Red Dot Magnifiers

From a reader -
I liked your article on  optics for fighting rifles. One thing not mentioned in the article, but I wanted to ask your opinion on, is a red dot sight coupled with a magnifier? What is your take on that? Useless, or good kit?

Excellent question!

Magnifiers behind red dot sights usually come in 3x and 5x varieties. As a rule, they usually have a flip to the side mount. If they did not have a flip to the side mount, there would be virtually no difference between this setup and a regular scope - with the advantage going to the scope because of a better reticle.

As with scopes, the advantage to the magnifier is not that it helps you shoot better - it helps you see better. The red dot sight is quite possibly the best optic for close engagements, with regard to fast target acquisition. In combination, you really can get the best of both worlds.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Keep the magnifier flipped out to the side.
In the event of contact close, you will not have time to flip it to the side.   In the event of contact from further out, you will have a second or two to engage the magnifier.

2. Know your holdovers.
This is true for any and all iron sights or Red Dot Optics. Zero the optic at 100 yards or 200 yards, and go from there.

3. Be prepared for longer snap shots.
A Rifleman should be able to, from a patrolling position, drop to prone and deliver accurate fire on targets at 200 and even 300 yards, in less than 10 seconds. If that means you have to incorporate flipping the magnifier into place during that time frame, then so be it. If that means that you just have to take the sudden shot without a magnifier, then so be it.


Verdict - Good Kit.
As always, know and train for your caveats.