Aimpoint’s latest red dot sight, the COA, is specifically developed for concealed carry applications—whether in a professional capacity or for civilian use where permitted. The size of the U.S. market for red dot handgun optics is impressive, with the potential to move hundreds of thousands of sights. Aimpoint’s track record of success is well-documented, and the company stands as a highly profitable enterprise. A significant portion of Aimpoint’s production is dedicated to various military and law enforcement forces around the World.
The most popular question is what “COA” stands for, so let’s begin the review with an explanation. It’s not a new acronym that you have to learn – it’s simply the name of the product.
The background of this review is a personal invitation from Aimpoint to test fire the new sight upon its release. I probably shot quite a few more rounds than Aimpoint expected, emptying the better part of a 1,000-round case of 9×19 mm in no time. To my defense, I was left unsupervised, as my host had to attend a meeting. I’ve also shot the COA at the SHOT Show range day, where I could strengthen my impressions.
Compact and Rugged by Design
The Aimpoint COA sets a new standard as an ultra-compact electronic sight, weighing in at just 48 grams. The enclosed sight housing is crafted from hardened aluminum with a semi-matte black anodized finish for durability and a sleek look. The front lens features Aimpoint’s signature red-orange reflective coating.
Brightness is controlled through two easy-to-use buttons that also serve as the power on/off switch. Windage and elevation adjustments are located on either side of the sight and provide tactile, audible clicks for fast and accurate zeroing. The COA’s user interface is intuitive and was designed with direct feedback from special operations units.
Jonas Ardemalm, Director OEM Sales & Business Development at Aimpoint, shows all the new features of the Aimpoint COA.
A key feature is its slim frame design, which offers a wide, unobstructed field of view, free from the typical “tunnel effect” seen in a few other optics. Target acquisition is quick, and transitioning between targets is fast and precise.
Another major advantage: the battery can be replaced without removing the sight from the slide, eliminating the need to re-zero after maintenance.
Introducing A-Cut – A New Mounting Standard
The standout innovation with the COA is its newly developed A-Cut mounting system, designed for low-profile mounting on pistols. Initially launched in collaboration with the Austrian firearms manufacturer Glock, the A-Cut system showcases Aimpoint’s engineering prowess.
At its core, the A-Cut uses a simple yet brilliant mechanism: two screws secure the sight by pressing it down onto a wedge, which stabilizes the optic in all directions. This wedge also doubles as a rear sight, and the design helps absorb and redirect the intense forces generated during firing, protecting the optic itself.
Both Aimpoint and Glock reportedly conducted extensive testing—firing hundreds of thousands of rounds—to validate the mechanical and theoretical durability of the system. COA-equipped pistols have also been subjected to rigorous drop and impact tests to ensure real-life reliability.
Built for All Conditions – and Almost All Glocks
One of the most impressive aspects of the COA and A-Cut system is its compatibility with both slim and full-size pistol slides. This means a single optic fits seamlessly on everything from a compact Glock 43X to a duty-sized Glock 45. The best innovations are often deceptively simple and cost-effective, and achieving this level of versatility posed plenty of engineering challenges during development.
With waterproofing rated to 25 meters, the Aimpoint COA leaves you with no excuses to skip a rainy day at the range.
When designing for mass production at a competitive price point, automation becomes crucial. Aimpoint’s new production facility places a strong emphasis on streamlined, automated manufacturing to meet future demand efficiently. Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit the new factory.
Performance and Reticle
The COA features a 3.5 MOA red dot, striking a solid balance between fast target acquisition and precise shot placement. The LED has four brightness settings compatible with night vision, and eight levels for daylight use. While my hands-on testing of the brightness was initially limited to indoor use only, the highest setting felt extremely bright—more than enough for harsh sunlight I would expect, and I could also verify this later on in the deserts of Arizona.
Aimpoint continues to set the bar with battery life, delivering up to 50,000 hours of operation—roughly five years of regular use on a single CR2032 battery.
Shooting The Glock x Aimpoint COA
As part of the product launch, I was invited to an exclusive test shoot of the COA and its new mounting platform. With icy winds sweeping outdoors, an indoor range was a welcome relief.
Following a thorough briefing, I was handed five different Glock pistols and a large box of 9mm ammunition for independent testing. Not a bad day at the office.
The “buffet” of test guns included the Glock 43X, 19, 45, and 47, all equipped with the COA. For reference, a Glock 17 with an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 was also available. Over the next 90 minutes or so, I ran almost 1,000 rounds downrange, leaving behind a small mountain of brass and mildly sore hands from the recoil.
I ran each combination through a mix of drills—from static precision work to dynamic shooting with target transitions and a lot of shooting on the move.
To be honest, the impression after the test session was that I didn’t really think about the optic at all, the red dot is just there, and it works. That’s a very good thing, and I shot really well with it. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons had a similar experience as I did – ”It just works!”. I was unaware of it at the time, but we both concluded the same thing – and we’re most likely right!
There are other red dot sights that offer this kind of experience, but I’m prepared to say that none of them come with the reliability and pedigree that Aimpoint has become known for, and most of them aren’t enclosed and protected like the COA.
Glock Pistols – Initial Impressions
While my primary mission wasn’t to review Glock’s pistols, the opportunity to run several models side by side made it hard not to form a few impressions. I currently compete in dynamic shooting (IPSC) with a Glock 45 MOS FS TB (Front Serrations, Threaded Barrel). Like many others, I’ve found Glock’s newer model numbering a bit confusing.
The big surprise was the Glock 19—it really impressed me, and I can see why it’s the most sold Glock. The Glock 43X also exceeded my expectations. Yes, the smaller frames naturally deliver a bit more kick and a little less possibility to get the best grip, but regardless, the recoil was surprisingly manageable. It makes great sense to pair it with the COA optic. You have to focus a bit more on the grip and be more aggressive with the G43X versus the larger Glocks.
If I were allowed to carry (I’m not, due to national legislation), I would go for the Glock 43X over the Glock 19. Why? Overall size and comfort around my waist would be the main reasons.
I used to own a Glock 43, which I sold fairly quickly due to the rather harsh shooting experience and limited magazine capacity. I never shot really well with the “old” G43. The Glock 43X is a significant improvement—compact and slim, yet very shootable. The G43X has a snappy recoil, so if you’re going to carry it, make sure you practice on a regular basis and hold a really firm grip.
The Glock 47 felt like a modern take on the Glock 17—familiar but refined and compatible with the latest stuff. All things considered, I’m very happy with my choice of the Glock 45, especially with a low-mounted red dot. With red dots as your primary sighting system, sight radius becomes less relevant. Instead, factors like slide mass and grip size play a greater role in handling and recoil control.
Remember that my main reason for handgun ownership is target shooting and competition, and the gun is kept in a safe at all times except when I’m competing or training. Your reasons may be different, but the fundamentals are still the same.
The new Glock 45 MOS Hunter Edition for comparison – image from the IWA exhibition.
Glock 45, Glock 47, Glock 43X and Glock 19 (top left to right bottom).
I always appreciated when the people who are responsible know what they’re doing, and here’s Jonas from Aimpoint on the Glock COA showing his excellent shooting skills. Jonas is also a shooting instructor in IPSC.
Pricing and Availability
If you’re eager to mount a COA optic on your existing pistol, there’s a catch: Glock has exclusive rights for the first year. That means the COA will only be sold as part of combo packages including a Glock 19, 43X, 45, 47, or 48.
Yes, Aimpoint optics often fall in the premium price range, but in my experience, they deliver unmatched reliability, and that’s something I value highly regardless of whether I’m competing or using it for self-defense. Furthermore, I have heard that the combos can be found with pretty sweet deals, but they also seem to be sold out in many places.
Final Thoughts
The COA optic features a 15 × 15 mm lens, and combined with a thin, tubeless housing, it delivers a remarkably clear and unobstructed field of view. Compared to its predecessor, the ACRO P-2, the COA feels lower, more open, and less intrusive.
The older ACRO’s thick frame and enclosed tube tended to block out more of the surrounding area, especially in peripheral vision. In contrast, the COA is a significant visual and ergonomic upgrade, and I especially appreciate how low the dot appears in your sight picture. The image below tells almost all of the story, but the difference is even bigger if you experience it live. In fact, the new COA makes the ACRO feel quite old instantly, at least on a handgun.
From a mechanical perspective, the A-Cut mounting interface is clearly a standout innovation. I wouldn’t be surprised if other manufacturers adopt the design, provided they follow Aimpoint’s integration guidelines.
That said, we’ll have to wait about a year to see how the market responds—Glock holds the exclusive for now. I really look forward to others adapting the A-Cut interface.
Aimpoint COA – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Complete turnkey solution – pistol and optic as one system, from the most reliable suppliers on the market.
- One optic fits multiple Glock slide profiles (thanks to the new A-Cut mount).
- Exceptional battery life (CR2032) and durability.
- Tool-free, easy battery replacement.
Cons:
- Currently exclusive to Glock.
- Premium price point.
Glock Pistols with Aimpoint COA Sights
To learn more, check: https://aimpoint.us/coa
Images by David Thibel and the author.
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