the Acro on top of the small ”professional grade enclosed emitter red dot sight” products available. The briefing, conducted by Duane Buckner, Aimpoint trainer, announced the company’s ”search for perfection” in combat grade optics. The P-2 has the same size and weight as the legacy Aimpoint device at the same price point.

Like the P-1, the body is composed of 7075-T6 aluminum and the new device features a redesigned keypad. The keypad has tactile feedback for zero adjustments, and prevents ”accidental” adjustment.

The sight has ten intensity adjustments.

Looking over the press briefing document, there’s some interesting information for those of us who assume that “the battery-operated device will fail in combat (or other critical use).”

They have perfected a small, pistol-sized sight that’s fully enclosed in an aircraft-grade aluminum body, submersible to 115 feet. The battery is sealed inside the optic – the access port is sealed, keeping water out. Being able to change the battery without removing the optic prevents the need to re-zero after a battery change.

If the body is tough, what about the glass? The company told us about hardened front and rear glass lenses. The front is flush-mounted. If there’s mud or moisture fouling your view, wipe it off – it’s that simple. According to the literature – and I don’t doubt it – the sight is still operational even if the lens is shattered.

Testing included the typical shock, freezing – and heat -- temperature changes, impacts – and over 20,000 rounds of 40 S&W through a pistol upon which the sight was mounted, with about 7,400 Gs of force. Got a 9mm service pistol? That generates around 3,000 to 4,000 Gs of force.

Rack the slide by pressing the optic against a table or door frame? Aimpoint says the Acro P-2 can handle it. They even have Larry Vickers to drop it, run over it, slam it around – and blow it up – like he did the Acro P-1.

While it’s a handgun optic, it can be employed on carbines, shotguns or used as a backup sight for magnified scopes. Adapter plates for pistol mounting are available through Aimpoint and their authorized dealers.

The company already lists items like flip-up lens covers, ARD integrated flip-up lens covers, adapter plates, and mounts available for the new sight. The MSRP is $599.00.

Using online information delivery, like this webinar, takes the place of trade shows that haven’t been happening. Aimpoint is the latest of companies using this avenue for consumer product releases.

And we’ll keep you posted.

-- Rich Grassi