There are times you should use a red dot sight, and times you should use traditional glass. For instance, a red dot sight gives you faster performance.
With no parallax or eye relief to worry about, you can get on target almost instantly. On the other hand, traditional glass lets you shoot more accurately at range. This is essential if you’re hunting.
By pairing a fixed-zoom magnifier with a red dot sight, you can have a magnifying red dot when you need one, and a standard red dot when you don’t.
Top 10 Best Red Dot Magnifiers in 2020
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1. EOTECH G33
EOTECH G33
1 used from $543.28
Features
- EOTECH G33.STS 3x Magnifier in BLACK
- Magnification - Fixed 3x magnification in compact design
- Quick Transitions - Switch-to-Side mount allows instant transitions between 1x and 3x magnification
- Hws Compatible - Works with all EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sights
- EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with 10 year limited warranty
The EOTech G33 provides a crystal clear image at 3X magnification.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 2.2-inch eye relief
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Swivel mount
- Available in 2 colors
The EOTech G33 is designed primarily for hunting. With an eye relief of only 2.2 inches, it’s only useful on an AR if the stock is collapsed. But that’s not necessarily a major drawback with the G33.
This magnifier features a swivel mount, which allows you to swing it out of your line of sight quickly and easily if you just want to use your standard, 1X red dot. Not only does this allow you to use it on an AR in certain configurations, but it also makes it easy to switch between hunting and home defense rifle setups.
Windage and elevation adjustments are easy, with Phillips screws on the top and side of the optic. When you do want to take your magnifier off the rail, the quick release tab makes that easy as well. The G33 mounts on any Picatinny rail, and is available in two colors: black and tan.
Pros
- Transition quickly from 1X to 3X
- Crystal clear image quality
- Quick-release mount
- 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
The EOTech G33 has a swivel mount for easily switching magnifications.
2. UTG 3X
UTG 3X
11 used from $43.16
Free shipping
Features
- Broadband Multi-coated Lens to Provide Crystal Clear 3X Image, Wide Field of View - 30% Bigger Than Comparable Models from Other Brands.Compatible Rail-Picatinny/Weaver.
- Windage/Elevation Adjustability for Optimum View Centering. Refer user manual for list of compatible manuals
- 42mm Center Height for Most Common Dot Sight Combination, Innovative Flip-to-Side Mechanism for Quick Transition between 1X and 3X Image.Objective Diameter:25mm;Field of View @ 100 yards:45'
- Adjustable Eyepiece for Easy Dioptric Correction, Patented Quick-detach Lever Lock Mounting Base
- Precision Machining and Anodizing for Maximum Strength and Wear Resistance, Completely Sealed and Nitrogen Filled for Fog/Weather Proof.Eye Relief: 2 inch
The UTG 3X offers multi-coated optics at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 2-inch eye relief
- Multi-coated optics
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Swivel mount
The UTG 3X provides a short, 2-inch eye relief that’s ideal for hunting. It mounts on any Picatinny rail, as well as most Weaver rails, and features a swivel mount that makes it fast and easy to change between 3X and 1X magnification.
This magnifier has a wide objective, which provides a bright image. It also makes it easier to use with a wider variety of red dot sights, since it has a larger field of view than most magnifiers. That said, windage and elevation adjustments are a pain. UTG opted to use a tiny Allen key instead of a Phillips head or slotted screw.
The UTG’s quick-release mount makes it easy to take off and remount as desired. Its multi-coated optics are scratch and oil resistant, and all of this comes at a low price. The UTG 3X Magnifier is an excellent value.
Pros
- Wide objective
- Clear, durable lenses
- Quick-release mount
- Affordable
Cons
- Difficult windage adjustment
Why It’s Recommended
Due to its large objective, the UTG 3X is compatible with a wider variety of red dots than most magnifiers.
3. Primary Arms Gen III
Primary Arms Gen III
Features
- 3X RED DOT MAGNIFIER: Place the magnifier behind your red dot or holographic reflex sight to instantly magnify the sight picture at 3x power.
- INTEGRATED DIOPTER: Provides a fast focus ability to keep the image clear.
- AZIMUTH AND ELEVATION ADJUSTMENTS: Keep the dot centered in your field of view.
- MOUNT COMPATIBILITY: Mounts chosen need to be capable of interfacing with the 30mm ring on this magnifier because the objective is larger than the 30mm mounting area.
The Primary Arms 3X (Gen III) is affordable and easy to adjust.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 1.9-inch eye relief
The Primary Arms 3X Red Dot Magnifier has an eye relief of 1.9 inches, which is relatively short. It’s more than enough distance to keep an AR from giving you a black eye, but we’d think twice before using the Gen III on any dedicated hunting rifle or slug gun.
This magnifier features fat, finger-operated windage and elevation knobs that are easier to operate than most of those on the market. It’s affordably priced, but not low enough that we’re worried about long-term durability.
This magnifier doesn’t come with any mounting hardware, so you’ll need to provide your own 30mm zee ring. On the one hand, this allows you to pair the Gen III with just about any red dot sight that’s out there. On the other hand, you’ll need to be knowledgeable enough about your mounting hardware to find the right kit.
Pros
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- Can be mounted on virtually any rifle
- Affordable
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Mounting hardware not included
Why It’s Recommended
The Primary Arms Gen III is compatible with a variety of platforms.
4. HOLOSUN HM3X
HOLOSUN HM3X
1 used from $199.39
Features
- Flip to the Side design.
- Compatible with Absolute and Lower 1/3 Height Optics.
- QD Mount and Spacer Included.
- IP67 Certified.
- Durable Aluminum housing.
The Holosun HM3X has enough mounting options to be compatible with almost anything.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 2.75-inch eye relief
- Clear optics
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Includes spacer for lower 1/3 co-witness
- Swivel mount
The Holosun HM3X provides 2.75 inches of eye relief. That’s relatively long and gives you plenty of space for the frame on a full-stock AR – or the recoil on a high-caliber hunting rifle. The clear optics offer 3X magnification, enough to draw a bead on a boar out to around 150 yards.
This magnifier comes on a Picatinny rail mount that’s set-up for absolute co-witness. It also includes a spacer to raise it up for lower 1/3 co-witness. That gives you enough wiggle room to make it work with most red dot sights on the market. Windage and elevation adjustment is simple, with two slotted dials.
The HM3X is on the pricey side, but it’s clear, and the quick-release mount makes installing and removing it as easy as shooting spinners on a calm day.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Compatible with most red dot sights
- Quick-release mount
Cons
- A little pricey
Why It’s Recommended
The HOLOSUN HM3X offers plenty of eye relief for a hunting rifle or full-stock AR.
5. Sightmark SM19063
Features
- Increases magnification of accompanying sights for greater engagement range
- EOTech and aim point compatible
- Locking, quick detach mount for quick and easy removal
- The flip to side mount provides a rapid transition between optical systems
- External windage/elevation adjustment for reticle alignment
The Sightmark SM19063 features a locking quick detach mount to keep your glass secure.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 2.25-inch eye relief
- Multi-coated lenses
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Swivel mount
The eye relief on the SM19063 is 2.25 inches, neither ridiculously short nor overly generous. It’s good for a hunting rifle or collapsed AR, but not a full-stock, shouldered AR. Either way, you’ll get 3X magnification, and a clear, crisp image.
There are a few things to like about this magnifier. To begin with, the Picatinny rail mount has a quick detach lock, which clicks securely into place and won’t release until you press a tab while you’re pulling the lever.
That mount also includes a swivel, which allows you to pivot the SM19063 out of the way when it’s not needed. Finally, the lenses are multi-coated, which makes them resistant to dirt and oil damage.
Now, this is an average-priced magnifier, and it’s got a lot of features. That’s awesome, but it also means that Sightmark needed to save money somewhere. In this case, they seem to have gone cheap with the hinge on the swivel. It squeaks ever so slightly. While that’s easily solved by a drop of oil, it doesn’t bode well for long-term durability.
Pros
- Easy windage adjustment
- Scratch and oil resistant
- Locking quick detach mount
Cons
- Not as durable as some magnifiers
Why It’s Recommended
This magnifier’s optics are multi-coated for scratch and oil resistance.
6. Vortex Optics VMX-3T
Vortex Optics VMX-3T
2 used from $175.12
Free shipping
Features
- The VMX-3T Magnifier and Flip Mount combo adds a 3x magnification to your rifle's red dot sight. Simple, fast, and effective, the push button design engages and disengages the flip mount allowing the magnifier to lock in at your desired position.
- The lens are fully multi-coated maximizing resolution, light gathering capability, and color fidelity. Eye Relief-2.2 inches. Field of View-38.2 feet/100 yards
- The VMX-3T does not require any special sight-in. The dot centering screws can be used to help center your red dot image in the VMX-3T's field of view.
- The magnifier is nitrogen purged for reliable waterproof and fogproof performance in the field.Use lens cleaning fluid and optical tissue or cloth to clean lenses
- Allows for lower 1/3 or absolute co-witness mounting heights and is ideal for shooters who want to increase the effective range of their red dot sight. Field of View: 38.2 feet/100 yards
The Vortex Optics VMX-3T is compatible with a wide variety of red-dot-sights.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 2.2-inch eye relief
- Multi-coated optics
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Includes spacer for lower 1/3 co-witness
- Locking swivel mount
The Vortex Optics VMX-3T is a 3X magnifier that mounts on a Picatinny rail. It offers 2.2 inches of eye relief, which is on the short side, but still well-suited for hunting rifles and most AR stocks. The image is vivid and bright, thanks to the multi-coated lenses.
The mount is made for an absolute co-witness AR red dot sight. However, it comes with a rail adapter shim to bring the sight up to a lower 1/3 co-witness position. Between these two settings, you should be set for most red dot sights that are built for ARs, and even many that aren’t.
The swivel mount on the VMX-3T has a unique plunger lock on the hinge. This prevents it from rotating unless you press the plunger. We really liked this feature, since a lot of swivel mounts are either too easy or too difficult to operate. This is a pricey magnifier, but it’s well worth the money.
Pros
- Easy adjustment
- Compatible with most red dot sights
- Swivel mount has a plunger lock
- Scratch and oil resistant
Cons
- Pricey
Why It’s Recommended
The swivel mount on the VMX-3T is the most stable on the market, thanks to the locking plunger.
7. Sig Sauer Juliet 4
Sig Sauer Juliet 4
Features
- Sig Sauer SOJ41001 Juliet4
- Magnifier, 4x24mm, Power am qi
- Mount with spacers, Black
The Sig Sauer Juliet 4 offers exceptionally clear optics and several mounting options.
Key Features
- 4X magnification
- 2.5-inch eye relief
- Dialectic coated prismatic lenses
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Includes 3 spacers
- Swivel mount
The Sig Sauer Juliet 4 provides 4X magnification, which is more powerful than any of the other optics we’ve looked at today. It also offers a relatively long 2.5 inches of eye relief, which makes it suitable for some larger AR stocks.
This is a premium-priced piece of optics, but the glass alone is worth the price. The dialectic coated prisms provide ultra-crisp clarity, without being too dim or too bright in changing conditions.
The Juliet 4’s mount features a swivel, to keep out of the way when you don’t need it. It also has a quick release for easy installation and removal. What this magnifier has that others don’t is not one but three different shims to adjust the height. This will get you set up with virtually any red dot sight that isn’t custom-made.
Pros
- Exceptionally clear optics
- Strong magnification
- Compatible with almost any red dot sight
- Generous eye relief
- Quick-release mount
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
The Sig Sauer is a powerful magnifier with plenty of eye relief.
8. Bushnell Optics
Bushnell Optics
3 used from $136.88
Free shipping
Features
- Ambidextrous design
- Fully multi-coated optics - waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- Fast-focus Eyepiece
- Length: 4.6 inch - weight: 13.2 oz. - magnification: 3
The Bushnell Optics 3X Magnifier is designed for ARs with longer stocks.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 4-inch eye relief
- Clear optics
- Mounts on a Picatinny rail
- Ambidextrous design
- Swivel mount
The Bushnell Optics 3X Magnifier is one of the most versatile magnifiers on our list. Not only does it offer 4 inches of eye relief, but the design is ambidextrous. Just pull a couple of pins, reverse the bracket and the controls, and you’re all set to shoot left-handed.
The mount on this magnifier is fairly standard. It swivels easily and attaches to any Picatinny rail system. Windage and elevation adjustments aren’t just reversible – they’re also easy to use. These are round, tool-free nobs you turn with your fingers.
The only thing we didn’t like about the Bushnell was the clarity of the glass itself. It seemed like the focus was always just slightly off. This wasn’t bad enough to be a problem for hunting, but there are cheaper optics with better glass.
Pros
- Great choice for left-handed people
- Easy adjustment
- Exceptional eye relief
Cons
- Questionable clarity
Why It’s Recommended
This Bushnell Optics 3X is a good choice for southpaws.
9. Primary Arms Gen II
Primary Arms (Gen II)
Features
- Use to instantly magnify the sight picture of a red dot or reflex sight at 6x power
- Sight image is kept clear by the integrated diopter for fast focus ability
- Keep the dot centered in your field of view with azimuth and elevation adjustments
- Waterproof and fog resistant for durability in a variety of environments
The Primary Arms (Gen II) features tool-free adjustment and upgraded optics.
Key Features
- 6X magnification
- 1.90-inch eye relief
- Clear optics
The Primary Arms 6X (Gen II) is an upgraded version of the Gen I. Upgrades include clearer optics, which wasn’t even necessary, but still noticeable.
This magnifier ships as just the tube itself. You’ll need to provide your own 30mm zee ring. On the plus side, you’ll be able to mount it correctly for any red dot imaginable. The Gen II’s windage and elevation knobs are both tool-free, allowing you to make quick adjustments by hand.
Pros
- Easy adjustment
- Clear optics
- Compatible with almost any red dot
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Mounting hardware not included
Why It’s Recommended
This Primary Arms Gen II offers enough eye relief for most purposes.
10. AT3 Tactical RD-50
AT3 Tactical RD-50
$179.99 in stock
Features
- ACCURATE - Crisp 2 MOA red dot sight allows for accurate, both-eyes-open shooting. 11 red dot brightness settings provide optimal visibility in any light conditions. Multi-coated, scratch resistant lenses provides enhanced image clarity.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE - Exceptional battery life – up to 50,000 hours at the lowest brightness setting. Genuine Renata CR2032 Lithium battery included. Factory direct pricing - no distributor markup.
- FLEXIBLE - Easily flip the 3x Magnifier to go from up-close shooting to long range precision with ease! The magnifier allows you to use your red dot sight like a scope when needed.
- DEPENDABLE - Red Dot is Fully waterproof with sealed housing, and shockproof circuitry resists damage from rough handling. The Magnifier has a durable 6061-T6 housing with a steel mount for a solid hold and positive lock-up. Lifetime Warranty on the whole package!
- INSIDE THE BOX - Red dot sight, Riser Mount, RD-ARMOR, 3X Magnifier, Flip-To-Side Mount, CR2032 Battery, Rubber bikini cover, Instruction sheet, Lens cloth, Allen wrench
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 & 3X RRDM Combo Kit packs everything you need into one package.
Key Features
- 3X magnification
- 2.4-inch eye relief
- 2 MOA red dot sight
- 11 brightness settings
- Picatinny rail mounts
- Swivel mount on magnifier
- Takes a CR2032 battery
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 & 3X RRDM Combo Kit is a solid starter kit that gets you a magnifier, a red dot sight, and a 1-inch riser to bring the sight in line with the magnifier.
This is a 3X sight with 2.4-inch eye relief, which is well-placed for most purposes. This magnifier also includes a swivel mount, which keeps it out of the way if you’d rather just use the red dot by itself.
The sight has a 2 MOA reticle with 11 different brightness settings. It takes a single CR2032 battery, which gets you up to 50,000 hours of use. Both the sight and the magnifier are easy to adjust for windage and elevation, with large, tool-free knobs to make any necessary changes.
The downside here is that you get what you pay for. While this kit is a fantastic value, there’s nothing special about any of it. It just does the job. That said, it gets you started, and you can upgrade the sight, the magnifier, or both as time goes on.
Pros
- All-in-one kit
- Easy adjustment
- 50,000 hours of battery life
- Great value
Cons
- You get what you pay for.
Why It’s Recommended
The AT3 Tactical with a magnifier combo is a great value for the price.
Bottom Line
As you may already know, scope magnifiers aren’t as powerful as traditional optics, or as fast as bare red dots. You can’t zoom, and the red dot gets magnified along with the image. You also still have to be relatively close compared to a bare red dot sight.
What AR-15 magnifiers offer is convenience. You can mount them for a hunting trip, then remove them when you get home to prep your rifle for home defense.
The alternative is to mount a traditional hunting sight every time you need it, which involves a trip to the range for re-zeroing. That’s quite a hassle compared to spending 2 minutes mounting a magnifier behind your red dot!
We like to think we chose a wide enough array of red dot magnifiers to meet everybody’s needs. But even if you decide to choose a different optic, we hope you learned something useful today.
Check out all the other gun accessory articles put together by our expert team here at Guns & Safety Reviews;
- Pistol Lights
- Glock-Sights
- Night-Sights
- Laser Bore Sighters
- Shotgun Lights
- Red-Dot-Sights
- Shot Timers
- Rifle Cases
- 308 Scopes
- Rifle Bench Rests
- Rifle Scopes Under $200
The Review
Best Red Dot Magnifier
Use our review of the best red dot magnifier on the market today to find the most suitable product for your needs.
Review Breakdown
-
EOTECH G33
-
UTG 3X
-
Primary Arms Gen III
-
HOLOSUN HM3X
-
Sightmark SM19063
-
Vortex Optics VMX-3T
-
Sig Sauer Juliet 4
-
Bushnell Optics
-
Primary Arms Gen II
-
AT3 Tactical RD-50
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