Magnifier on a 10.5” ?

NiceOldDouble

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I need some knowledge shared on something. I am wanting to know if there are any technical issues with running a 3x magnifier along with a Romeo 5 on a 10.5” .556, including will it look stupid.
My expertise is old American and English double barrel shotguns. However, I have three AR’s that I want set up well to suit.
1. The 10.5” needs to stay slim, compact, portable, and versatile. It’s got an A2 and a flip-up MBUS, Romeo 5, set as absolute, and a Magpul hand guard. A Holosun 3x I got today positions well, and I can see much better. The only potential drawback could be that it’s now cramped up top.
2. M4 with an A2 and MBUS, Magpul hand guard, Vortex Strikefire. This gun is oriented more for middle of the road, full size, still lite weight. I did not know at the time that I bought the version with a lower third mount. The Holosun doesn’t play well with the damn flip up lens covers of the Vortex; too close together because of them. I imagined the magnifier going on this gun. To get the sight picture right, I’d need to get a lower mount for the Vortex and remove the MBUS so the eye relief is right.
3. M4, heavy barrel, SIG Tread hand guard, bipod, Horus scope, more of the stay in one place rifle.
Are there any technical problems with a 3x on a pistol? Would the 3x be of more use on the M4, even if it means a different mount?
Thanks.

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It looks like it fits fine. If you like it, I don’t see a problem.

EDIT: my personal opinion on magnifiers is that I would never use one and do not like them.
 
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The problem with the magnifier is that the dot just gets too big to be useful. A 3moa dot is now 9moa for example. At any distance it just covers the target and you cannot judge your holds.
 
The problem with the magnifier is that the dot just gets too big to be useful. A 3moa dot is now 9moa for example. At any distance it just covers the target and you cannot judge your holds.

I noticed the dot’s intensity increase. Dropping the brightness, and subsequent perceived size, helped somewhat.
 
I also am not a huge fan of magnifiers for a RDS, especially for a SBR/pistol given that the design is meant for small spaces (i.e., CQB) and close ranges. It make more sense on a traditional M4 (even then, not a fan). But here's the thing: you aren't going to do for-real room-clearing, nor are you going to be picking off insurgents at 400 yards. If YOU like it and it suits YOUR needs, and if it helps YOU hit your target, then it's fine.
 
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Thanks.
Just new to the particulars about this approach vs. that approach, etc. Not very experienced.
I’m 54, and I dig my progressive lenses. Whatever helps me see better is a nice thing.
 
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Why? sight in at 50 yards and your shot will land within 2-3 inches of the dot out to about 250 yards.
magnifiers are bulky and add a lot of weight. Your 10.5" is meant for fast close shooting.

I've got a around-the-house 10.5" next to me with a 1-4x lpvo and it sits at 1x. it's heavy too and i kind of don't like it. I might move it over to a folding camp-rifle in my safe that currently has a fixed 4x. I'm thinking of doing a bulk order of romeo5 dots because they are incredible for the money and are fantastic for close range stuff.
 
I’ve got an 11.5 with a 1-6 and really like it. It’s definitely heavier than the one with the red dot but works better for critters around the house.


Edited to add:

Heres a coyote I shot Saturday night, and I popped another Monday night with the same rig. 8DEB8F95-7566-4BA6-94B6-06A4F7AF91FF.jpeg
 
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The problem with the magnifier is that the dot just gets too big to be useful. A 3moa dot is now 9moa for example. At any distance it just covers the target and you cannot judge your holds.

Thats not how this works. At all.

The magnifier keeps the FOV to scale. So it does not turn a 3 MOA dot into 9 MOA and hold the rest at 1x.

This includes the intensity of the dot. So if you have the RDS on lets say power scale 6 and its just fine for 1x but its too much at 3x, go to power setting 3.
 
Lemme try this again...


The post makes perfect sense. The magnifier in the OP is between the eye and the dot. Everything you see is magnified by the same amount, including the dot. Therefore it will cover the same amount of target as in an unmagnified image.

In no configuration will the dot cover *more* of the target when magnified.
 
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I have Aimpoint PRO and a Vortex 3X on a 7.5” AR15 pistol that flips out of the way easily. It’s set up for home defense with bonus truck gun. If you buy a magnifier make sure you can flip it away for 1x otherwise buy an illuminated variable optic.
 
I have the Holosun 3x and the Romeo5 on the pistol right now, and I like that I can see better, farther with the magnifier. What I’m not sure I like is that to get the full field of view from it, I have to put it as far back as it will go. That means that I can not have a BUS underneath it.
Not sure if LOP matters that much with the AR platform, but mine is 15”, so certain optics need to further back for me to get the right eye relief.
I still have the 1.5-8x25 Horus, but still think it will defeat the small footprint goal of a pistol.
 
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Its all personal preference. If it works for you, leave it on. If you don't like the balance or feel it slows you down then take it off. Use it for another project or sale to fund something else.

CD
 
To the OP, yes the 3X on a 5.56 "pistol" is over kill IMO. That is a CQB weapon, at best, for many reasons (the same could be said about the M4 with exceptions).

My $.02.
 
As the OP, I don’t disagree. I am liking being able to see well, further, with it than I otherwise would. However, I get the point about the intended use of a pistol being of closer in.
 
I use a 1-8 on AR rifles and a 1-4 on AR pistols. Why not? Less than an extra pound compared to a simple dot, and way more useful.
I don't know why people think an AR pistol is just for CQB - they hit just as well as 16" barrels, just a bit less velocity. So effective to 400ish instead of 600ish.
4x (or a 3x magnifier if that is what you have) is way better than no magnification for target identification. That is really the practical limit on range - positive id of a target as friend or foe.
That's the way I see it anyway.
 
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