Your supposed to look past a red dot with two eyes open, not through the red dot like a scope (which is why I don't get magnification). When done properly the housing of the optic disappears and the dot appears to be on the target itself. Looking through a tiny objective lense magnified red dot is stupid IMO, get an illuminated scope if thats what you're looking for.
The Bushnell TRS-25 is pretty decent for the money. It's the only "budget" red-dot I recommend to people that ask.
EDIT: just seeing you went with a variable. good choice, enjoy.