You might consider the R-1. It can still be found for reasonable prices, and the only real diffrence I can tell is the color. It’s a silver color as opposed to black. However, a quick dab of spray paint fixes that right up. I agree with you on the Aimpoint decision. I have had my Comp C3 for almost a year now, and its still running strong on the battery from the factory. I didn’t really believe the battery life hype at first, but I sure believe now. Aimpoints are worth every penny. Good luck.