--- title: "These are the FBI’s new red dot sights" date: "2023-12-22" modified: "2023-12-22" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/feature/these-are-the-fbis-new-red-dot-sights/" categories: - "Tactical" - "Weapons" --- # These are the FBI’s new red dot sights ![Two FBI agents are shown from the back wearing camouflage tactical gear and vests with "FBI" patches. They are equipped with communication devices and other tactical equipment. Other personnel in similar military-style gear are visible in the background.]() *(FBI)* For government entities, the procurement of new equipment is a costly process. Smaller organizations like the Postal Inspection Service or the Marine Corps may lack the funds to perform exhaustive and rigorous testing that ensures that the final selection is the best product for the money. As a result, they often follow the lead of larger organizations like the FBI or the Army, who have the funds to conduct thorough testing. To that end, the selection of new optics by the FBI is significant in the law enforcement market. ![A soldier in camouflage uniform and helmet is aiming down the sights of a black assault rifle with a mounted scope, outdoors on a cloudy day with a grassy and dirt field in the background.]() **The CompM4s is in service as the M68CCO (U.S. Army)** On December 21, 2023, Aimpoint Inc. announced that it was chosen by the FBI to supply two of its optics for the Bureau's Red Dot Sights and Mounts Program. "Following extensive testing of a broad selection of competitive optics, Aimpoint was awarded a five-year contract with a maximum award amount of $7 million for the compact Duty RDS sight, and an additional $4 million award for the larger format CompM4s sight," Aimpoint said in a press release. ![A soldier in camouflage uniform and black gloves aiming a rifle at a shooting range in a desert setting. The soldier is wearing protective eyewear and earplugs. In the background, there are wooden target stands with white silhouette targets. The sky is clear and blue.]() **A Green Beret aims with a CompM4s. Note the low battery compartment (U.S. Army)** The CompM4 is an evolution of the older CompM2. Similar in appearance with a 30mm tube and military-standard Quick Release Picatinny Mount, the CompM4 uses a AA battery while the CompM2 uses a 1/3N battery. Both red dots are fielded by the Army as the M68 Close Combat Optic. The "s" variant selected by the FBI moves the battery compartment down to a low position and closer to the mount. This provides the user with a less obstructed field of vision. The CompM4 has been adopted by Army Special Forces and has trickled into the regular Army. ![Close-up of an Aimpoint Duty RDS 2 MOA red dot sight mounted on a black SIG MPX firearm. The sight has flip-up lens covers open on both ends. The firearm's rail and part of the receiver with the SIG MPX logo are visible.]() **The Duty RDS uses buttons to adjust brightness (Aimpoint)** The Duty RDS is a newer offering from Aimpoint. It provides a more compact package similar to the popular Micro T-2. Both optics even use the same CR2032 battery and mounting footprint, although the Duty RDS sits higher than the T-2. Offering a similar form factor at a lower price, the Duty RDS is a more affordable alternative to the T-2. Both the Duty RDS and CompM4s have brightness settings compatible with night vision. ![]() **An agent with a ROMEO4M on his rifle (reddit.com/r/tacticalgear)** The previous FBI red dot sight, SIG Sauer's ROMEO4M, was chosen in December 2016. After the SIG optic was approved for use on personal rifles the previous month, the Bureau selected it for general issue beginning in 2017. Unlike the Aimpoint optics, the ROMEO4M features SIG's Motion-Activated Illumination System which gave it a rating of 50,000 hours of normal use. Aimpoint rates the Duty RDS at 30,000 hours of constant-on use and the CompM4s at over 80,000 hours. Of course, battery life is subject to the brightness setting being used. Deliveries of the Duty RDS and CompM4s to the FBI began at the end of 2023. ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()