[gunseller2]

Hi folks, I just purchased an Aimpoint M4 red-dot sight for my Bushmaster carbine. Other than the having to tighten up the allen screws that hold the integral mount to the sight, the sight performed as I expected(for the price it should). After supper tonight I received a call from Cheaper Than Dirt asking for the serial number of the scope, told me that there was a problem with it, asked me to box it up, and told me a replacement was on the way. The rep that I spoke with was unable to provide any information. I haven't been able to find any info on the web. Any insights from my fellow board members would be greatly appreciated. By the way CTD told be the new sight would be on my doorstep tomorrow...that's great service no matter what the problem is.

[Omnivore]

My company is a high volume Aimpoint dealer, and they've said nothing to us so far.

[highorder]

sounds like you just got a free Aimpoint ;)

[gunseller2]

I ran it by a bunch of guys of work and nobody had heard anything. It looks just like your average run of the mill M4 that you see all over, not some super secret SOCOM prototype or deathray compatible device. In hindsight there was no factory manual or warranty card in the box. I'll be curious if I can get any further info out of CTD.

[BBBBill]

A few possible scenarios.

1. It is a bogus Aimpoint. There have been a bunch of those floating around. Several threads on different forums on how to identify one.

2. Yours is a different variation than you paid for. More/less features. Does it have IR settings?

3. An employee got caught substituting a personal unit and taking a new unit (intended for you) in order to get a warantee and registration for himself.

4. (just for fun) The black helicopters found a way to defeat our tin foil hats and .... wait.... Who's at the door?.... I'm outa here!

I'm curious, too. Kudos to them for stepping up without prompting, but sure is curious....

[gunseller2]

I'm guessing a variation on door #3 or perhaps a customer return that had not been properly processed. My replacement is due here Friday, we will see what happens. The scope I paid for was the model with IR settings, had "Made In Sweden" and a serial number marked on it. It looked legit.

[Omnivore]

Both versions of the CompM4 are NV compatible. The only difference is the location of the power module-- high or low.

[gunseller2]

High...and oh by the way now I understand that Fed-Ex won't be here until at least Sept 2...I'm beginning to get a bit pissed, they didn't waste any time picking up the "old "scope,

[BBBBill]

Just an FYI for anyone interested.

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS289&q=fake+aimpoint

The first link to AR15.com is a good visual on how to identify fakes.
Read some of the other links, too. On calguns.net it looks like one fellow had trouble with a "well known" seller of Aimpoint products selling him a knockoff without identifying it as such.

[gunseller2]

Great post BBBBill, thanks for the info. It would appear that my scope was a real deal, but we'll see what the new one looks like and what Cheaper Than Dirt's explanation will be.

[gunseller2]

As you were...after reading ALL the posts in detail and looking at some of the "replica" scopes on Ebay, I'll be willing to bet that my scope is bogus. I wish I still had it hand to be sure. The give away was one poster's description and photos of his bogus scope. The real M4 has nine red brightness settings opposed to the clone's five. Also the markings on the brightness switch differ and it's method of operation differ. I'll resist the temptation to flame CTD until I get my new scope and an explanation...like why they charged a long-time customer 700 bucks for a 60 buck airsoft scope. Thanks again BBBBill!

[BBBBill]

Did you get any resolution on this yet?

[gunseller2]

Hi Bill,

My replacement scope arrived today. It is a completely different animal. As described in the links that you provided, the unit is far more robust, the switch has different markings and completely different manner of operation. The markings are different and even the scope covers are more robust. Most importantly the locking knob has a positive click when it is adequately tightened onto the receiver. Lo and behold even a owner's manual was included. I haven't had a chance to get to the range yet...maybe thursday or friday.

I do commend Cheaper Than Dirt for making a wrong thing right. What bothers me is that I can get no explanation for receiving the original POS. I have yet to receive any answer to a somewhat tersely worded e-mail to their customer service department. If it's not in poor taste I would be more than happy to post my CTD letter.

[SamG.]

That's very interesting. I wonder how they (CTD) got these crappers in the first place.

[BBBBill]

Well at least you got what you paid for. Do be sure to check it thoroughly to insure that it is indeed correct using the info in the links I posted and pass the word to others who may be considering purchase of any optic from any source. Aimpoints are not the only ones being cloned.

regards, Bill