Overall Score 7.6
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
⭐️ Verdict: Best for Professionals (7.6)
As a shooter who’s put the Aimpoint Acro P-1 through its paces, I can say it’s a game-changer in the world of red dot sights. Perfect for pistols, this tiny powerhouse stands up to the rigors of heavy shooting. Its fully enclosed design and versatile mounting options make it a solid choice for a range of firearms, from handguns to rifles.
In my hands-on experience, I tested the Acro P-1 extensively. Shooting over 2,000 rounds, I noted its performance in various conditions. Its robustness against shock, temperature extremes, and environmental debris truly stood out. The sight maintained zero admirably, proving its reliability and precision in real-world scenarios.
Pros
Fully enclosed design
Easy battery access
Clear and crisp 3.5 MOA red dot
Good battery life on moderate settings
Operationally parallax-free
Cons
Limited elevation adjustment for certain firearms
Requires Torx key for windage and elevation adjustments
Higher cost compared to some other red dot sights
It’s the only optic in its size category proven to endure the harsh conditions of firing over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W, making it a standout in its market segment.
This optic is pitched against formidable competitors like the Trijicon RMR, yet its fully enclosed, compact design sets it apart.
Aimpoint promises unparalleled ruggedness, ease of use, and reliability. My hands-on experience with the Acro P-1 was a blend of admiration and critical observations.
Performance Review of Aimpoint Acro P-1
1. Optical Quality
The Aimpoint Acro P-1 brings a lot to the table, but it’s not without its shortcomings.
The sight’s fully enclosed design means that it’s impervious to environmental elements that could obstruct the dot, a significant advantage over open-emitter sights.
This robustness is a huge plus, especially when considering the sight’s use in varied and potentially harsh conditions.
The clarity of the glass is top-notch, offering an uncolored view that’s a rarity in this market segment.
However, the dot’s crispness didn’t entirely meet my expectations. While the 3.5 MOA dot is perfectly functional, it appeared slightly distorted to my eye.
This slight flaw may not impact rapid target acquisition, but for precision work, it’s a noticeable letdown.
From a shooter’s perspective, the balance between the rugged, closed design and the slight imperfection in the dot’s appearance is something to weigh.
It’s a solid performer.
Score: 8/10
2. Durability and Build Quality
When it comes to durability and build quality, the Aimpoint Acro P-1 sets a high standard.
The fully enclosed, rugged aluminum housing of the Acro P-1 is a testament to its robustness, designed to withstand significant shock, vibration, and extreme temperature changes.
This feature particularly shines, as it’s a step up from the more common open-emitter designs seen in competitors like the Trijicon RMR.
The Acro P-1’s resilience was evident during my testing, where it took a beating on various surfaces without any functional compromise or loss of zero.
The ease of access to the battery compartment and the straightforward adjustments are commendable, though the requirement of a Torx key for windage and elevation adjustments can be seen as a drawback, especially in field conditions.
Overall, the Acro P-1’s build quality feels superior, and it’s clear that Aimpoint has invested thoughtfully in making a sight that can endure tough conditions.
Score: 8/10
3. Weight and Size
With dimensions of 1.90″ x 1.20″ x 1.20″ and weighing 2.1 oz, it’s compact but not the smallest or lightest in its class.
The sight’s enclosed design, which is its main selling point for durability, does contribute to a slightly bulkier profile.
This additional size and weight can be noticeable, particularly on smaller framed pistols or when used as a backup sight.
The sight’s footprint is comparable to its nearest competitors like the Trijicon RMR.
On the flip side, the heft and size do impart a sense of sturdiness and reliability.
During testing, I found that the sight’s size did not hinder performance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Weight | 2.1 oz |
| Length | 1.90 inches |
| Width | 1.20 inches |
| Height | 1.20 inches |
Score: 8/10
4. Battery Life
The Aimpoint Acro P-1’s battery life is a critical aspect of its overall performance.
Aimpoint advertises a battery life of 1.5 years at setting 6, which is commendable for a red dot sight.
In my experience, the sight has held up well for over two months on the same battery at a moderate brightness setting, aligning with the manufacturer’s claims.
The choice of battery, a CR1225, is less common than the CR2032 used in many other sights, which could pose an inconvenience in terms of availability.
The Aimpoint Acro P-1 scores well on battery life under typical usage conditions, but its performance can vary significantly based on user settings and the availability of the specific battery type can be a concern.
Score: 7/10
5. Reticle
The reticle of the Aimpoint Acro P-1 is a defining feature of any red dot sight, and it’s here that the sight both shines and shows some limitations.
The 3.5 MOA dot is designed for fast target acquisition, and it delivers on that promise.
The dot size is ideal for a balance between speed and precision, allowing for quick sight picture acquisition while still being small enough for precise aiming at distance.
However, the clarity of the dot is not as crisp as some shooters might prefer
Compared to other market offerings, the Aimpoint Acro P-1’s reticle is clear and functional, but it may fall short for users who are particularly sensitive to dot clarity.
The lack of a perfectly crisp dot can be a minor annoyance, although it generally doesn’t impede the sight’s effectiveness in most practical shooting scenarios.
Score: 7/10
6. Ease of Use
The Aimpoint Acro P-1 scores highly on ease of use, a critical factor in any optic.
Its installation process is straightforward, compatible with a wide range of firearms through the use of adapter plates.
The sight’s fully enclosed design means there’s no need for frequent maintenance to clear debris or moisture, a significant advantage over open-emitter sights.
Adjusting the brightness settings is simple with the well-sized + and – buttons, although they are somewhat recessed into the body of the sight, which can be a slight inconvenience, especially with gloves.
The biggest drawback, however, comes in the form of windage and elevation adjustments.
Unlike most optics that use a flathead screw for these adjustments, the Acro P-1 requires a Torx key. While this isn’t a problem in a controlled environment like a shooting range, it can be cumbersome in the field or during a class.
This design choice, although it contributes to the sight’s ruggedness, sacrifices a bit of user-friendliness.
Overall, the Acro P-1 is user-friendly in its core functions but has room for improvement in adjustment ergonomics.
Score: 8/10
7. Price
In terms of price, the Aimpoint Acro P-1 sits at a higher point compared to many of its competitors.
It’s important to consider what you’re paying for: a highly durable, fully enclosed red dot sight with a track record of enduring extreme conditions.
Its robust construction, ease of battery replacement, and performance in various environmental conditions justify the price to an extent.
However, for shooters on a budget or those who don’t require the level of ruggedness the Acro P-1 offers, the cost may be a significant deterrent.
In comparison to other options on the market, such as the Trijicon RMR or similar MRDS, the Acro P-1’s price can seem steep, especially considering the need for a less common battery type and the Torx key for adjustments.
While the price reflects the quality and unique features of the Acro P-1, it’s crucial for potential buyers to assess whether these features align with their specific needs and if the investment is warranted for their use case.
The Acro P-1 excels in its niche but may not be the most cost-effective solution for all shooters.
Score: 6/10
Final Verdict
After rigorous testing, the Aimpoint Acro P-1 stands out as a robust, highly functional red dot sight, especially suited for extreme conditions.
Its fully enclosed design sets it apart in durability and protection against environmental elements.
While it excels in optical quality and ruggedness, the sight’s reticle clarity and adjustment method could be improved.
Overall, for shooters seeking a durable, reliable red dot sight and willing to overlook minor drawbacks, the Aimpoint Acro P-1 is an excellent choice.
FAQ’s
What does Aimpoint acro stand for?
The Aimpoint ACRO stands for Advanced Compact Reflex Optic, designed to withstand intense G-force shock, vibration, temperature changes, and material stress from extensive firing.
What is the difference between acro C and P?
The Aimpoint Acro comes in two versions: the P-2 for military and police use, featuring a new high-efficiency LED for a sharp 3.5 MOA dot, and the C-2 for the civilian market, distinguished by different usage specifications.
What is the most durable Aimpoint?
The Aimpoint® Micro series sights are renowned for setting the industry standard in durability, compactness, and versatility among red dot reflex optics.
What’s The difference between Aimpoint Acro P1 Vs P2?
The Aimpoint Acro P2 outshines the P1 with a longer battery life of 50,000 hours (versus P1’s 15,000) and a finer 2 MOA reticle, compared to P1’s 3.5 MOA. P2 is all about lasting longer and aiming sharper