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Eric
30 March 2011, 20:31
Aimpoint Press Release -Patrol Rifle Optic (http://www.aimpoint.com/fileadmin/uploads/Aimpoint_Online_Library/Press_Material_pdf/Press_Releases/USA/Press_Release_-_Aimpoint_PRO_Optic.pdf)

If your not familiar with the Aimpoint PRO, you probably are without actually knowing it. Absent the external markings, the PRO looks similar to the M2, ML2, M3, ML3, Comp3C and functions essentially the same. The PRO is built around Aimpoint's successful 30MM tube with a 2 MOA dot and a 3 year battery life. This optic is designed to left running for instant deployment without fumbling to turn it on. Despite the long battery life, it is advisable to shell out $5 once a year for a new battery. For those that need it, 4 NVD settings are provided, in addition to 6 daylight settings. It's also waterproof down to 150 feet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_0864BW.jpg

Unique to the PRO is that it's packaged to include Aimpoint's QRP2 mount, which is configured for co-witnessing of the iron sights on the AR15/M4/M16 platform. Also installed is a clear rear lens cap and a standard front cap, both of which are flip-ups.

I purchased mine through SKD Tactical (http://www.skdtac.com/) and it arrived within three days of placing the order. The packing included an interesting notation that it is for sale by authorized law enforcement dealers only.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_08482.jpg

The inside flap on the box had a sticker affixed to it that lists the features of the optic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_08542.jpg

The provided manual was for the CompM3/3L and a sticker to document the date of battery installation is included.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_08562.jpg

Aimpoint ships the PRO with the QRP2 mount already installed. Per Aimpoint, they use thread locker on the screws during assembly. The QRP2, like the original QRP, uses a torque-limiting knob that prevents over-tightening. The knob on the newer QRP2 does not protrude as much as the first QRP version, but I think that there is room to make it even more streamlined.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_08852.jpg

The PRO was mounted on a ban-era mid 90s Colt that was reworked into a patrol rifle configuration. The Gen-1 MBUS had plenty of room behind the optic. Once the PRO was in place, I adjusted the dot so that it was at the tip of the front sight post, when viewed through the irons. This put me on paper and 6 more rounds had my POI set for a 50 yard zero. Additional rounds over the next month verified that the POI remained consistent even after removal and re-installation.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_08742.jpg

At 50 yards I did not notice any appreciable shift in POI when the clear rear lens cover was in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Aimpoint/IMG_0181.jpg

There really wasn't anything remarkable to report. The PRO performed like any other 30MM tube Aimpoint that I have used. I've only been using the PRO for about a month, but I don't have any reason to believe that there will be any issues.

Now the best news. The Aimpoint PRO package has a street price of about $420...about half the price of an Aimpoint M4 and substantially less than similar Aimpoint models! This is a heck a deal for a top quality optic including the mount. Aimpoint has really hit a home run with this.

Eric
16 June 2011, 10:27
I had an inquiry if the included QRP2 mount retained zero after removal. I ran a few tests at 50 yards, using a series of 2" target dots. I ran two sets of 5 round groups, after each removal, and repeated this five times. I did not observe any obvious POI shift. While not a definitive test, it was adequate for my needs. I rarely find it necessary to remove an optic, but it's good to know that it will still get solid hits if the optic is removed and reinstalled.