Originally Posted By gunner76:
I finally decided to ditch the cheap RDS I was running and ordered an Aimpoint PRO. The description said the battery will last around three years if left on non stop, is this accurate? I just can't fathom how one AA battery will last that long.
Another question, do you guys leave yours on all the time or do you just shut them off if you know you're not going to need them? does leaving them on create any other wear and tear besides running the battery down?
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It's not a AA battery. It's a 2L76, DL1/3N, or equivalent. Regardless, the LED uses very little power, which is one of Aimpoint's selling points.
When a rifle is in my gun safe, I have the optic spun down to 0. If I have it out, the optic is on. I have yet to change a battery, but I keep a couple spares for each Aimpoint that I own. I suspect some of those batteries will reach their expiration date before I need to use them.
I suppose the LED has a lifetime and leaving it on will eat into it. LED lifetime is usually affected mostly by heat. Since Aimpoints use so little power and have decently sized heatsinks, I am guessing heat is not much of an issue. I have never seen a quoted lifespan for the diode. I wouldn't be surprised if it was well in excess of hundred thousand hours.