The question still comes up fairly often so I put something together that hits the high spots. I'll get some pics of real flip-up covers and rubber retainers up soon too. Rubber parts can always be switched out for the real thing though, the things in the pics below are dead giveaways that can't be covered up.







Buyer beware!!! The fakes are trying harder all the time to mimic the outward appearance of legit products. Know what to look for and shop smart.

Some pics of the fake lens covers, rubber straps and armor. Keep in mind all these can be swapped out for the real thing. Just a heads up.





This pic shows the difference between the real rubber armor that is marked and the fake with no logo. It also shows another view of a fake lens cover with the Aimpoint logo painted on. The real lens covers as shown have the Aimpoint logo molded in and are raised.

thanks.. I have 2 Aimpoint CompM2 bought from reputable shops...one of them has a serial with a W:

markings:

aimpoint 1:  10336#235691 circa 2003

aimpoint 2:  10336#W2014671  circa 2006


also rubber covers are slightly different but identical markings.

also one more allen screw hole by the objective on the first one.

probably different years productions

ETA: pics

This is really good, it would be nice if this was tacked!  

Excellent job MrMojoRising.

Thanks for the write up!

I also heard of another method to ID a fake. If you get in a car crash at 65mph and your aimpoint survives then it's the real deal :)

Here is a pic of the method used to mount the diode in the fakes. It's a plastic ring with the diode pressed in and held in place with black electrical tape. The windage and elevation screws push on this plastic ring when you attempt to make adjustments.

This close-up shows the plastic ring, that hump is the where the diode is pressed in and behind it you can see the black tape that is starting to come loose.

This series of pics shows how the fake sights are assembled. The first thing I noticed while taking the sight apart was how filthy it was inside. Dirt, dust, metal shavings, dried old grease etc...The diode is held in place by cheap black electrical tape. The windage and elevation screws just push the plastic tube shown, small metal leaf springs counteract the movement. These springs are just held in place by friction, once I removed the inner tube they fell out.

Nice one! LOLOLOLO I fu#@ing love it. Ok the rest of you, What do you have to say about the knockoffs being as good as the real thing? Thanks alot MoJo. I was working on this one myself, but just havent had the time. Your the Man.

Are you saying that electrical tape wont hold a POI?

Thanks Mojo, nice work.  

Mr Mojo are you going to clean up this clone and rebuild it better?  Do you think it is worth it?

Nope, no interest and it wouldn't be worth the time. It's a toy built for toys.

Originally Posted By eric10mm: Take apart a real one to compare.

Eh, the fake POS was free. I paid $399 for my last Aimpoint.


Are you donating one to the cause?

A few days ago I was browsing ebay and came across this Aimpoint for sale. I recongized it pretty quick as a fake and contacted the seller to let him know, and emailed him a link to this thread. To the guys credit he posted a warning and even a link to this thread.  Amazingly the things up to 160.00, when a new fake is only about 40.00.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310031952598cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310031952598

at first I'm thinking holy crap, that is some shoddy frikkin workmanship.

Then I'm thinking these bastards really did figure out THE cheapest way to make an outward appearing clone.

Gotta be impressed with just how cheaply they can do it, no?

Originally Posted By chapperjoe: at first I'm thinking holy crap, that is some shoddy frikkin workmanship. Then I'm thinking these bastards really did figure out THE cheapest way to make an outward appearing clone. Gotta be impressed with just how cheaply they can do it, no?

no

guys
i need a little help about this compM2

fake or good??

here u have some pics

looks like the real deal to me.

Good info -- I even printed it & took it to the gunshow with me to help with the shopping.

EDIT: HOW TO ID A FAKE M4 AIMPOINT PICS HAVE BEEN POSTED IN PAGE TWO BY ME, ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN THE PAGE.

I picked up two red dots to use for shooter on shooter/active shooter training airsoft AR's at different times over the last year.  For clarity sake, I'd prefer non-trademarked versions as these are clones.  You can't find non-trademarked versions that aren't super expensive or have really poor quality so I had to settle with these units.  I am happy with the product for what I intend to use it for...AIRSOFT training... but I think putting the trades on the fakes is going to far.

The above said...Here are pics for comparision of the Gen 1 & Gen 2 units:
THESE ARE FAKES SO YOU CAN USE THE PICS AS A GUIDE.
Click on them for bigger pictures versions.
Gen 1:













Gen 2:














Overall the fit and finish of the Gen 2 units seem to be better.  The Gen 2's have what I think are better electronics based on the construction of the battery compartment and caps.  The Gen 2's and Gen 1's use a five position brightness adjustment but Gen 2's is significantly more stiff, which I think is a good thing as it keeps your setting from being accidently adjusted.

These units were not mounted on any kind of a firearm for testing so don't ask if they are up to the job.  If you need a firearm quality optic, please spend more than $50.00 on something that is designed for a firearm.

Disclaimer....I do not endorse or condone the use of this product on anything at anytime anywhere, this is mearly a post reflecting my expeince/observation of the item in question.  I am in no way related to the sale, manufacture, distribution, etc of this product or any other products.

Wes

Very informative.  How about a side by side comparison of the 3X magnifier?  Or has that been done already and I missed that thread?

Originally Posted By collander: Originally Posted By chapperjoe: at first I'm thinking holy crap, that is some shoddy frikkin workmanship. Then I'm thinking these bastards really did figure out THE cheapest way to make an outward appearing clone. Gotta be impressed with just how cheaply they can do it, no? no

there's a difference with being impressed and being happy about it.

I'm impressed with some of our enemies' tactics in WW2.  

Doesn't mean I approve of em.

Another thing is the real Aimpoint switch can't be turned backwards (counter-clockwise) to the brightest position from the off position, while the rip-off can. Also the real Aimpoint has twice the settings while the fake one only has 5.

Nice.

(BTW - What doeas a real copy look like...)

This aimpoint is a fake isn't it?

I'm a newb.  Is this fake?

It looks like the "Aimpoint" on the body is engraved and the "Aimpoint" on the lens cover is definitely not engraved or raised.  It's tough to see too much more detail with the pictures provided.  But, according to the information provided above, these two factors push it more towards the fake category.

Originally Posted By JC5611: It looks like the "Aimpoint" on the body is engraved and the "Aimpoint" on the lens cover is definitely not engraved or raised.  It's tough to see too much more detail with the pictures provided.  But, according to the information provided above, these two factors push it more towards the fake category.

That was my guess, from looking at the pictures.  Thanks for the input.

Originally Posted By Huffskies: Originally Posted By JC5611: It looks like the "Aimpoint" on the body is engraved and the "Aimpoint" on the lens cover is definitely not engraved or raised.  It's tough to see too much more detail with the pictures provided.  But, according to the information provided above, these two factors push it more towards the fake category. That was my guess, from looking at the pictures.  Thanks for the input.

YES IT FAKE

Originally Posted By Huffskies: This aimpoint is a fake isn't it? I'm a newb.  Is this fake?

Yes that is a fake and needs to be reported to Ebay. Ask to see pics of the windage and elevation controls, serial number or battery compartment to confirm before you buy online from anyone you don't know.

height=8

Originally Posted By MrMojoRising: height=8 Originally Posted By Huffskies: This aimpoint is a fake isn't it? I'm a newb.  Is this fake? Yes that is a fake and needs to be reported to Ebay. Ask to see pics of the windage and elevation controls, serial number or battery compartment to confirm before you buy online from anyone you don't know.

I actually contacted the seller last night.  His response was " If you don't like it don't bid on it.  Its how the new models look."  He probably got burned by someone else and wants to return the favor.  Luckily, even though I'm new to the ar world, I research everything before I buy it(especially on ebay).  I appreciate all the help and free knowledge I'm getting on this forum.

Wow, winning bid was $337. Some poor slob just got raped.

height=8

Originally Posted By MrMojoRising: Wow, winning bid was $337. Some poor slob just got raped.

It really sucks that it was reported as fake about 36 hours before the auction ended.  Ebay said thanks for the input... then did nothing.

This is one of the MANY reasons I have been avoiding EBay like the plague lately. I used to love that site, now I can't stand it. I will pay an extra couple of bucks (which is unlikely, seeing the inflated EBay prices) to buy an item elsewhere.

Originally Posted By MrMojoRising: Wow, winning bid was $337. Some poor slob just got raped.

He got free shipping

The ebay unit in question looks just like the gen 2 clone I posted pics of on page 1.

Wes

height=8

It really sucks that it was reported as fake about 36 hours before the auction ended. Ebay said thanks for the input... then did nothing.

Ebay requires that the report (and take-down demand) come from the trademerk owner.  This reduces the "spite" type reports.  Aimpoint needs to be monitoring this known problem.

I see that their attorney has recently recorded their trademark with US Customs.  This allows Customs to seize fakes at the border.  Losing a few shipments will get the attention of the counterfeitors much faster than any number of nasty letters or threats of lawsuits.  However, it takes more that recording the trademark with Customs to get effective enforcement.  There are only a few IP attorneys who have experience in this area.

Firearms (and related products) companies have been very slow to address counterfeiting, and it has really only been a recent problem.

~Glenn
Armorer-at-Law

Originally Posted By Armorer-at-Law: It really sucks that it was reported as fake about 36 hours before the auction ended. Ebay said thanks for the input... then did nothing. Ebay requires that the report (and take-down demand) come from the trademerk owner.  This reduces the "spite" type reports.  Aimpoint needs to be monitoring this known problem. I see that their attorney has recently recorded their trademark with US Customs.  This allows Customs to seize fakes at the border.  Losing a few shipments will get the attention of the counterfeitors much faster than any number of nasty letters or threats of lawsuits.  However, it takes more that recording the trademark with Customs to get effective enforcement.  There are only a few IP attorneys who have experience in this area. Firearms (and related products) companies have been very slow to address counterfeiting, and it has really only been a recent problem. ~Glenn Armorer-at-Law

Glenn,
While I appreciate the information you are providing, I can't help but notice this was your first post, that you are a non-paying member and that you put your company's website right there at the end of your post.  To me your posting is more of a spaming move.  It might not hurt to slightly adjust your posting styles in the future so you don't get locked from the website.

Wes

this might be a dumb question regarding aimpoints but I guess I will go ahead and post up and see what the response is....

I have a question regarding the comp m2.  The dots in it, based on the
selection switch can they be red or green?  I saw an aimpoint comp m2
at a gun show and it had both red dots and green dots depending on the
switch position.  Prior to this I had never seen a comp m2 in person
and was curious.  I can not find anywhere in the description of the M2
what the dots are like other than the MOA information.  

thanks guys

Originally Posted By FiC2004: I have a question regarding the comp m2.  The dots in it, based on the selection switch can they be red or green?

NO!

Great POST and thanks to the MODS for Tacking it.
Here is my story.  While I got "Took" from a major supplier, they are NOT a Industry Partner at ARFCOm that I could tell.
I recently went to a large Gun Show at a Casino.  I visited a MAJOR supplier of tactical gear, AR parts, Optics etc booth.  I have been dealing with this company for about 10 years purchasing tactical products, AR parts, and Optics all purchased from their website and at gunshows.  This has been a bad experience since I believe I got "TOOK" by a once reputable company that went to the "dark Side" to make a buck at their consumer's expense.
It was just about closing for the day of the Show and I was accompanied by one of my buddies and fellow gunsmith's who is also a retired officer with whom I worked with for 15 years.
I shopped this companies booth and purchased numerous, numerous parts, AR trigger group parts, magazines, MagPul Mag Plates, Tac Light, Tac AR case +++.
I spotted an AIMPOINT 3X Magnifyer behind the glass next to many other AIMPOINT Optic's (At least 10 optics were displayed).  I had just purchased a AIMPOINT 3X from the EE board but had not yet received it.  I wanted another 3X for another weapon.  I asked to see the clearly marked "AIMPOINT" 3X mag from a salesman standing next to the owner.  I checked it out, and purchased that also.  I looked through it around the showroom, but I had looked through so many in the past I was not looking for anything other than the glass was not damaged.  The price verbally was $500 which, "...included the twistmount".
Everything was packaged into several bags and I walked away as security was escorting show goer's out of the doors since it was closed for the day.  I was excited because I had just spent  $900 + for many toys just at that booth, and I had picked up many other hard-to-find items since the show was out of Kalifornia.  I paid with cash.  I bought so much that the owner and salesman threw in some free batteries for the Tac Light.
When I got home I discovered there was not a receipt in the bags, and the AIMPOINT MAG was in a plain cardboard box with no "Aimpoint" writing like all of my other (4) Aimpoint products.
I checked out the MAG and immediately became suspicious.  I e-mailed the company requesting a receipt for my purchase of the MAG until I could verify it was a fake.
I searched the companys web site and they did not offer ANY Fake 'AIMPOINT marked' products.  They offered one "Aimpoint style" magnifyer but it looked like the Eotech Magnifier in the pic.
I received a Genuine AIMPOINT 3X MAG with Sampson Flip Mount from the EE and compared it to the suspect MAG I had just purchased.
In comparison, I found that the FAKE optics were not bad, but certainly not as clear as the Genuine AIMPOINT.  The outer areas of the Optics were shadowed, and the low-light transmission was far below the genuine's crisp optics.
I visited several Airsoft and Paint Ball websites and found my exact FAKE Aimpoint for $99.  I e-mailed a rather nasty e-mail to the company which charged me $500 for a FAKE AIMPOINT.
I got a phone call from the owner the next day.  He claimed I was told by the salesman that the MAG was a fake made by "West Tech".  I explained I DO NOT buy fake, inferior products, and I strongly disagree with any company selling fake label anything particulalry a once reputible company like theirs who is a supplier for the military and Law Enforcement (I purchased some A.R.M.S. products and a AIMPOINT 2C Red Dot for my son on his first tour of Iraq / Afghanistan from this company).  My life depends on my products so I buy Quality EVERYTHING!  He argued back and forth and claimed he did not witness the entire transaction.  Since I did not have a receipt, I could not tell how much I had paid except that the salesman told me $500 for the FAKE POINT Mag.
I quickly realized I was at a HUGE disadvantage (Do to my own fault for not looking for a receipt at the time of purchase, particularly for warranty work in the future), and would be lucky to get any money back if I wasn't careful.
The owner said he could not possibly be selling a REAL AIMPOINT 3X MAG since "Aimpoint Inc. hasn’t shipped a 3x Magnifier to ANY suppliers since the fall of ‘07."
I argued over and over that the salesman did NOT tell me it was a 'fake', or that it was from “West Tech”, because if he did I would not have bought a F’ing thing from their booth if that is how they operated, displaying a FAKE Aimpoint next to real (?) Aimpoint optics.  The conversation degraded and the owner said he would accept a return, even without a receipt, BUT for the price of $249 which is what I 'had to have paid for it'.  He said he has a return policy and was allowing me to return the product if I was not satisfied with the product, NOT because it was a fake Aimpoint.
I have since sent it back and am awaiting a check for the return.  I tried installing two ambidextrous, Select-fire selector switches in some AR’s and they both broke just from installing them.  They were very cheap cast and could easily cost a customer their life if they depended on it in a life or death situation.
I have a suspicion that I will never see a refund check, or the 'FAKE POINT' again since they will not acknowledge in writing that I could return the product, and I never had a receipt.  It is my opinion that they were intentionally ripping off gunshow customers and not giving them receipts.
I will wait for a refund, then I will contact AIMPOINT and ask if they are interested in an Authorized AIMPOINT dealer selling FAKE Aimpoints side-by-side with the genuine AIMPOINT optics.
Anyway – I have compiled pic’s of side-by-side  Genuine Aimpoint 3X Magnifiers next to the Clone’s for easy identification.
1). Packaging:  ALL Genuine AIMPOINT products come in AIMPOINT Boxes listed in the first 2 photos.  If it is a plain box, then it is BOGUS! FAKEPOINT is on the left.

Image of the contents of the plain box showing the twist mount sealed.  I could not photo the twist mount since it was sealed in a separate wrapper that was semi-transparent.  I did not want to break the seal since it may void returning it.  Although the mount did appear to be well made.

2).  The AIMPOINT name Font is a dead giveaway and is what I noticed after the packaging.  The Chinese got this one wrong, since AIMPOINT obviously uses a proprietary font.  You can see the fake on the left has a slightly italisized font.  Every AIMPOINT product I own uses the exact same font.

3).  The two screw locations are different from genuine to fake.  Once again the FAKE is on the left in the pic.  The screw comparison to the genuine was similar, except that the Allen socket size is slightly smaller on the genuine, and larger on the FAKE.  You can also see the screw locations.  One screw is on the same side as the name font on both, but the second screw on the FAKE is 180 degrees opposite from the genuine MAG second screw.

4).  The bottom of the FAKE was of poor quality.  Along with the rubber cut-away at the Cinese factory on the FAKE to allow the FAKE to twist into the mount.  I believe the Genuine Aimpoint must have the rubber cut away by the customer.  The bottom of my Genuine AIMPOINT was already mounted on an awesome Sampson flip mount so I didn’t want to take it off.  However the FAKE had the rubber carelessly cut away leaving a long slice that shows it’s poor quality control.  I could not compare the screw size for bottom mounting but I suspect they are courser threads than the Genuine AIMPOINT Mag.  The FAKE is on the left showing the slice.

5).  The front lense threads are also a obvious giveaway.  The FAKE has coarse threads in this pic. While the Genuine AIMPOINT had much finer threads at the exit glass in the next pic.


6).  This is a view of the complete FAKE body with front rear lense cap.  It did not have the genuine “AIMPOINT” style font.

7).  Finally, the directions for use literature enclosed was very close to the Genuine AIMPOINT literature.  However, upon closer inspection of the grayscale photo of the Mg body, it was obviously a photocopy on the same weight paper.  I could tell it was a copy because the areas where there was fine shading in the Genuine literature, the shading was “grainy” in the FAKE literature.

I hope this helps.
I'll keep you up-do-date on my return and what AIMPOINT has to say.  If I do not get a return, I will burn this company here, so our members don't get burned from their dishonesty.  I will risk getting my account locked to do it.
DUKE

Great work there, thanks for posting it.

A letter I recently sent to AIMPOINT:

[email protected]

Good day-

I recently had a poor experience with one of AIMPOINT's authorized Aimpoint dealer's at a Gunshow.  This dealer had a booth that had numerous "Aimpoint" marked Optics in the same case side-by-side with Genuine Aimpoint optics.  I purchased an "Aimpoint" marked 3X Magnfier from their booth.  I inspected it briefly and it appeared to be a genuine Aimpoint.  I purchased many items from that booth and discovered there was no receipt in the bag when I got it home.  I dealt mostly with a salesman, however the owner was standing there watching the transaction, and there were no other customers, or salesmen at the booth at the time.  The transaction was also witnessed by my friend, and retired Police Officer.  I am also a retired Police Officer.  I had been dealing with this Dealer for years so I did not suspect the dealer, or owner who was standing watching me purchase, would stoop to selling Cloned items.  Had I known the magnifier was a clone I never would have purchased it.  My life depends on quality optics and I would never use a substandard optic on a firearm that is protecting my life.  I have also purchased an Aimpoint ML2 for my son who is stationed in Iraq.  I would never bet my son's life on a substandard optic either.
The Magnifier was in a plain, unmarked cardboard box.  I compared it to my 3 Aimpoint Comp C's and a genuine Aimpoint 3X Magnifier.
I submitted a e-mail from the dealer requesting a receipt.  The owner of the Company called me and we discussed the subject of selling false trademark Aimpoint optics.  He claimed the salesman told me it was not a true Aimpoint, made by "West Tech(?)" and I could not possibly have paid full price for it because the only magnifiers he was selling were the Fake Aimpoint's since AIMPOINT had not shipped a 3x Magnifier since fall 2007.  The owner claimed he never heard his salesman make that statement to me.  There were no signs or notices in their gunshow display adviseing some of the optics on display were "clones".
The Dealer does not offer the Clone 'Aimpoint' marked magnifier listed on thier website.
The fact that an Authorized AIMPOINT dealer, listed on the AIMPOINT website, did not seem bothered by selling optics bearing the Aimpoint name which is a violation of numerous trade, Patent, and Trademark violation laws.
I have a complaint with the Dealer in which I believe I was charged full price for the 'clone' Aimpoint Magnifier, but the owner would only offer a refund of $249.  I have since returned the Clone Magnifier for a partial refund of $249.  I took many photos of the magnifier before returning it.
It is without a doubt a Fake, 'Aimpoint' marked Clone.
I think AIMPOINT should be interested in this 'Authorized Dealer's' disregard for AIMPOINT's products.
I do not want to disclose the Dealer and owner name until I receive my partial refund from them.  Since I do not have any proof by receipt, or acknowledgemnt in writing of my purchase, I need to get get my refund while I can.
What is AIMPOINT's stance on this?
I would be happy to give you the Dealer name after I get my refund.
Many serious shooters, Law Enforcement, and Military acquaintances of mine would also like to know AIMPOINT's position of Authorized, or UnAuthorized Dealers selling Fake AImpoint optics bearing the AIMPOINT name?
Sincerely,
B. Duke Reno
Grass Valley, CA

Wow, nice write up and information concerning the 3X magnifier fake (replica) vs. the real deal.  Your experience was really a shame concerning the lying and deceit from the dealer.

I actually bought a replica 3x magnifier of evilbay just exactly like the one you show in your pics. I got it from IMHO an honest seller that identified it as a replica, and made sure to mention it was not the real Aimpoint product. I paid $89.xx to my door from overseas.

I only purchased it due to other posts exclaiming decent value for the money especially if the rifle is more for play/range use, and not having the cash for the real deal, or actually even needing it, this seemd like a bargain.

That being said, I am not totally happy with the replica, but I do think I got what I paid for value wise. While the optic quality is 'good', it is a bit shadowy around the edges in anything but bright light. And the biggest thing that bothered me was the 'Cut/Slit/slice' whatever on the underside (as shown in your pics) that I assume they had to do to fit the rubber cover over the body. While I am relieved to see your pic and know now that's typical with the clone/replicas, it was still not visually pleasing.  I fixed it (to my satisfaction) with  Super Glue, and sanded the excess glue and rubber ridge left over with 400 grit sand paper, and finished with 600 grit 'wet' sanding. You can barely mak out a hint that it was there, but it blended in quite nicely.

Other than that, the other defect was with the twist off mount. The screws were seemingly too short, and after just a couple of in and out, the first 2 -3 theads stripped out of the lower base mount.. I purchased some longer replacement screws at the local Ace Hardware store, and that fixed that issue.


While I don't profess that copyright infringement is the way to go, at least if the seller (who I bought from) is advertising and selling as a replica, I don't really see a problem. If you want the real deal, you'll buy it, and if anything it may want to make you save up for the real thing if you want better quality. This replica just gives me the opportunity to have a 'decent' magnifier at a price point I can afford at this time. It's not the best, but it's worth what I paid for it. I know other people feel differently, and I can understand and respect that.

I only see a problem with fakes/clones/replicas being passed off as the real thing. That is just wrong in all respects.

I use the Larue PoorBoy special Hensoldt when I need a quality magnifier. I can't compare to the real Aimpoint 3X, but it is some of the clearest glass I've looked through, especially when you consider the smallish objective/front lens..
YMMV

I stumbled across the M4 Aimpoint clones while digging around for some more shooter on shooter airsoft training rifle parts.  I went ahead and ordered one to use on the training rifles and to post pics of here so buyers would know what to look for.

The unit is actually pretty darn nice appearing from the exterior.

The unit arrived in a standard plain corrugated cardboard box with foam cut out for the red dot to fit into.  It included a "bikini" style scope cover.  The unit has full trades and a threaded kill flash.  The trademarks on this unit are consistent with the real deal, the font is the same and the depth/technique for applying the markings are consistent with real units.  The power levels adjust through nine different levels of brightness.  There is a small spacer/riser included as well which fits between the bottom of the red dot and the actual mount.

On the battery tube, there are two grooves for o-rings but no o-rings were installed.  Oddly enough there is a hole drilled through the lower o-ring slot that goes through both sides of the battery tube.  Obviously this would impact any attempt to fully seal the battery tube and I don't have a real M4 to compare it to, but I wonder if this hole is on the real units or not.  I am guessing it's not but I could see it as being semi-useful in allowing some level of venting in hot environments where a battery could blow up like you see with 123 battery's from time to time.  I highly doubt that the venting issue was the concern and I suspect it's just a hole the manufacture put on the clone to either ensure it won't work in combat conditions or to more easily set up a jig to put the trademark engravings on the unit.

I suspect that quite a few unsuspecting buyers will get burned by these units so buyers beware!

I am going to put a cheaper upper together in the next few months and I'll give this red dot a heavy shake down on that upper just to see what it can do.  I might also pick up a second unit to really torture test/sink in water/take apart and post more pics of so it's clear to anyone and everyone just what to expect, but I don't know that I want to waste the money

So here are the pics:









































Wes

On the CompM4 fake, does the power knob rotate all the way around (i.e., goes directly from highest setting to Off without dialing back counterclockwise), or does it stop at the highest setting and only back to Off if you twist all the way back aorund?


ETA -- It sounds like the one you found has only 9 brightness settings (and of course the Off setting), right?

Originally Posted By David14: On the CompM4 fake, does the power knob rotate all the way around (i.e., goes directly from highest setting to Off without dialing back counterclockwise), or does it stop at the highest setting and only back to Off if you twist all the way back aorund? ETA -- It sounds like the one you found has only 9 brightness settings (and of course the Off setting), right?

It does rotate all the way around but the click to go from #9 to off is a noticable stiffer than any other movements.

And yes, 9 brightness settings plus off.

Wes

Thanks.  Great pics, BTW.

Just from looking at the pics I think the quickest way to spot an M4 fake is by the mount. The real Aimpoint provided mount has a different cross bolt system and torque style knob like in the pics below...


REAL AIMPOINT M4





Now if the fakes are threaded the same as the real deal someone could swap the OEM mount for a legit replacement and it would be really tough to tell from pics alone what you were getting. The only other things that jump out is the white printing on the battery compartment near the switch is different and the battery knob itself is not quite the same. Still, buyer beware if you're looking at used gear from unknown sources. I wouldn't buy anything used before I called Aimpoint to confirm a serial number.

here's a question.  would battery life also possibly be an indication of a fake?  what do you think?  if you leave one on for a week or so do you think the fake would run the battery down?  if this has already been discussed i apologize i must have missed it.  thanks

Yes the battery life is another dead giveaway. The fakes don't last even half as long as the real deal. But, this thread was mainly ways to spot a fake before you bought it to save you from making the mistake in the first place.