The Aimpoint Pro is a popular choice among serious shooters, offering a robust, reliable, and battle-proven red dot sight. Its integration with a carry handle further enhances its appeal for those seeking a classic M16/AR-15 aesthetic or needing a higher mounting position. This guide dives deep into the Aimpoint Pro Carry Handle, exploring its features, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if it's the right optic for your needs.
Understanding the Aimpoint Pro and Carry Handle Integration
The Aimpoint Pro, known for its durability and exceptional battery life, is designed for demanding environments. Pairing it with a carry handle provides several key advantages:
- Increased Sight Height: The higher mounting point allows for better cheek weld and sight picture, especially when using magnified optics or other accessories alongside the red dot. This is crucial for maintaining proper shooting posture and accuracy.
- Classic M16/AR-15 Appearance: The carry handle setup evokes a classic military aesthetic, appealing to many shooters.
- Improved Co-Witnessing: With careful selection of a carry handle mount, you can achieve proper co-witnessing with your iron sights, offering a backup sighting system.
Key Features and Benefits of the Aimpoint Pro Carry Handle Setup
- Robust Construction: The Aimpoint Pro is renowned for its ruggedness, able to withstand significant recoil and harsh conditions. The carry handle, when chosen from a reputable manufacturer, complements this durability.
- Extended Battery Life: Aimpoint Pro's exceptional battery life minimizes the need for frequent battery changes, a crucial factor in tactical or long-range shooting.
- Reliable Performance: The Aimpoint Pro is a battle-proven optic, offering consistent and accurate performance in various environments.
- Versatile Mounting Options: Several manufacturers offer high-quality carry handle mounts, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Look for mounts with robust construction and precise adjustments.
- Improved Eye Relief: The increased sight height often improves eye relief, making the red dot easier and more comfortable to use, even for shooters with varying eye dominance.
Considerations Before Purchasing
- Weight: The addition of the carry handle and mount increases the overall weight of your rifle. Consider if the added weight is acceptable for your intended use.
- Cost: The Aimpoint Pro, along with a quality carry handle and mount, represents a significant investment. Budget accordingly.
- Compatibility: Ensure the chosen carry handle mount is compatible with both your Aimpoint Pro and your specific AR-15 or M16 platform. Check specifications carefully to avoid compatibility issues.
- Height over bore: The increased height over bore can impact your point of impact at longer ranges. Zeroing the optic properly is essential.
Choosing the Right Carry Handle Mount
Selecting the right mount is just as important as choosing the Aimpoint Pro itself. Look for mounts made from durable materials like aluminum, ensuring they are rigid and precisely machined for proper zero retention. Pay attention to the type of mounting system – picatinny rails are most common. Some manufacturers offer adjustable mounts that allow for cant adjustment to fine-tune the sight picture.
Conclusion: Is the Aimpoint Pro Carry Handle Right for You?
The Aimpoint Pro with a carry handle offers a compelling combination of classic aesthetics, enhanced sight height, and the proven reliability of the Aimpoint Pro optic. However, it's essential to carefully weigh the benefits against the added weight and cost. Consider your shooting style, intended use, and budget before making a decision. If you prioritize a robust, reliable red dot sight with a higher mounting point and appreciate the classic M16 aesthetic, the Aimpoint Pro Carry Handle setup might be the perfect solution for you.
