Red Dot Sights vs. Magnified Optics – Important Considerations.

Mac, to me it all seems to always come back full circle. I have an old colt SP-1 (AR-145 no forward assist) and the old colt pocket scope. A small compact optic that was made for the rifle that attached to the carry handle and was a fixed 3X20 optic.
Even back in the 60's, they knew the 3 power was the best for a 5.56.

LPVO’s are my fav!

I just can’t get away from the amazing EOTech EXPS-2 with a micro 3x flip to side magnifier. It feels like the best of both worlds and although it’s slightly bulky, it still feels very intuitive and more adaptable than magnification only.
As far as red dots, I really like the Leupold Freedom RDS BDC with its adjustment turrets that correspond to yardage. I.E. 0 on turret = less than 100 yards, 100 on turret = 100 yards, and so on, with 55 grain 5.56/.223.

I need something that I can use with or without my glasses because I have astigmatisms.

I thought the EOTech lost its zero, not the ACOG.

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Love my SLX 3X micro prism just ordered the green reticle. I can shoot it with both eyes open it is excellent!

have the older plx 1-8….that is a deadly accurate reticle…..first time I used it I was hitting full size silhouettesdead center out to 500 rarely missing

Good video. Thank you for creating. Informative.

Great video! I'm a mid- and long-range target shooter and have had a number of LPVO's as well as high-powereds over the years, like the Vortex "Razor HD" 5-20×50. I am now using two Steiner T536 5×36 prism scopes… one on my POF "Warhog" 5.56 NATO… and the other on my Sig "Cross" .308… and absolutely love them!! So I can easily understand and relate to the reasons you favor a prism scope. Eye relief is a bit shorter than with traditional scopes, but once I got used to it and got things dialed in, it was like entering a whole new and wonderful world of shooting. And when it comes to the "cool" factor… prisms win!

You didn’t talk about the non adjustment on your favorite. Do you shoot with booth eyes open.

"For the reasons that I've stated" should be used more often in youtube and in life.

You make a very good point about the 3x prism, MAC. Do you think it would be a good SHTF optic?

I've considered the 3x prism multiple times, but I'd much rather have a 1-6 lpvo for a good 1x.

For me personally I prefer a red dot on my ar pistol and a lpvo on my full size ar. For a short barrel cqb "rifle" I don't personally see a need for magnification but if you're already dealing with a long 16-18in barrel you may as well have the ability to be a little more accurate out at range. Just my take though.

I'm not a fan of fixed magnification, being optimal only in a certain range, with FOV even a bigger concern. Fixed optics means fixed options as in none. I wouldn't fix those problems with a magnifier as it is a "sloppy" option for the many reason you stated. LPVO is my preference, not as small and light as an ACOG but not an overwhelming difference. I have a 1-8x Strike Eagle and use an offset Deltapoint Pro Reflex for up close and personal. It seems somewhat redundant but the FOV and acquisition are better and I can default my LPVO to a mid-range mag to now get a hands free and rapid assessment a close and far. Everybody has a preference and having a comfort with that setup is the most important consideration of all. To each their own. Oh yeah, I have an Arken 6-24, in Cedar City, Utah we have a 1,000 yard as in 3,000 foot rifle range, lots of fun shooting long.

Glad to see this video bc I do best with these optics. I know I’m supposed to think acogs and razors are superior but I just don’t get the overall performance from those that I do from these PA optics

Most 3x magnifiers are easy enough to remove if you don't like them hanging off the side. Put them on when you need them and they're small enough to throw in a bag or pocket when you don't.

Love the video! A lot of really great information and different perspectives to think about based on individual needs!

I do love my Primary Arms 3x prism ACSS sight. I have one on my 5.56 and one on my 300 blackout. I would like to try an Eotech on my 300, but that is an expensive experiment.

Can you give links to the mount set up on the PA x3 I can't seem to find it and really like the look.

This video is why I have an eotech mounted on a 45 to the left, an LPVO on top, and iron sights 45 to the right!

Rule of thumb:
Optimum magnification is 1-1.5x per 100 meters.
95% of urban engagements occur within 100m.
95% of rural engagements occur within 400m.
Red dots for cities, suburbs, towns.
Something like an acog for the countryside.

How good is the 3× Micro PRISM at CQB Distances

a great presentation and orientation. thank you. what is the make/source of the quick release mount?

Iv got a mixture of red dots on everything bar the fighting rifle 4x and long bolt gun which has 12x ,my grand daughters custom painted hello kitty 1022 has a dot,my .22 Airgun for up in the raffters inside has a red dot,I dont either bother with backup irons at all as im not in battle, so ill just put it in the safe and grab another and if it came to life and death with my dead red dot I can still get rounds down range in a accurate manner,I joined the Army and we had iron sights,when I left we all had optics and we owned the night with NVG ,lasers etc

I own a magnifier. For a self defense AR, I’d skip the magnifier and just go with a red dot. You don’t need more than that. You’re good out to 100 yards.

Have you tried the new vortex 3x prism very light weight..

I couldn't get over the eye relief with the ACOG. I got rid of it after a few months.

Is that a primary arms cantilever riser on top of the trijicon QD mount? Trying to find it in the PA website and not having luck. Thanks.