Aimpoint ACO Vs PRO: Battle of the Red Dots in 2023

Greetings, Fellow Marksmen! Join me in this riveting face-off between two stalwarts of the red dot sight world – the Aimpoint ACO and PRO. If you’re familiar with the world of firearms, you’ve undoubtedly heard the name Aimpoint. Known for their craftsmanship and dependability, these two red dot sights offer outstanding performance across a spectrum of shooting scenarios.

As a seasoned shooter with extensive experience wielding both the Aimpoint ACO and PRO, I’m here to guide you through a comprehensive comparison that’ll assist you in making an informed decision. We’re diving deep into the attributes, pros, and cons of each sight in this battle of red dots to help you zero in on the perfect fit for your needs. Let the showdown begin!

Core Specifications

Specifications	Aimpoint ACO	Aimpoint PRO
Magnifications	1x	1x
Configuration	MIL-STD 1913 Rail	MIL-STD 1913 Rail
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Eye Relief	Unlimited	Unlimited
Dot size	2 MOA	2 MOA
Optical coating	Anti-reflection (AR) coating	Anti-reflection (AR) coating
Battery	DL1/3N (3 V)	DL1/3N (3 V)
Dimensions	4.7 x 2.2 x 3.0 in	4.8 x 1.9 x 1.9 in
Brightness Settings	10 DL	8 DL, 2 NV
NVD compatible	No	Yes
Battery Life	1 Year	3 Years
Weight	6.7 oz	6.8 oz
Weight (With Mount)	10.6 oz	12.7 oz
Water Resistance	5 m (15ft)	45 m / 147 ft

What Sets Aimpoint PRO and ACO Apart?

Let’s kick things off by outlining the key differences between the Aimpoint ACO and PRO:

• Cost: The Aimpoint PRO commands a higher price tag compared to the ACO.
• Battery Life: The Aimpoint PRO boasts a longer battery life, stretching up to 3 years, while the ACO offers up to 1 year.
• Durability: The PRO takes the crown for being more rugged and robust.
• Size and Weight: The ACO is lighter and more compact than the PRO.

Feature Comparison

Durability:

Both the Aimpoint ACO and PRO are celebrated for their durability. The PRO, tailored for law enforcement and military use, has faced grueling tests including immersion in 150-foot deep water, extreme temperatures, and powerful recoil. Its battery can endure up to 30,000 hours. The ACO, designed for carbines and similar firearms, has undergone shock and recoil resistance tests and offers a respectable 10,000 hours of battery life. While both excel in robustness, the PRO wins the durability round due to its ability to tackle even more challenging environments.

Reticle:

Both red dot sights sport a 2 MOA dot reticle, delivering a clear and precise aiming point. Users can adjust the brightness of the illuminated dot as per their preference. It’s a draw here; the ACO and PRO offer identical reticle designs.

Size and Weight:

While the ACO and PRO vary slightly in dimensions and weight, they share the goal of being compact and lightweight, making them popular choices for carbines. The ACO measures 4.7 inches in length and weighs around 6.7 ounces, featuring a 30mm sight housing diameter. On the other hand, the PRO stretches to 4.8 inches and weighs about 6.8 ounces. Although the PRO is marginally heftier, it remains a small and lightweight rifle optic. Here, the PRO snags the win.

Lens and Glass Clarity:

Both optics offer top-notch lens quality, ensuring exceptional visibility and clarity. The Aimpoint ACO features a multi-layer anti-reflection coating on the front lens, enhancing light transmission, minimizing reflections, and providing a crystal-clear image. The rear lens is equally coated for an outstanding image quality. The Aimpoint PRO takes it a notch higher with multi-layer anti-reflection coating on both front and rear lenses. This added feature, along with a unique front lens design, offers a sharp, clear image even at the edges of the field of view. The PRO clinches this round with slightly superior glass clarity.

Power Source:

Both the ACO and PRO run on a single 3V lithium battery. The ACO’s DL1/3N battery can endure up to 10,000 hours at medium brightness, while the PRO’s DL1/3N battery boasts a whopping 30,000 hours at medium brightness. With easily accessible and replaceable batteries, it’s a tie.

Brightness Settings:

The ACO boasts 9 daylight illumination settings and 1 extra bright setting, offering flexibility to adjust reticle illumination according to ambient light conditions. The PRO takes it up a notch with 8 daylight brightness settings and 2-night vision settings, ensuring optimal performance in various lighting scenarios. The PRO emerges as the victor in the brightness setting battle.

Windage and Elevation:

Both sights offer precise windage and elevation adjustments. The ACO provides 1/2 MOA adjustments for elevation and windage, maintaining a high degree of precision. Each click represents a 1/2 MOA adjustment. The Aimpoint PRO matches this precision with 1/2 MOA adjustments for windage and elevation. Both optics sport secure adjustment knobs that prevent accidental shifts, ensuring precise shots. This round ends in a draw.

Mounting Options:

The ACO includes a fixed-height mount that attaches to a Picatinny or Weaver rail without additional hardware. This low-profile mount keeps the optic close to the bore axis, enhancing accuracy and minimizing parallax. Some users, however, may prefer a taller mount for an improved cheek weld. The PRO’s mount, also fixed-height, mounts to a Picatinny or Weaver rail, but it’s slightly taller than the ACO’s, making it a matter of personal preference. Another tie in this category.

Price:

The prices of Aimpoint ACO and PRO may vary based on vendors, ongoing sales, or discounts. Generally, the ACO is more budget-friendly compared to the PRO. The Aimpoint PRO typically ranges from $450 to $550, whereas the Aimpoint ACO is priced between $400 and $500. This round goes to the Aimpoint ACO for offering a more affordable option.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Aimpoint ACO:

• Built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Waterproof and shockproof.
• Simple, user-friendly design.
• Parallax-free aiming.
• Relatively affordable.

Cons of Aimpoint ACO:

• Lacks magnification (1x sight).
• Features a fixed red dot reticle.
• Limited windage and elevation adjustments.
• Comparatively large and heavy in the red dot sights market.

Pros of Aimpoint PRO:

• Crafted from high-strength aluminum.
• Simple, user-friendly design.
• Extended 30,000-hour battery life.
• Parallax-free red dot reticle.
• Compatible with night vision devices.
• Affordable.

Cons of Aimpoint PRO:

• Limited magnification (1x sight).
• Equipped with a fixed red dot reticle.
• Slightly restricted adjustment range.
• Relatively larger and heavier in the red dot sights market.
• Uses a less common DL1/3N battery.

Final Thoughts

In the grand finale, both Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO emerge as praiseworthy contenders, each excelling in specific aspects. The ACO caters to those in need of a compact and affordable optic, with a dependable 2 MOA dot reticle for precise target acquisition. On the flip side, the PRO steps up the game, offering an extended battery life, enhanced sight housing, and a more sophisticated 2 MOA dot reticle, ideal for a wide array of shooting scenarios.

Ultimately, the decision boils down to your unique preferences. Opt for the ACO if you’re seeking a budget-friendly, compact optic. If you desire a versatile optic armed with cutting-edge features, the PRO might just be your perfect match. Choose wisely and let your red dot journey commence! Happy shooting!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is Aimpoint ACO or PRO better suited for hunting applications?

Both Aimpoint ACO and PRO are suitable for hunting due to their precise reticle and durability. The choice depends on personal preferences, with PRO offering an extended battery life, making it great for longer hunting trips.

2. Can Aimpoint PRO hold zero after intense recoils?

Yes, Aimpoint PRO is designed to maintain zero even after experiencing strong recoils. Its durable construction and precise adjustments ensure consistent accuracy under demanding shooting conditions.

3. Which Aimpoint sight is better for professional law enforcement use?

Aimpoint PRO is often preferred for law enforcement due to its rugged build, compatibility with night vision devices, and long-lasting battery life, making it reliable during extended duty hours.

4. Are the Aimpoint ACO and PRO compatible with astigmatism?

Yes, the red dot reticles in both ACO and PRO are beneficial for individuals with astigmatism. The dot provides a clear aiming point without distortion often experienced with other sights.

5. Can Aimpoint ACO or PRO co-witness with iron sights?

Yes, both ACO and PRO allow for co-witnessing with iron sights. Co-witnessing provides redundancy and allows quick transition between the red dot and iron sights if needed.

6. Is the Aimpoint PRO night vision compatible?

Yes, the Aimpoint PRO offers night vision compatibility, providing versatility for users needing to use the optic in low-light or night-time conditions.

7. Can the brightness settings on Aimpoint ACO and PRO be adjusted on the fly?

Yes, both ACO and PRO allow users to adjust brightness settings on the go, ensuring optimal reticle visibility based on changing lighting conditions during shooting.

8. Is the Aimpoint PRO mount height adjustable for a better cheek weld?

The Aimpoint PRO comes with a fixed-height mount. While it may not offer height adjustability, users can opt for aftermarket mounts to achieve their desired cheek weld.

9. Are the lenses in Aimpoint ACO and PRO scratch-resistant?

While the lenses in Aimpoint ACO and PRO are of high quality, they are not scratch-proof. It’s advisable to use lens protection or covers to prevent scratches and maintain optical clarity.

10. Can I use Aimpoint ACO or PRO on shotguns or high-recoil firearms?

Both ACO and PRO are designed to withstand recoil from various firearms, including shotguns. They can be used on high-recoil firearms without losing zero or durability.