Opinions about Magnifiers for Red Dot Sights?

[4Freedom]

I happen to see this item on gun broker and was wondering what people think of magnifiers for red dot sights. Does anyone think these are worth buying and that they do enhance the range potential of an AIMPoint or EOtech type site on an AR15 rifle? I am looking to have a site that can be used for both CQB and Mid Range shooting. I am not sure if such an add-on device would be beneficial or harmful.

5x Magnifier for Eotech Red dot sight Aimpoint
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120189245

 

[ReelFaith]

Great question. I just bought a Eotech 516 for my S&W M&P15X and am considering a magnifier like this. Looking forward to the responses from people who have experience in this area.

 

[Medusa]

Eotech is interesting in that way that the holographic reticle does not magnify, ie seem bigger, when using the magnifier, but Aimpoint red-dot does get bigger with the magnification. In a nutshell.

 

[woof]

I also see 2x red dots and wonder about those.

 

[rob_s]

Most people buy these for the wrong reasons.

An RDS, regardless of model, is not a precision optic. Many people buy the magnifiers as a substitute for ability, or in an attempt to purchase ability. It wont help. I have seen many shooters show up to matches and classes with magnifiers and they continue to miss the same way they did before they had the magnifier.

What they really excel in is target ID. For an LE or .mil spotting role or for identifying a threat from a non at distance they are an excellent tool.

I would not mount one on a rigid mount. I think that the Larue pivot mount is the best option, followed by the Aimpoint factory swivel-detach mount, and then the Larue fixed throwlever mount. Whichever solution you choose, have a way to rapidly get the magnifier into service and out of the way. Having a way to remove it from the gun completely allows the part to serve double duty as an off-gun monocular as well.

 

[RedAlert]

Very pricey for what you get. I think for me a better option would be to pull the EOtech off and mount a good variable mag scope.

I have two of the EOtechs and like them alot, I just don't see the use for the optical magnifier with the Holo type sight.