If you are planning to go on a hunting trip this open season, one of the things that you should invest on is a good hunting scope for your rifle. With this handy device, you will be able to accurately hit your target from a considerable distance; no matter how small it is.
One of the best and biggest manufacturers of hunting scopes is Aimpoint. This company has a vast array of red dot sights that are well suited for different types of rifles. Whether you need a scope for hunting, home security, or even law enforcement, you can definitely rely on this brand.
But even with the vast options available, searching for the top red dot sight can still be tricky because your choice will depend mostly on how you will use it. Some scopes are also more suitable for bigger guns, while others are best on smaller ones. To help you out, here is a comprehensive Best Red Dot Magnifier that features the top three must-have red dot hunting scopes. This article will also answer the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the product and several useful tips for using it.
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Top 3 Red Dot Magnifier reviews
1. Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier with Flip Mount
Are you looking for a scope that is lightweight and simple to use? If so, then you should try the Vortex VMX-3T with Flip Mount. This product features a useful push button to operate the flip-mount – a mechanism that locks the scope in place. With this button, you can easily magnify your view and improve your accuracy.
The optics, meanwhile, are fully multicoated, which means that the lenses can transmit light better. The multi-coat feature also has anti-reflective properties to prevent unwanted lens flares from spoiling your view of the target.
The body of the red dot sight feels lightweight. However, do not be fooled by its compact design. The Vortex VMX-3T is made from machine aluminum that was hard coated and anodized to ensure that it can handle a huge amount of abuse.
In addition, the tube is also nitrogen purged to make sure that it is both waterproof and fog-proof. That way, the images remain sharp and clear, no matter where you hunt.
The mount of the optics is solid and stable. This set also comes with an elevation adjustment mechanism so you can set your line of sight accordingly.
This scope is well-suited for rough environments thanks to the O-ring covers that create a tight seal around the lens, preventing water, dust, and other small particles from getting inside the tube and blurring your vision.
Here is a rundown of the scope’s specs:
• Field of vision: 38.2 inches at 100 yards
• Magnification: 1 – 3x
• Eye relief: 3 ¼”
• Tube size: 30mm
• Scope weight: 11.8oz
• Compatible with the AR15
2. Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight
When you are hunting in the wild, having a wider field of view and superb focusing capabilities can really help. You can acquire all these features by mounting the Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 red dot sight on your rifle.
This scope allows you to shoot with both of your eyes open for better depth perception. It is rich in features, very reliable, and affordable, making it ideal for beginner-level shooters.
One of the things that you will love about the Vortex StrikeFire 2 are the rear-mounted controls. It may seem like a very simple feature, but it actually makes it easier to activate or deactivate the device. In addition, the gun scope comes with ten levels of dot intensity. The two lowest settings can be used with night vision scopes.
When it comes to construction, this red dot sight is also top notch. It has an aluminum shell that can withstand high levels of recoil, which is perfect for high-caliber rifles. Plus, it is both resistant to fog and water.
O-ring seals that blocks off dust and water protect the lenses. Its insides are purged with nitrogen to ensure that fog will not build up.
This rifle scope is battery-powered. To conserve energy, it automatically shuts off every six hours. Here’s a rundown of StrikeFire 2’s specs:
• Magnification level: 1x
• Lens diameter: 30mm
• Eye relief: Unlimited
• Maximum elevation: 100 MOA
• Parallax setting: Free
• Tube length: 5.6 inches
• Weight: 7.2 inches
• Set includes: Official Vortex baseball hat with camouflage design and cantilever mount
3. Vortex Optics Sparc 2 Red Dot MOA High Mount Scope, Black
One look at the Vortex Sparc 2 rifle red dot sight and you can tell that it’s a product made by hunting professionals, for hunting professionals. The sleek matte black finish, multi-coated lens, the durable chassis; what’s not to love with this amazing item?
Perfectly suited for shotguns and AR-15 rifles, this scope is the must-have hunting accessory if you want to lock on to your target quickly. The 1x magnifier produces sharp and clear images so you can accurately hit smaller prey from afar. Its bright red marker also has a vivid color to make it extremely visible, even in broad daylight.
The red dot gun sight features 10 levels of intensity so you can clearly see your target in both well-lit and dim surroundings. It also features an unlimited eye-relief for better depth perception.
The chassis is made from machine-processed aircraft aluminum that can be mounted on a Weaver or Picatinny bases. The viewing tube is well-protected by an O-ring cover to keep the lenses water- and fogproof.
Another impressive feature of the Vortex Sparc 2 Optics is its long battery life. When set to its lowest settings, the scope can last up to 5,000 hours. And when you adjust the brightness to its maximum level, the device can still last for an impressive 300 hours.
But if you want to really conserve energy, it has an auto-shutdown mode every 12 hours. The Vortex Sparc 2 specs are:
• Magnification level: 1x
• Travel per rotation: 45 MOA
• Tube length: 3.1 inches
• Weight: 5.9 inches
• Maximum wattage adjustment: 90 MOA
• Eye relief: Unlimited
Advantages of using the Aimpoint red dot magnifier hunting scope
With so many rifle scope brands available on the market, it is really difficult to determine the one that suits you best. Some manufacturers offer a durable chassis, while others have features that can make your hunting easier.
However, the brand that really stands out these days is Aimpoint. Unlike other manufacturers that only offer either functionality or style, Aimpoint provides both.
In addition, the Aimpoint brand has been around for a long time. Since 1974, this company has been making numerous accessories that can help develop your shooting accuracy. Their red dot rifle scope has been on the market for over 40 years, and they are still finding new ways to improve it. Their products are not just revered by hunting and shooting enthusiasts. They are also valued by professional security experts, marksmen, and military weapons specialists alike.
When you use an Aimpoint sight, you can be sure that it will last for a long time. Most of their products have durable aluminum tubes that can withstand constant wear and tear.
Red dot sighting systems, in general, are also more efficient compared to regular scopes because of their improved subtension. Subtension refers to the scope’s available target space.
Most people are still wary about using red dots because of the battery requirements. They fear that the scope will suddenly lose its power in the middle of their hunting expedition.
However, what they do not know is that red dot sights have an extremely long battery life. Many scopes can be used for more than 600 hours, depending on its settings; some can even last longer. In addition, these shooting accessories have an automatic shutdown feature to preserve battery life.
That way, you do not have to worry about your batteries suddenly dying during important shooting competitions or hunting events. And if you take care of your battery, you will not experience a lot of problems in the future.
Furthermore, the Aimpoint red dot sights are immune to any parallax. This means that you can easily view the red dot at any angle. Once you lock on to your target, the small red dot will not disappear from your sight.
The good thing about this feature is that you don’t have to adjust your sights constantly if you change your field of view. This will allow you to shoot fast and hit that rabbit or deer before it escapes your sight.
Buying guide for Red Dot Magnifier
As mentioned earlier, all of the Aimpoint products have exceptional quality and features. However, you still need to choose wisely so that you can get the most out of your purchase. Here is a quick buying guide to help you out.
1. Choosing the reticle size – The size of the red dot will depend on the type of scope. You can also purchase sights with adjustable dots and crosshairs. Your choice will depend on the size of your firearm and your personal preferences. MOA, or minute of angle, is the term used to determine the dot size. The size can be 1-inch per 100 yards or 3-inches at 300 yards.
When using the riflescope, you will notice that the red dot is a little bit fuzzy. Don’t worry too much because that is only normal. Even with advanced technology, you cannot buy a red dot sight with a clear reticle outline.
2. Batteries – Keep in mind that red dot sights run on batteries. If you are going to hunt during the winter, it is important that you buy a sight with longer battery life because it drains easily in colder environments. In addition, you should also buy spare energy sources just in case.
Most products have an extremely long battery life. This can reach from 600 to 10,000 hours. That is around 5 years worth of shooting time! That is the reason why a lot of hunters don’t prefer to turn them off. Don’t follow this habit. When not in use, remember to turn your sights off so that it will have enough energy left during critical moments.
3. Co-witness – This term refers to the replacement sight that can be used in conjunction with the red dot. In some instances, hunters use a co-witness to replace the red dot if it runs out of battery. Co-witness mechanisms are attached to military-grade firearms like the AR-15.
Similar to red dots, highly advanced co-witnesses are compatible with night vision scopes. In this mode, the dot will automatically adjust to its lowest settings so that when you use a special monocular for night vision, the bright red dot will not blind you. In broad daylight, the dot will be so faint that it is too difficult to see it using the naked eye so you have to adjust the intensity accordingly.
4. Should you choose an expensive or affordable red dot scope? If you are only using a plinking gun, it is recommended that you only buy a more budget-friendly scope. Plinking guns are just small firearms that are made for shooting easy targets such as tin cans and marshmallows. You can use this gun, even if you only have minimal training. But if you are using a bigger weapon and you to improve your accuracy, you need something more expensive.
As a rule of thumb, the quality of the red dot sights will mostly depend on the price tag. Don’t expect a $30 scope to withstand the recoil of bigger guns. If you want a quality scope then expect to pay at least a hundred dollars for one.
Tips for using your Red Dot Magnifier
An Aim Point red dot sight is very expensive, so make sure that you use it properly to avoid any mishaps and shoot your prey with precision.
When using a reflex sight, the first thing that you need to remember is that it is a simple, but effective aiming device. If your target is marked by the red dot, rest assured that you will hit it, simple as that. You do not need to adjust your sights or create a cheek weld.
To shoot your target, adjust your firearm to a firing position. Once the red dot is seen on the scope, aim it at your target. Switch the safety off and engage your prey. During this entire process, both of your eyes must stay open and you must not keep your focus away from the target.
In well-lit areas, always remember to adjust the reticle brightness to a higher level. This will allow you to see your target better. In poorly-lit surroundings, adjust the brightness to a lower level.
Focusing the red dot sight to a specific target is almost the same with adjusting a regular rifle scope. The only difference is that you need to adjust the iron sights if necessary.
Red Dot Magnifier FAQ
If it is your first time to buy a red dot scope, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Below is a short list of the frequently asked questions about these shooting devices, along with their corresponding answers.
1. Why should I grab a reflex sight?
The red dot sight allows you to target your prey with both eyes open. That way, you will have better depth perception and improved awareness of your environment. The red dot also develops your shooting accuracy and aids you in finding your target faster.
2. Can I use the red dot sight on other firearms?
Depending on the model, a reflex scope can be paired with different firearms. But mostly, it is used for the AR-15 or AK 47. You can use these shooting devices for handguns and shotguns. You can also attach them on defense pistols. However, keep in mind that red dot sights are a little bulky, so they are not useful if you are concealing your gun.
3. Should I also get a co-witness?
It is recommended that you pair your rifle with an iron sight so you still have a means of aiming should your red dot rifle malfunction or run out of batteries. A red dot scope is battery-operated, so it can run out of power from time to time.
4. Do I need any tools for setting up this device?
You don’t need any tools for attaching the red dot to your rifle.
To wrap things up
The red dot sight is an effective tool that will help you achieve better accuracy when hunting. If you are looking for this kind of device, Aim Point is one of the best options on the market because it offers both superb design and features. However, make sure that you save up because advanced rifle scopes don’t come cheap. This top best red dot magnifier provided all the basics that you need to know, but you need to read more about this brand so that you choose the perfect scope that suits your need.
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