The Aimpoint Comp M4 sight is in my opinion and in many others’, one of the finest sights ever to be invented. It is a reflector or “reflex” sight, meaning it is a red dot type of optic. According to Aimpoint, it is the most rugged and most capable sight in their entire catalogue. The Comp product line began in 1993, with the release of the Aimpoint Comp red dot sight. The Comp was meant primarily for handguns, and though that particular model was discontinued in 1999, it went on to spawn many follow-up models.

The CompM4 is one of those follow-ups. It is issued to many infantry soldiers and law enforcement officers. It has proven itself in countless confrontations and military operations all over the world. More than 1 million units of the Comp sight series are still being used today. As optics technology advances even further into the future, Aimpoint is able to harness these technological advantages, shape them, mold them, perfect them – and brings us products which have the ability to reach more  types of shooters and weapons-enthusiasts.

Aimpoint Comp M4 Specs

the one the only
the one the only

Here are some of the CompM4’s technical specifications:

  • Magnification – 1x
  • Dimensions – L 4.7 x W 2.8 x H 2.3 inches
  • Weight – 9.4 oz. (including the battery)
  • Eye relief – unlimited
  • Housing – high-strength aluminum
  • Power source – 1 (one) AA battery (rechargeable, alkaline, lithium)
  • Battery life – approximately 80,000 continuous hours at normal temperature range
  • Submersible to a 150-foot depth
  • Mounts to any MIL-STD-1913 (picatinny) rail
  • Lens coating – Anti-reflex, all surfaces and multi-layer. NVD-Compatible 1, 2, 3
  • 9 daylight settings, 7 night vision settings
  • Type classified as the military’s new close-combat optic (CCO) – U.S. Army M68CCO

With the CompM4 red dot sight from Aimpoint, hitting the target becomes just about the easiest thing in the world (providing, of course, that you are within the appropriate range!). A red dot sight in itself is pretty straightforward, and with the CompM4 there is no room for error – put the dot on the target, and squeeze that trigger.

Launched in 2007, this sight was adopted by the United States Armed Forces. Civilians, law-enforcement officers, and military personnel have been taking advantage of the CompM4’s acute precision and versatility ever since.

This sight features a 2 minute of angle (MOA) dot, for close quarter battle (CQB) as well as longer-distance engagements. The dot is projected by use of a light-emitting diode (LED), so there is no danger to the eyes. (Check out our Trijicon reflex article for a look at another great CQB sight).

Comp M4 Compared to Comp M4s

M4 VS M4s
M4 VS M4s

One feature which really sets this optic apart is its battery life. Not measured in hours, or even days, but in years. This is partially why Aimpoint has such a great reputation. People in and out of uniform rely on these optics to perform when the chips are down. The CompM4 – and the rest of Aimpoint’s sights – is famous for never needing to be shut down. Just leave it on, and carry on with your day-to-day. Should the need arise, simply look into your sight. You will clearly see that red dot, glowing and ready for anything, in your chosen setting of brightness.

The battery compartment is what differentiates the two available CompM4 models – CompM4 and CompM4s. The CompM4 has a high battery compartment, and the M4s compartment has a low one. That is really the only difference between these excellent sights. Seems trivial, but it is one difference which matters. Depending on what other kinds of accessories you have (or plan on having) mounted on your rifle, the location of the battery compartment can be an asset or a liability.

As for the optic itself – the coating on the lenses allow for the clearest, most unparalleled transmission of light. You see a nice, sharp picture, and with the both-eyes-open technique it is essential that the picture is as true as can be. This is where you can tell the difference between a cheap optic and a quality one. Ultimately, it is all about the picture. It needs to be crisp and the Aimpoint CompM4 delivers just that.

The Price of Quality

Getting the Job Done!
Getting the Job Done!

Obviously, this comes at a price. These sights are expensive, but there is no reason why they should not be. You can’t expect to plunk down $50 or even $100, and get a high quality scope or sight. If you want quality and ingenuity which is built to last, you need to shell out some money. But it isn’t as if this money is going down the drain. Not by a long shot (see what I did there?).

This is a weapon’s optic we’re talking about here, and – whether you are an ordinary civilian or a uniform-wearing servicemen – you are purchasing it for a reason. Self-defense, tactical needs, hunting, competition shooting, training. When you buy an optic, you need to be able to count on it, and that is why we invest these amounts in our accessories.

This sight has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of around $900, and you will probably be able to find it for less than that, if you shop around a bit before purchasing.

The CompM4 fits perfectly with the 3xMag magnifier (also from Aimpoint), and there are those who make it a point to have them both on the weapon, working as one. Aimpoint is one of the best sight/scope options out there, and their 3x magnifier is used by many shooters.

Latest and Greatest

The Aimpoint CompM4s is the latest version of the U.S. Army´s M68CCO. The low battery compartment means that there is less clutter in your field of vision. However, each sight has its advantages. For some shooters, having a lower battery compartment gets in the way of manipulating their magnifier. It really is a question of personal preference and ease of use.

Both the CompM4 and the CompM4s are customizable. The standard mount and vertical spacer can be altered, all depending on the mission at hand. These sights are versatile and up for any task. Like all Aimpoint sights, these are parallax-free, built from durable materials. They are built  for harsh environments and weather conditions, they are  reliable, and they can help reduce the amounts of ammo used in training.

quality sights since 1974
quality sights since 1974

Aimpoint has been making quality sights since 1974. It released its legendary Electronic sight in 1975, and has not stopped wowing us with each new product they bring into the market. With so many aftermarket products available for so many weapons, it isn’t easy to stay on top of things, and to be fresh and innovative. But, Aimpoint keeps proving itself worthy of its many titles, awards, and military contracts.

An Aimpoint sight is guaranteed for 2 years (professional and competition use) or 10 years (personal use). If necessary, Aimpoint will repair the sight, and then send it back to the owner, free of charge. Just remember – if you happen to need customer service, remove any and all mounts or accessories which are not part of the original product

Aim well, hit hard.

Nate M.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *