Aimpoint ACRO C-1

Introduction of Aimpoint ACRO C-1

Aimpoint is a Swedish company with more than 40 years of experience in the field of red dot sights. At Shot Show 2019, they presented their brand-new Acro P-1, an enclosed red dot sight primarily designed for pistols. They marketed the dot as suitable for professional use. At IWA 2019, Acro C-1 was unveiled. They’ve used the same form factor, but there are some minor differences in software and durability because C-1 is going to be launched on the civilian market.

Interested in Aimpoint ACRO C-1?

Aimpoint ACRO P1 vs C1

Let’s start by pointing out the differences between P-1 and C-1. At Aimpoint’s press conference, we were told that there are only 3.

• • The first one is software-related – both sights have 10 illumination intensity levels to choose from, but P-1 has four suitable for night vision while C-1 offers two (the rest are for daytime use).
  • The second and third differences are durability-related. Since P-1 is for professional use, it is submersible to 25 meters of depth and tested to withstand temperatures from –45°C to 71°C. C-1 can be submerged to 5 meters of depth and continue to operate normally at temperatures as low as –30°C and as high as 60°C. Since C-1 is for civilian use, these characteristics are more than satisfactory.

Watch our video about Aimpoint Acro P-1 & C-1

Everything else is the same. Aimpoint ACRO C-1 is a compact, enclosed reflex sight designed to be used on pistols. Looking at it, we could say that it is a hybrid between an open reflex sight and a small tube sight. With it, Aimpoint is bringing major changes to the market of red dot sights for pistol users since it looks nothing like what we are used to.

Steiner introduced a similar sight some time ago (MRS), but it is not as a compact which is why it is limited to use on rifles. It seems that introducing one’s own enclosed reflex sight is a contemporary trend. Leica, for example, launched Tempus last year – it is a typical open reflex sight, but Leica added an interesting cover that prevents rain, sand, mud, and other particles from falling in between the diode and the lens. C-1 measures 4.8 cm in length (1.9”), 3 cm in width (1.2”), and 3 cm in height (1.2”). It weighs 60 grams (2.1 oz).

Aimpoint ACRO Dot size and construction

For now, only the 3.5 MOA dot-version has been introduced. This is a very popular size since it is neither too small to prevent quick target acquisition nor too big to cover up a considerable portion of the target.

The construction is solid and robust, which is why you don’t have to worry about it breaking if you bump it against something by accident. To prove its durability, Aimpoint shock tested this sight by firing 20.000 rounds of .40 S&W. When they were finished, there were no signs of damage. Some people might complain about the battery, which is of the CR1225 type, but Aimpoint had to use a smaller battery compartment to achieve the compact construction. The sight promises around a year and a half of operating time at setting 6. The battery compartment is on the side and not at the bottom, which is great since there is no need to dismount the sight when the battery dies.

What footprint does Aimpoint Acro have?

Aimpoint uses a unique mounting surface with this sight, different from the one on Aimpoint Microdevices. When purchasing the sight, a mounting plate for a specific type of handgun must be purchased extra – a mounting plate for Glock MOS can be seen on the right in the image below.

Need more information about Aimpoint ACRO mounting standard?

As befits Aimpoint, the sight is great in terms of optics. When looking through the lens, the image is clear and without tint. The user has 10 illumination intensity levels at disposal, the lowest two being NVD compatible. The buttons for intensity regulation are located on the side – they are nice to the touch and have a quality feel to them. The front lens is tilted to ensure that the beam of light emitted by the diode is reflected at the user’s eye regardless of its position.

Interested in Aimpoint ACRO C-1?

Conclusion

If you are looking for a robust, sturdy red dot sight with great optical performance, ACRO C-1 is the device you need. It boasts plenty of features that make it a great pick – low-profile design, 3.5 MOA dot, small size, low weight, and enough illumination intensity levels for all lighting conditions. This is the first enclosed red dot sight that’s small enough to be mounted on a pistol. With it, Aimpoint has set a new standard in the world of red dot sights. For a price of around 699€, this sight is sure to be loved by pistol users. Since the device features a unique mounting surface, it will take some time for renowned mounting manufacturers to start making their own versions of adapter plates.

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