We are headed again to the vary for extra testing with one other Vortex pink dot scope and a competitor. This time we’re trying on the Vortex SPARC AR vs Aimpoint ACO. SPARC stands for Speed Point Aiming for Rapid Combat and ACO for Aimpoint Carbine Optic. These are each wonderful pink dot scopes.

This check is our first encounter with an Aimpoint scope, primarily due to the value level on the Aimpoint merchandise. Aimpoint is a Swedish firm and, whereas they promote the Aimpoint ACO as an reasonably priced mannequin of pink dot scope, the Aimpoint ACO sometimes is available in at nearly twice the value of most different comparable pink dot sights.
The adage, “you get what you pay for” might not precisely maintain true on this case. The repute and our expertise with Vortex optics definitely have left us considering that high quality and efficiency don’t must price twice as much.
Vortex SPARC AR vs Aimpoint ACO Review
Aimpoint ACO Review
There is little doubt that Aimpoint builds a few of the best pink dot optics gear on the earth. Aimpoint doesn’t design or construct conventional optical scopes. Their total product line, together with their line of searching scopes, are strictly pink dot type sights.
Aimpoint is happy with its parallax-free aiming system and the standard of the development of each their enterprise {and professional} scopes. Features which might be normal throughout the whole line of Aimpoint pink dot scopes are:
- Unlimited subject of view
- Parallax-free operation
- Unlimited eye reduction
- Weatherproof building
- Durable and rugged for excessive circumstances
- Ho hazardous supplies used within the building
- No laser emissions
- Years-long battery life
Those are tall claims, however the market and the professionals and civilians who use Aimpoint sights bear out the claims by Aimpoint.
Getting to the Basics – Features and Specifications

When coping with optics, particularly optics intently matched in options and specs, it’s vital to check fastidiously. Like many issues, the main points could make a distinction.
- 2 MO pink dot permits quick sight acquisition
- Expected battery life – 10,000 hours of fixed use
- Battery – DL1/3N
- The package deal features a fastened height mount designed to co-witness with AR sights
- Ready to mount to any Picatinny rail
- Anodized high-strength aluminum housing with a matte black end
- Ten dot forcefulness settings offering use in any mild scenario
- 1x magnification
- Parallax free optics
- Temperature working vary from -20 levels F to +140 levels F
- Waterproof to 15 ft
- Weight 6.7 ounces alone or 10.6 ounces with the mount
Technical Details – For the Geeks
- Optical magnification – 1X
- Aiming Dot dimension – 2 MOA
- Dot forcefulness – dot stays visible towards a background luminance of 0.1 to 55,000 1X
- Dot Color – 655 nm plus or minus 15 nm
- Night Vision Compatible – No
- Optical Coatings – Anti-reflection on all surfaces, multilayer type
- Clear Aperture – .9 inches
- Eye reduction – Unlimited
- Battery sort – 3V lithium sort 2L76 or DL1/3N
- Battery life – 10,000 hours
- Length – 4.eight inches
- Width – 2.2 inches
- Height – 2.2 inches
- Weight (with mount) – 6.7 ounces
What Users are Saying – The Pros and Cons
Across the board, irrespective of what place you look or who you ask, Aimpoint merchandise get excessive marks. As with something, there are a number of feedback and opinions on the contrary. Overall, Aimpoint merchandise and the Aimpoint ACO obtain above-average scores.
Pros:
- Awesome options and high quality.
- Accuracy and toughness is unparalleled
- The crisp and clear pink dot is simple to deliver on course
- Durable Sight. Rides on my LEO patrol rifle and is all the time zeroed and dealing
Cons:
- A bit expensive for a sporting optic
- No lens covers and the mounts are just a little tacky
What is Included within the Box?
- The Aimpoint ACO pink dot sight
- AR-15 prepared mount
- DL1/3N battery
- Micro-tool
Last replace on 2020-09-14 at 05:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vortex SPARC AR Review
Vortex is an American Company. Vortex manufactures their optics abroad however this commonplace and is the case with most different optics corporations. Vortex builds a variety of optics from high-end long-distance shooting telescopic sights to compact pink dot sights for pistols. If you want an optic, there’s a product within the Vortex line that can fill your wants.
The Vortex Optics SPARC pink dot sight is among the extra widespread pink dot sights within the Vortex product line. The SPARC is an AR prepared pink dot sight supposed for these shooters who compete in fight type matches or LEO’s and others who want an reasonably priced however reliable sight for skilled use.
The Vortex SPARC pink dot sight is modern and unassuming in its look. The compact sight is designed from the mount to the lens caps to be ergonomic and sturdy. Looking on the options of any Vortex optic reveals a effectively thought out set of choices.
Vortex SPARC – Features and Specifications

Perhaps essentially the most noticeable function for many people who find themselves conversant in Vortex Optics is the lifetime guarantee that comes with every Vortex product. The different options are simply as spectacular.
- Fully multi-coated lenses to extend mild transmission
- Unlimited eye-relief for comfy shooting
- Parallax free optics
- 2 MOA pink dot for fast goal acquisition
- Ten illumination settings for any mild circumstances
- Housing machined from excessive energy aluminum
- The included mount is adjustable for a 1/Three co-witness or absolute co-witness on AR sights
- 300-hour battery life on the very best setting
- 500 hours of battery life on the bottom forcefulness setting
- Lightweight at solely 7.5 ounces
The Technical Details – Vortex SPARC Red Dot Sight
- Multi-height mount for personalized fastened sight co-witness
- 1 x magnification
- Objective lens diameter – 22mm
- Dot Color – pink
- Dot dimension – 2 MOA
- Eye Relief – Unlimited
- Adjustment Graduations – 1 MOA per click on
- Maximum elevation adjustment – 90 MOA
- Maximum windage adjustment – 90 MOA
- Parallax adjustment – Parallax Free
- Length – 2.9 inches
- Height – 1.09 inches
- Width – 1.09 inches
- Weight – 7.5 ounces
Listening to the Users – The Pros and Cons of the Vortex SPARC
Overall, the Vortex Optics SPARC charges as excessive as any pink dot sight available on the market. Vortex customers are overwhelmingly beneficial of their feedback concerning the Vortex Optics Sparc pink dot sight.
The Pros:
- The SPARC is my selection for my patrol rifle. It has by no means let me down.
- Holds zero regardless of the abuse it will get on my AR
- Mounted on my 300 Blackout with out a downside by way of 1000’s of rounds
- Affordable worth for an important optic
The Cons:
- The controls is usually a bit laborious to control when sporting gloves
- Short battery life in comparison with different pink dot sights
What’s included within the Box
- One Vortex SPARC Red Dot Sight
- Multi-height mount system – AR prepared
- T-10 Torx wrench
- AAA Battery
- Rubber coated Cover with Flip Caps
Last replace on 2020-09-14 at 05:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Side by Side – Aimpoint ARC vs Vortex SPARC AR
For ease of comparability, let’s put a few of the options and technical particulars aspect by aspect.
Vortex SPARC | Aimpoint ACO | |
---|---|---|
Magnification | 1X | 1X |
Length | 3.1 inches | 3.Zero inches |
Weight | 5.9 ounces | 6.7 ounces |
Adjustment Graduations | 1 MOA per click on | ½ MOA per click on |
Max elevation Adjustment | 90 MOA | 66 MOA |
Max Windage Adjustment | 90 MOA | 66 MOA |
Objective Lens | 22mm | 23mm |
Battery Type | 1 AAA | 1 DL1/3N |
Battery Life | 300 – 500 hours | 10,000 hours |
Warranty | Unlimited Lifetime | Limited ten years for private use |
The Warranty Issue
The guarantee supplied on a pink dot scope is usually a vital level within the resolution course of, particularly if you’re waiting for to place a rifle scope into excessive circumstances. The significance of this resolution isn’t any totally different with a pink dot scope.
Vortex Optics Warranty
Vortex gives an Unlimited Lifetime Warranty on the Vortex Optics SPARC pink dot scope. The guarantee is absolutely transferrable, and also you don’t have to preserve monitor of a receipt to make a declare. The guarantee specifies that:
- If the optic turns into broken the guarantee will cowl the fix or alternative
- If the optic is flawed, the guarantee will cowl the fix or replacements
- The guarantee is no-fault protection.
- The guarantee doesn’t cowl theft, loss, or beauty harm that doesn’t hinder the efficiency of the optic.
Aimpoint Warranty
Aimpoint’s guarantee is much less beneficent and extra restricted. Aimpoint differentiates the guarantee primarily based on the usage of the optic. The two classes are private use or skilled use. If you utilize the optic in competitors, it’s thought of skilled use. The specifics of the Aimpoint guarantee are:
- The Aimpoint guarantee covers producers defects and workmanship for ten years when used for private use and two years if used professionally.
- Personal use is outlined as use in a method that suggests much less publicity than skilled use.
- Professional use consists of use in frequent competitions or every day publicity to navy or regulation enforcement type conditions.
- The guarantee supplied by Aimpoint is just not transferrable and should be accompanied by the unique receipt displaying the date of buy.
Our tackle the Warranty Issue
Vortex comes away on this class because the hands-down winner. Users of the Vortex sights report that when a guaranty challenge arises, Vortex is fast to reply and useful in assembly the expectations of the shopper. The limitless nature of the guarantee makes the Vortex SPARC a a lot better selection if guarantee points are your concern.
Construction – The Proof is within the Product
Both Aimpoint and Vortex use air-craft grade aluminum within the building of the sight physique. It’s a dead-even tie on this class.
The subsequent concern is the match and end of the sights. Examining each sights provides no clear benefit to both. The machining is exact, and the finishes are flawless—one other tie.
Both sights use O-rings to seal the scopes and each corporations nitrogen purge the scope throughout meeting—no clear benefit to both sight.
Batteries and Battery Life
The Vortex SPARC makes use of a single AAA battery for its energy supply. Many folks favor the available AAA battery over smaller button type batteries. The use of the AAA battery does cut back the anticipated battery life, however the availability of alternative batteries makes this a small tradeoff.
Aimpoint selected to make use of a DL1/3N battery. The DL1/3N is usually a problematic battery to search out within the US. There are substitute choices available on the market, however it’s unclear how it will have an effect on each the operation and the guarantee for those who substitute batteries. The upside is the prolonged battery lifetime of 10,000 hours of steady use.
Who Gets the Nod on Batteries?
For me, the selection is the Vortex SPARC. I just like the comfort of utilizing a AAA battery. The shorter battery life is just not a priority for me. I sometimes take away the battery from any powered scope earlier than it goes again within the gun secure and a contemporary battery goes in with the following use.
On the opposite hand, if I had been carrying a patrol rifle in a locked mount or in a distant and hostile location what place batteries could also be a premium, the lengthy battery life within the Aimpoint ACO is a particular plus.
In this class, it’s a toss-up relying on how you utilize your optic and what place you could be on the time.
Accuracy – Putting Rounds on Target
Both pink dot scopes will will let you put rounds on course at affordable distances. Both function a 2 MOA dot, wonderful visible traits, and a superb subject of view down the tube. However, the Aimpoint does collect a slight edge relating to adjusting your level of intention.
The Aimpoint AOC options ½ MOA clicks on the changes versus the Vortex SPARC 1 MOA clicks. For this motive, we give the Aimpoint ACO a checkmark within the accuracy division.
Our Overall Takeaway
From a efficiency standpoint, both of those pink dot scopes will carry out admirably within the subject. We can discover no considerable distinction within the capabilities of those two pink dot scopes. At this level, we’ve got a neck and neck race
The vital variations that we think about are worth and guarantee. From the value standpoint, the Vortex SPARC takes a substantial lead. At about half the value of the Aimpoint, the Vortex SPARC delivers comparable efficiency and a a lot better guarantee than the Aimpoint ACO pink dot sight.
Based on our analysis and the comparisons, the Vortex SPARC sight is a definitive more sensible choice. We gained through a win’t disparage the Aimpoint ACO, however I can’t advocate that anybody spend two occasions the cash to get the identical options.
With That Said
It continues to be a private selection that should make when selecting what pink dot sight to mount in your AR platform. I hope that this overview and comparability helps you make one of the best resolution potential. If you’ve gotten any feedback, options, or private expertise with these optics, please depart your feedback beneath. Our information and expertise are important to broadening the understanding of others.