Apart from heavy firearms, the Aimpoint red dot sight has been one of the most recognizable pieces of ballistic equipment in the past 25 years. The red dot sight is a great accessory for many different firearms, including rifles like M1A, M16 and archery bows. Keeping in trend, the Aimpoint Line has continually improved the product, releasing the Aimpoint M2 and M3 variants. In this article, we will compare Aimpoint M2 and M3 sides by side to help you decide which one is best for your setup.
Design
The Aimpoint M2 and M3 both have a lightweight aluminum body that has been ruggedized for different weather conditions. They each feature a 9-position rheostat adjustment for brightness, and a focus adjustable objective lens. The M3 has a more modern design than the M2, and is slightly lighter at 130g, compared to the M2’s 150g. They share the same modular design and are both compatible with add-ons, such as laser and Picatinny rail accessories.
Both red dot sights offer extraordinary precision and accuracy, and can easily be adjusted with a user friendly interface. The new M3 offers an improved accuracy with a wider field of view and a distance adjustable lens. However, the M2 has better durability, being 30% stronger than the M2 and offers a brighter dot sight.
Price
In terms of price, both the M2 and M3 are slightly more expensive than the average red dot sight. The Aimpoint M2 typically retails for about $400, while the M3 retails for about $500. This is a relatively small difference in price, and depending on your budget, either model can fit your needs.
It is important to keep in mind that both the Aimpoint M2 and M3 are well worth the money, and their high-quality construction and accuracy will last for years. Additionally, their modular design allows for a wide range of add-ons for a more custom setup.
Battery Life
The Aimpoint M2 and M3 are also equipped with long-lasting batteries that allow for extended field use. The M2 features an improved battery with a 30,000 hour (3.45 year) life span, and the M3 has a longer lasting 50,000 hour (5.72 year) battery. Both of these models are compatible with a variety of battery sizes such as AA, C or CR123A.
The M3 has the advantage in terms of battery life due to its newer, higher capacity batteries. However, if you plan on using the red dot sight casually or for shorter outings, the M2’s extended battery life will not be a problem.
Dot Size
When it comes to the red dot itself, both the M2 and M3 feature an adjustable 2 MOA dot size. For precision, the M2 offers an even more adjustable 1 MOA dot, which the M3 does not. This makes the M2 more suitable for close range hunting or target shooting.
However, the M3 compensates with its wider field of view, which allows the user to see further and faster. This makes the M3 a great choice for long-range shooting or scanning a large area.
Mounts
The M2 and M3 both come with a standard Weaver/Picatinny mount that allows for quick and easy installation on most firearms. The M2 also includes a variety of additional mounting accessories such as an integrated quick release mount, an offset rail mount, and an angled rail mount.
The M3 comes with all of the same options, with the added convenience of an auto shut off feature. This feature will automatically turn off the red dot sight after 8 hours of inactivity, and can be enabled or disabled by the user.
Durability
Durability is a key ingredient when looking for a red dot sight, and the Aimpoint M series line offers exceptional resilience. Both the M2 and M3 are waterproof up to 10 meters of depth and are certified to survive shock and rapid temperature changes. This makes both models great for extreme environments, and reduces the worry of damage.
The M2 and M3 are both backed by Aimpoint’s lifetime warranty, so any defect or malfunction will be covered by the company.
Conclusion
Overall, the Aimpoint M2 and M3 offer exceptional accuracy, durability and customization options. The M2 is the better option for close range precision, while the M3 offers better battery life and a wider field of view. Ultimately, the better choice depends on the user’s needs and preferences.
Whether you choose the M2 or M3, you will be getting a quality red dot sight that is designed to last. Keep in mind that both models are guaranteed to perform to the highest standard, and no matter which you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Summary
The Aimpoint M2 and M3 red dot sights are both exceptional pieces of ballistic equipment that offer a variety of features and customization options. The M2 offers superior close range accuracy, while the M3 has a longer lasting battery and a wider field of view. Ultimately, it will depend on the user’s needs and preferences.
Both models offer high quality construction and come with Aimpoint’s lifetime warranty, so you can trust that your red dot sight will be reliable and durable. No matter which model you choose, you will be getting a quality piece of equipment that will last for years.