Aimpoint Micro T-1 Tactical Red Dot Sight Review
When it comes to red dot sights that are built for adverse conditions, the Aimpoint Micro T-1 Tactical Red Dot Sight comes to mind. It is waterproof up to 80 feet, a feat rarely seen on a red dot sight this size. And with 13 brightness settings, there is plenty of room for adjustment when the conditions don’t match.
Mounting is made easy with the included picatinny mount, made to fit various models across the industry. This is a night vision compatible optic that can be used in conjunction with thermal imaging optics or larger magnifying scopes.
There is no one universal red dot sight for doing this, but in test, this was one of the more compatible sights available. Although it is compatible with all night vision devices, it reaches its maximum potential when used with 3rd generation night vision. Users can be sure that the most crisp and easy to make out image will be delivered through the lens based on the current technology.
The unit is made to use the highest possible brightness while using the least amount of energy while other light is filtered and used simultaneously through the unit. At 3.7 ounces it is one of the heavier red dot sights on the market, almost doubling some of its rival’s weight without providing the same durability. Windage and elevation are easily adjustable through the current system and the unit provides unlimited eye relief.
Using a single CR2032 battery offers 5 years of continuous use, a pretty decent amount considering the price of the sight which is on the high end. This unit is one of the most compatible ones that can be bought, and pretty much works with anything else out there.
In cases where needed, a small adapter can be used to piggyback this to a different device to expand on its functionality, making it 500% more of a valuable product. There lies the strength of this product, in its ability to work well with other quality products so the user can decide on exactly what he wants in the end.
Some of the better ideas are on YouTube showing mashups of this unit with others, and the pros and cons of each. If you’re a user with a lot of shooting equipment lying around the house, and looking into a new red dot sight, this makes the most sense as it will blend in with the current tools in the home.
Accuracy
Most red dot sights have adjustable windage and elevation controls, but the specialty of the Aimpoint Micro T-1 Tactical Red Dot Sight is the ease of use on the fly. In heavy situations applying the adjustments are so easy a beginner could grasp it on the first day.
The extreme compatibility with other scopes and night vision optics gives this a leg up in the accuracy department, as it can technically be paired with the best scope or night vision equipment on the market.
The level of customization that is available with this unit is limitless and means it can be built for short range influence or long range. The coating on the lens also helps with accuracy by reflecting the dots selected frequency of red light as close to perfect as possible under the current conditions.
This is a beast when it comes to adapting to the surroundings, and with how well it plays with other products there is a lot of fun for creative shooters. Co-witness is supported better with this red dot sight more than any other currently made, and without all the extra bulkiness there is plenty of room to perform. This is as accurate as a compact red dot sight can get without sacrificing functionality.
Features
Being waterproof up to 80 ft. would definitely qualify as a killer feature, which also means this device is protected from adverse conditions. It’s safe to say that the device is fully waterproof, and its durability is safe to be tested out in bad weather.
The lens coating isn’t just the regular garden variety, but a cutting edge coating that improves shapes and images in a way that no other red dot sight has before. Light transmission has been improved in this product, more so than any in Aimpoints lineup.
Wide compatibility allows it to be used on shotguns, rifles, archery tackles or even handguns. Dual flip up lens covers are provided, and both of them are transparent.
This product is very durable, the turrets are reinforced for protection and damage prevention. A standard but worthwhile 1x parallax free optic and included weaver or picatinny base styles are a worthwhile addition for shooters to appreciate. Installing takes just minutes, and in the case of the experienced user won’t even need documentation.
With the ACET technology onboard the batter runs for 5 years of constant operation, and has the options of 1 off position and 12 daylight settings. With the use of an adapter, can be piggybacked on bigger magnifying optics to make the ultimate all in one tool.
Accessories
The included accessories are pretty straightforward, it contains the flip-up transparent covers, a single lithium CR2032 battery, and a micro tool for adjustments. Adjustments that can be made with the tool are windage and elevation, tightening or removing a sight, and tightening and removing the battery cap.
The adapters to make it compatible with other optics is sold separately and easy to find online. Piggybacking is quite intuitive and a lot easier than it looks or sounds, and should be available for all levels.
Disadvantages of Aimpoint Micro T-1 Tactical Red Dot Sight
The price is on the high end, to the point that a user can get a comparable scope and red dot combo for the price of this one red dot sight. Is extremely compatible, to a fault, as an adapter is needed in order to make the correct transition. This is easy enough to set up, but in some rare cases, may result in a messy workaround in order to get everything in order.
Not a huge fault, but it is optimized to work with all night vision technology but only uses its full potential when using 3rd generation night vision technology. Those with older models of night vision won’t get the same benefits as those with an up to date version. This product isn’t extremely heavy, but is on the heavier side of comparable models at 3.7 ounces which would qualify as double the weight in some cases.
Battery is a non-standard version that will most likely have to be purchased from the website, and even with a long runtime of 50,000 hours there is the added inconvenience of when it does run out and not having a spare. The unit ships with a mount that can be removed, and in the case where it isn’t needed the user will have to manually make the adjustment.
Most important functions are on the same knob, notably brightness, and the on/off switch. So setting everything up while turning the knob can be a real pain, and slows things down if you’re in a pinch. Going from off, to on, and to the highest brightness level can take considerably more time than most users think.
Summary
This is a really good unit, with a surprising price as it is missing some really notable features concerning automation and control. The most important features are still there, and they literally are mind blowing in comparison to other units.
Being waterproof is one of those important features mentioned, and it only gets better from there with Aimpoints great warranty and customer support. The housing is more damage resistant than it is given credit for, even if it isn’t made from the same material as an aircraft.
This is also an updated 2015 unit that has heaps of praise on it already, something to keep in mind if you’re a user that likes to stay up to date with the latest materials. The settings can be a bit cramped on the single knob, which seems a bit archaic, but they are definitely powerful when in use. The extreme compatibility of this unit with other types of equipment is something that isn’t often seen, and should be praised.
It plays well with other devices with barely any effort, which only speaks volumes about the design team and how they future proofed the device. There are other devices with the same compatibility, but none that are this close to perfect as the Aimpoint Micro T-1 Tactical Red Dot Sight.
