Looking for the best red dot magnifiers for your AR-15? You have come to the right place. A red dot magnifier is a handy item to have in your hunting/shooting arsenal. It gives you rapid target acquisition and tremendously improves your accuracy at both close and mid-ranges.
Today, red dot magnifiers have seen a massive gain in popularity, especially among AR-15 users. But finding the right model that aligns with your needs is easier said than done. There are so many red dot magnifiers to choose from, that make the selection process daunting.
In this guide, we will cover the qualities of the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15 and explore some of the best models available on the market currently. Let’s have a look.
Attributes of the Best Red Dot Magnifiers for AR-15
Several factors make a great red dot magnifier. First and foremost, the magnifier should be well-built to offer long-term durability. A solid red dot magnifier will offer reliable performance when you need it most.
Secondly, the magnifier should be compatible with your current optics. Some magnifiers are specially designed to be compatible with certain optics, so make sure that you get a model that is compatible with the optics you plan to use.
Moreover, make sure that you get a red dot magnifier that is easy to use. It should be simple to mount on your rifle and easy to detach as well. Lastly, it should have a decent optical power of between 3x and 7x, with an objective lens of about 15mm to 28mm.
7 Best Red Dot Magnifiers for AR-15
With all that in mind, let us now dive right into the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15
1) Sig Sauer Juliet 4 Magnifier
The Sig Sauer Juliet 4 Magnifier is arguably one of the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15. This magnifier has a versatile design that works great for hunting, tactical, airsoft and military applications.
Pairing Juliet 4 with your red dot sight creates a practical solution for transitioning from close-range to mid-range distances quickly and effectively. Featuring 4x fixed magnification, this magnifier is ideal for close-quarters and intermediate-range shooting.
It is simple to operate and you can use it either as a stand-alone red dot sight or together with a reflex optic. Furthermore, it features a quick-release mount with built-in recoil lugs that offer repeatable zero bull.
Another outstanding feature about this product is the durable make. It has an extremely sturdy aluminum housing that stands up to any punishment you subject it to. Better yet, it has front and rear thread-in lens protectors and an IPX-8 waterproof rating. Above all, this magnifier has a lightweight design of just 0.1kg, which enhances its portability.
No better way to extend the range while maintaining the speed and precision of a red dot sight than with the Sig Sauer Juliet 4 Magnifier. The versatility and value of this magnifier make it one of the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15.
Features
- Robust aluminum housing
- 4x magnification
- Dielectric-coated prism bull
- IPX-8 waterproof and fogproof
- Quick-release mount with built-in recoil lugs
- Adjustable height
Pros
- Quick mount system
- Lightweight construction
- Lens protectors included
- Great quality
- Fairly priced
- Unbeatable versatility
- Great value
Cons
- No drawback
2) Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier
Aimpoint has done it again. If you are looking to increase the magnification of your optic, this Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier is ideal for you. Built to enhance the effective range of a red dot sight, the magnifier boasts unmatched flexibility courtesy of its ergonomic design that allows it to be used as a handheld observation tool.
The magnifier has a fixed 3x optical magnification that helps bring distant targets closer. The glass used in this magnifier is top-notch for crisp images. It also features a variable dioptric setting that helps you adapt it to your eyes for optimum clarity.
This magnifier mounts easily on compatible optics. If you don’t want to use it as a magnifier, you can use it as a handheld monocular for quick sighting down range. For added convenience, it uses the red dot as the aiming reticle in each sight, eliminating the need to re-zero when you need to switch from regular to magnified use.
Construction-wise, this Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier is made from aluminum and has a shock-absorbent rubber covering that optimizes durability. It is weather-resistant for reliable use even under harsh weather conditions and has an operating temperature from -35° to 55°C.
Excellent glass, unrivaled flexibility, tough construction and a sleek design are some of the aspects that augment Aimpoint 3X-C magnifier among the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15.
Features
- 3x optical magnification
- Water-resistant construction
- Solid aluminum housing
- A red dot aiming reticle
- Shock-absorbent rubber covering
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Clear optics
- Rugged make
- Easy diopter adjustment
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Lacks lens covers
3) Vortex VMX-3T Red Dot Sight Magnifier
Nobody does it better than Vortex. When it comes to quality and versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier. It is designed to enhance virtually any AR platform setup and work with any red dot optic excluding the prism scopes.
It goes to 3x with a simple push of a button and it allows for absolute or 1/3 co-witness with your optic. Furthermore, it features fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for bright, crisp and color-accurate views.
This red dot magnifier is built to last. It has a machined aluminum construction which optimizes durability. On the external surface is a hard-coat anodized finish that prevents rust formation and also reduces glare when hunting under direct sunlight.
In addition, this optic is sealed with strong O-rings that prevent the entry of moisture, dust and dirt from getting inside the tube. Overall, it is a quality and lightweight magnifier designed to make your performance better in any situation.
Boasting, exceptional light transmission, robust construction, lightweight design, weatherproof performance and great value, VMX-3T tops the chart as one of the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15.
Features
- High-quality glass lens
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Flip mount attachment
- 3x magnification
- Machined aluminum construction
- Hard-coat anodized finish
Pros
- High-quality and clear optics
- Light and tough construction
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Simple to set up
- Compatible with various guns
Cons
- Poor eye relief
- No QD mount
4) Primary Arms 3X Red Dot Magnifier GEN III
Next up we have the Primary Arms 3X Red Dot Magnifier. This magnifier suits you if you are on the hunt for the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15 for the money. It offers a good number of high-quality features at a remarkably cheap price.
This magnifier is ruggedly built to handle anything you throw at it. In addition to having robust aluminum housing, it is fully waterproof and fog-resistant for use under any weather condition. Furthermore, you can mount it behind any red dot or holographic reflex sight and ramp up its magnification to 3x.
Another thing that makes the magnifier stand out is that it’s built with simplicity in mind. It provides a large viewing angle for quick and straightforward identification of targets. Moreover, it has Azimuth and elevation adjustments that keep the dot centered in the field of view for greater shooting accuracy.
Above all, this magnifier has a built-in diopter that provides fast focus ability and a feather-light design of 9.1 oz so it won’t add extra weight to your rifle and optic.
Features
- 3x optical magnification
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Azimuth and elevation adjustments
- Integrated diopter
- Solid aluminum construction
Pros
- Great glass quality
- Lightweight
- Easy to mount
- Bright and clear optics
- Affordability
Cons
- Limited eye relief
5) EOTech G33 3x Magnifier for Red Dot Sights
As one of the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15, the EOTech G33 is compatible with all EOTech holographic weapon sights and a wide range of night vision devices. It is designed to provide a quick and convenient way to achieve more range out of our red dot sight.
With the 3x magnification, this magnifier will not only extend your range but also enhance the accuracy of your firearm. It offers an extremely large field of view for swift target identification and has a tool-free azimuth adjustment for smooth image focusing. Moreover, this magnifier has a Switch-to-Side mount that allows for a rapid magnification switch from 1x to 3x.
When it comes to construction, this product has a lightweight and compact design that optimizes portability. It is waterproof up to 33 feet and has fog-proof internal optics that provide clear views no matter the weather condition.
To top it all, this device comes with an ambidextrous mount flip orientation which allows for both left and right flip, and an adjustable diopter for focusing adjustment precision.
Features
- 1-inch tube diameter
- 3x magnification
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Tool-free azimuth adjustment
- Adjustable diopter
- Ambidextrous mount flip orientation
Pros
- Better field of view than G32
- Compatible with numerous red dot sights and night vision devices
- Quick-release mounting system
- Bright and crisp clear optics
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Poor eye relief
- Costly
6) Bushnell AR Optics 3x Magnifier
Bushnell makes a wide range of high-quality optical devices and the AR Optics 3x Magnifier is not an exception. It offers a wide array of excellent and user-friendly features at a remarkably low cost. This versatile optic scores highly among the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15.
This 3x magnifier will extend your hunting/shooting range and help you see the distant targets more clearly. Better yet, it features fully multi-coated optics which ensure that you get bright, clear and color-rich images, even in critically poor light conditions. Moreover, this magnifier comes with a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing.
This red dot magnifier has an ambidextrous flip-mount design for added flexibility. Construction-wise, it has a shockproof design that maximizes durability by withstanding anything nature throws at it. It is also waterproof and fog-proof to help you stay on target no matter the weather condition.
Lastly, it is compatible with a wide selection of red dot sights and it pairs perfectly with the TRS-25. Bump up the magnification of your AR-15 red dot with this magnifier and extend your shooting range.
Overall, Bushnell AR Optics 3x Magnifier is a great and functional red dot magnifier for those on a budget. This magnifier gives the expensive models a run for their money due to its rock-solid performance and incomparable durability. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15 platforms.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Ambidextrous flip-mount included
- 3x optical magnification
Pros
- Super clear optics
- Easy to use
- Lightweight design
- Budget-conscious
- Pairs perfectly with TRS-25
Cons
- None
7) Feyachi M37 1.5X – 5X Red Dot Magnifier
Lastly, we have the Feyachi M37 1.5X – 5X Red Dot Magnifier. It is made to work with Absolute co-witness red dot sights and it offers a quick and convenient way to magnify objects instantly at 1.5-5x.
This red dot magnifier comes with an adjustable ocular focus that aids in clear image focusing. Its optics are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission for bright and vivid views. Moreover, it offers a comfortable eye relief for rapid target acquisition and it has a lightweight design for easy mounting.
In terms of construction, this device is toughly built to stand up to rough handling. It has a machined aluminum construction with a hard-anodized coat that ensures durability and reliability. It also features windage and elevation adjustments for optimum view centering.
Features
- Adjustable ocular focus
- 5-5x variable magnification
- Quick-attaching thumbscrew mount
- Windage and elevation adjustments
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Machined aluminum construction
Pros
- Compatibility with a wide range of red dot sights
- Easy to use
- Comfortable eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Clear and bright views
Cons
- Unstable mount
- Reticle shifts with change in magnification
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Criteria for Choosing Best Red Dot Magnifiers for AR-15
Magnification
The magnification range that the red dot magnifier offers vary from one model to the other. Most models offer 3x magnification, but some models offer up to 6x.
While high magnification will help you cover more range, it reduces the field of view that in turn affects your target acquisition speed. For a distance of 200 to 300 yards, a magnifier with 2x or 3x optical magnification will allow for accurate shot placement.
Durability
The magnifier will be hanging at a 45-degree angle in most cases when it is not in use. This means that it will easily bump on things and be exposed to elements of weather.
For long-term durability, ensure that you pick a unit that is crafted with high-quality materials such as aluminum. Also make sure that the magnifier is built to be waterproof, fogproof and dustproof.
Mount Type
The benefit of using a magnifier in conjunction with your red dot sight is that you can switch from using it or removing it quickly and with ease.
The best red dot magnifiers for AR-15 have flip-to-size mounts which allow for this flexibility. The market also offers fixed mounts with 30mm rings, but these mounts don’t offer the flexibility of acquiring targets quickly at close quarters.
Eye Relief
Magnifiers unlike red dot sights have eye relief. The eye relief differs from one model to the other. A comfortable eye relief is key for rapid target acquisition and comfortable glassing. Remember to check the product specification and see the amount of eye relief it has.
Read: Best Crossbow Red Dots
When to Use a Red Dot Magnifier
In most cases, the type of hunting/shooting you are often involved in will determine whether or not to use a red dot magnifier.
If you use your AR-15 for close and mid-range shooting out to 300 yards, a red do magnifier will be ideal. You should also use a red dot magnifier if fast target acquisition is what you are after and when you are shooting in a condition where you only need low magnification power.
However, if your priority is accuracy at extended ranges or you would like to access at least one magnification setting, use a scope instead.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Best Red Dot Magnifiers for AR-15 FAQs
Q: Is a Magnifier Worth it on a Red Dot?
Absolutely. A magnifier will give you the clarity to make rapid target acquisition for targets at extended ranges. You can also use a magnifier to co-witness your red dot together with your gun’s iron sights.
Q: Does A Red Dot Get Bigger with a Magnifier?
It depends. If you are using a 3x magnifier, the image will appear 3x bigger and the red dot will appear 1/3x bigger simultaneously.
Q: How Far Can You Shoot with a Red Dot Sight Magnifier?
A red dot sight magnifier helps extend your shooting range, but the effective shooting distance will chiefly depend on the red dot sight and magnifier you are using. Typically, a red dot sight magnifier will help shoot accurately out to about 100 to 200 yards.
Conclusion
A red dot magnifier is a great optic enhancement for both close and mid-range shots. We hope that this article has given you insights into the best red dot magnifiers for AR-15. Put into consideration your individual needs then select the magnifier that suits you in the best way possible.