Getting closer! Looks like we should have some solid info soon. I enjoyed shooting it at SHOT this year.
My sg 553 needs one of those!
Post pics of the M5 that you took, if you still have them. Any extra info would be nice. Run time?
Side note, why doesn’t AP just release the M5S at the same time?
As I understand it, there will not be an S model. The battery compartment won’t fit down low.
AP and a few others have stated that the battery compartment is where it is to allow for the various mounts to be attached. Moving it lower means having to develop a new mounting system and the customer wanted it backwards compatible.
For the uninitiated, what would be a quick summary of what makes it better than the M4?
The M5 is Aimpoint Micro sized.
If it was a low battery I would bite. I’ll stick to the T1/2 and M4s as this doesn’t do much that the others don’t for me.
I’d love a bunch of them, BUT being a lefty I’m not sure I would like the high battery compartment. That’s why all of the M4 models I’ve had have been the S model.
Fair enough. The AAA battery was based on a specific need where the CR2032 might be hard to source.
Yes. As I understand it the M5 was developed at the request of groups who operate OCONUS where 2032 batteries aren’t common.
The M5 uses existing T1 format mounts so that’s a win. It also has a reinforced front lens that makes the optic more resistant to severe impact. That’s a win. AAA batteries are cheap and Aimpoint is still saying you get the 5 year lifespan. Another win.
I would prefer some type of “S” version too but can easily live with the 2:00 battery if the optic lives up to the claims.
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they’ve popped up on opticsplanet, to ship in 2 or 3 weeks. considering pulling the trigger on one, so to speak, just wary of that time estimate as I haven’t seen them for sale anywhere else online yet…
Scalarworks just sent out emails about their package deal with a mount @ $849.
Wish I had the cash laying around but I don’t, and not sure I could justify these at that price point.
Not my photo but it helps show the overall size of the M5. 
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I’m sorry but to me that seems like a really really odd reason to develop an entirely new product. I don’t have experience with the T series aim points, but my Comp M4 had batteries last my ENTIRE ENLISTMENT. With reliability like that I almost don’t even care if the batteries are user serviceable. I really didn’t think changing the 2032 out before getting on the plane, or even throughing a handful in the A-bag was a deal breaker.
Sometimes insitu resource acquisition can be taken too far.
DoS facilities source a lot of materials locally.
Is anyone worried about the battery leakage that seems to be increasing common with AA and AAA batteries?
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Not a problem if you’re using lithium AAA like the Energizer Ultimate.
As you know shit happens. I had a H1 years ago and has issues with the battery dying quickly. I think it was set a little too high and the cold killing the battery. Both of those are on me. Being able to change batteries would have been an issue.
Those photos are helpful. I hope I see a bunch of T1’s on the EE when folks jump to buy the new ones and dump the old ones.