Switching to an Aimpoint 9000sc

Recently I’ve using an Aimpoint 9000sc on some other guns. I’ll admit that I wasn’t crazy about the 30mm tube when I was used to using a 1” tube but it grew on me quickly. Not a big deal. Just had to get used to it some and it’s not difficult to do. Also the Aimpoint 9000sc is a tad heavier than the Ultradots I’ve been using so there is that to get used to also. The overal weight of the gun and optic combo is now heavier. But again, not to big of a deal if you can get used to it. Perhaps build up the arm muscles if you find it troublesome or stick with a lighter optic. Then lastly there is the brightness control setting.. there are only maybe three or so settings that are actually useful. The rest are entirely too light or way to bright. But what’s available to use does work and work well. Overal it’s not a cheap optic but it seems to be less stressful than some of the other brands I’ve used in the past. Not to mention it makes a sexy gun look more sexy. Just sharing my two cents worth after making the switch. 

Nice setup !!

Nice looking setup. All those things that you mentioned that are easy to get used to are all true. However, Aimpoint made a scope years ago that did all those things without having to "get used to". Then they quit making them. Go figure. If you ever find the opportunity to get your hands on a 3000 give it a test drive. I think they are just as sexy looking.  

So what is better about a 3000?

lighter

1" tube if you like those

just needs the advanced electronics for better battery life

Nice outfit Jason, I might be making the switch also only because I've had a couple a problems with my ultradots. 
 I was wondering do Aimpoints come with polarizing filters and tube extensions? Are they needed?
 Seems like everytime a 9000sc comes up for sale I'm a day late. Oh well, I'll have to be checking more often.
 Stan

The 9000SC does not come with a extension or polarizing filter. I don't need the filter but I highly recommend a front extension especially on a 45 to cut down on oil on the front lens. I tried to get by without it for quite a while but got sick of cleaning my front lens 2-3-4 times a match. Bought a nice extension from Jon Shue and cut the oil by 90%. Its a very good match cosmetically too.

Jason, I attached my 1911 to the Aimpoint 9000sc, and to me the sight picture was awesome!  I liked everything about it except the weight.  That killed the idea.  Maybe if I eat a lot more spinach I'll be able to put the 9000sc on something I own, but for now it's back in the box.

Seriously though, why would you prefer the 9000sc to an Aimpoint Micro, H1 or H2 with Kodiak mount?     They cost about the same, both have a wonderful view, and the Micro weighs so much less, not to mention having a view closer to the bore of the barrel, rather than up so high.

zanemoseley wrote:The 9000SC does not come with a extension or polarizing filter. I don't need the filter but I highly recommend a front extension especially on a 45 to cut down on oil on the front lens. I tried to get by without it for quite a while but got sick of cleaning my front lens 2-3-4 times a match. Bought a nice extension from Jon Shue and cut the oil by 90%. Its a very good match cosmetically too.

  Thank you much for that info.

I’m mikemyers wrote:Jason, I attached my 1911 to the Aimpoint 9000sc, and to me the sight picture was awesome!  I liked everything about it except the weight.  That killed the idea.  Maybe if I eat a lot more spinach I'll be able to put the 9000sc on something I own, but for now it's back in the box.

Seriously though, why would you prefer the 9000sc to an Aimpoint Micro, H1 or H2 with Kodiak mount?     They cost about the same, both have a wonderful view, and the Micro weighs so much less, not to mention having a view closer to the bore of the barrel, rather than up so high.

So for me I prefer the weight of the Ultradot with its tube extensions when shooting soft loaded lead Ammo. However if I’m shooting something a little hotter that’s Jacketed the recoil is a little more and I don’t like it. The extra weight of the Aimpoint 9000sc cuts the felt recoil some. A micro would be fine with my lead loads but not the Jacketed stuff I’m currently shooting. 

Now this is on a Nelson.. .22LR so Ammo and recoil isn’t an issue. But I like to keep my 22 and 45 similar in feel and weight and configuration for cross training purposes. I don’t have an Aimpoint 9000sc on my 45 yet but I will in the future. I don’t have to worry about that right now since I’m not shooting my personal 45 but it’s what I would do if I were. 

Chopper sorry I didn’t get to this until now.

Zane thanks for stepping up with an answer.

What recoil spring weight are you using with which loads for your 1911 to cycle with the 9000sc?

I’m asking about spring weight & loads because I have an Aimpoint 9000sc that I tried and failed to get to work with my Rock River Arms 1911-A1 Bullseye Wadcutter. I tried every weight Spring with several loads of varying degrees of hotness, but none would work the heavy slide reliably. Eventually, I just got a Micro-H1 but I’d prefer to use the 9000sc because it’s optics are so superior. Any tips/hints/tricks will be appreciated.

Richard, I use a 12# recoil spring and a 18# mainspring with my RO. My Gold Cup that Roddy tightened up for me I used an 11# recoil spring till I shot a couple thousand rounds thru then I switched to 12 there also. That Rock River probably needs a couple thousand rounds thru it before it loosens up a tiny bit.



I sure missed the gang at State this year. VA got my ticker fixed and now my hip hates me. Go figure..
Len

I just built a Caspian with 9000sc on it. Tight sucker but will run 3.7BE with 200 lswc 0.466 crimp and 11# recoil spring and 19# mainspring.
If barrels are not fit properly they will be problematic.
I see many pistols not running 3.5-3.7 BE and its not the ammo.
Jon

Thanks Len, thanks Jon!

Len,

 +1 on the 3000,  I still use three of them.  Like Jason I like the consistence between guns as much as possible.  I wish I could find a couple more.  When and if they ever die the 9000 maybe the replacements .

 Zane, Can you post a picture of your 9000 with the extension tube when you have time ?

Thanks to all  for comments