Is a Magnifier Worth it on a Red Dot?

Introduction

Time to read: 7 minutes

Date: June 2, 2023

Adding a magnifier to your red dot sight can be an effective way to enhance your shooting accuracy. But is it worth it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using a magnifier with a red dot, what types of magnifiers are available, how to choose the right one for your sight, and the advantages and disadvantages of using a magnifier with a red dot. We’ll also provide some tips on using a magnifier and common mistakes to avoid. Finally, we’ll answer the question: is a magnifier worth it on a red dot?

Benefits of Using a Magnifier With a Red Dot

Using a magnifier with a red dot can provide several benefits for competition shooters. The most obvious benefit is the increased accuracy that comes from having more magnification. This allows shooters to better identify and engage targets at longer distances, making them more competitive in USPSA competitions. 

Additionally, magnifiers can help shooters quickly transition between close and distant targets by providing an enlarged field of view. Magnifiers also allow for greater precision when engaging small or distant targets, as well as improved target acquisition speed.

Finally, using a magnifier with a red dot sight can help reduce eye strain due to the increased clarity of the image provided by the magnified optics. All these benefits make using a magnifier with a red dot sight an attractive option for competition shooters looking to improve their performance on the range.

Types of Magnifiers Available

When it comes to magnifiers, there are a variety of options available. For USPSA competitions, LPVO (low power variable optics) are becoming increasingly popular due to their wider field of view and versatility. 

The Romeo5 Optics for Rimfire Rifles is a comprehensive review option with a 65moa circle and 2 moa dot perfect for fast transitions on close targets. Cmore is another great option if you’re looking for an optic with a 5 moa dot. Strikefire II is also a great option for pistol red dots, offering 1x magnification between pistol and rifle red dot sights. Aimpoint Pro T1, Holosun 510C, and Vortex Sparc are all popular options for pistol red dot sights as well. 

For those looking to add magnification to their setup, Trijicon Credo 210 ffp and Viper 315 ffp are good choices under the $1k price range for pistols red dot sights. Midway has Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 4514x 50mm Side Focus Matte Non Sale for $699 as well. Ares is more expensive than other options but has different turrets than other models available on the market. 

No matter what type of magnifier you choose, it’s important to remember that they may require your slide to be milled in order to accommodate larger optic size – so make sure you factor this into your decision-making process!

How to Choose the Right Magnifier for Your Red Dot

Choosing the right magnifier for your red dot sight can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as size, magnification, reticle type, and price. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision: 

Size: The size of the magnifier should match the size of your red dot sight. If you have a small red dot sight, then you should opt for a smaller magnifier. On the other hand, if you have a larger red dot sight then you should choose a larger magnifier. 

Magnification: Magnification is important when it comes to competition shooting. A higher magnification will allow you to see targets more clearly at longer distances. However, keep in mind that higher magnification may require slide milling in order to accommodate larger optics sizes. 

Reticle Type: You should also consider what type of reticle you prefer – either a single dot or a combination of dots and rings. This will depend on personal preference and how much detail you need when aiming at targets at different distances. 

Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing a magnifier for your red dot sight. There are many options available on the market ranging from low-cost models up to more expensive ones with additional features such as different turrets than other models available on the market like Ares Optics or Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 4514x 50mm Side Focus Matte Non Sale for $699 from Midway USA . 

By taking into account these factors and doing some research into what’s available on the market today, you can make an informed decision about which magnifier is best suited for your needs and budget!

Disadvantages of Using a Magnifier With a Red Dot

Using a magnifier with a red dot can be beneficial for competition shooting, but there are some drawbacks to consider. The most obvious disadvantage is the added cost and size of the magnifier. Magnifiers are typically more expensive than red dot sights alone, and they also require more space on the gun. 

Additionally, some guns may need to be milled in order to accommodate the larger size of the magnifier. Furthermore, using a magnifier can reduce speed and accuracy when transitioning between targets at close range due to its increased magnification power. Finally, it can be difficult to find an appropriate mount for your magnifier that will fit securely on your gun. 

Tips for Using a Magnifier With a Red Dot

Using a magnifier with a red dot can be beneficial for competition shooting, as it allows you to see further and more accurately. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your magnifier: 

1. Make sure your slide is milled to accommodate the larger size of the magnifier. This will ensure that it fits securely and won’t move around when you’re aiming. 

2. Consider investing in an adjustable mount so that you can adjust the height of your magnifier depending on what type of target you’re shooting at. 

3. When using a magnifier, focus on one thing at a time and don’t draw your gun too far into reloads or reholsters. This will help improve speed and accuracy. 

4. Choose an optic with features that suit your needs, such as magnification level, reticle type (dot or dot-and-ring), and price range. Popular options include Aimpoint Pro T1, Holosun 510C, Vortex Sparc, Trijicon Credo 210 ffp, Viper 315 ffp, Leupold Mark 4 Long Range Tactical M1 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 4514x 50mm Side Focus Matte Non Sale, and Ares. 

5. Practice regularly with your magnified red dot sight to become familiar with its features and capabilities before taking it into competition shooting scenarios!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Magnifier With a Red Dot

Using a magnifier with a red dot can be beneficial for competition shooting, but there are some common mistakes that should be avoided. 

First, it is important to make sure the slide of your gun is milled in order to accommodate the larger size of the magnifier. If not, you may experience difficulty when trying to mount the magnifier. 

Second, avoid drawing your gun too far into reloads as this can slow down your speed and accuracy. Instead, focus on one thing at a time and visually watch as you reholster after making sure your gun is clear. 

Finally, when choosing between different red dot sights, consider both personal preference and practicality. For example, if you are looking for an optic with a 5 moa dot then Cmore might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you want something more versatile than an LPVO (low power variable optics) might be better suited for USPSA competitions due to its wider field of view.

By avoiding these common mistakes when using a magnifier with a red dot sight, shooters can improve their speed and accuracy while competing in USPSA competitions.

Conclusion

When used correctly, a magnifier on a red dot can significantly improve accuracy and target acquisition. It is important to choose the right magnifier for your needs and to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of using one. With these tips in mind, you can now decide whether or not a magnifier is worth it on your red dot. 

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