Red dot sights are quickly becoming the go-to optic for modern sporting rifles like the AR 15. For close to moderate range shooting they are perfect. There are a lot of good red dot sights out there, but the best red dots have long been considered Aimpoint optics. These tough as nails optics are compact, made for war, and perfect for a wide variety of guns. The US Army is currently running Aimpoints, as well as special operations units around the world.

These optics are the absolute best red dots for sale today, and we are going to be looking at two of the most popular Aimpoint red dots and compare and contrast them. Who will win in the battle of Aimpoint Comp M4 vs Pro? Let’s find out!

The Comp M4

The Comp M4 is best described as the flagship of the Aimpoint line. It has been adopted by the United States Army and has served around the world and in two wars. The Comp M4 is a well-proven optic that can do just about anything from duty to home defense and even hunting.

The Pro

The Aimpoint Pro or Patrol Rifle Optic is an optic designed for police use specifically. The idea was Aimpoint could create an affordable optic for cash-strapped police departments. They wanted an optic fit for duty use that could be affordable for police departments around the country.

Aimpoint Comp M4 vs Pro – What They Have in Common

The first thing they have in common is that they are both obviously red dot sights. This makes them simple and easy to use. They both sport 2 MOA red dot reticles that are very sharp. Even when they are tuned to a higher level of brightness, the dots remains crisp and clear.

The 2 MOA size makes it easy to engage targets out to 200 yards, and the dot is small enough to avoid obstructing the target. Both optics are also full-sized red dots.

Both optics are also made from a hard, anodized aluminum alloy housing. This means they are sturdy enough to take a beating and are waterproof up to 150 feet. These are seriously robust optics. Both have threaded front lens openings to allow the attachment of anti-reflective devices and both can be used on flat top or carry handle AR 15/M16s.

Both optics are even compatible with night vision devices.

Lastly, the Aimpoint Comp M4 and the Aimpoint Pro are both compatible with a variety of Aimpoint accessories, which we will talk about later.

Aimpoint Comp M4 vs Pro – Where They Differ

The first and most noticeable difference is that the optics have different settings for brightness levels. The Aimpoint Pro (see full specs) has four settings for night vision use and six settings for daylight use. The Comp M4 (see full specs) has 7-night vision settings and nine daylight settings. Both offer a good variety of selection when it comes to settings.

Another big difference is battery type and battery life. Let it be known that both last close to forever off a single battery. The Pro uses a little less common 3-volt lithium 2L76 or DL1/3N battery and will last three years on a single battery. The Comp M4 uses a much more common AA battery and will last up to 80,000 hours on a unique quality AA battery. That translates to 8 years of always on. The Comp M4’s longer life and more common battery give it a slight advantage over the Aimpoint Pro.

The Pro is approximately 2 ounces lighter than the M4 when you count the entire system to include a mount. The Comp M4 is a little longer, but less than half an inch in length overall. These optics are remarkably similar, but one of the most significant differences is going to be the price.

Aimpoint Comp M4 vs Pro – Where They Differ Price

Price wise the Aimpoint Pro (read reviews) is much more affordable than the Aimpoint Comp M4. The Comp M4 (read reviews) is a warfighting optic and therefore is usually priced at around two times the cost of the Aimpoint Pro (though price fluctuations do happen). The Aimpoint Pro is a fantastic optic, but it’s made for the streets of Baltimore, not the streets of Baghdad.

If I just wanted something simple to hunt, shoot, and defend my home with, I’d go with the Aimpoint Pro. If I wanted something because I knew I was going to a firefight, I’d take the Comp M4 based on its reputation and long life of service.

Both optics represent the best in their class potential, and best in class isn’t synonymous with cheap.

Aimpoint Comp M4 vs Pro — Accessories

Aimpoint produces a wide variety of accessories for their red dots, and both the Pro and the Comp M4 are compatible with the following.

The Magnifier

If you want to extend the effective range of your red dot and rifle an Aimpoint 3x magnifier will get the job done. Placing this behind your red dot will give you what amounts to a fixed power scope. It flips off to the side when it’s not needed. Magnifiers are another common part you’ll see among US Servicemen and women.

If there were one accessory, I’d suggest it would be a magnifier. It eliminates most of the downsides of a red dot with hardly any extra weight or bulk added to your gun. The Aimpoint brand magnifier is just as capable and rugged as any other on the market.

 

Aimpoint ARD (see full specs): A standard issue with using optics is the glare that can give away your position. If your scope is reflecting sunlight, you’ll be spotted in an instant. The Aimpoint ARD screws into the optic and eliminates glare without compromising vision.

Concealed Engagement Unit (see full specs): This unique addition to your Aimpoint works like a periscope. It allows you to shoot around corners though instead of seeing above you. This will enable you to remain behind cover and scout or engage an enemy as you see fit.

Regardless of what you choose you to know you are getting a good optic. Aimpoint made the very first red dot and had been trusted by generations of members of the armed forces to get the job done. These optics are second to none in the red dot world, and their long track history of success is evidenced enough of that. Good luck!