At SHOT Show 2025 Aimpoint, the original red dot sight, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Aimpoint did not disappoint with their partnership with Glock, the new A-CUT, and the Aimpoint COA. The booth is always in a great spot, and daily giveaways drew a lot of people to the booth to check out their new products and receive some amazing prizes, including numerous Glocks with Aimpoint COA and some amazing 50th anniversary items.
I have been using Aimpoint products since the 1990s. I personally used the Aimpoint T-1 in combat, and it was absolutely amazing with the durability of this red dot sight. Aimpoint is the only red dot sight I use today on all my firearms.
Aimpoint is also a supporter of the War HOGG Tactical initiative for FREE law enforcement red dot pistol firearms training via our Project Officer Survival. Our Project Officer Survival uses the Walther PDP pistol, topped with an Aimpoint ACRO and Safariland Level 3 retention holster.
Our law enforcement red dot pistol course is two-fold. One to give the law enforcement officer—either trained or not-yet-transitioned—pistol red dot sight training on a quality, enclosed red dot sight. Two, is to educate them on the differences between an enclosed and open emitter red dot sight. I see too many agencies purchasing garbage red dot sights for their officers, conducting no test and evaluation for this piece of life-saving equipment that they will attach to their pistol.
For 50 years, Aimpoint has been the trusted choice of police, military, and civilians worldwide. This standing is maintained by listening to the needs of these end users and designing products that can be trusted to perform under the most demanding environmental conditions imaginable. Use code WarHogg25 to save with Aimpoint
New Aimpoint Items for 2025
In 2025, Aimpoint, in partnership with Glock, debuted the Aimpoint COA with a new A-CUT mounting option. This Aimpoint / Glock partnership has a one-year exclusivity. In 2026, we should see other manufacturers start to offer slides with an A-CUT option, but until then, Glock will be the only pistol to have the Aimpoint COA mounted on the slide.
The Aimpoint COA is a pistol red dot sight focused on the concealed carry pistol. At first glance, some people might even say the COA window is smaller than the ACRO. I can tell you firsthand that they both have the same size window. I had the opportunity to live fire the new Aimpoint COA, and there is no difference between the COA and ACRO window size.
The AImpoint coa
The Aimpoint COA is specifically designed for use on both slimline and standard-size concealed carry pistols, combining ease of use, durability, reliability, performance, and compact design. The sleek design, lightweight, and small size make the Aimpoint COA optic ideal for everyday carry.
Built to withstand the extreme stress of recoil, the Aimpoint COA optic was tested and proven with vibration tolerances rated to 40,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition. This enclosed emitter red dot sight ensures you have your red dot regardless of the conditions. The slim design opens up more opportunities for concealed carry for those who think the ACRO is too big to conceal.
Aimpoint coa Specs
- 3.5 MOA dot size
- 50,000 hours (over 5 years) of constant operation
- 4 night vision compatible settings and 8 daylight settings
- Weight (including battery): 48 g / 1.7 oz.
- Submersible to 25 m / 82 ft.
- Clear Aperture: 15 × 15 mm / 0.59 × 0.59 in.
- Ultra-compact housing with slim frame in high-strength aluminum (7075-T6) provides great situational awareness
- INCLUDES: CR2032 battery, Aimpoint Tool
The revolutionary A-cut
The new A-CUT design for the Aimpoint COA offers a unique mounting system that uses multiple locking points for the optic on the slide of the pistol. The simplicity and stability of this mounting system is revolutionary in the firearms industry.
Think of the A-CUT like a ski boot and binder. The front of the COA locks into the front notch cut and is secured in the rear by the rear sight screws. What you can’t see from the outside is that there are also notches on the bottom of the optic, which lock into notches on the A-CUT to help lock the COA to the frame during the 12 axes of optic movement during recoil.
This new A-CUT sets the standards for law enforcement and military use, as well as the law-abiding concealed carry citizens. Shooters have peace of mind; they have the most reliable red dot sights available on the market mounted on a solid platform via the A-CUT mount.
The aimpoint ACRO C-2
The Aimpoint ACRO C-2 is next in the line of the ACRO series, optimized for carbine use. Powered by a CR2032 battery, the 2.5 MOA dot will last for five years of continuous use on setting 6/10 (daylight setting). The ACRO C-2 features a series of mounting solutions designed to fit any Picatinny rail system.
Tested to withstand the G-force of 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W caliber ammunition, this small optic has proven to lead in ruggedness and reliability just like its pistol counterpart, the ACRO P-2. It is trusted by law enforcement, military, hunters, and sport shooters alike. They all rely on the ACRO enclosed red dot sight advantage and durability. The enclosed red dot sight makes it reliable and operational in any weather conditions.
The ACRO C-2 is a lightweight, low-profile carbine optic that provides fast target acquisition. I run my ACRO C-2 on my LWRC IC-9 Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) with a Reptilia mount.
ACRO C-2 Specs
- 2.5 MOA dot size
- 50,000 hours (over 5 years) of constant operation
- Two night vision compatible settings and eight daylight settings
- Weight 2.1 oz / 60 g (sight only)
- Submersible to 15 feet (5 meters)
- Clear Aperture (mm/in): 16 × 16mm / 0.63 × 0.63in
- Optimized for carbine use
INCLUDES: CR2032 battery, Aimpoint T10 / Battery Cap Tool, Flip-up Lens Covers, a B&T 39mm Mount, or Reptilia Lower 1/3 (39mm) Mount or Scalarworks 1.57″ or 1.93” Mount
Other Aimpoint optics
Aimpoint has numerous other red dot options for your pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
For your pistol, the Aimpoint P-2 enclosed red dot sight is the standard, in my opinion. For your shotgun, check out the Aimpoint S-2. For your carbine, Aimpoint offers numerous different options, from the Aimpoint PRO, C-2, Duty RDS, T-2, or M5. Aimpoint has a red dot sight that will fit your needs. Don’t forget Aimpoint also has magnifiers in both 3X and 6X.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a red dot sight, Aimpoint is your answer. Aimpoint products are known for their high quality, durability, reliability, and performance in all conditions. The enclosed red dot sight ensures you have your red dot regardless of the environmental conditions.
When I was in the military and now in the civilian world, teaching firearms and tactical training, Aimpoint is the red dot optic I have on all my firearms. The A-CUT sets the standard to ensure the most positive lockup of optic to frame on the market. I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store for the A-CUT and Aimpoint COA.
Train Hard, Stay Safe, and see you “On The Range” – Rick
