Aimpoint Comp M5b Review: Love it, but is it worth the price?

When it comes to red dot sights, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various models. Some were good, some not so much. But there’s one optic that stands out above the rest for me, and that’s the Aimpoint Comp M5b. In this review of the Aimpoint Comp M5b, I will share my personal experiences with this durable red dot sight. I will discuss its specifications, performance, and why it’s worth buying. So, let’s dive in and explore what makes the Aimpoint Comp M5b so special.

Background of the M5b

Before I get into my full M5b review, I first want to start by discussing the features and specifications that come with the M5b. It’s important to note that this M5b differs from the other Aimpoint models like the T2 or the M4 – both of which are excellent red dots and ones I’ve used for years.  

The Aimpoint Comp M5b is a premium red dot reflex sight designed to meet the demands of both professional operators and avid sports shooters. This optic offers a range of advanced features that set it apart as a top-tier choice for enhancing shooting accuracy and performance.

One of the standout features of the Comp M5b is its ballistic turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. These turrets allow shooters to preset marked positions, automatically compensating for bullet drop at different distances. This feature significantly enhances precision in target engagements across varying ranges.

The Comp M5b has a 2 MOA red dot reticle for clear aiming in close-quarters and medium-range shooting. The reticle’s clarity ensures fast target acquisition and precise shot placement, contributing to overall shooting accuracy.

Durability is a hallmark of Aimpoint optics, and the Comp M5b lives up to this reputation. Constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum, this optic is exceptionally rugged and capable of withstanding harsh conditions. Its robust build ensures it can endure the rigors of intensive use in the field or on the range.

Battery life is another significant advantage of the Comp M5b. With a remarkable 50,000-hour battery life using regular alkaline batteries (and even longer with lithium batteries), this optic remains ready for action without the need for frequent battery changes. This extended battery life is crucial for maintaining readiness.

Optical clarity is exceptional with the Comp M5b, offering a clear and unobstructed sight picture. The glass is free from distracting hues, allowing for an uninterrupted view of the target. This level of clarity enhances the shooting experience, ensuring shooters can identify and engage targets with precision.

Versatility is key, and the Comp M5b delivers with a range of brightness settings, including night vision-compatible options. These settings adapt to various lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility from bright daylight to low-light situations. This adaptability makes it a reliable choice in any shooting environment.

Parallax shift is minimal, with a variation of around 1 to 1.5 MOA, making it ideal for shooters who need to engage targets from various angles. Additionally, thermal drift is negligible, ensuring that temperature changes won’t impact point of impact, contributing to consistent accuracy.

For left-handed shooters, the Comp M5b’s design is accommodating, with no obstructive battery compartment, ensuring a user-friendly experience for southpaw shooters.

Integrated flip-down plastic lens covers protect the lens from debris and scratches, enhancing the optic’s readiness while eliminating concerns about losing separate lens covers in the field.

The Aimpoint Comp M5b is not just your average red dot sight. It’s designed with a specific purpose in mind, and that purpose becomes evident when you look at its unique features. The “b” in M5b stands for “ballistic,” and that’s because this optic comes equipped with ballistic turrets for both windage and elevation adjustments.

One of the standout features of the Comp M5b is its ability to automatically compensate for bullet drop. When you zero the optic at 100 meters, you can simply turn the ballistic turrets to preset, marked positions that will take care of the rest. This feature alone makes it an excellent choice for those who want precision in their shooting, especially at varying distances.

Okay, with that said, let’s go ahead and jump into my thoughts on the M5b as a red dot. 

Aimpoint Comp M5b Features

1 Lens Covers

Flip up lens covers protect the optic and can be used when closed if needed.

2 Windage Adjustment

3 levels of wind compensation adjustment.

3 Ballistic Drop

The sight comes with interchangeable turrets for different calibers to help compensate for drop at various ranges.

4 Quick release mount

The Micro LRP mounts to picatinny rails and can be quickly attached/detached if needed without loss of zero.

5 Battery compartment

Easy to access battery compartment is out of the way yet easy to swap batteries, although the 50,000 hour battery life means you wont need to very often.

My Review of the Aimpoint Comp M5b

The first thing that struck me about the Aimpoint Comp M5b was its clarity. The glass is clear and crisp, offering a pristine view of the target. It’s almost like looking through a high-definition lens. This clarity is crucial for fast target acquisition and making precise shots, whether you’re in the field or at the range.

However, one minor gripe I have is that the field of view felt slightly restricted when trying to co-witness with standard iron sights. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s worth noting.

The Comp M5b is incredibly shootable. The 2 MOA red dot is versatile enough for both close-quarters engagements and medium-range shots. I appreciate its adaptability, allowing me to use it effectively in various scenarios. Whether I’m shooting fast and close or taking careful shots at a distance, this optic delivers.

Additionally, the Comp M5b’s parallax shift is minimal, with a variation of around 1 to 1.5 MOA. This is a huge advantage when shooting from different angles or under challenging conditions. Plus, thermal drift is virtually nonexistent, ensuring my point of impact remains consistent, even with temperature changes.

Reliability is a critical factor when choosing any firearm accessory, and the Aimpoint Comp M5b does not disappoint. It proved itself to be consistent and dependable across various rifles I used over several months. The rugged build quality gives me confidence that it can handle the rigors of field use.

The battery life is also impressive, boasting 50,000 hours with regular alkaline batteries, and even more with lithium batteries. This long battery life means I don’t have to constantly worry about changing batteries, which is essential for maintaining readiness.

The only minor drawback I found in terms of reliability is the turret adjustments. They require the use of the reverse side of plastic caps, which can be a bit fiddly, especially in situations where fine motor skills might be compromised, like when wearing gloves or operating in cold conditions.

The Aimpoint Comp M5b comes loaded with features that enhance its overall usability. The inclusion of flip-down plastic lens covers is a thoughtful touch. These covers not only protect the lens but also add to the optic’s readiness. Shooting with the covers down slightly narrows the point of view, but it’s a practical feature for emergency use cases.

I particularly appreciate the integrated design of the lens covers, which eliminates the worry of losing them. Losing vital components in the field is a headache I don’t need.

The optic’s versatility shines through its brightness settings. It offers a wide range of settings, with higher brightness levels ensuring great visibility even in glaring sunlight. The night vision-compatible settings expand its adaptability in low-light conditions, providing an all-in-one solution.

Final Thoughts of the M5b

In conclusion, my experience with the Aimpoint Comp M5b has been overwhelmingly positive. This red dot sight has redeemed itself in my eyes, even though it has a pretty high price tag, which I’ll discuss in a bit.  

If you’re in the market for a red dot sight that can handle extreme conditions and deliver consistent results, the Aimpoint Comp M5b should be at the top of your list. It’s a valuable piece of equipment that lives up to its reputation as a high-end firearm accessory.

A lot of people have questioned why I’d pay so much for an Aimpoint Comp M5b, when I could basically get 11 Sig Romeo 5s for the same price. Basically, I only use this red dot for my premium rifles like my SHTF gun (the IWI x95). If this gun has major use and purpose, why would you skimp out on your red dot? So, if you can afford Aimpoint Comp M5b, and you’re looking to put a red dot on a useful rifle or one of your top setups, then this is the best red dot for you use. 

It’s because of all of this, that I listed this as the best overall red dot in my article – which you can check out here.  

So, give it a shot, and you won’t be disappointed.

Aimpoint CompM5b Pros and Cons 

FAQ on the Aimpoint CompM5b

Important Links

• CompM5b by Aimpoint
• Aimpoint CompM5b User Manual
• Aimpoint CompM5b Zero Target