red dot magnifiers - worth it? And UTG vs. Primary Arms?

[wojownik]

So, I am perhaps the least tacticool person on the planet. But thinking about modding up one of my AR-15 carbines. I have both Aimpoint PRO and Eotech 512 sights, and have been bouncing back and forth on the need for a 3x magnifier (and which model).

First question - I've managed to live all these years without a magnifier - has adding a 3x been a life changing experience for any of you?

Second question - I'm waffling between the Primary Arms 3x Gen III, and the UTG 3x magnifier - yes, dancing on the side of budget magnifiers. How is the eye releif between these two models? Crispness of glass?

Why go budget? First, I like the superficial design of these two magnifiers (yes, I know that's a pretty soft criteria). But my main challenge was seeing how low cost I could get with an AR. I did bargain basement hunting on Palmetto State Armory, and got a complete upper and lower for $298, shipped. $99 for the complete lower, and $199 for the upper. They had some ridiculous flash deals this past Christmas. I had a complete set of KAC rails that fell into my lap at no cost, and the red dot sight was looking for a new home. So that's my extreme budget challenge for a tacticool AR15.

 

[BigBL87]

Personal opinion, but to me if you "need" a 3x magnifier I would favor moving to a 1-4x or similar optic. Reason being, with a 3x magnifier you're also magnifying the dot with it so you're really not gaining much precision.

That aside, choosing between the Primary Arms and UTG, I would strongly favor the Primary Arms simply based on reputation. Never used either personally, but Primary Arms has a much better reputation. I'd also lean towards the Gen 4 over the Gen 3 on the Primary Arms, not sure which one you were looking at.

 

[Chuck R.]

Personal opinion, but to me if you "need" a 3x magnifier I would favor moving to a 1-4x or similar optic. Reason being, with a 3x magnifier you're also magnifying the dot with it so you're really not gaining much precision.

Agreed.

What clinched it for me was taking a carbine class in the rain, trying to keep 4 lenses clear was a real PITA. I now just go with LPVs.

 

[wojownik]

OK, that's something to consider. I don't "need" a magnifier, since 99% is at 100 yards or less. And that's a huge consideration about keeping an extra set of lenses clear.

 

[FL-NC]

We had maginfiers for out eotechs and aimpoints in the military. I knew exactly 1 person who used his, the rest of them just collected dust. Most of us just thought it was too much extra stuff hanging off the gun, esp. when not in actual use. I would look at a 1-4 or 1-6, such as those offered by Vortex.

 

[Kabic]

One issue is a lot of 1-4 scopes, the one power is not a true 1, so it is not exactly like having a red dot..which may bug some people.

 

[wojownik]

We had maginfiers for out eotechs and aimpoints in the military. I knew exactly 1 person who used his, the rest of them just collected dust. Most of us just thought it was too much extra stuff hanging off the gun, esp. when not in actual use. I would look at a 1-4 or 1-6, such as those offered by Vortex.

My time in pre-dated eotechs and aimpoints - back then it was just a plain old M16A1, no "stuff" hanging off.

I think I'm decided on sticking with just an aimpoint pro on this rifle, no magnifier. But I did find a matech buis lurking at the bottom of a drawer, so that get's tacked on now too ...

Thanks for the suggestions for 1-4 and 1-6 scopes, but after due consideration this week, I think the aimpoint alone will do me just fine .

 

[MachIVshooter]

Personal opinion, but to me if you "need" a 3x magnifier I would favor moving to a 1-4x or similar optic. Reason being, with a 3x magnifier you're also magnifying the dot with it so you're really not gaining much precision.

Agree completely.

As well, compact scopes are complemented well by miniature reflex sights. My 12" BCM upper wears a Nikon P223 3x32 with a Burris Fastfire III mounted on top.