| Accession Number | REL47829.005 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm accessory |
| Location | Main Bld: Hall of Valour: Main Hall: Uniforms |
| Maker |
Aimpoint Inc |
| Place made | United States of America: Virginia |
| Date made | c 2000 |
| Conflict |
Afghanistan, 2001-2021 |
'Aimpoint' CompM2 optical sight, Cameron Baird VC MG
Description
The Aimpoint CompM2 (M68) is a battery-powered, non-magnifying, red dot type of reflex sight for firearms. The sight is 126mm long, and 76mm high (from Picatinny rail attachment to the uppermost element.) The forward optic is 47mm in diameter. The entire unit is coated in a black powder coating, with a small amount of light grass green overspray on the rail attachment. The sight retains soil residue from Afghanistan in recesses.
History / Summary
This sight was fitted to the M4 carbine carried by Cameron Baird during the action for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
The sight alligns a red dot with the bore of the weapon, and allows soldiers to engage targets out to 300 meters while keeping both eyes open for situational awareness. It was first introduced in the U.S. military in 2000, designated as the M68 Close Combat Optic (M68 CCO; NSN: 1240-01-411-1265). It is also known as the 'M68 Aimpoint'. The sight is designed for use with the M16/M4 family of rifles, but can be mounted on any weapon fitted with an upper Picatinny rail. It is also Night vision goggle-compatible: the aiming dot is still visible through night vision scopes and goggles. By August 2011, the U.S. Army had bought 1 million of the devices, and had issued them to 85 percent of Army M4s.