Affordable 3X magnifier?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Affordable 3X magnifier?

Posted: 2/24/2013 6:25:24 PM EDT

I really want to put an Eotech G23 on one of my builds, but I just can't hack the $500 price tag. I am putting an Eotech on it as it is.... Perhaps I just need to save my pennies and quit crying? Or are there pretty good magnifiers out there with flip to the side mounts pretty reasonable for the quality? Thanks guys...

Posted: 2/24/2013 6:26:35 PM EDT

[#1]

The Primary arms 3x has a lot of great reviews.

Posted: 2/24/2013 6:38:20 PM EDT

[#2]

What is the real world eye relief on it? I am not sure what model it was, but a 3x Primary that a buddy had was like 1/4"... You had to be right up on the thing...

Posted: 2/24/2013 6:42:39 PM EDT

[#3]

I'm running an Aimpoint CompM4S with an Aimpoint 3x behind it. Both are on LaRue mounts, the magnifier on a swivel (linked below). I'm an Aimpoint guy though so I can't speak on EO's 3x.

http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-qd-pivot-mount

Posted: 2/24/2013 6:49:04 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
What is the real world eye relief on it? I am not sure what model it was, but a 3x Primary that a buddy had was like 1/4"... You had to be right up on the thing...

They also offer a long eye relief model.

Posted: 2/24/2013 6:50:32 PM EDT

[#5]

Will look... Thanks!

Posted: 2/25/2013 4:55:19 AM EDT

[#6]

yeah I had a regular PA magnifier and it was terrible with eye relief. The long eye relief model might be decent

Other budget magnifiers to look at are the Lucid and Vortex.

Posted: 2/25/2013 3:37:38 PM EDT

[#7]

The Lucid 2-5X has a great sweet spot for eye relief between 2.5 (almost too far) and 4.5 (almost too close).
The 3-4X is perfect.
That said, the new G33s are awesome.....I just don't know if they're $200 more awesome.
A lucid + a decent mount is like $250-275ish I think....but the eye relief is better than the Eotech even if the glass isn't.
The G33 has a great mount and flip system, and I'd definitely buy them at $400...but they're just too pricey for me--I think I paid $575 for mine.

Posted: 2/25/2013 3:55:09 PM EDT

[#8]

I put an EOTech 512 on my AR and absolutely loved it!!!
I started looking at FTS magnifiers because I loved the idea of having the versatility, probably same thing you're thinking. So I ordered
a "cheap" magnifier ($130) some Chinese brand and it was HORRIBLE!
After posting here and getting some feedback I learned two things that may help you....
1. My expectations were probably a little high for a magnifier.
2. Most important.....don't buy cheap glass.....I put the Chinese crap on my 15-22, not sure yet if it will stay there or go in the
trash.
Saving my money for the G23.

Posted: 2/25/2013 4:28:53 PM EDT

[#9]

I have vortex's 3x magnifier and its clear. I am looking at the Lucid 2-5x magnifier. Wish there was a hands on vid review of it.

Posted: 2/28/2013 11:02:25 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I have vortex's 3x magnifier and its clear. I am looking at the Lucid 2-5x magnifier. Wish there was a hands on vid review of it.

I also have the vortex magnifier and it's a good buy. The rubber part is a little large and can interfere with BUIS, but you can either shave the rubber down or get a flip mount instead of the rotation mount that vortex offers. I have mine in a larue high mount so it lines up with my xps3.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8516508869_2ded63dc26_c.jpg

Posted: 2/28/2013 11:35:37 AM EDT

[#11]

I also have a Vortex 3x on a LaRue flip to the side mount and it's great.
My Eotech 512 is also on a LaRue mount and they work together perfectly.

Vortex optics are a pretty good buy all around. rings & mounts not so much, but the optics are good

Posted: 2/28/2013 11:38:55 AM EDT

[#12]

I put the flip mount Primary Arms long eye relief behind an EOTECH and it's fine.

Got a good deal on it all from them too.

Posted: 3/1/2013 4:51:00 AM EDT

[#13]

Is their flip mount pretty nice?

Posted: 3/1/2013 5:31:32 AM EDT

[#14]

I have to Go with the Vortex as well...got one on my M-15...in a ADM mount...Love it..

SASS

Posted: 3/1/2013 6:47:00 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Is their flip mount pretty nice?

I think it's fine.

I caught it on sale before X-mas and got it for a real good price as a bundle with the EOTECH, magnifier and an upgrade to the flip mount was only about $30 if iirc.

Got an EXPS2-0, 3X long eye relief mag, flip mount all for @600.

Posted: 3/2/2013 4:42:51 AM EDT

[#16]

Man, that Vortex has a giant rubber donut on it Uhhh? Wow

Posted: 3/2/2013 6:46:47 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
Man, that Vortex has a giant rubber donut on it Uhhh? Wow

Yea it makes the ladies blush, but you can really grasp is when you have a flip mount that you have to manually flip with your hand.

Posted: 3/4/2013 5:24:52 PM EDT

[#18]

Is the vortex 3X magnifier still made?? can't seem to find one. anyone know where you can buy one?

Thanks Bulldog

Posted: 3/4/2013 6:14:09 PM EDT

[#19]

I have a Primary Arms 3x Deluxe on a Larue flip to side mount (I think the LT755). I had to take my rear BUIS off because the magnifier wouldn't close with it on. I measured it a while back, and I think the Magpul MBUS will clear it by something like .15".

EDIT: I just re-measured. Clearance with Larue LT755-S mount and Primary Arms 3x magnifier is roughly .62". Magpul's website states the MBUS Gen2 measures .51" above rail, so it would be cutting it close. With the Primary Arms magnifier, you are pretty limited on BUIS options. Not sure how others are, might be the same for most. I'm still more than happy with my Primary Arms magnifier, would definitely recommend it. I'm thinking it was only around $70, definitely affordable and quality.

Posted: 3/4/2013 7:15:02 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
I have a Primary Arms 3x Deluxe on a Larue flip to side mount (I think the LT755). I had to take my rear BUIS off because the magnifier wouldn't close with it on. I measured it a while back, and I think the Magpul MBUS will clear it by something like .15".

EDIT: I just re-measured. Clearance with Larue LT755-S mount and Primary Arms 3x magnifier is roughly .62". Magpul's website states the MBUS Gen2 measures .51" above rail, so it would be cutting it close. With the Primary Arms magnifier, you are pretty limited on BUIS options. Not sure how others are, might be the same for most. I'm still more than happy with my Primary Arms magnifier, would definitely recommend it. I'm thinking it was only around $70, definitely affordable and quality.

The deluxe is bigger than our newer long eye relief model. With the Long eye relief in a LaRue LT755T you will easily clear a Magpul flip.

Posted: 3/4/2013 7:42:21 PM EDT

[#21]

You might want to wait just a few more weeks. I know Vortex is in the process of releasing a new magnifier that will be adjustable. I believe 1-4x and the msrp is right around the same price as their current magnifier.

Posted: 3/5/2013 3:27:21 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
You might want to wait just a few more weeks. I know Vortex is in the process of releasing a new magnifier that will be adjustable. I believe 1-4x and the msrp is right around the same price as their current magnifier.

The new Vortex is a fixed 3X with integrated flip mount at $229. We ordered them at SHOT but I don't think we will see them in a few weeks, Here is a link with more info and a way to get a email when they become available

LINK

Posted: 3/5/2013 10:03:53 AM EDT

[#23]

Was up in the Great White North (Wisconsin) a couple of weeks ago visiting the fine folks at Vortex, and took some photos of the VMX3T. Typical Vortex, bright, clear, sharp. The release button is dampened, nice touch. It will be available in both absolute and lower 1/3 co-witness versions:

Posted: 3/5/2013 8:06:20 PM EDT

[#24]

Thanks for the reply Marshall. Honestly I don't know what the difference even is in the Deluxe 3x that I have. What I do know is that it was highly recommended, was in stock, and even on sale around the holidays when you couldn't find anything AR related anywhere. According to the Magpul website and my measurements, the MBUS will fit with the LT755-S and the Primary Arms 3x Deluxe, with about .1" to spare.

Posted: 3/6/2013 5:55:30 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
Thanks for the reply Marshall. Honestly I don't know what the difference even is in the Deluxe 3x that I have. What I do know is that it was highly recommended, was in stock, and even on sale around the holidays when you couldn't find anything AR related anywhere. According to the Magpul website and my measurements, the MBUS will fit with the LT755-S and the Primary Arms 3x Deluxe, with about .1" to spare.

The Deluxe is setup for shooting nose to the charging handle. Short eye relief. The long eye relief is better for fixed stock ARs and shooting from a bench. Our standard 3X Gen III is in between

Posted: 3/6/2013 8:44:41 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Thanks for the reply Marshall. Honestly I don't know what the difference even is in the Deluxe 3x that I have. What I do know is that it was highly recommended, was in stock, and even on sale around the holidays when you couldn't find anything AR related anywhere. According to the Magpul website and my measurements, the MBUS will fit with the LT755-S and the Primary Arms 3x Deluxe, with about .1" to spare.

The Deluxe is setup for shooting nose to the charging handle. Short eye relief. The long eye relief is better for fixed stock ARs and shooting from a bench. Our standard 3X Gen III is in between

Nose to charging handle is how you're supposed to shoot anyways. I use the extended relief 3x on my M&P 22 and love it. I own and or have used about every optic there is and for the money, it's hard to beat.. There are better ones, but the PA is still a good choice for the price.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Affordable 3X magnifier?

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