Your thoughts on 3x magnifier...

[mackbamf]

I'm am looking to setup a 3x magnifier behind my Eotech XPS 2-2. I have other projects I'm interested in so I am trying to avoid spending several hundred on the Eotech 3x. I have been reading about some other options such as the UTG and Primary Arms. I am looking for any feedback on your experiences and/or recommendations.

[Shodown]

I have both a UTG and Primary Arms (PA). The UTG is on a .22lr and I bought it as an experiment to see how much I like using a magnifier. The magnifier itself is decent and does its job, but the mount is complete shit (QD flip-to-side) and cannot be replaced because its all one piece with the magnifier. There is one main screw and bolt that hold it together, but flipping it to the side loosens it after awhile and still did so even after applying Loctite. For the mere $70 it was its fun for a .22, but I would not put it on any of my AR's.

The PA magnifier is a pretty sweet deal for ~$130 though. I have one on my 16" AR and it works great. It does not have an integral mount so you can buy any magnifier mount you want. I have a Larue QD flip-to-side and it works very well, but Primary Arms makes decent mounts too (they are often out of stock though). The best part about the PA is that you can adjust it to center the red dot reticle. I highly suggest getting one of the models with long eye relief though, that is a HUGE plus not to have to have your face up against your charging handle.

All in all, I would stay away from the UTG ones and look into Primary Arms with long eye relief if you are on a budget. It wont be as durable as an Aimpoint or EoTech, but its far better than UTG. Just my .02

[mackbamf]

Thanks for your input. From what I read the UTG doens't seem to be overly rugged. I know that you most of the time you get what you pay for, I am just hoping to find that happy medium where I can get something of decent quality for a decent price.

[brutal]

Aimpoint or PA.

[BuffCyclist]

I've heard good things about the Burris Tripler, but if I recall the price is in the $175 range.

[cofi]

my aimpoint is super rugged(and heavy!) i have thrown it into pick up beds into trunks had it fall off tables gotten it wet as hell.....and its still in perfect condition i bought it used on here for around 300

[freqlord]

Thanks for the input guys! I'll look into the bushnells, and definitely the PA! Cofi, I loved my aimpoint (m68) I had when I was in! Close to indestructible!

[DangerLee_Industries]

As like most of the time you get what you pay for. On a tight budget that PA will do the trick. If not in a hurry just troll the boards until a used eotech / aimpoint pops up used. I looked for a few weeks before i snagged a pristine eotech for 250.00 on cl. Happy hunting.....

[mackbamf]

A member here offered up a PA for a good price. I'm looking forward to checking it out...

[BuffCyclist]

I had a PA 3x magnifier (deluxe model I believe) mated with a PA M3. I won't get into it, but the 3x magnifier had a very strong blue tint to the glass, came with a fingerprint on the INSIDE of the eyepiece glass, and had a VERY short eye relief. I had to return my M3 red dot, so I returned the 3x magnifier along with the red dot because I kept seeing the fingerprint every time I looked through the magnifier.

Then again, for the price of the magnifier (around $110 including the mount if I recall correctly), it was decent. But for another $50 I could have gotten the Burris Tripler, and at the time I kind of regretted not doing that.

The red dot was returned because it broke on my first outing, the laser diode came unglued from the tube within the first 50-100rds of shooting. Granted, Marshall (PA Owner) was very accommodating and gladly accepted the refund, I had such a bad experience with it I decided to steer clear of cheap optics. Then I went out and bought myself an Aimpoint PRO. Couldn't be happier with that purchase! The cheapest magnifier I would ever buy now would be the Burris Tripler, but only because I have a Fullfield II scope that is excellent.