But which one to choose? Which would win the Battle of Aimpoint Pro vs T Optics? Continue reading to find out.
Aimpoint T1 Specs
The Aimpoint T1 is the miniature tactical optic from Aimpoint. This little guy is designed for tasks where a big optic is just too much. It’s small, reliable and made to last. It weighs only 3.7 ounces and it runs off a simple 3V battery. The mount is built into the optic and can attach to picatinny rails. The battery will last for 5 years of continuous use. The T-1 can be submerged to 80 feet and still function. You can choose between a 2 MOA dot or a 4 MOA dot.
Aimpoint Pro
The Aimpoint PRO, or Patrol Rifle Optic, is a slightly larger optic that is designed for police agencies on a budget. The PRO is priced to move, but it’s still a high-quality optic. It’s twice the weight of the T1 and weighs 7.8 ounces. The Pro uses a 2 MOA dot and the same 3V battery. It will last 3 years of continuous use on a single battery. The Pro can be submerged to 150 feet and still function.
What They Have in Common
Both optics are easy to mount and easy to adjust. Both are backed by an outstanding warranty. Both have adjustable reticles and can be adjusted manually. Sighting in the optics is easy, and both use similar windage and elevation layouts.
So, which one is better? Or more importantly, which one is for you?
Aimpoint Pro vs T1 Round 1: On a Carbine
A carbine is a light and handy rifle that’s designed to fire an intermediate cartridge in a semi-automatic fashion. The best example of a carbine is the AR 15, with a close second being the AK 47. These rifles are designed to be used at anywhere from 300 to 500 yards and mounting a red dot optic makes it possible to hit targets at longer ranges.
Because carbines aren’t trying to be the smallest gun on the planet you can toss on a larger optic without worrying too much about bulk. The larger Aimpoint Pro (see full specs) lends itself better to the carbine than the miniature T1. You can add a magnifier (like the Aimpoint 3X Magnifier) to take advantage of that longer-range capability. A 3x magnifier gives you the ability to use the Pro as a more traditional scope. Then half a second later you can flip the magnifier out of the way to go back to a red dot.
On carbines like the AR 15 and AK, you can cowitness with the Pro without having to purchase an additional riser. The larger overall nature of the optic means the sight picture isn’t clogged up by a front sight. On the AR you can cowitness with front and rear sights, and on the AK you are isolated to just the front sight.
In the end, the Aimpoint Pro is the overall better choice if you are mounting your optic to a carbine.
Aimpoint Pro vs T1 Round 2: On a Shotgun
The shotgun is a close-range powerhouse that is designed to lay down a full payload of lead with each pull of the trigger. Shotguns are best used within 50 yards and inside that range are hard to beat. The close-range nature of shotguns means the addition of a magnifier isn’t a concern you need to have. Cowitnessing isn’t a major concern either because the dead optic is enough of a sight to work with a 12 gauge shotgun.
A larger size optic is faster to get behind in general, but the Pro is made for a rifle. It’s the name of the optic so it sits a bit higher than you need it to. The T1 Sight (see full specs) is smaller and more agile. It’s lighter weight and sits a lot lower than the Pro. This is a hard call to make because both offer advantages.
I am going to have to say this is a tie. If you are using a shotgun with a traditional straight stock, I’d use the Aimpoint T1. It’s lower and more comfortable to get behind. If you are rocking a shotgun with a pistol grip and stock that resembles a carbine style grip and stock you would be better suited with the Aimpoint Pro (read the reviews).
Aimpoint Pro vs T1 Round 3: On a Handgun or Submachine Gun
The fact the Aimpoint Pro is designed for a rifle almost disqualifies it off the bat from this category. It’s larger which is great because it’s easier to get behind, but it’s also heavier on weapons designed to be lightweight. Handguns and submachine guns really don’t need a magnifier, so the Pro is basically tossed out on its head. It would work on a submachine gun, but the T1 would work better.
The Pro is way too big for a handgun, but the T1 sight (read the reviews) is perfect on an automatic or a revolver. The T1’s smaller size and lighter weight keeps the guns more maneuverable and gives them a lower profile when carried in a holster. The Aimpoint Pro is a great optic for a lot of different purposes, but it’s not functional here.
The Aimpoint Pro is mounted too high to cowitness on these guns too. The T1’s miniature size keeps things nice and light, and takes less rail space to mount. The smaller the gun, the less space available and submachine guns and handguns tend to be smaller guns. The T1 is the clear winner here.
Aimpoint Pro vs T1 Conclusion
The Aimpoint T1 and Aimpoint Pro are both outstanding optics. They are designed to function in and out of combat, competition, and hunting. They have their differences, and both have specific roles they fill well. If you are trying to choose one over another it’s wise to look at the platform you are planning to use it on. That’s going to be the biggest deciding factor. Good luck!
