Let’s get right into Magnifier 101. If you’ve ever wondered what a magnifier is, why you’d use one, or how to set one up on your rifle, you’re in the right place!
What is a Magnifier?
Great question! A magnifier is essentially a tube with lenses that—surprise—magnifies things. Think of those old movies with the captain pulling out a spyglass to see distant ships. Same idea here! But, instead of scouting the horizon for pirates, you’re using it to magnify your target downrange while retaining the benefits of your EOTECH holographic weapon sight (HWS). With a magnifier, you can see more clearly at a distance, which can help you take more precise shots.
Why Use a Magnifier?
There’s always a debate between using a low power variable optic (LPVO) or a magnifier. Both have their place, but magnifiers offer a unique solution. Here’s the deal: magnifiers let you run a true 1X holographic weapon sight for close-quarters shooting, giving you the speed and wide field of view you need. Then, when you need to reach out farther, you can flip the magnifier into place for that added magnification.
The key benefit is that you don’t lose any of the HWS’s advantages—no compromise on speed or clarity—while still gaining the ability to observe and shoot at longer ranges. The magnifier doesn’t do the shooting for you, of course, but it gives you more confidence by making targets at distance easier to see. You get the best of both worlds: fast, reflexive shots up close and precision at range.
Magnifiers vs. LPVOs
So, why might you choose a magnifier over an LPVO? Well, here’s why I lean toward magnifiers.
While LPVOs are versatile and provide variable magnification, they’re never quite as fast as an HWS, especially at 1X. The illumination on an HWS is also in a league of its own—super bright and clear—something most LPVOs struggle to match. If you need lightning-fast target acquisition without sacrificing accuracy at longer ranges, a magnifier paired with an HWS is a top-notch combo.
How to Set Up and Use a Magnifier
This being Magnifier 101, let’s dive into some common questions we get about setting them up.
Mount Options: Flip-to-Side or Flip-to-Center?
You’ve got two primary mounting options for magnifiers: flip-to-side or flip-to-center.
- Flip-to-Center: The Flip-to-Center mount is something fairly new. It allows you to raise your optic on a riser (to a 2.26” height) and flip the magnifier right over the center of your rifle. This keeps the magnifier directly above the gun—no snagging on the side, no weight hanging off the edge. Plus, it’s neatly tucked away when you don’t need it.
- Flip-to-Side: If you don’t want to run a riser, the flip-to-side option is the tried-and-true method. It allows you to flip the magnifier to either side of your rifle when you’re not using it. Left or right, it’s up to you.
How Far from the HWS Should I Mount the Magnifier?
Here’s the beauty of it—it doesn’t really matter! The distance between your HWS and magnifier is purely a matter of personal preference. Some folks like the magnifier closer, while others prefer it a bit farther back. The important thing is to find a setup that gives you a clear reticle and feels comfortable.
Once you’ve mounted it where you like, simply adjust the focus knobs to align the reticle within the magnifier. After that, you’re good to go!
Do I Need to Zero My Magnifier?
Technically, no. The magnifier simply displays the reticle from your HWS, and if your optic is zeroed, the magnifier will show that same zero. However, for comfort, you’ll want to use the windage and elevation knobs on the magnifier to center the reticle in your view. This isn’t about changing the point of impact—it’s just about aligning your sight picture for a cleaner, more intuitive shot.
Eye Relief: Getting the Distance Right
When it comes to eye relief, each magnifier has specific requirements. Here’s a quick rundown:
- G43: You’ll want your eye about 2.5 inches from the ocular lens.
- G45: The optimal eye relief is 2.6 inches.
Make sure to position the magnifier on your rifle so it works with your length of pull and feels natural when you bring the gun up to shoot.
Bonus Tip: Can the Magnifier Be Mounted Upside Down?
If you’re using the Flip-to-Center mount, you might notice the magnifier is upside down. Weird, right? Actually, no! It doesn’t matter at all. The magnifier can be upside down or even sideways—it has zero effect on its performance. As long as it works for you, you’re golden.
Can I Use a Magnifier with Something Other Than an HWS?
Technically, yes. You can use a magnifier with other red dot sights, but should you? Probably not! Our magnifiers are specifically designed to complement EOTECH HWS systems, and you’ll get the best results when you pair them together. You could mix and match, but hey, we’re biased—and proud of it.
Limitations of Magnifiers (Especially Under Night Vision)
Before we wrap up, a quick note on night vision: magnifiers don’t work great under night vision. Sure, you can try adjusting the focus on both your night vision and magnifier, but it’s a pain. For night vision shooting, you’re better off sticking with a night-vision compatible holographic sight. Let’s not overcomplicate things.
Wrapping Up: What Do You Think?
And that’s it—Magnifiers 101. Whether you’re a long-time magnifier fan or just getting into them, we’d love to hear how you’re using them. Drop your comments below, tell us what setups you’re running, and share your thoughts on how magnifiers fit into your shooting style.
Thanks for reading, train hard, live free, and see you next time!
