Today we are looking at the first commercial red dot optic, and its successors. In 1975, Aimpoint released the Aimpoint Electronic, a collimating optic using an LED as a light source. It was intended for the hunting market, where an unmagnified optic that could be used with both eyes open offered a significant improvement over traditional magnified optics for short-range moving targets. The sight proved popular, and led to a second generation in 1978 with an improved mount. In 1983, a third generation (the MkIII) was introduced. This model was zeroed by moving the collimating lens inside the optic, instead of moving the whole optic on its base as on the previous models.
In 1985 Aimpoint released their first optic that mounted in standard scope rings, the Aimpoint 2000. However, they continued to market and develop the initial family of optics as well, releasing the Aimpoint 1000 in 1987. This pattern was still very popular with hunters, and offered a lower mounting position than possible with scope rings. Ultimately the ring-style models became much more popular and the Aimpoint 1000 was the last of its type offered by the company.
For the earlier models, how available are batteries?
I could stand a correction, but I think the batteries are fairly standard photographic models. Albeit, admittedly, somewhat esoteric.
Color me in as being in favor of some bright light doing a rationalization of battery types and sizes, such that we actually have some damn standards to work with. Swear to God, I must have dozens of different technologic toys with wildly different batteries, and for no discernible technical reason.
Smartest thing the US Army ever did was type-standardize on the AA battery for night vision. You have no idea what a nightmare it was, back in the day, when you had to try and keep on top of every damn specialized battery in the world, just to run your night vision gear. Highly aggravating.
I doubt that the windage/elevation adjustments of the Electronic mark 3 work by shifting the outer lens. The device has a half translucent mirror inside that reflects the red light dot into the shooters eye. this mirror sits in a tube that is being moved by the adjustment knobs. Similar to the erector/reticle tube in a rifle scope.
Aimpoint has a comprehensive battery guide on its web page. The early two models use a RM1N battery. This is nothing you’d find in a supermarket, but you can get compatible replacements online.
Have the 2nd model works , and the low profile is nice on older guns .
Also have the 3X tube for it … not the must rugged when that’s on .