When To Use A Magnifier On Your Rifle

When Is A Magnifier Necessary?

Traditional red dot or reflex sights are sufficient for most short-range applications, but increased magnification is useful in scenarios requiring the shooter to engage targets at longer distances. If you anticipate transitioning from close quarters to mid or long-range shooting, a magnifier offers that flexibility and offers a number of benefits, including:

  • Increased Target Clarity - An enhanced sight picture allows for more accurate shot placement.
  • Extended Effective Range: Magnifiers allow shooters to engage targets that might be challenging with a non-magnified optic.
  • Enhanced Target Identification: Distinguishing between friend and foe is essential when shooting at range.
  • Reduced Eye Strain: Using a magnified optic reduces eye strain and enables greater focus for longer periods of time.

When equipped on a general purpose rifle, a red dot / magnifier combo provides increased versatility and faster target acquisition than would be available from a non-magnified optic or low-powered variable optic, plus most magnifiers are less obtrusive than a larger scope.

Holosun HS510CHM3X HS510C/HM3X Combo Black Anodized 1x 3x 2/65 MOA Red Circle w/Dot Reticle Includes Case
Holosun HS510CHM3X HS510C/HM3X Combo Black Anodized 1x 3x 2/65 MOA Red Circle w/Dot Reticle Includes Case
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Drawbacks

Every attachment adds weight to your rifle, making it more difficult to aim and maneuver. While magnifiers are not particularly cumbersome, they can still be somewhat beefy and require more fine motor skills to operate - important things to consider when deciding if a magnifier is right for your setup.

How To Run A Magnifier On Your Rifle

To install a magnifier, position and mount it directly behind your primary optic. Ensure that you have enough room to engage and disengage the magnifier without obstructing any of the rifle's controls, then switch it to the disengaged position.

This is how you should store and carry your rifle indoors or in close-quarters environments. If you need to engage a target at longer distances, simply use your support hand to flip the magnifier into position without moving your firing hand or taking your eyes off the target.

Train With Your Magnifier

With practice, running a magnifier is a quick and efficient way to alternate between magnified and non-magnified shooting. Work these transitions into your range sessions so you can develop muscle memory and operate your magnifier with ease, even under stressful conditions.

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Want to see how a red dot / magnifier combo stacks up against a low-powered variable optic? Watch our video with Clint discussing the pros and cons of running each sighting system on your defensive rifle setup!