Hey Shooters! Welcome to my comparison of Aimpoint Aco and Aimpoint Pro In 2024.
When referring to red dot sights, Aimpoint is a name that stands out for its extraordinary workmanship and dependability.
The ACO and PRO red dot sights are two of Aimpoint’s most well-liked models and both provide outstanding results in a wide range of shooting situations. Which, however, is the better option for you?
I’ve put together a thorough comparison review as a skilled shooter with many years of expertise using both the Aimpoint ACO and PRO to assist you in making a well-informed decision.
I’ll break down the attributes, benefits, and drawbacks of each sight in this comparison to make it easier for you to choose the one that best suits the needs you have. So, let’s begin.
Core Specifications
| Aimpoint Aco | Aimpoint Pro | |
| Magnifications | 1x | 1x |
| 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 in x 2.2 in x 3.0 in | 4.8 in × 1.9 in × 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 |
| Configuration | MIL-STD 1913 Rail | MIL-STD 1913 Rail |
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What’s The Difference between Aimpoint Pro vs Aco?
Both the Aimpoint ACO and PRO are ideal red dot sights that provide quick detection of targets and accuracy. However, there are some major distinctions between the two that you ought to think about before investing.
- The Aimpoint PRO is more expensive than the Aimpoint ACO.
- The Aimpoint PRO has a battery life of up to 3 years, while the Aimpoint ACO has a battery life of up to 1 year.
- The Aimpoint PRO has a more rugged and durable housing.
- The Aimpoint ACO is smaller and lighter than the Aimpoint PRO.
Features Comparison
1. Durability
The Aimpoint ACO (Aimpoint Carbine Optic) and Aimpoint PRO (Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic) are both renowned for their robustness and strength. The Aimpoint PRO is intended for use by law enforcement and military members and has been examined against harsh environments, such as immersion in water up to 150 feet deep, extremely high temperatures, and powerful recoil.
Additionally, the battery can last for up to 30,000 hours. To be used on carbines and other weapons, the Aimpoint ACO was created, and like those devices, it is made to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. It has undergone testing for shock and recoil resistance, and the battery life is up to 10,000 hours.
Both the Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO are premium optics with long lifespans. However, the Aimpoint PRO is more robust overall because it is made to withstand more severe environments and has a longer battery life.
Winner: Aimpoint PRO
2. Reticle
The Aimpoint ACO has a 2 MOA dot reticle, which provides a simple and detailed aiming point for quick and precise target acquisition. The user can change the brightness of the illuminated dot to suit their preferences. Contrarily, the Aimpoint PRO also has a 2 MOA dot reticle. The Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO have identical reticle designs.
Winner: Draw
3. Size and Weight
The Aimpoint ACO and PRO have slightly different dimensions and weights, but they are both made to be small and light, thus becoming popular options for carbines. The Aimpoint ACO has a length of 4.7 inches and a weight of roughly 6.7 ounces. The diameter of the sight housing is 30mm.
The Aimpoint PRO has a length of 4.8 inches and a weight of roughly 6.8 ounces. Even though the Aimpoint PRO is a little bit more substantial than the ACO, it is still regarded as a small and light rifle optic.
Winner: Aimpoint PRO
4. Lens and Glass Clarity
The lenses on the Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO are of a high caliber, offering outstanding visibility and clarity. The front lens of the Aimpoint ACO has a multi-layer anti-reflex coating that improves light transmission while lowering reflections, enhancing image clarity, and making it easier to identify targets. For the outstanding quality of the image, the back lens is also coated.
The front and back lenses of the Aimpoint PRO both have a multi-layer anti-reflex coating that improves the transfer of light and offers excellent image clarity even in dim lighting. Additionally, the PRO has a distinctive front lens layout that offers a clear, sharp image even at the edges of the field of view.
Overall, the lenses on the Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO are of high quality, providing superb clarity and exposure. The Aimpoint PRO has slightly better overall glass clarity due to its front lens layout and anti-reflex coating on both lenses, though.
Winner: Draw
5. Power Source
The Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO are powered by a single 3V lithium battery. The DL1/3N battery that powers the Aimpoint ACO can operate continuously for up to 10,000 hours at medium brightness. The DL1/3N used by the Aimpoint PRO can operate continuously for up to 30,000 hours at a medium brightness level.
Because both batteries are widely available and simple to replace, users of both optics can rely on them for lengthy periods.
Winner: Draw
6. Brightness Setting
The Aimpoint ACO has 9 daylight illumination settings and 1 extra bright setting, allowing the shooter to modify the reticle illumination to match the ambient light conditions. The Aimpoint PRO offers even more flexibility in adjusting the brightness with its 8 daylight brightness settings and 2-night vision settings.
Winner: Aimpoint PRO
7. Windage and Elevations
The user can zero the optic using the simple windage and elevation adjustments found on the Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO. There are precise adjustments available with the Aimpoint ACO’s 1/2 MOA adjustments for elevation and windage. A 1/2 MOA adjustment is represented by each click.
Additionally, the Aimpoint PRO offers 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, which maintain a high level of precision. Both optics have secure adjustment knobs that prevent the adjustments from being accidentally moved after they have been set. This promotes zero maintenance and ensures precise shots.
Winner: Draw
8. Mounting Options
A fixed-height mount for the Aimpoint ACO is included, and it attaches to a Picatinny or Weaver rail without any additional hardware. This mount keeps the optic close to the bore axis and has a low profile, which can increase accuracy and lessen parallax.
Some users, on the other hand, may prefer a taller mount for an improved cheek weld. The mount that comes with the ACO is shorter than the one that comes with the Aimpoint PRO, which also has a fixed-height mount that mounts to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
Winner: Draw
9. Price
Depending on the vendor’s pricing and any ongoing sales or coupons, the Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO’s prices may change. The ACO is generally less expensive than the Aimpoint PRO, though.
Winner: Aimpoint ACO
Pros Of Aimpoint ACO
Some of the pros of the Aimpoint ACO include:
- The Aimpoint ACO is built to withstand harsh weather.
- It is both waterproof and shockproof.
- The ACO has a simple, easy-to-use design.
- The Aimpoint ACO is parallax-free.
- The Aimpoint ACO is relatively affordable.
Cons Of Aimpoint ACO
Despite the Aimpoint ACO’s many benefits, some possible drawbacks must be taken into account:
- The Aimpoint ACO is a 1x magnifying sight, so it offers no magnification. Longer-range shooting may become more difficult as a result.
- The Aimpoint ACO features a fixed red dot reticle.
- The Aimpoint ACO’s windage and elevation adjustments have a constrained range.
- Comparatively speaking to some other red dot sights available on the market, the Aimpoint ACO is fairly big and heavy.
Pros Of Aimpoint PRO
Some of the pros of Aimpoint PRO include:
- It is made from high-strength aluminum.
- The PRO has a simple, easy-to-use design.
- It also has a 30,000-hour battery life.
- The red dot reticle is parallax-free.
- The PRO is compatible with night vision devices.
- It is affordable.
Cons Of Aimpoint PRO
Here are also some potential cons to consider:
- It has limited magnification.
- The PRO has a fixed red dot reticle.
- The PRO has a limited adjustment range.
- The PRO is relatively large and heavy.
- The PRO uses a DL1/3N battery, which is not as commonly available.
Bottom Line
Both the Aimpoint ACO and Aimpoint PRO are costly optics that work well under a variety of circumstances and are made to last. For those who require a small and portable optic for their firearm, the ACO is an excellent option because it is more cost-effective and has a smaller form factor. Additionally, it features a 2 MOA dot reticle, a highly reliable aiming point that enables precise target acquiring.
Contrarily, the PRO has a longer battery life, better sight housing, and a more sophisticated reticle that features both a 2 MOA dot. It is therefore a better option for those who require an optic that can perform admirably in a variety of circumstances, including close-range and farther shots.
In the end, the user’s particular choices will determine whether they choose the ACO or PRO. The ACO may be preferred by those who require a more affordable and small optic, whereas the PRO may be preferred by those who require a more versatile optic with cutting-edge features.
FAQs
What kind of battery does Aimpoint ACO use?
Aimpoint ACO uses a single 3V lithium battery (DL 1/3N).
Are Aimpoint ACO and PRO waterproof?
Yes, both Aimpoint ACO and PRO are waterproof.
Can Aimpoint ACO and PRO be used with both eyes open?
Yes, both Aimpoint ACO and PRO can be used with both eyes open.
What is the mounting system for Aimpoint ACO and PRO?
Both Aimpoint ACO and PRO use a standard Picatinny rail mount.
What is the warranty for Aimpoint ACO and PRO?
Aimpoint ACO and PRO come with a limited lifetime warranty.