If you are not constantly engaging in tactical situations like our brave men and women in arms, using original Aimpoint sights may be a bit overkill.
That said, they’re still the GOLD STANDARD of red dot sights.
I remember wanting some Aimpoint products myself, but not being able to afford them. Plus, they seemed too professional for me at the time.
There are some great products out there to provide you with the quality of an Aimpoint WITHOUT the hefty price tag.
I’ve compiled a short list of the best Aimpoint clones with similar features that you can mount on your rifle!
KEEP IN MIND: These clones are not as solid or have the same durability as Aimpoint. This is not necessarily bad and does not mean that they aren’t solid choices for their prices.
Contents
Top 3 Aimpoint Clone Sights – Full Reviews
Before I begin, all options listed are extremely strong and durable in their own right and are better in the field than some other optics in the market.
I’ve seen it through my own testing process!
They can’t handle the extremely harsh conditions that an Aimpoint sight can handle.
However, if properly taken care of, they can last a long time too.
This should not be a problem as most people will never have to experience the conditions an Aimpoint is made to withstand.
The optics on this list also don’t have as much battery life as an Aimpoint optic.
After all, it is said that people will survive for less time than an Aimpoint can.
1. Primary Arms MD-RB-AD
BEST AIMPOINT T-1 CLONE
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The similarities between the Aimpoint T-1 sight and the Primary Arms sight are uncanny to the point that I found it difficult to tell which is which.
This is the point of the Primary Arms MD-RB-AD: to be a NEAR-EXACT replica of the T1 without the exorbitant price.
In my experience, the Primary Arms sight and the T1 can both hold zero well even after hundreds of shots.
Both the T1 and Primary Arms optic have multi-coated lenses, so you can look at your target without any glare.
They are also water-resistant and can survive in up to 80 feet of water.
The Main Difference
The thing is, Aimpoint is built with 12 brightness settings, 4 of which are for night vision and 8 for day vision.
On the other hand, the Primary Arms has only 11 brightness settings with 2 night vision compatible settings.
Still, it’s not a gigantic difference and I’ve found them most useful in various lighting conditions!
- Holds zero well
- Multicoated lens helps with target acquisition
- Waterproof
- Fewer brightness and night vision settings
2. Holosun 503GU
BEST AIMPOINT MICRO T-2 CLONE
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This optic is the closest clone of the Aimpoint Micro T2.
I found that they have a similar body profile, high-quality aluminum, and an MOA adjustment knob with a protected extrusion without being too expensive.
Its main benefit is that it has all of that without being nearly as expensive.
There’s not much to say about this sight other than that it is extremely similar in usage to the T2 and holds its zero excellently.
I’ve seen it withstand zero and stay consistent even after hundreds of shots on my AR.
One thing the Holosun does have on the T2 sight is that the T2 is HEAVIER than the Holosun 503GU by 0.6 lbs.
Despite this, the Holosun 503GU is slightly bulkier than the T2 sight by 1 cm on all dimensions.
Other Features
The Holosun 503GU comes with a default screw mount. This product is not the only one in its line of optics.
The line also offers a variety of other models, such as the HS503CU-GR, which have gold and green reticles.
- Built with durable aluminum material
- Excellent value for money
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
3. EOTech 512
BEST AIMPOINT PRO CLONE
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For something built like an Aimpoint Pro, look no further than this offering from EOTech.
Let’s look at some of the similarities and differences in its features.
Similarities
Both models Eotech and Aimpoint Pro have almost the same weight and overall size.
The main difference is that the sight housing on the 512 is a lot slimmer than the Aimpoint Pro.
Both the Aimpoint Pro and 512 are non-magnifying scopes with unlimited eye relief and a 2 MOA dot. Both are also water-resistant.
Differences
The 512 lacks the “front lens caps on” functionality of Aimpoint Pro, meaning you CAN’T activate it without taking off the front lens cap to look.
Another difference is that the Aimpoint uses an LED to produce a red dot, which uses MORE battery life.
On the other hand, the 512 sight uses a laser for a holographic 3D reticle to check your target, which can work with LESS battery power.
If you want to learn more about this optic, I also discuss it in more depth in my EOTech 518 vs. 512 Holo Sights Review.
- Slimmer housing
- Unlimited eye relief
- Holographic optic
- More efficient battery usage
- A holographic sight might not be the alternative you're looking for
- No "lens caps on" feature
Background on Aimpoint Red Dot Sights
Aimpoint introduced and makes the BEST red dots on the market that you can mount on an AR, pistol and even shotguns and grenade launchers.
Many people worldwide use their sturdy and reliable red especially military and law enforcement agencies (always with excellent reviews!).
If you see a service member or uniformed police officer with an AR, they most likely have an Aimpoint red dot mounted on it.
Price Point
While original Aimpoint sights are AMAZING red dots with fantastic quality, they come with a…not-so-fantastic price tag.
It’s no secret that Aimpoint sights can be costly, and with good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a product from their line, especially in a life-or-death situation.
Premium Design & Durability
Aimpoint is made to endure absolutely EVERYTHING and is made for professional use in dangerous settings.
They are made to last an extremely long time, and are engineered to take a beating!
Their red dot sights are at the absolute top of the line in strength and durability. They also provide an extremely long battery life made for the field (up to 5 years!).
In this case, it shouldn’t be surprising that products that are able to live up to the build of the T-1 are hard to find.
It just means that these optics are a cut above the others in terms of quality, features and price point.
Are Aimpoint Clones Worth It?
If you aren’t planning to shoot or work in extreme conditions and will only use the product at the range or while hunting, then YES!
Aimpoint sights may seem like the best products for your AR, but in all honesty, they can be quite unnecessary for civilians who may not enjoy their full benefits.
If you’re using it casually at the range, you can settle for good Aimpoint clones for superb quality at a more AFFORDABLE price (that you can still enjoy to the fullest!).
This is a better product upgrade for your money! I promise.
Final Thoughts
Aimpoint sights come with expensive prices, and for a good reason.
An Aimpoint, after all, is an Aimpoint. Their products are one-of-a-kind and top-of-the-line.
They’re made to withstand a LOT of extreme circumstances. I doubt that the average person will have to experience shooting in the heat of the desert.
Therefore, it may not make sense for most people to get an Aimpoint if you intend to use it occasionally or for plinking.
While not built like Aimpoint products, there are many great Aimpoint clones that can still perform similarly in many ways.
I use a few and can swear by their quality in less-than-life-threatening situations.
Check this shortlist for a quick recap:
- If you want to buy the Aimpoint T-1, your best alternative would be the Primary Arms MD-RB-AD.
- If you are interested to buy the Aimpoint Micro T-2, check out the Holosun 503GU.
If you think the Aimpoint Pro is the one for you, look out for the EOTech 512.
