How it all began.
Back in the 1970s, Swedish inventor, hunter and sport shooter Arne Ekstrand was shaving in front of his magnifying mirror when he noticed something odd: a reflection of light that stayed in the same place, no matter how he moved his head.
That small optical curiosity sparked a big idea.
What if you could build a sight that always aligned with your natural point of aim – without the need for perfect eye alignment? One that allowed you to shoot with both eyes open, maintaining full situational awareness?
Driven by curiosity, Arne began experimenting. He built a rough prototype using what he had on hand – including a toilet paper roll and a diode. Crude, maybe – but it worked well enough to demonstrate the concept.
He presented it to Gunnar Sandberg, an entrepreneur who not only believed in the idea, but also financed the entire venture and helped bring it to life.
In 1975, Aimpoint was founded.
And what started as a simple observation became the first red dot sign and something that would go on to change shooting forever.
Back in the 1970s, Swedish inventor, hunter and sport shooter Arne Ekstrand was shaving in front of his magnifying mirror when he noticed something odd: a reflection of light that stayed in the same place, no matter how he moved his head.
That small optical curiosity sparked a big idea.
What if you could build a sight that always aligned with your natural point of aim – without the need for perfect eye alignment? One that allowed you to shoot with both eyes open, maintaining full situational awareness?
Driven by curiosity, Arne began experimenting. He built a rough prototype using what he had on hand – including a toilet paper roll and a diode. Crude, maybe – but it worked well enough to demonstrate the concept.
He presented it to Gunnar Sandberg, an entrepreneur who not only believed in the idea, but also financed the entire venture and helped bring it to life.
In 1975, Aimpoint was founded.
And what started as a simple observation became the first red dot sign and something that would go on to change shooting forever.
