Rifle Scopes 1x prism and magnifier

D

dgheriani

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Feb 10, 2017
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#1
So apparently I have an astigatism, haha... I have red dots on almost all my rifles (as offsets on bolt and offsets or primaries on gas guns) and pistols and have no issues using them effectively although the dot isn't necessarily super crisp (this is with quality red dots, Aimpoint Micros, Acros, PROs). I had only ever really used magnifiers with Eotechs (EXPS 3-2 and 3-4) and the dots although not perfectly crisp, were usable. Yesterday I tried a 6x Vortex magnifier behind my Aimpoint Pro and the dot was just a messy diagonal splotch...

Since I doubt that a higher end magnifier would make any difference, that got me to thinking about trying a 1x prism with a magnifier. When I look at Primary Arms' website, they say their 1x is compatible with their magnifier. Vortex however says that their 1x prism isn't compatible with their magnifier. Being that I don't imagine the "tech" is any different between those 2 brands (as they're just OEMing china stuff anyways) I was curious why one brand would say it's a go and another wouldn't. The only real issue I could imagine would potentially be eye relief so I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's tried this kind of setup. Is this a viable setup or am I better to just get an Eotech? Is there a reason that the dots are crisper with a holo like the Eotech than with red dot like an Aimpoint?
 
#2


I asked DLO about this and he said the PA 1x works with the 3x magnifier and I think he uses this setup on one of his guns. I'm going to give it a try.

Another option for those with astigmatism is a holographic and magnifier. I just looked through a Vortex UH-1 and 6x magnifier and it looked fine and I have astigmatism.
 
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#3
Thanks. Curious to hear how you like it. I also found that the Eotech was much better behind the (6x) magnifier than the Aimpoint was. Maybe I just need to grab an EXPS 3-2 as I like the double dot for holdovers anyways...
 
#5
marsh1 said:
Ours is not a off the shelf design. It is our own optical system. You are welcome to give one a try and if you are not happy with the results we will take it back and pay return shipping
Click to expand...
And the company you represent is…..? Sorry, this post of yours doesn’t have any info on which product you are supporting, vortex or PA? I am curious to try a prism design as all my red dot aimpoints have an astigmatism meteor tail.
 
#6
Sorry I guess have to hit toggle signature to show my info

.
1699912346412.jpeg
 
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#7
Well, the PA 3x magnifier came in this PM. It works great. Just had to back the magnifier diopter just about all the way out like the video said. The 1x micro prism reticle became large and easy to see magnified. It was hard for me to see without the magnifier. It added about 10 ounces though with the mount. The only negative was no instructions came with the PA flip mount to give torque specs.
 
#8
Fret said:
Well, the PA 3x magnifier came in this PM. It works great. Just had to back the magnifier diopter just about all the way out like the video said. The 1x micro prism reticle became large and easy to see magnified. It was hard for me to see without the magnifier. It added about 10 ounces though with the mount. The only negative was no instructions came with the PA flip mount to give torque specs.
Click to expand...
Which magnifier and mount did you get? I will check to see if there should have been a manual with it
 
#9
marsh1 said:
Which magnifier and mount did you get? I will check to see if there should have been a manual with it
Click to expand...
The SLX 3x magnifier and this mount:

www.primaryarms.com

Primary Arms SLx 3X Micro Magnifier - Flat Dark Earth

This Primary Arms rifle scope is part of the SLx optics line.
www.primaryarms.com

www.primaryarms.com

Primary Arms SLx FS Flip-to-Side Magnifier Mount - 2 Bolt Bottom Interface

The Primary Arms Flip to Side Magnifier Mount is perfect for placing a 2-bolt magnifier behind all Primary Arms Red Dots and 1x MicroPrism, and other red dots as well.
www.primaryarms.com

Is the other PA flip mount without the button that's out of stock right now lighter than than the one I got?
 
#10
If you have an astigmatism, and still want to use your red dot like a red dot (both eyes open, unlimited eye-relief) an EOTech is probably the best choice to throw a magnifier behind. The EOTech is a holographic system that works better for those with astigmatism due to how it projects the dot.

A prism is just a fixed-power scope, so eye-relief becomes a factor, as well as how close to 1X the prism actually is (so it doesn’t give you a headache when running both eyes open).
 
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#11
Fret said:
The SLX 3x magnifier and this mount:

www.primaryarms.com

Primary Arms SLx 3X Micro Magnifier - Flat Dark Earth

This Primary Arms rifle scope is part of the SLx optics line.
www.primaryarms.com

www.primaryarms.com

Primary Arms SLx FS Flip-to-Side Magnifier Mount - 2 Bolt Bottom Interface

The Primary Arms Flip to Side Magnifier Mount is perfect for placing a 2-bolt magnifier behind all Primary Arms Red Dots and 1x MicroPrism, and other red dots as well.
www.primaryarms.com

Is the other PA flip mount without the button that's out of stock right now lighter than than the one I got?
Click to expand...
I will get one pulled and weighed.

Also very easy to run with both eyes open and eye relief is very forgiving. The added advantage is you have a reticle if the battery dies.
 
#14
dgheriani said:
So apparently I have an astigatism, haha... I have red dots on almost all my rifles (as offsets on bolt and offsets or primaries on gas guns) and pistols and have no issues using them effectively although the dot isn't necessarily super crisp (this is with quality red dots, Aimpoint Micros, Acros, PROs). I had only ever really used magnifiers with Eotechs (EXPS 3-2 and 3-4) and the dots although not perfectly crisp, were usable. Yesterday I tried a 6x Vortex magnifier behind my Aimpoint Pro and the dot was just a messy diagonal splotch...

Since I doubt that a higher end magnifier would make any difference, that got me to thinking about trying a 1x prism with a magnifier. When I look at Primary Arms' website, they say their 1x is compatible with their magnifier. Vortex however says that their 1x prism isn't compatible with their magnifier. Being that I don't imagine the "tech" is any different between those 2 brands (as they're just OEMing china stuff anyways) I was curious why one brand would say it's a go and another wouldn't. The only real issue I could imagine would potentially be eye relief so I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's tried this kind of setup. Is this a viable setup or am I better to just get an Eotech? Is there a reason that the dots are crisper with a holo like the Eotech than with red dot like an Aimpoint?
Click to expand...

An LPVO is what you seek
 
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#16
308pirate said:
An LPVO is what you seek
Click to expand...
I run LPVOs (and MPVOs) on my other carbines, this rifle isn't accurate enough to merit one, imo (it's basically an AK) as I'd have to also run an offset rds for night shooting. Hence wanting to stick to a 1x optic with a magnifier for occasional shots to 3-400 yds. I'll either grab the PA prism or an Eotech 3-2.
 
#17
Hello, sorry to bring back an old thread, but the discussion is similar to my questions. I recently bought a S&W FPC, and paired it with a Primary Arms SLx 1X MicroPrism With Red Illuminated ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle. I noticed that if viewing a target @25 yards through the SLx 1X vs looking at the target with naked eye the target seems smaller through the SLx? Is it just me or is that how it's supposed to be? (I'm still new to the firearm scene, please be gentle.)

Also, seeing as I picked up the 9mm version of the SLx 1X, would the Pegasus 3x magnifier work well with it?
 
#18
StarGazer883 said:
Hello, sorry to bring back an old thread, but the discussion is similar to my questions. I recently bought a S&W FPC, and paired it with a Primary Arms SLx 1X MicroPrism With Red Illuminated ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle. I noticed that if viewing a target @25 yards through the SLx 1X vs looking at the target with naked eye the target seems smaller through the SLx? Is it just me or is that how it's supposed to be? (I'm still new to the firearm scene, please be gentle.)

Also, seeing as I picked up the 9mm version of the SLx 1X, would the Pegasus 3x magnifier work well with it?
Click to expand...

No idea about the magnifier (it should work fine I bet), but the optic probably isn’t a true 1X… look trough it with both eyes open and if it feels wonky then that’s probably it.
 
#20
Thank you for your responses!

I currently have it mounted like the following pic. Is that too close? Should it be further down the barrel?

1717834644009.png



@marsh1: regarding the diopter, is it supposed to be so stiff to turn? I thought I bought a defective unit and brought it back to the LGS. The employee had a really hard time to 'break' it free so that it would turn. The employee brought out another one and it was also hard to 'break' loose.

Once loosened, it still takes a bit of force to turn. I'm assuming this is normal?

I hope I explained the above correctly.


"Take your time to adjust the diopter against a light solid color background" - how far should I place the background to adjust the diopter?

Silly question: the 9mm = made for 9mm cartridge firearm?
 
#22
1. Diopters in general should be stiff as its something you want to set and forget. Better too stiff than too loose.

2. For maximum speed its critical the image is a true 1x or very nearly so. Take the time to adjust the diopter to get that right.

3. Try quickly mounting the rifle and 'feel' if the image is a true 1x, if it isnt your brain will tell you it looks funny and will take a fraction of a second longer to acquire a target. Adjust the diopter and do this again. Repeat until its perfect.
 
#24
Quick update. I wanted to say that the SLx 1X MicroPrism is working nicely now. Thank you all for your input.

I would like to ask another question. There's a sale for the Primary Arms SLx 3X Micro Magnifier (picture shows as ACSS Pegasus) at my LGS and I would like pair it with the SLx 1X MicroPrism with Red Illuminated ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle. Seeing as both are ACSS, will they conflict with each other with one overlaying the other?

Cheers.
 
#25
StarGazer883 said:
Quick update. I wanted to say that the SLx 1X MicroPrism is working nicely now. Thank you all for your input.

I would like to ask another question. There's a sale for the Primary Arms SLx 3X Micro Magnifier (picture shows as ACSS Pegasus) at my LGS and I would like pair it with the SLx 1X MicroPrism with Red Illuminated ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle. Seeing as both are ACSS, will they conflict with each other with one overlaying the other?

Cheers.
Click to expand...
The reticle in the magnifier is for range estimation and is below where the ACSS reticle is in the 1x Prism
 
#27
StarGazer883 said:
Would that mean that I would see both range estimations from both the 1x prisim and also the 3x magnifier?
View attachment 8544563View attachment 8544564
Click to expand...
Ah I see what you are asking, the answer is in the video in the second post. You have to make a pretty big adjustment to use these together but it will end up being the full reticle in the 1x that is visible, the one in the magnifier will largely be cut off.
 
#28
6.5SH said:
Ah I see what you are asking, the answer is in the video in the second post. You have to make a pretty big adjustment to use these together but it will end up being the full reticle in the 1x that is visible, the one in the magnifier will largely be cut off.
Click to expand...
Completely forgot about the video as I went straight to my last post 🤦🏽

Thank you.
 
#29
StarGazer883 said:
Quick update. I wanted to say that the SLx 1X MicroPrism is working nicely now. Thank you all for your input.

I would like to ask another question. There's a sale for the Primary Arms SLx 3X Micro Magnifier (picture shows as ACSS Pegasus) at my LGS and I would like pair it with the SLx 1X MicroPrism with Red Illuminated ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle. Seeing as both are ACSS, will they conflict with each other with one overlaying the other?

Cheers.
Click to expand...
you already have ranging built into the Cyclops reticle. We made the Pegasus mainly for use with red dots.
 
#30
marsh1 said:
you already have ranging built into the Cyclops reticle. We made the Pegasus mainly for use with red dots.
Click to expand...
You are correct....but...One can never have too many toys!!

Jk aside, I have another rifle that it may end up on and did I mention it's on sale?! :)

Edit: what would you recommend as an add-on for magnification? My eyes are not getting any younger...
 
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