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Posted: 7/28/2006 3:33:58 PM EDT
| I'm looking at getting an Eotech and I have noticed that quite a few people are using the Aimpoint 3x Magnifier behind it. When I first saw this I thought it was a good idea and went looking for one, found it and a $500.00+ price tag. I completely understand why you pay for high dollar for optics, what I don't understand is why a piece of glass in a tube that mounts behind your actual optic and requires virtually no set-up(zeroing, leveling, etc.) costs so f-ing much! Hell I could even understand $200 +/-, but when the thing is just as much or more than the optic it is mounting behind that is just ridiculous. So really why I'm posting this is to find out if anyone has knowledge of another device/clone that will do the same job for less money? I'm sure this will turn to the typical Ar15.com argument starter tread but lets try to keep it civil in the beginning so I might get a few intelligent answers. |
That is the reason I got the Leupold CQT. If you want just a red dot, then get the Aimpoint or EOTech. If you want magnification, then get the CQT. Works great on my patrol rifle. |
Why was this? |
It was too heavy, too expensive, and when you add the magnifier to the aimpoint or EOTech, you negate a lot of the good things about the aimpoint or EOTech such as the unlimited eye relief. An Aimpoint or EOTech with magnifier with a decent mount will cost you well over $1000 while a CQT or a 1x4 variable scope will cost you $700.00. But if you already have the EOTech, then it is your choice, but even just the magnifier and a good mount will still run around $600.00. |
Thanks, I had never even thought of the eye relief getting f-ed up, I had heard that Eotech is supposed to be comming out with their own magnifier I wonder if they have addressed that issue. |
Aimpoint magnifier offers 2.5" eye relief. Not great but not too shabby either, that's still 1" greater than mnay ACOGs. Samson mount offers ability to rotate it out of the way to get to your unlimited eye relief Aimpoint/EoTech. Aimpoint twist off mount allows it to be unmounted and remounted, but that's still slower than a variable scope or a CQT. CQT is heavy. As heavy if not more than an Aimpoint + magnifier, even with their mounts. Your point about cost of the magnifier and mount is valid. I don't understand why it costs as much as it does, Leupold, Burris, anyone ought to be able to build a similar unit for significantly less. Which companies make 1-4x's for under $700? IOR? Anyone else? Does your $700 cost also include mount/rings? I'm not sure which I would prefer. I look at the magnifiers as an item that extends the performance of a 1x red dot rather than a purposely-built, integrated system like a variable powered scope. But I don't think the concept is to use the magnifier in all situations, it's a scenario dependent add-on, and when you don't need it you stow it and run with the red dot and all of its benefits over a conventional scope. |
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Don't get me wrong, the magnifier has its place. If most of the work you are doing is CQB nd you just need magnification once in a great while, then the magnifier is good. For Military purposes, the magnifier is a good add-on for identification purposes. As far as variable scopes, you can check out the IOR 1.1x4, Meopta 1x4, CQT, USO 1x4, Nightforce 1x4, or Horus 1x4. FYI, the CQT is only 16 oz and has a short eye relief (2-2.5), but it has an amazing field of view. It isn't a precision scope like the other variable scopes though. You just have to decide what you want your optic for. There really isn't a perfect scope, except maybe the Schmidt and Bender Short dot. |
I hope you guys don't mid if I chime in with a few observations. Even if you do, sorry, but too late, here goes.  As PS just states, the magnifier has it's place, as does a variable power optic, a fixed powered optic and a non-magnified CCO (close combat optic). The best way to look at it is as if they are tools in a tool box. If you own a hammer and a wrench and a screwdriver, why not own one of each on the optic systems? You should always choose the optic system that will work best at the job at hand. Variable power systems work well in a varity of roles, but what they lack is true combat durability. Yes, of course, there are plenty of standard scopes in use in war zones around the world. But most of these are used by snipers and not door kickers. Scopes like the CQT are the exception to the rule. But even then, most CQB operators would elect to use a standard CCO if they know they are going indoors. What a variable system will excel at is work at longer distances for it's primary use, and CQB as a last resort. CCO systems are the exact opisite. You can drop a rifle with an Aimpoint or EOTech off a roof and pick it up and keep fighting with it. It is way more durable but lacks the extended range of a magnified optic. That is where the magnifier comes in. They are just as durable as the CCO, they can not loose zero if they are removed and remounted and they work with the existing CCO as an extension of capabilty, rather than change the capabilty the way a standard scope would. Magnifiers simply add range to a CCO. I have three rifle set ups. I have an SBR for strictly CQB work an EOTech on it. My mid-length carbine has an Aimpoint M3 2 MOA and 3x magnifier with a Quick Flip mount. My precision rifle uses a Trijicon Accupoint (a great variable power scope by the way). Three tools for three different jobs. TalonArms.com |
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I have two rifles, both with Eotechs. They work very well for what they were designed for. I bought a 3X with samson flip mount because 1) it can be flipped out of the way or quickly removed/attached by the throw levers, and 2) I can use it on both my rifles, switching back and forth, with no zeroing issues. So if you have multiple aimpoints/eotechs, you can maximize the cost vs value. 2 eotechs + 3x Mag = @ $1400 2 Leo 1-3X = @ $1400 Add any more and the value goes up. My weapons are mainly for clearing buildings, but for the occasional perimeter/mid-range job I like the ability to attach the 3x and bipod, which otherwise live in the Pelican case. YMMV. |
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