Yes, I have searched. On numerous sites. And yes, I have more than enough experience on two way firing ranges to know the pro’s and cons of having a magnifier and a RDS. That being said, I have been out of the game for a while. The last time I bought a magnifier it was a Gen 1 Eotech 3X in a FTS mount. A lot has changed since then. Cutting clear glass isn’t that difficult anymore.
My question is this. What is the best bang for the buck magnifier out there? Can I go real “cheap” and get a Primary Arms or Sightmark? I can’t really justify paying $500 again for an Eotech magnifier, and my unit issued a few of my buds Aimpoint magnifiers, which I wasn’t really impressed with. I am also unfamiliar with the possible 5 or 6x magnifiers, and whether or not they are a viable option. I have looked hard at the Vortex options. Love the fact that they are made in the US, and their reputation is second to none. The catch is that I want a FTS option AND a QD mount in one.
What say you, optics gurus? I will be mounting this behind an EOTech 552 on a 6920. Standard height as it comes out of the box, no riser. What do you recommend? I’m not too concerned with eye relief as when I will be using it will only be in situations where I have the time and need to “study” something at the other end of my muzzle, I don’t need to snap shoot with the magnifier in place anymore, and that Gen 1 Eotech required my eyelashes to be touching it in order to obtain a sight picture.
Did you check out the EOTech G33? They’ve made some improvements over the previous model and they can had for less than $500, if you look around. Also, the eye relief on mine is about 2.5".
magnifiers for me were a test of concept for me and now I just keep one around for S&Gs, I much prefer a 1-x variable…
that said, if you’re set on one, I would definitely recommend an extended eye relief magnifier. Vortex makes one with built in flip mount. my magnifier is a Vortex, glass is good enough but the limited eye relief makes it too much of a compromise - you can’t just be shooting with the RDS and flip up the mag for shots, it requires a reposition on the gun.
I don’t know about the 552 mounting height but the optic you’ll be putting it behind definitely makes a difference. for instance, the height of the Aimpoint PRO is neither absolute nor lower 1/3 cowitness so most magnifier mounts won’t line up perfectly with it. Aimpoint twist-off works and so does the Primary Arms FTS, screw or QD mount. I would check Primary Arms site first and maybe even call if you have questions. they’re good people and will get you set up at a good price…
Eotech 553 in front of a Aimpoint 3xmag in a Larue LT755 tall. Works for me. Not sure how the magnifier compares to others but I’ve been happy with mine.
I use an Aimpoint 3X. My buddy on my team used a Vortex magnifier behind an EOTech, before he switched to a 1-4 optic. The Vortex held its own against my Aimpoint, at a lower price. If I could do it all over again, I’d go with the Vortex magnifier if I was going with a red dot.