The Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification Made a Bold First Impression
In a world saturated with high-dollar optics boasting advanced features, the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification carves out its own niche. This affordable reflex sight from Aim Sports promises a versatile aiming solution with its multiple reticle options, all within a budget-friendly package. Could this be the optic that bridges the gap between cost and functionality, or does its price point reflect compromises in performance?
My quest for this optic stemmed from a very specific need. I was building a budget-friendly AR-15 for range use and wanted a red dot sight that wouldn’t break the bank, but still offered some versatility beyond a simple dot. The ability to switch between different reticles seemed like a great feature for experimenting with various aiming styles without investing in multiple optics.
Upon unboxing, the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification felt surprisingly solid. Its weight gave it a sense of durability, and the finish appeared reasonably well-applied, especially considering the price. It wasn’t going to win any beauty contests, but it didn’t feel cheap either.
I was cross-shopping this optic against the Bushnell TRS-25 and the Sightmark Ultra Shot. The Bushnell is a proven performer, but limited to a single red dot. The Sightmark offered similar reticle options but had a reputation for questionable durability. The Aim Sports sight seemed to offer a middle ground, balancing features with a reasonable price tag.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential versatility of the multiple reticles, but wary of the potential compromises in build quality given the price. Would it hold zero? Would the reticles be crisp and clear? Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification was at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my AR-15 and zeroed it at 50 yards. The adjustment turrets were easy to manipulate, and the clicks were audible and tactile.
I tested the sight in bright sunlight and overcast conditions. The red reticle was easily visible in all but the brightest conditions, even on lower brightness settings. The four reticle options – dot, circle, crosshair, and circle/dot combination – offered some welcome versatility.
Initially, I found the circle/dot combination to be my favorite, providing a quick aiming point for close-range targets. However, the dot reticle was also crisp and clear for precise shots at longer distances.
The first use was largely positive, although I did notice some slight parallax shift at the edges of the sight picture. This wasn’t a major issue at typical shooting distances, but something to be aware of.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification has held up reasonably well. It has maintained its zero consistently, even after removing and re-mounting it several times.
I haven’t subjected it to extreme abuse, but it has held up to typical range use, including recoil from .223 ammunition. There are some minor scratches on the finish, but no signs of structural damage.
Cleaning the lens is simple with a soft cloth and lens cleaner. The battery life seems decent; I’m still on the original CR2032 battery after several hours of use.
Compared to my experience with higher-end red dot sights, the Aim Sports sight definitely has its limitations. The parallax is more noticeable, and the overall clarity isn’t quite as good. However, considering the price difference, it’s a solid performer for recreational shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
Specifications
Magnification: 1x fixed magnification. This allows for both-eyes-open shooting, improving situational awareness.
Objective Diameter: 34mm. A larger objective lens provides a wider field of view.
Reticle: Multiple reticles (dot, circle, crosshair, circle/dot combination). Offers versatility for different shooting scenarios and personal preferences.
Battery: CR2032 battery. Readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Eye Relief: Unlimited. Allows for flexible head positioning and faster target acquisition.
Field of View: Wide. Enhances situational awareness and target acquisition speed.
Finish: Black. A standard finish that blends well with most firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification performs adequately for its intended purpose: recreational shooting and plinking. Its multiple reticles offer versatility, and its ease of use makes it suitable for beginners.
However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations. The parallax shift and less-than-perfect clarity make it unsuitable for precision shooting or demanding tactical applications.
For the price, it meets expectations as a budget-friendly red dot sight with some added features.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price. The materials don’t feel high-end, but the sight feels reasonably sturdy. The weight is manageable, and the overall design is relatively compact.
It’s user-friendly, with easy-to-adjust turrets and a simple reticle selection dial. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
While I haven’t subjected the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification to extreme conditions, it appears reasonably durable for typical range use. Scratches on the finish are likely, but it should hold up to normal recoil.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional lens cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification typically comes with a basic mounting system suitable for Picatinny rails. No extra accessories come with it.
It is compatible with any standard Picatinny rail mount, opening up a range of aftermarket mounting options for different firearms or desired heights. However, there are no reticle or housing customization options available from Aim Sports.
Pros and Cons of Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point. This is the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification’s biggest selling point.
- Multiple reticle options. Offers versatility for different shooting scenarios and personal preferences.
- Easy to use and adjust. Simple controls make it suitable for beginners.
- Decent battery life. CR2032 battery is readily available and provides reasonable longevity.
- Unlimited eye relief. Allows for flexible head positioning and faster target acquisition.
Cons
- Noticeable parallax shift, especially at the edges of the sight picture.
- Clarity isn’t as crisp as higher-end optics.
- Questionable long-term durability for heavy use or harsh environments.
Who Should Buy Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification?
The Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is perfect for:
- Casual shooters and plinkers on a tight budget.
- Beginners looking for an affordable and versatile red dot sight.
- Anyone building a range toy or budget-friendly AR-15.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters or those who require extreme precision.
- Anyone needing a rugged and durable optic for tactical applications or harsh environments.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality Picatinny rail mount for optimal positioning and stability.
- Lens cleaning solution and cloths to maintain clarity.
Conclusion on Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification
The Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is an affordable and surprisingly versatile red dot sight. Its multiple reticle options and ease of use make it a great option for casual shooters on a budget.
The price is certainly justified, considering the features and functionality it provides.
Would I personally recommend it? For recreational shooting and plinking, absolutely. However, it’s crucial to understand its limitations and not expect it to perform like a high-end optic. If your needs are more demanding, you’ll need to invest in a more robust and precise sight.
For those seeking an inexpensive entry point into the world of red dot sights, the Aim Sports Classic Edition 1x 34mm Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight – CR2032 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, Wide Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is a solid choice. Just remember to manage your expectations and enjoy it for what it is: a budget-friendly optic that gets the job done.