The Aimpoint Micro H-1 (standard mount attached) pictured next to the HOLOSUN AL1/3CW1.63 mountStandard mount removed, and placed beside the HOLOSUN AL1/3CW1.63 mount
I used Locktite Blue 242 ($5.49, Amazon.com) on the threads of the four Torx T10 screws that secure the optic to the mount.
The Aimpoint Micro H-1 secured to the HOLOSUN AL1/3CW1.63 mount
The Torx T15 screw that adjusts the clamping pressure from the mount to the rail also functions as a recoil stop. I made sure that it was seated against the notch, such that the mount can’t move backwards when shooting due to recoil-induced vibration.
The entire package, mounted onto my AR-15Mounted view (controls side)Mounted view (ejection port side)
I used the iron sights on my rifle as reference, and adjusted the Aimpoint Micro H-1 until the dot was in line with the sight picture as viewed through the iron sights. This should get me on paper, with fine-tuning to come at my next visit to the rifle range.
I wanted to mount my Aimpoint Micro H-1 on my AR-15 without breaking the bank.
The HOLOSUN AL1/3CW1.63 T-1 Compatible Mount ($19.99, Amazon.com) checked all of the right boxes. It raises the optic 1.63″ (41.4 mm) above the rail surface for lower 1/3 cowitness. The riser’s hollow design allows the operator to leverage the backup iron sights in event of optic failure. This struck me as optimal for an optic that needn’t be moved between weapons.
HOLOSUN also offers the HOLOSUN AACW1.4 T-1 Compatible Mount ($19.99, Amazon.com), which raises the optic 1.4″ (35.5 mm) above the rail surface for absolute cowitness.
HOLOSUN’s mounts were built for their red dot sight, the HOLOSUN HS403G ($229.99, Amazon.com). Its mounting base is identical to that of the Aimpoint Micro H-1 and T-1, making these mounts a budget-friendly pick for Aimpoint Micro owners.
Prior to placing an order on this mmount, I considered LaRue Tactical’s QD Aimpoint Micro Mouint LT751 ($107, Amazon.com) and LaRue Tactical’s QD LT660 ($107, Amazon.com). Both of these mounts are immensely popular options for mounting Aimpoint Micro red dot sights to the AR-15 platform.
Two items of note before we dive in:
1) this is my first time playing with anything from Aimpoint, though you could say that I’m familiar with the legend of the name, and
2) I’m probably spoiled for unboxing, so take this with a grain of salt.
The Aimpoint Micro H-1 (~$600, Amazon.com) has been on the market since 2007. It’s made to be used whenever and wherever needed: a single battery will power the red dot sight for up to five years of continuous operation at position 8 of 12, and over ten months at position 10 of 12.
The box is small and minimalistic, measuring in at x ( x cm). It’s almost boring in semi-matte black, with the playful addition of a clipped corner. A faintly-lit photo of the Micro H-1 in profile adorns three faces of the box.
The Aimpoint Micro H-1 box, viewed head-on
I was surprised to find nothing securing the flap from being opened. No tamper-evident sticker: quite unusual in my estimation for a high-value product.
The Aimpoint Micro H-1 box, viewed from an angle
Upon opening the flap, we are greeted by two inserts. One is a leaflet for four free hunting videos (worth $180!) redeemable upon product registration. The other is the manual (PDF available on Aimpoint’s website: http://us.aimpoint.com/fileadmin/user_upload/2015_Web_Content/Product_PDFs/User_Manuals/Sights/Micro_Series/12035-8_Manual_Micro_Series_ENG_FR_DE_ES_SE_RU_LoRes.pdf)
Literature enclosed within the Aimpoint Micro H-1 box
Pulling aside the foam insert reveals the sight (fitted with rubber bikini lens cover), an Aimpoint Micro tool, and the CR2032 battery (not pictured). These are packaged tightly by another foam insert that lines the bottom of the box.
Opening the flap and removing the top layer of packing material exposes the Aimpoint Micro H-1 red dot sight and tool
I used the Micro tool to remove and reinstall the battery cap. The power intensity adjustment ring is tight and precise, with a knurled ring for easy operation, and internal stops.
The Aimpoint Micro H-1 comes with a bikini cover to protect the front and rear elements
The Micro H-1’s housing and mount are both made of anodized high-strength aluminum, finished in a semi-matte black. It looks right at home on any modern sporting rifle (assault rifle [call it whatever you want to call it]).
An alternate view of the Aimpoint Micro H-1 with bikini cover on
I took a photo of the sight when viewed from the front with the dot set to maximum intensity.
This is what the target sees
While the Aimpoint Micro H-1 comes with a base for mounting to Weaver-style rails, it is advisable to combine it with a fixed-height riser for mounting to an AR-15. The use of a riser brings up the height of the optical axis for co-witnessing with iron sights. I wasn’t aware of this until I talked about optics with Basil W. Once zeroed in, I’m confident that this sight will enable me to accurately group shots at 100 yards.
The Aimpoint Micro H-1 with bikini cover removedAn alternate view of the Aimpoint Micro H-1 with bikini cover removed
Compared to other products offered by Aimpoint, the Micro H-1 is a step above the the Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO), and lags behind the nightvision-compatible Micro T-1. There is a newer Micro H-2 available, as well as a Micro T-2, both announced earlier this year.