M16 & AR15 Accessory Shop Reviews

I often get asked this question by military or law enforcement, "If I had to choose one sight to put on my weapon would it be Aimpoint or EoTech. I always start the same way, that's a tough choice to make, it just depends."

The Aimpoint and the EoTech sights each have some unique advantages. I will try to point out the differences I notice as a user. However, ultimately it is up to you to determine which type of sight best suits your individual needs.

The EoTech has 20 daylight and 10 NVD brightness settings versus the Aimpoint 6 daylight and 4 NVD brightness settings. If you do not have a NVD (Night Vision Device), having the additional daylight brightness settings of the EoTech can be an advantage. These additional daylight settings give you the ability to crank down the recticle so you can just see it against a dark target at night with smaller steps in which to adjust the recticle brightness. Finally for me, the EoTech 1 MOA dot with a 65 MOA circle is easier to pick up at night under low light conditions, especially when speed is important.

For CQB (Close Quarters Battle) I prefer the better peripheral view given by the EoTech. Its just easier to see around the EoTech window than looking down the tube of the Aimpoint. If I was doing entry, or going door to door I would give the EoTech some serious consideration.

Well then, what about the Aimpoint? Under harsh conditions such as desert climates with blowing sand, the Aimpoint is a little easier to protect with its flip up covers. The EoTech can be protected by the use of a scopecoat, but its an extra piece and something else to lose in the heat of battle.The Aimpoint will work well for entry and door to door, but where it really performs is when you need to address targets at extended ranges. By extended ranges I mean for most of us CQB means contact to 100 meters. Once we move beyond 100 meters it becomes more difficult to pick a target out of the image back round or clutter.

The ability of the Aimpoint Comp series to work in conjunction with the 3x Magnifyer is what really sets it apart from the EoTech. The 3x Magnifyer when combined with Aimpoint’s patented TwistMount gives the user something never before possible – the ability to switch in a split second from CQB (Close Quarters Battle) to semi-sniping and vice versa. Yes, you can turn that CompM series red dot sight into a 3x red dot scope for use at extended ranges, and just as easily you can revert back to a fast red dot for CQB.

I look at it this way, Aimpoint for the versatility of adding the 3x Magnifyer when serious work needs to be accomplished at extended ranges (At least you have the option of adding the 3x Magnifyer if you need it), and the built in sight protection is a bonus. EoTech for its better peripheral view, especially appreciated during entry or door to door, and its 20 daylight settings when you do not have access to NVD gear.

No matter which sight you choose, your looking in the right direction when comparing these two fine pieces of military hardware. I have enclosed a table for easy comparison of Aimpoint CompM3 & EoTech 552.A65.

First a little back round information from the Aimpoint web site "The US Army saw the advantages of the Aimpoint system at an early stage and exposed the sights to 18 months of exhaustive tests with heat, cold, physical abuse and soaking in water. In 1997, the U.S. Army awarded Aimpoint the world’s first military contract for red dot sights. Since then, Aimpoint has continued to deliver large quantities of sights to many Law Enforcement units around the world but also to the US Army, US Air Force, French Army, Swedish Army and now also to the Italian Army.

The Aimpoint red dot sights are non magnifying sights with unlimited eye relief allowing an unequalled speed of target acquisition which speeds recovery in situations where follow-up shots may be necessary. In critical situations, the mechanical switch allows the shooter to get the right setting rapidly while aiming through the sight. Aimpoint sights are simply the fastest and easiest way to aim any type of firearm."'

To say that Aimpoint CompM sights are extremely popular for the M16 / AR15 family is of course an understatement. Aimpoints have proven themselves in military, police, and private use throughout the world. Often, the problem is not do I want a Aimpoint sight, but which sight is best suited for my needs.

Aimpoint CompM series come in two flavors CompM2 series and CompM3 series. Physically they are the same weight and dimensions, however, the CompM3 series comes with a protective outer rubber cover. The CompM2 and CompM3 models are both compatible with night vision devices, or you can choose a for daylight use only version in the CompML2 or CompML3 models.

The CompM2 series comes with 4 MOA dots only, with the CompM3 series you can choose between 2 or 4 MOA. When looking through the sight a 2 MOA dot covers 2 inches at 100 yards, and a 4 MOA dot covers 4 inches at 100 yards. The 4 MOA is most often used for rapid target acquisition or CQB (Close Quarters Battle) situations, and 2 MOA is more useful for extended ranges such as semi-sniping operations.

The interesting thing is that if you turn up the 2 MOA dot during daylight operations it appears slightly larger, nearly the same as the 4 MOA. For that reason we offer the CompM3 and CompML3 in 2 MOA only, after all if you want 4 MOA the CompM2 series is available. The 2 MOA has gained a lot of popularity, especially since the introduction of the 3x Magnifyer for the CompM series sights.

The 3x Magnifyer when combined with Aimpoint’s patented TwistMount gives the user something never before possible – the ability to switch in a split second from CQB (Close Quarters Battle) to semi-sniping and vice versa. Yes, you can turn that CompM series red dot sight into a 3x red dot scope for use at extended ranges, and just as easily you can revert back to a fast red dot for CQB.

The other difference between the CompM2 series and the CompM3 series is the battery life. CompM2 series are rated for up to 10,000 hours, and CompM3 series are rated for up to 50,000 hours of daylight operation. While that may seem significant lets put that in perspective. For example, 10,000 hours of operation at 12 hours per day turns out to be 833 days. Truth be told, if you depend on the weapon you will most likely be changing the battery long before its wears out.

No matter which Aimpoint sight you choose, you will be receiving a top notch piece of military hardware. I have enclosed a table for easy comparison of the models we offer the CompM2, CompM3, and CompML3.

Insight Technology Tactical Lights comments (X2L & X2 Added)

I have received a considerable number of questions from my customers on Insight Tactical Lights. Most questions are usually to help the customer understand the features of the various tactical lights, and which tactical light will best suit their particular needs. The following comments are on the three various types of tactical lights we offer.

The M3 and other tactical lights will mount on either your handgun (Beretta 92F adapters available) or a standard Picatinny rail system (AR15 & Beretta CX4). All of the M-series models we provide will give 90 lumens of illumination when you need it by way of a momentary and constant on switch. The switch is located at the end of the tactical lights and rotates in both directions, one way is constant on, and the other is spring loaded and switches the light off immediately when you release it.

The M3-LED provides an additional low power LED light source with 36 hours of operating time. This has the several advantages over the standard M3 tactical light. When you kick the 90 lumen light on you get a very bright light source designed to give you a tactical advantage. It will blind an individual at night time, and even during the daytime in a darken hallway its not pleasant to look at.

The problem is when you activate that 90 lumen light you give your location away. If you hear a thump in the night, and start down the staircase with that tactical light switched on, you can literally be seen a mile away. So the M3-LED provides an additional low power light source that is sufficient to light your way and identify persons. You can switch on the LED light using the mode switch, and when you push on the rotary switch the full 90 lumen light kicks in. Its the best of both worlds, enough diffused illumination to identify persons and move around, and instant access to the full power of the 90 lumen light. The only choice you need to make is what color of LED you want. I prefer the white LED, it seems the brightest of the LED lights, and provides the most natural color which is important if you are trying to read a map for example.

The M6 Tactical Light with Integrated laser takes the whole concept one step further. If you want to add a tactical laser to your weapon the M6 combines the M3 tactical light with a targeting laser. The range of the laser is greater than 25 meters in the daytime and 400 meters at night. The mode switch on the M6 gives you laser, light, or light and laser when you push on the rotary switch. This is an excellent way of combining your tactical light and laser requirements into one package since you can select the mode of operation.

Finally, I am often asked do I need the long gun remote. For the AR15 if you mount on a modular forearm or add a forearm rail you should be good to go. For the Beretta CX4 If you mount the tactical lights on the forward accessory rail that extends out from under the barrel then its definitely more handy to use the long gun remote. If you are going to mount the tactical light on the side rail of the Beretta CX4, its easy to switch the tactical light on/off with your weak hand, and you would not want to use the long gun remote.

The X2L / X2 Tactical Light with Integrated laser, and Tactical light only have some advantages over the M6 / M3. First the X2L has the same laser as the M6. The tactical light output is just less than half of the M6 / M3 at 40 lumens for both the X2L / X2. However, the beam is more tightly focused than the M6 / M3 and carries well appearing as bright or brighter than the M6 / M3 at typical tactical distances.

The X2L tactical lights with integrated laser are considerably smaller than the M6, as the X2 tactical light is compared with the M3. Each one the X2L and X2 weigh less than half of their counterpart in the M6 / M3. Since the X2L has the same laser as the M6, I prefer the lighter unit. When you start adding accessories to your weapon the weight can accumulate. So any time you can get similiar performance and reduce weight that is a big plus. The X2L and X2 will not work with any type of remote switch, however when side mounting the X2L / X2 on the AR15 or Beretta CX4 you can easily work the unit with your thumb, and with the size and weight savings that of course would be two thumbs up.

I never planned to use a grip, but after trying the various grips for evaluation I like it, feels like a more natural way to hold the weapon and its more secure. Using a grip my hand is clamped down on the grip and its much more solid than supporting the weapon with your weak hand under the stock. These grips are a good compliment to your weapon, fast track to target, good controllability, and all while looking great.

Beretta has adopted several grips for use on the CX4 picatinny bottom rail system, all grips work with standard picatinny rails.

The Beretta Vertical Grip (with Beretta Logo) BRE00003 is about 4.5 inches in height from the base, 1.16 inches at the widest dimension and is round in shape, with six inset rings to improve grip, weights 2.4 ounces. Very solid grip, mounted by use of the knob on the end of the grip, you turn the knob and a plunger engages the rail locking it in place.

The Beretta Vertical Grip (with Beretta Logo) BRE00004 is about 4.5 inches in height from the base, 1.35 inches at the widest dimension and is round in shape, with six inset rings to improve grip, weights 2.8 ounces. Storage compartment will hold items such as (2) AA or (3) 123A or (3) N or (8) 1/3N batteries and is watertight with a rubber o-ring on the cap end. Essentially the BRE00003 with a storage compartment.

The Beretta Short Vertical Grip BRE00005 is about 3.3 inches in height from the base, 1.4 inches diameter and round in shape, weights 3.0 ounces. It has a tapered side profile with a series of six pronounced rings near the bottom. There is a compartment that will hold 2 AAA batteries, or most lithium cells, but only 1 AA battery. The compartment would also be able to hold a small screw driver, or allen wrenches for sight adjustment.

I use the Beretta Short Vertical Grip BRE00005 on my personal Beretta CX4. There is a compartment that will hold 2 AAA batteries, or most lithium cells, but only 1 AA size battery. The compartment would also be able to hold a small screw driver, or allen wrenches for sight adjustment. (You would want to put some foam in to eliminate the rattle effect). The SVG makes for a compact weapon profile.

The Beretta Vertical Folding Grip (with Beretta Logo) BRE00006 is about 3.9 inches in height from the base, 1.5 inches at the widest dimension but is oval in shape, weights 4.0 ounces. It has a curved shape where the grip is thicker in the middle with a series of four pronounced inset rings on the front, and with

two pronounced inset rings on each side. Press in on the hinge screw and fold it up or down, locks into position.

The pronounce inset rings add some value in that they with the curved shape keep your hand from slidings. The real advantage is you can press in on the hinge screw and fold it up or down and locks into position. This allows you to fold it up out of the way and use it for a grip similar to the supporting the stock with your weak hand, or extend it down and you have a vertical grip. There is a slight rattle, but you have to work at it, normal carry would not present a problem. The Beretta Folding Grip combines vertical grip and horizontal grip with compact weapon profile, a choice is always nice, and fits medium and large hands. This is the most popular of the Beretta Grips. Small hands will find the FAB FGG-S a better fit.

The UTG Foregrip with Pressure Switch Area & Battery Compartment FAB-MK-DEG is 5.4 inches in height from the base, the side profile is 1.8 inches wide near the base, 1.4 inches at the thickest dimension, and weighs 6 ounces. This is an excellent choice for those mounting tactical lasers or lights, with medium to large hands, or requiring a larger storage compartment

- Fits hand guards equipped with a Weaver or Picatinny rail system. Non-slip Features - Battery Compartment (AA Batteries 2 each or 123A 3 each) - Pressure Switch Housing both Right & Left sides - Moulded from reinforced plastic composite.

This has been a very popular grip partially for the price, but especially for those utilizing either a laser or tactical light on their weapon.

FAB has developed a new FGG-S Folding Vertical Grip FAB-FGG-S similar to the Beretta Vertical Folding Grip at 3.6 inches in height from the base, and 1.4 inches at the widest dimension, and weighs 3.4 ounces. The FAB Folding Tactical Grip fits hand guards equipped with a Weaver or Picatinny rail system. It is much more compact than the Beretta folding grip, and will fit medium to small hands much more comfortably. It has a curved shape where the grip is thicker in the middle and features a checkered square texture on the front of the grip, and with two pronounced inset rings on each side. Finally, it features a curved Safety extention to prevent slipping of hand. When in the folded position (up) you can just rotate it down to the locked position without pressing the hinge screw as required with the Beretta Folding grip. This can save a second or two and makes getting from the folded position (up) to the down & locked position literally a snap. When you are ready to fold the grip back into the up position just press in on the hinge screw and fold.

TheFAB Front Grip with QD & storage FAB-AG44-S is easy to fit and secure features a Quick release push button mechanism to quickly attach and detach from any Picatinny Rail, however it also has a standard mounting bolt for those seeking a more secure fit. Fits hand guards equipped with a Weaver or Picatinny rail system. Promotes a natural “fighting stance” hold on your rifle, with lifetime warranty.

The AG44-S Front Grip is 3.9 inches in height from the base, the side profile goes from 1.4 inches wide at the base to 2.2 inches at the bottom of the grip, 1.3 inches at the thickest dimension, and weighs 4 ounces. This is an excellent choice for those with medium to large hands, wearing gloves, or requiring a larger storage compartment.