Letters - Aimpoint Comp: A Dot For Every Need

A reader says Aimpoint offers an MOA dot size for everyone.

As the owner of an Aimpoint Comp, kindly allow me to correct some errors in your review of the Aimpoint Comp. A telephone call to Aimpoint revealed that the adjustable polarizing feature found on the Aimpoint 5000 is also available for an additional $10 for the Comp.

You seemed to downgrade the Aimpoint because of the 10-MOA dot size. Aimpoint Comp offers four dot sizes; 3 MOA, 7 MOA, 10 MOA, and 15 MOA. In view of the fact that you priced the Aimpoint Comp at $308, with the additional polarizing filter costing $10, the Aimpoint Comp, even at $318 is less than the Gilmore Red Leader at $319.95, offers the lightest weight of all the red dots tested, and is extremely compact in size.

I feel you owe it to your readers to inform them of the additional information on the Aimpoint Comp. Thank you for your consideration and attention.

-Ben Ritter
Rockville, MD

Seeing Dots
During Bullseye Matches
As a Bullseye competition shooter and an owner of three Aimpoint 5000 sights, I found your article on red-dot sights in the July 1997 issue to be informative and enlightening. However, when you were discussing your “Operational Evaluation,” you failed to mention at what range (sight to target), these tests were made. I would be interested to know if the 0.1-inch-per click data were taken at 25 yards.

I have been using my sights for two years and have had problems with the dot varying in intensity between shots. As a Bullseye shooter this can be unnerving during timed and rapid fire. Cleaning the battery and contacts with a pencil eraser helps for a short time, but I think Aimpoint needs to address this problem and come up with a fix. I own a Laser Dot sight that is quite inexpensive compared to the Aimpoint that does not have the same problem.

Your publication is very informative, and I am glad I have continued my subscription. I realize that Bullseye shooting is becoming more esoteric with each passing day, but any articles concerning the sport would be appreciated.

-Bruce Murphy
Tucson, AZ

Yes, the accuracy data was collected at 25 yards. Also, cleaning the contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol can remove corrosion and grime that the pencil eraser can’t.

Seeing Red Over Red Dots
I don't feel that in the red-dot story (July 1997), writer Brandon Marler did enough research into the Aimpoint models. Yes, the Aimpoint Comp(silver) has a 10-MOA dot and is best for Action shooters, although several Bullseye shooters I know, including myself, like the big dot for bullseye. There is an Aimpoint Comp (black) model available with a 3-MOA dot. I have one on my model 41 S&W. The 5000 you wrote about is meant for rifles, as is stated in Brownells catalog.

If you do want a long and ugly item for your pistol, buy a Tasco Pro Point 3 for $100 less than the 5000, or an Ultra Dot for even less. Most Bullseye shooters are still using the 1-minute Ultra Dot that sells for $100 retail and works.

-Roger Konstanzer
La Mirada, CA

Needs National Match Rifle
Being a newcomer to Performance Shooter, I find the equipment comparisons and recommendations unusually direct and most useful. Keep up the good work.

I have recently taken up NRA National Match type target shooting again after a long absence. My standard Springfield M1A provides good results, but I am considering something more capable, possibly Springfield's Super Match M1A.

Within this price range, can you recommend an alternative rifle, in .223 or .308 cal., from a production company or semi-custom shop?

Your comments would be most welcome. Thanks for your time.

-Paul Durning
South Bend, IA

Check the article on AR15s in next month’s issue. There’s a wide price range of products covered there.

What Happened To The S&W?
I just received my second issue and was thrilled to see on the cover that three leading .44 magnums were being compared. I was especially interested in the Ruger/Smith & Wesson comparison since I am researching which one to purchase. However, though the article began by stating that all three guns would be compared, the S&W was not mentioned again. If this is not a misprint, could you please tell me how I can get the data. I'd love to see it.

-B. Wade Estes
Modesto, CA

The Smith & Wesson material appears in this issue. Last-minute production changes required us to move that gun evaluation back a month.

Federal Classic .22’s Number
On page 10 of the January 1997 Performance Shooter, in which you reviewed the accuracy of several pistol ammunitions, you gave a lot number for Federal Classic, but not the catalog number. What is the catalog number for the lot you tested? Thank you for your help.

-Bill Deutsch
via Internet

The catalog number of the ammo we tested is 710.

Also of interest is this news from Federal: Blount International, Inc., has signed a letter of intent to acquire Federal Cartridge Company from Pentair, Inc. Both companies anticipate that the acquisition will be completed in the third quarter of 1997. Federal Cartridge employs approximately 900 people at its manufacturing plants in Anoka, Minnesota, and Richmond, Indiana. The Blount Sporting Equipment Group manufactures and markets nearly 9,000 separate items associated with small-arms ammunition, reloading equipment, sports optics, and hunting and fishing outdoor accessories under such brand names as: CCI, Blazer, Lawman, Gold Dot, Nitrex, Outers, Ram-Line, RCBS, Speer, Simmons, Weaver, and others. Perhaps coincidentally, Federal has withdrawn its support of the U.S. Shooting Team.

Handgun Comparison Critique
Concerning your handgun comparison in the June 1997 issue, I would like to offer some comments:

1) The Cimarron Model P does not have a case-color finish on the cylinder as stated.

2) In 40 years of shooting I have never come across a Ruger Old Model, Colt Single Action Army, or replica thereof whose cylinder rotated in both directions. If it does, the springs are broken. Only the custom sixguns from sixgunsmiths such as Hamilton Bowen, Jim Stroh, and John Linebaugh have this feature.

3) Finally your editorial in the same issue says "...and match them up apples to apples." The Model P is a replica of a design from the 1870s; the Vaquero is thoroughly modern. Definitely a comparison of oranges and apples.

-John Taffin
Boise, Idaho

Our test gun, which was loaned to us by a shooter who said the gun was stock, did indeed have a case finish on the cylinder. The cylinder also rotated as we described. Likewise, since we have seen both guns used in Traditional cowboy shooting matches, we think they are matched up appropriately.

Don’t Say The “W” Word
The term weapon keeps popping up in every publication I read. Have we all been so brainwashed that we no longer call them shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers? Even just guns? It seems that if we keep calling them weapons, we are playing into the anti-gun agenda. If it’s a weapon, it only has one purpose. That’s to kill people! Much easier to legislate against if everyone believes this.

Brings to mind the story of boiling a frog, doesn’t it?

-Jim Vaughn
via AOL

Since the firearms we review in Performance Shooter are mostly competition models, we avoid using the “w” word.