Red Dot Magnifier Questions

[Slave IV]

I'm setting up my Red Dot Sight and Magnifier and first thing I noticed is the reticle is a bit blurry. Looked it up and apparently, even though I have excellent vision (20/20), I probably have a slight astigmatism that is causing the blurriness. I already confirmed the red dot is clear when I took a picture of it.

My main question comes from the instructions for setting up the magnifier. the instructions for mine (Holosun) say to adjust diopter until the reticle is clear but I've seen instructions from other brands say to adjust without the red dot and make sure the target view is clear. Which one is correct?

I realize the answer may be "both" and it is my astigmatism that is causing the issue. I can adjust the diopter so that the reticle is completely clear but then the target area is blurry. If I adjust so that the target is clear, the reticle get blurry the same way it does without the magnifier.

I can work with it either way and just want to set it up the "right" way.

Another question I have is should I still be aiming with both eyes open when using the magnifier?

Thanks for any insight on this.

[Edgy01]

Who made the red dot?

I have had that issue with my Eotech 512. They have it now as they try to sort it out. Will let you know if they finally fix it.

Dan

[sfvshooter]

Since you're going to shoot with the RDS/magnifier, you want to focus with the RDS.

You use an RDS so you can shoot with both eyes open so it goes to reason you'd shoot with both eyes open when using a magnifier.

[Mute]

For a RDS magnifier, adjust the diopter to give you best clarity on the dot. And yes, both eyes open even with the magnifier.

[HKAllTheThings]

Don't except crystal clarity with a red dot + magnifier combo, when compared to an LPVO. You need to get it clear enough so you can find the center of the red dot for zeroing.

[Widdle]

Apologies for not answering your question, but have you tried just shooting iron sights? I know all the reasons people want optics and I know just because you just joined doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a newb.

The reason I’m asking is because when I was new we had crappy gear and no skill so obviously got poor results. I had a Bushnell red dot and still got bad results because crap upper and crap ammo. Tossed around the idea of getting a magnifier, but went and got a 20” upper (instead of the 16” I had), and started reloading. Four more inches and better ammo translated to tighter groups with irons than any “group” with the 16” with red dot.

[theLBC]

you may also get some parallax with the magnifier.
you might want to look into a prism sight if your astigmatism is causing issues.

[Tommy Gun]

I'm ditching my 3x Magnifier as I can not get it to match POA with/without it. Using an EoTech and Vortex 3x. With 1-6 scopes it really negates the need for it. Buts frustrating that it doesn't match up POA. I probably aren't doing it right, or because it's slightly lower than center from the eotech, adjusting it just can't get it to work 100%.

[Slave IV]

Thanks for the responses!
Equipment is Holosun 510 (green dot) with Holosun Magnifier.
As for the focus issues, I was an idiot, lol! I was checking it at closer ranges which’s why the sight was blurry. When it tried at a decent range, reticle and target are all clear. So the magnifier helped reduce or eliminate the blur I was getting without it. So I’m a pretty happy camper.

@Widdle I get what you are saying and agree. Most my experience is shooting with iron sights and I absolutely think you must get the basics down with those. It’s just my preference to have a red dot with magnifier. To me, it is the perfect setup that gives instant ability to get a magnified view for more precision at longer ranges while the co-witness setup gives me options to use iron sights or red dot. This is my first time ever having the setup but I’ve dreamed of having it since before they were ever a thing. I remember using red dots decades ago and thinking how great it would be if I could have a crosshair-less scope to magnify the view when needed and now it’s not only a reality but a popular craze. I’m really looking forward to putting it to the test.

Thanks again everyone!