The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has made the news once again, as one of the largest American Federal law enforcement agencies has selected the Aimpoint Micro Sights for their elite units. Aimpoint is one of the world’s leaders in holographic optics (often referred to as red dot or reflex sights), and their selection is just one more nod of recognition for their superior products.
The Aimpoint Micro Sights are a combination of the latest technology in holographic sights, with the major push in the market to reduce the size and weight of the optic. The Aimpoint Micro Sights will be a fantastic addition to the Bureau’s arsenal in combating terrorism, organized crime, bank robber, and drug trafficking organizations.
From the Aimpoint Press Release:
Federal Bureau of Investigation selects Aimpoint Micro® Sights for use by elite teams
Chantilly, VA – November 23, 2015 – Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in electronic red- dot sighting technology, has announced that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now issuing Aimpoint Micro Series Sights to agents in the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Defensive Systems Unit (DSU).
The FBI conducted rigorous testing on optics from a wide variety of manufacturers. Following this selection process, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 and Micro H-2 were authorized as issued optics. The Micro T-2 was chosen for use by the HRT, and the Micro H-2 was selected by the DSU.
Contracts were awarded via competitive bidding process, and Aimpoint Dealers began shipments to the FBI in July, 2015.
For more information on Aimpoint or the Aimpoint Micro T-2 or Micro H-2, visit the company’s webpage at: www.aimpoint.com.
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 (photo from Aimpoint)
Aimpoint Micro T-2
Aimpoint used feedback from professional shooters in designing the T-2 to excel in the harshest conditions. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00QJAH4TA” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Aimpoint® Micro T-2[/easyazon_link] uses cutting edge lens coatings to improve the shape and clarity of the 2 MOA red dot, and incorporates a reinforced housing body to build up durability. The T-2 comes with flip-up covers to protect the multi-coat lenses when the sight is not in use.
Aimpoint also decided to improve upon the optical performance of the sight with a new lens and an important breakthrough in reflective lens coatings. With these optical advancements the Micro T-2 and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B001UIU6HI” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]3XMag magnifier[/easyazon_link] become a fantastic optical combination.
The Aimpoint T-2 red dot optic (photo from Aimpoint).
Micro T-2 Features
- Advanced optical lenses for better light transmission
- Front Flip-up lens cover included
- Transparent rear Flip-up lens cover included
- Reinforced protection of the turrets for greater ruggedness
- Adaptive for rifles, carbines, shotguns, submachine guns, and handguns
- 1X (non-magnifying) parallax free optic
- Compatible will all generations of Night Vision Devices (NVD)
- Off position, 4 night vision compatible settings, 8 daylight settings – one extra bright for use with laser protection glasses or in bright desert sunlight
- Integral Picatinny-style base
- ACET technology allows 50,000 hours (over 5 years) of constant operation on (1) battery
- Available in 2 or 4 MOA dot size
- Hard anodized non-reflective finish
- Submersible to 80 feet (25 meters)
- Designed to work with larger magnifying, thermal, or night vision optics.
The Aimpoint T-2 is perfect for carbines or sub-guns (photo from Aimpoint).
Micro T-2 Specifications
- Housing Material – High strength aluminum, matte black, hard anodized coating
- Mount Material – High strength aluminum, matte black, hard anodized coating
- Length – 2.7 inches (3.1 inches with lens covers)
- Width – 1.6 inches
- Height – 1.4 inches (1.9 inches with Picatinny mount)
- Weight – 3.3 ounces
- Aperture – 18 mm
- Power Source – (1) [easyazon_link identifier=”B0002DSVS8″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]CR-2032 3v Lithium battery[/easyazon_link]
- Power Duration – (5) years of continuous on-mode
- Elevation & Windage Adjustments – 1/2 MOA at 100 yards
- MSRP – $850.00.
The Aimpoint H-2 is similar to the T-2 optic (photo from Aimpoint).
Aimpoint Micro H-2
The [easyazon_link identifier=”B016P3B7PC” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]Micro H-2[/easyazon_link] is a result of feedback coming from “hard-core” customers desiring an even more “hard-core” Micro sight. The H-2 also comes with a redesigned and reinforced housing body, and flip-up covers protecting the lenses, so the Micro H-2 can withstand all types of environmental conditions. The new optical lenses and cutting edge lens coatings, provide superior optical performance, with the shape and clarity of the red dot being significantly improved.
Micro H-2 Features
- Integral Weaver and Picatinny-style base
- ACET technology allows 50,000 hours of operation on one battery
- Improved optics to increase the light transmission, the red dot is more distinct and clear
- (2) MOA dot size
- See through flip-up lens covers
- Fully waterproof
- Patent pending mount is keyed to the sight body to absorb recoil
- Stainless steel “[easyazon_link identifier=”B00K3263WY” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]helicoil[/easyazon_link]” threads to prevent damaging of threads of the mount
- Precision adjustment for windage and elevation: top of protective caps fits into holes on adjustment screws – no other tool required
- (12) settings for use in daylight and low light conditions.
The Aimpoint H-2 with closed lens covers.
Micro H-2 Specifications
- Housing Material – High strength aluminum, matte black, hard anodized coating
- Mount Material – High strength aluminum, matte black, hard anodized coating
- Length – 2.7 inches (3.1 inches with lens covers)
- Width – 1.6 inches
- Height – 1.4 inches (1.9 inches with Picatinny mount)
- Weight – 3.3 ounces (4.6 ounces with mount and lens covers)
- Aperture – 18 mm
- Power Source – (1) [easyazon_link identifier=”B00K63J6R4″ locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]CR-2032 3v Lithium battery[/easyazon_link]
- Power Duration – (5) years of continuous on-mode
- Elevation & Windage Adjustments – 1/2 MOA at 100 yards
- MSRP – $780.00.
Final Thoughts
The selection of Aimpoint sights for the FBI’s most elite units is another big endorsement of the quality of Aimpoint optics. Both the T-2 and H-2 provide high durability and highly advanced lens coatings for superior optical clarity and glare reduction. Aimpoint was the first “red dot” optic, and has maintained a powerful presence in this technical accessory field ever since. The battery technology of the Aimpoint sets the industry bar for excellence.
In nearly 20 years of law enforcement, and over 13 years in tactical team assignments, I have yet to hear a significant negative comment about an Aimpoint optic. Anything negative has usually been focused on the single dot configuration, which is highly preferred by many shooters, while some prefer a cross-hair or outer circle design (like EOTech).
AUTHOR’S NOTE: My Department is in the process of purchasing new patrol rifles to replace older ones that have completed their service. In the bidding process, the Firearms Section selected the Aimpoint H-2 as our new reflex optic. Previously we used [easyazon_link identifier=”B001C0PUDY” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]EOTech optics[/easyazon_link], but we had an older, no longer issued, model that ran the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00451ZTBA” locale=”US” tag=”bluesheecom-20″]N-batteries[/easyazon_link] parallel with the bore.
Those EOTech optics were good optics, but we did have a few issues with sights turning off/on from recoil. In addition, we found the very expensive N-batteries to have a very short life span. Though the Aimpoint H-2 optics are more expensive than the EOTechs, the savings in batteries alone will more than offset the price difference.