Field Test: Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic

For officers looking for fast deployment of the patrol rifle in an emergency, the optic arrives with a transparent flip-up rear lens cover that allows the operator to use the optic with both eyes open and both covers closed.

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With the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO), it took just eight 5.56mm rounds to sight in my SIG 556 Patrol carbine.

Once I had the red-dot reticle adjusted to match the brightness of the sunlight, all I had to do was place the perfectly illuminated red-dot reticle on target and squeeze the trigger.

What makes the Aimpoint PRO so versatile and easy to deploy is a spacer that adjusts the height of the optic. This spacer and quick-release mount allow you to co-witness the optic with a variety of rifles with a high fixed-front-post sight or folding iron sights.

The optic also employs an integral mounting system that's firmly attached to the body of the optic. The benefit of using a one-piece design that has a built-in mount means that the Aimpoint PRO will remain firmly secured to the accessory rail atop your rifle, so you can maintain accuracy (zero) when you acquire and engage targets.

Aimpoint specifically designed the PRO for law enforcement agencies and officers, keeping the cost down without cutting back on overall quality or ruggedness. They achieved this by using the company's still-innovative, existing circuitry technology. As the guts of the optic, this circuitry makes it possible for officers to use the red-dot optic with a 2 MOA illuminated reticle that's rated to power the optic on a single battery for three years or 30,000 hours of continual use.

The PRO is compatible with all generations of night-vision devices and can be used with Aimpoint's 3XMag if you wish to use a magnified optic. The front and rear lenses are recessed within the sight body to protect against eye impact injuries and damage to the lenses.

For officers looking for fast deployment of the patrol rifle in an emergency, the optic arrives with a transparent flip-up rear lens cover that allows the operator to use the optic with both eyes open and both covers closed.

The PRO also has a torque-limiting twist knob designed to place the required level of pressure on the mounting rail to prevent damage caused by over-tightening. Recessed front and rear lens openings protect against impact damage, scratches and fingerprints.

Officers who may use the PRO in a marine environment will be glad to hear the optic is water-resistant to 150 feet. This could come in handy if your optic-equipped rifle lands in the water.   

The news keep getting better. Aimpoint, which unveiled the optic at SHOT Show 2011, is reportedly selling the PRO at a law enforcement price that's under $400 dollars.

Related:

SHOT Show 2011: Aimpoint Announces Patrol Rifle Optic

About the Author
Nick Jacobellis Headshot
Special Agent (Ret.)
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