Aimpoint models – what’s the diff?

[shoen1200]

I understand the reticle dot size and night vision aspect of model designation – example: M2 is night vision compatible while an ML2 is not night vision compatible.
What I can not find in model descriptions is difference of performance or otherwise from say an M2 vs. and M3.
All seem to have about the same battery life.
So what is the advantage of one model over another?
I wish someone sold them locally so I could actually see one in the flesh.
I have used an Eotech and may just go that route.
But my astigmatism distorts the Eotech reticlle and has an effect on my longer range accuracy.
I am more accurate with iron sights than the Eotech at anything beyond 50yrds.
I have been told that I would not have the same issue with an Aimpoint.
I would think the short depth of the Eotech would make it less sensitive to eye alignment than a smaller diameter tube that an Aimpoint uses…
It’s a lot of money to spend and find out I do not like the sight.
Hope someone can clarify things for me.
Thanks.

 

[Avenger29]

Some of your info might be found here:

http://www.tacticalyellowvisor.net/69016/69037.html

Also see the linked chart there... http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsFFHwq_KhEISQ&output=html

All of the current generation Aimpoints have at least 10,000 hours of battery life. Some have 50,000 hours, and the M4 has 80,000, IIRC.

Some have 2MOA dot, some have 4MOA dot, the H-1 and T-1s are smaller and lighter, the M2, M3, and C3 sights are roughly the same size.

They will all be pretty durable.

If you think your vision is going to give you problems, you really need to try one before buying. In the worst case, you should be able to recoup most of your investment by selling it lightly used if you hate it. Your astigmatism is still going to distort the dot some. The question is- is it going to be bad enough to impair your shooting to the point of where you can't use it?