Aimpoint makes top-notch red dot sights for firearms. Two popular models are the Duty RDS and T2 Micro. Gun owners often compare these optics when choosing a sight.
The Duty RDS and T2 Micro have some key differences. The Aimpoint Duty RDS is designed for law enforcement and military use, while the T2 Micro targets civilian shooters. Both are compact and durable, but they use different materials and have distinct features.
Comparing these sights helps shooters pick the best option. Factors like build quality, performance, and price all come into play. Understanding the pros and cons of each model is key for making an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
- Both sights are compact and night vision compatible
- The Duty RDS offers good value at a lower price point
- The T2 Micro has a proven track record for durability
Overview of Aimpoint Optics
Aimpoint is a leading maker of red dot sights. Their optics are known for quality and durability. The company has a long history and uses key tech in their sights.
History of Aimpoint
Aimpoint began in 1974 in Sweden. They made the first working red dot sight. The sight helped hunters and target shooters aim better.
In the 1990s, Aimpoint grew fast. The U.S. Army picked their sights. This led to big military contracts.
Aimpoint kept making new sights. The Micro series came out in 2007. These small sights work well on many guns.
Today, Aimpoint makes sights for police, military, and hunters. Their Duty RDS and T2 models are top choices for many users.
Principles of Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights use simple tech. They project a red dot onto a lens. This dot shows where the bullet will go.
The dot is made by an LED. It bounces off a special lens. This lens lets you see through it and see the dot.
Red dots work in all light. They’re fast to use. You can shoot with both eyes open. This helps you see more around you.
Aimpoint sights are tough. They can handle harsh weather and bumps. Many work with night vision gear too.
Battery life is key for red dots. Aimpoint sights can run for years on one battery. This makes them very reliable.
Aimpoint Duty RDS Overview
The Aimpoint Duty RDS is a rugged red dot sight designed for law enforcement and military use. It offers durability, clear optics, and user-friendly features in a compact package.
Specifications of Duty RDS
The Aimpoint Duty RDS has a 2 MOA red dot, which stays sharp and clear in various conditions. It weighs 4.6 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
The sight is night vision compatible and has 10 brightness settings. Four are for night vision use, while six are for daytime use.
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 3 years of continuous use on setting 7 out of 10. This long battery life ensures reliability during extended operations.
The Duty RDS operates in temperatures from -49°F to 160°F. This wide range makes it suitable for use in extreme environments.
Design and Features
The Duty RDS has a sleek, low-profile design. Its compact size doesn’t interfere with the user’s field of view.
The housing is made of high-strength aluminum. This material provides excellent durability without adding excessive weight.
The sight is waterproof up to 80 feet. This feature makes it suitable for use in wet conditions or during water-based operations.
A transparent rear flip cover protects the lens. It allows for use of the sight even when the cover is closed, adding an extra layer of protection.
The Duty RDS has no parallax, meaning the dot stays on target regardless of eye position. This feature enhances accuracy and speed in target acquisition.
Mounting Options
The Aimpoint Duty RDS comes with a low mount for absolute co-witness. This setup aligns the red dot with iron sights on many firearms.
A spacer is included for lower 1/3 co-witness. This option raises the sight slightly, allowing for a clearer view of the target area.
The sight is compatible with Aimpoint Acro mounts. This versatility allows users to easily switch between different firearms or mounting heights.
The mounting system is designed for quick and easy installation. Users can rapidly attach or detach the sight as needed.
The Duty RDS fits various firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns. This flexibility makes it a versatile option for different shooting applications.
Aimpoint T2 Micro Overview
The Aimpoint T2 Micro is a compact and rugged red dot sight. It offers high performance in a small package, making it popular for military, law enforcement, and civilian use.
Specifications of T2 Micro
The T2 Micro weighs just 3.7 ounces with the mount. It measures 2.7 inches long and 1.6 inches wide. The sight features a 2 MOA red dot reticle.
Battery life is impressive at over 5 years of continuous use on setting 8 out of 12. The T2 is fully waterproof to 80 feet.
It has 12 brightness settings, including 4 that are night vision compatible. The T2 operates in temperatures from -50°F to 160°F.
Design and Features
The T2 Micro has a sturdy aluminum housing for durability. Its compact size allows for easy use on various firearms.
Key features include:
- Parallax-free design
- Clear front and rear lenses
- Compatible with all generations of night vision devices
- Submersible to 25 meters
- Arctic-proof battery compartment
The sight uses advanced lens coatings to enhance clarity and light transmission. This results in a clearer, sharper dot.
Mounting Options
The T2 Micro offers versatile mounting solutions. It comes with a Picatinny rail mount for easy attachment to rifles and carbines.
Other mounting options include:
- Aimpoint Micro mounts
- QD lever mounts
- Absolute co-witness mounts
- Lower 1/3 co-witness mounts
The sight is compatible with various firearms, including pistols, shotguns, and rifles. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for both primary and backup sighting roles.
The T2 can be used with magnifiers for increased range. It also works well with flip-to-side mounts for quick transitions.
Performance Comparison
The Aimpoint Duty RDS and T2 differ in key performance areas. These differences impact their suitability for various shooting scenarios and user preferences.
Optical Clarity
The Aimpoint T2 offers superior lens quality compared to the Duty RDS. Its multi-coated lens provides exceptional clarity and light transmission. This results in a crisper, more defined red dot.
The Duty RDS still delivers clear optics, but may not match the T2’s performance in challenging light conditions. Both sights feature a 2 MOA red dot, allowing for precise aiming at various distances.
Users report minimal distortion or tinting with either optic. The T2’s edge in optical clarity becomes most apparent in low-light situations or when using night vision devices.
Durability and Reliability
Both sights are built to withstand harsh conditions. The T2 is crafted from machined billet 6061 aluminum, while the Duty RDS uses pressure-forged aluminum.
The T2’s construction gives it a slight edge in durability. It’s known for its ability to handle extreme temperatures and rough handling.
The Duty RDS is also rugged, designed to meet the demands of law enforcement and military use. Both sights are waterproof and can handle recoil from various firearms.
Reliability is excellent for both models. They maintain zero well and function consistently in diverse environments.
Battery Life
Battery life is a standout feature for both sights. The T2 boasts an impressive 50,000 hours of continuous use on a single battery. This translates to over 5 years of operation.
The Duty RDS offers a respectable 30,000 hours of battery life. While less than the T2, it still provides years of use without needing a battery change.
Both sights use common CR2032 batteries. They feature multiple brightness settings to balance visibility with battery conservation.
The T2’s longer battery life gives it an advantage for extended field use or in situations where frequent battery changes are impractical.
Suitability for Duty Use
Both the Duty RDS and T2 are designed for professional use. The Duty RDS, as its name suggests, is tailored for law enforcement and similar roles.
It offers a good balance of performance and affordability. The sight’s durability and reliable operation make it suitable for daily carry and use in varied conditions.
The T2, while more expensive, provides top-tier performance. Its superior optical clarity and longer battery life make it ideal for users who demand the best, regardless of cost.
Both sights are compatible with night vision devices, enhancing their versatility for tactical operations. The T2’s slight edge in durability may appeal to users in extreme environments.
User Experience
The Aimpoint Duty RDS and T2 offer different user experiences. Their ease of use, ergonomics, and sight acquisition speed impact how shooters interact with these optics.
Ease of Use
The Aimpoint Duty RDS is user-friendly with an intuitive design. It allows for quick mounting and dismounting, making it easy to adjust to different situations. The simple operation helps users adapt quickly.
The T2 also boasts easy handling, but its smaller size may require more practice for some users. Both optics feature straightforward controls for adjusting brightness and zeroing.
Battery life is a key factor in ease of use. The T2 typically offers longer battery life, reducing the frequency of replacements. This can be especially helpful during extended use or in remote locations.
Ergonomics
The T2 is smaller and lighter than the Duty RDS. This compact design can be beneficial for users who prioritize weight savings and maneuverability.
The Duty RDS, while slightly larger, may feel more comfortable for some shooters due to its size. Its larger profile can make it easier to locate and manipulate, especially when wearing gloves.
Both optics are designed to withstand harsh conditions. They feature durable construction that can handle recoil and environmental stresses without losing zero.
Sight Acquisition Speed
Both the Duty RDS and T2 excel in rapid target acquisition. Their 2 MOA red dots provide a clear aiming point that’s easy to pick up quickly.
The T2’s smaller size gives it an edge in maintaining a wide field of view. This can help shooters acquire targets faster, especially in close-quarters situations.
The Duty RDS, with its slightly larger housing, may be easier for some users to find and align quickly. This can be particularly helpful for shooters transitioning from iron sights.
Both optics offer multiple brightness settings, allowing users to adjust for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. This flexibility contributes to faster sight acquisition across different environments.
Accessories and Customization
The Aimpoint Duty RDS and T2 offer different options for accessories and customization. These options impact how users can set up and enhance their optics.
Compatible Accessories
The Aimpoint T2 works with a wide range of accessories. It can use various mounting accessories sold by Aimpoint. These fit different types of rails or flat tops. This makes the T2 very flexible.
The T2 also accepts flip-up lens covers and anti-reflection devices. These help protect the optic and reduce glare.
For the Duty RDS, Aimpoint offers fewer official accessories. But it still has options for mounts and protective gear.
Both sights can use spacers to adjust height. This helps match them with iron sights or night vision devices.
Aftermarket Support
The T2 has strong aftermarket support. Many companies make custom parts for it. These include special mounts, battery caps, and protective housings.
Shooters can find T2 parts in different colors and materials. This lets them match their optic to their gun or preferences.
The Duty RDS is newer, so it has less aftermarket support right now. But more options are likely to come as it grows in popularity.
Both sights can use generic red dot accessories. Things like scope covers and cleaning kits work well with either model.
Price and Value Considerations
The Aimpoint Duty RDS and T2 differ in cost and long-term value. These factors play a key role in choosing between the two optics.
Unit Cost Comparison
The Aimpoint Duty RDS costs under $500, making it more affordable than the T2. This lower price point makes it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
The Aimpoint Micro T2 red dot sight costs between $700 and $800. Its higher price reflects its premium features and build quality.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Duty RDS offers significant savings. The T2’s price may be harder to justify for casual shooters or those on a tight budget.
Long-Term Investment
The T2’s higher initial cost can be offset by its durability and proven track record. Its machined billet 6061 aluminum construction contributes to its longevity.
The Duty RDS, while less expensive, is still built to last. It uses pressure forged aluminum, which provides good durability at a lower cost.
Both optics offer long battery life, reducing ongoing costs. The T2’s established reputation may make it easier to resell, potentially recouping more of the initial investment.
For professional users or those who demand the utmost reliability, the T2’s higher price may be justified by its long-term performance and resale value.
Final Thoughts on Selection
Choosing between the Aimpoint Duty RDS and T2 depends on individual needs and preferences. Both sights offer high-quality performance for tactical and competitive shooting.
The Duty RDS provides updated features at a more accessible price. It’s a solid choice for those seeking reliability without breaking the bank.
The T2 stands out for its compact size and lighter weight. This makes it ideal for users prioritizing minimal bulk on their firearms.
Key factors to consider:
- Budget constraints
- Size and weight preferences
- Specific mounting requirements
- Intended use (tactical, competition, or recreational)
Both sights use durable materials like aluminum. The Duty RDS uses pressure-forged aluminum, while the T2 uses machined billet aluminum.
Ultimately, either choice offers reliable performance. The decision comes down to personal priorities and specific shooting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Aimpoint Duty RDS and T2 differ in several key areas. These include durability, battery life, night vision compatibility, mounting options, price, and manufacturing origin.
What are the differences between the Aimpoint Duty RDS and the T2 in terms of durability and reliability?
Both sights are built to withstand harsh conditions. The T2 is made of machined billet 6061 aluminum, giving it excellent durability.
The Duty RDS uses pressure forged aluminum, which is also strong but may feel rougher to the touch. Both are reliable for critical missions.
How does the battery life of the Aimpoint Duty RDS compare to the Aimpoint T2?
The Aimpoint T2 has a longer battery life than the Duty RDS. The T2 can run for up to 5 years on a single battery at a medium brightness setting.
The Duty RDS has a shorter but still impressive battery life of about 3 years on medium settings.
Can the Aimpoint T2 be used with night vision devices?
Yes, the Aimpoint T2 is fully compatible with night vision devices. It has multiple brightness settings specifically designed for use with night vision equipment.
The Duty RDS also works with night vision, but may have fewer dedicated night vision settings compared to the T2.
What mounting options are available for the Aimpoint Duty RDS?
The Aimpoint Duty RDS has a larger mounting system with a locking mechanism. It shares the same one-piece torsion nut mounting footprint as the Micro T-1/T-2.
This allows for compatibility with many existing Aimpoint mounts and accessories designed for the T-series optics.
Is there a significant difference in the price point between the Aimpoint Duty RDS and the T2?
Yes, there is a notable price difference. The Aimpoint Duty RDS is typically less expensive than the T2.
The Duty RDS was designed to offer many of the T2’s features at a more budget-friendly price point for law enforcement and civilian users.
What is the origin of manufacture for the Aimpoint Duty RDS?
The Aimpoint Duty RDS is manufactured in Sweden, like other Aimpoint products. Aimpoint is a Swedish company known for producing high-quality optics.
All of their red dot sights, including the Duty RDS and T2, are made in their facilities in Sweden to maintain strict quality control.