Aimpoint CompM

August 2002
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Aimpoint CompM™: Performance Enhancer

The use of red dot optics to increase combat effectiveness

By Jeff Gonzales

Will an electronic device relying on battery power be effective and reliable under arduous conditions? We have seen optical devices used in combat dating back more than fifty years. These optical devices lacked modern technology, durability and compactness yet servicemen somehow seemed to perform with them beyond standards. Today's new technologies allow us to have more compact and lightweight units that are impervious to the elements, and utilize better electrical components that maximize battery load life.

As with any instrument that requires electric power to operate, electronic optical sights have limitations, but understanding these limitations, and placing them in the right context, will help us to discover a greater appreciation for them. Electronic optical sights can be more forgiving of operator error than traditional iron sights, and they can increase combat effectiveness when employed within their limits. Though they rely on electric components and battery power, electronic optical sights can enhance performance and provide a greater certainty of success.

The electrical/battery dilemma seems to have concerned many. Having a delicate or sensitive optic can be an invitation for problems, but today's modern "red dot" optics, specifically the Aimpoint CompM™, are not delicate nor sensitive. The red dot optic is only as rugged as both the platform it is placed on and the mount used to attach it to the platform. Having said that, looking at the CompM™'s anodized, 100% waterproof aircraft aluminum housing, it is rugged. Forgetting for a moment that the device has been tested and evaluated for service with elite military units under extreme conditions, what can law enforcement and private citizens expect? They can expect a durable shell housing reliable circuitry that is more than adequate for daily use. If you expect to drop, impact, submerge or neglect the unit it will still perform to your expectations. If you expect to abuse the unit, do not expect anything to live up to your expectations, which is common sense.

Power sources and battery drain have been the bane of existence for every electrical system. With a battery life of 100-1,000 hours (which we consider a conservative estimate) depending on the brightness setting, the CompM™ is long lasting. The single 3-volt Lithium battery makes for a trustworthy battery source. Lithium has long been regarded as a powerful battery source with an impressive shelf life. Battery manufacturers are producing more powerful and longer lasting batteries that merely compliment the systems they power.

As with any battery-powered piece of equipment, prudence demands we maintain a readily available spare battery. Optical sights are no different; after all, we probably already carry plenty of spares for our flashlights, which, seem to swallow them as if they were free candy. GG&G of Tucson has addressed this issue with their CompM™ Mount. A spare battery compartment with spare battery cover is located on the mount. In addition, the mount is robust, helping to mate a rugged platform to a rugged optic. It is secured to the platform with a quick detach thumbscrew that elevates the unit, thus reducing the amount of clutter in the field of view. Elevating the unit so it sits above the front sight keeps the field of view clearer, helping to speed up target acquisition.

Having a set of backup iron sights or being able to use the issued iron sights is imperative. If a dead battery or damage to the unit is experienced, being able to effectively engage threats with the backup sights is vital. Backup sights that do not clutter the field of view are preferred. In combat situations, stopping to set or flip-up the backup sights is not always possible. Using the optical tube as an expedient rear aperture is effective and quick. Centering the front post in the tube provides a utilitarian sight alignment until time or the situation permits us to employ the backup sights. This method can be employed out to 25 yards and even further depending on the operator's skill. If we look at battery failure as a malfunction, one we might experience much the same as ammunition, and immediately transition to the front sight/tube combination, is it faster than attempting to perform an immediate action drill. If we had to choose a malfunction to have, this would be it.

Zeroing the unit is very easy. The removable adjustment caps have a lanyard to keep from losing them. The adjustment markings are user friendly and easy to read, and the knobs provide positive tactile and audible clicks that confirm movement. Adjustments can be made with a coin or similar object. When zeroing, choose a distance that will be applicable to the platform's mission and follow the manufacturer's recommended zeroing procedures.

An expedient zeroing method is to mount the weapon using the backup iron sights. Then, while viewing through the sights, have another person manipulate the adjustment knobs to center the red dot above the front post.

Live-fire validation to confirm the zero is necessary, but when impractical the field expedient method is a good alternative, provided the iron sights were zeroed properly. Using the field expedient method also reduces the number of rounds necessary when zeroing.

The unit holds its zero very well after being removed and reinstalled using the GG&G mount. My experience has revealed insignificant differences in point-of-aim/point-of-impact at typical combat distances.

Removing the unit for cleaning or periodic maintenance is possible, but not necessary. If the unit is damaged to the point the zero is altered, it may be necessary to not only question the optic, but the platform as well. Damage so extreme is rare and the weapon condition may not indicate a loss of zero. If a reasonable doubt exists and time and situation permit, you can confirm the position of the red dot in relationship to the front post by using the field expedient method. Keep in mind that knowledge of an altered zero may not be present based on the weapon's condition alone. It is a good idea to regularly check the zero using the field expedient method.

The accuracy of the unit is dependent on the shooter’s abilities. It is reasonable to expect 3 MOA groups at 100 yards with a skilled shooter. Group size is also largely dependent on shooter skill, but different size dots help achieve greater accuracy. The CompM™ comes in 3, 7 and 10 MOA dot sizes. 3 MOA equates to 3 inches at 100 yards and 10 MOA dot equates to 10 inches at 100 yards. The smaller dots have an innate ability to be more accurate, but larger dots provide faster acquisition at close ranges. It boils down to a balance of speed with accuracy for the particular situation.

The "red" dot aids in visibility and the different levels of brightness intensity ensure we can see the dot under any conditions. Another useful feature is that certain models come with a "reverse switch." This switch provides the user with the brightest setting when the unit is turned on. In reduced light situations the brightness can be toned down to avoid a blurry dot or the overflow common with too bright a setting. However, when used in conjunction with a high intensity light the overflow disappears and the dot becomes more focused.

A great benefit to the CompM™ (and similar red dot optics) is the ability to quickly acquire the target. Since the unit exhibits a parallax-free reflex system and unlimited eye relief, the shooter merely places the dot where he wants the bullet to impact. There is no need to align a front and rear sight; instead one simply places the dot and presses the trigger. This also contributes to greater accuracy as there are fewer variables to account for, specifically the alignment of the front and rear sight or a sloppy mount. The shooter can either focus on the dot and see the threat blurry or focus on the threat and see the dot blurry. Both techniques can be learned easily with appropriate instruction and practice.

This unit and similar ones are best used with binocular vision. The benefits to binocular vision in combat situations are many, but a few are greater field of view, balance, depth perception, and increased effectiveness on the move and against moving threats. The CompM™ takes advantage of these benefits by allowing both eyes to be open to better manage your environment, but can still be used with monocular vision for those who have difficulties adapting.

Speed is relative, but forgiveness is priceless. The real advantage to the CompM™ is when the shooter mounts the weapon imperfectly. With unlimited eye relief the distance between the dot and the shooter’s eye can vary and not affect bullet impact. If you can see the dot through the tube and superimpose it on the threat you can get good hits. Finding yourself in non-standard shooting positions, ones you can expect in real world encounters when using different forms of cover, there will be no problem with the parallax-free reflex system. Again as long as you can see the dot and the target through the tube you are good to go. Additionally, with unlimited eye relief, departments no longer have to worry about different users experiencing different points-of-impact. As long as the optic was properly zeroed, the point of impact will have subtle differences between individuals but not enough to make a difference at typical combat distances.

In conclusion, if we put many of the perceived disadvantages into proper context, the advantages stand above them. Yes, the CompM™ works and it does so very effectively. Technology has produced some formidable arguments for the use of electrical devices relying on battery power. For rapid engagements, they allow quick target acquisition and positive anytime "red" dot visibility. A rugged housing and reliable circuitry helps ensure they will be around when we need them. The parallax-free viewing with a less than perfect mount and easy zeroing procedures help increase our chances of hitting. All of which amount to an improved overall system. As long as we understand the capabilities and limitations of both the optics and the platforms they reside on, we can more effectively engage threats in dynamic situations, thus increasing our certainty of success.

Jeff Gonzales is Director of Training, Trident Concepts Research Group and a former U.S. Navy SEAL.

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