
Aimpoint is arguably all granddaddy of the red dot world. They weren’t the first, but they propelled the red dot concept into the mainstream. A few years ago, Aimpoint released their first pistol red dot, and the first enclosed emitter pistol dot, the ACRO. That changed the game. This year, they’ve put out their second pistol red dot known as the COA.
The COA takes everything the ACRO did well and shrinks it. It’s much more compact than the ACRO, small enough to fit on the slide of something like a GLOCK 48, but it’s not out of place on a G17. I keep saying GLOCK because the COA represents a red dot designed with GLOCK in mind.

Not only did Aimpoint release the new dot, but they designed it with an entirely new optic mount. Yes, like many of you, I also took a deep breath and sighed. We didn’t really need a new mount, right? Well, the A-cut isn’t like any other optic cut. It’s not just a screw moved a millimeter or two over. The COA isn’t secured by screws in the traditional way.
The A-Cut is coming exclusively to GLOCK pistols and GLOCK slides and is going on just about everything you’d expect. The G17, the G20, the 19, 45, 48, and more were on display at SHOT Show Range Day. I didn’t want to like the COA, but it’s won me over. At least a little.
The COA – How It Works
The COA attaches to the gun in a novel way. First, the front of the optic has a small shelf that locks under another shelf that’s part of the A-Cut on the GLOCK’s slide. Next, the rear sight is secured over the optic’s rear “shelf” and held in place by a pair of screws. The combination of the front and back locking mechanism keeps the COA on nice and tight.

Smarter and more experienced shooters than I have described the setup as a way to reduce weak points. The weakest point of a red dot on a handgun is the screws that hold it in place. The force that recoil puts on those screws can eventually break down and shear the screws in half. Recoil bosses help, but eliminating the screws altogether makes it a non-issue.

Is it Worth Your Money?
The price of the gun and the optic sits at a little more than $1,000. That’s not cheap, but it fits the premium tier price point Aimpoint optics demand and the fairly affordable price of GLOCK pistols.

I only fired 10 to 15 rounds through a GLOCK with the COA mounted, so I don’t have the experience to give you a full review. With that said, it performs like an Aimpoint, which means it’s a very solid performer. The dot tracks well. It’s clear and crisp, as is the COA’s lens. First impressions are good and I hope to have one on hand for a longer, more complete review.
If it seems pricey or you feel it locks you into one gun, I can see your argument. I like the idea, but I loathe being stuck to one gun at launch. Hopefully, more industrious shops can move the A-Cut to other guns, and maybe Aimpoint will consider selling the optic separately. That seems like a good bet.
No thanks, I already have a mail box.