Hoping to get some opinions on these two sights, I realize they are different, and I understand the difference in reticle size. These two have made my short list, and I was leaning towards the T-1, but reading old threads has confused me. Old threads seem to indicate that the T-1 can be “temperamental” with a less than perfect cheek weld. I do not have access to either sight to test, I like the idea that the T-1 is small, light, tough, but I am concerned about issues picking up the dot. Excuse me as I have no experience with RDS, but the advice I have gotten from this site has always been spot on, I am just trying to make the right choice between the two. Thanks.
I have an H-1 and have no problem picking up the dot. It is mounted on a tall ADM QR mount (lower 1/3) and it is located at the forward end of my upper. I am using a CTR stock. I am very happy with it.
The unspoken great thing about red dots is that in addition to adding speed, they also allow forgiveness for not having perfect technique in lining up the sights. The thing about any small tube optic is that with less than perfect cheekweld, you can run into issues where you think you should see the dot, but it’s not there.
To me, the full sized Aimpoint at 30mm allows that less than perfect cheekweld more so than a smaller tube. This comes in handy when you’re shooting in unusual positions or around objects.
I think you can mitigate the affect of the smaller tube by making it appear larger, by placing it farther back on the rail.
I understand the reasons for going with the smaller sight vs a standard one, but I’m of the opinion that unless you’re either trying to save every ounce of weight possible or you have some specific reason to not go with a full sized Aimpoint, then get the full sized model. It’s hard to go wrong with either, admittedly. And there are plenty of T-1 and H-1 users out there that have zero dot acquisition issues.
Awesome post and I am leaning in this direction as well. I am used to picking up that dot because I am used to running it far out on an AK UltiMAK rail, but I recently shouldered a carbine with an M4 and it seemed “more forgiving” as subzero put it.
Thank you all for the information, this will be my first RDS and I want to do it right the first time. I know you can’t go wrong with Aimpoint, but I’m hoping to find the right one for me. Thanks again.
That is no fun at all. To really have fun, you must do it 3 or 4 times until you get it right! 
I prefer 30mm AP optics as well. When I first shouldered a T1’ed carbine, I immediately noticed how “picky” it was with cheekweld. You may run into problems when you start shooting around barricades and from unusual positions of cover. I know I started to run into issues even on the square range, bringing the gun up from low ready, having to ‘look’ for the dot. You can’t go wrong, but IMHO the 30mm optics are far better.
To throw another log on the fire. One of the guys at the aimpoint booth this year told me that the improvements made from the M4 from the M3 were not significant enough, in his opinion, to spend the extra money.
Now, I don’t know the price difference so if we are talking $100 then that’s a bold statement. If we are talking $30 difference than… $30 more for the newer model with some new features… I can justify that easily.
Subzero and the others have a great point. I’ll throw this out there after having used M68s, ACOGs, EoTechs, and a T1 on issue and personal weapons: the larger the objective, certainly the more freedom it will allow. However, if you are used to using irons or ACOGs on the move, the T1 will probably be good to go for you. One thing I’m finding with the T1 after reverting back to Aimpoint from the EoTurd is that I’m less sloppy and managing shots much better. Of course, we’ll have to see what tune I’m singing after an upcoming LAV course with the T1, but, for now, I’m not experiencing any difficulty with the smaller objective around corners, on snap shots or weak-side. Best of luck - either way, you’re in for a treat.
I have zero problems picking up my H1’s dot. If you train and shoot with it, there will be no problems. Of course, I never did have any problems from the start.
I’ve tried most of the popular optics out there (Aimpoint ML3, M4, M4S, T-1, H-1, Trijicon Reflex, TriPower, RX30, Eotech 512, Burris XTS-135, etc) and have to agree w/the previous posts about larger tubes being more forgiving of cheekweld position. However, all the Aimpoints have different features that might make them better suited for one set of requirements than another.
Ex: My STG-556’s have limited rail space so if I want folding BUIS then the smallest optic works better for my particular needs (shaving off 1/2 a pound of weight isn’t bad, either!). So, while I gave up the larger tube/FOV & longer battery life of the M4 (and AA-compatibility w/the rest of my gear), I gained folding BUIS & lighter weight.
All of the Aimpoints are excellent, I believe you’d be well-served by any of them, just compare their individual characteristics (weight, mount, battery type, size, price, etc) and pick the one that best suits your particular needs & pocketbook.
Tomac
Aimpoint H-1 on my STG-556:
Close up of same:
Sight acquisition with the Micro mounted AR and AK/Ultimak setups have been almost completely intuitive.
Its a different story with the H-1 equipped, 12" Hogue stocked 870. The difference in ergonomics from the 870 and the AR is enough to where its no certainty that moving to a full-sized Aimpoint will completely ameliorate the issue. Lots of mount practice is in order, but I may also look into a new stock solution that will bring the 870’s stock-to-optical axis height demensions closer to that of the AR.
I’ve had the Aimpoint Comp M2, ML3, as well as the EOTech 553. I now run an Aimpoint Comp M4S. I thought about going with the T-1, but decided I like the
M4S better(2 MOA Dot, AA Battery, 30mm Tube, Etc.). I don’t think you would go wrong with either;Personal preference.