Magnifiers for red dots may be the trick if you are looking for something to give your shooting a competitive edge in 2021.
What is a Red Dot Magnifier?
Magnifiers for red dots are attachments you can add to a red dot sight to increase your magnification quickly.
It provides you with the versatility to engage close range to long-range targets.
Why You Should Buy a Magnifier For Red Dot?
You may have been playing around with the idea of purchasing a low powered variable optic, but want to save a few dollars.
If you already own a quality red dot sight, you are in luck.
You can pair a red dot magnifier with your current setup and get the same results as owning an LPVO.
However, if you want to know more about LPVOs, check them out here: www.operationmilitarykids.org/lpvo-optics/
Below are the twelve best magnifiers for red dots for 2021.
Table of Contents
#1. Sig Juliet 3 Micro 3x Magnifier
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 9.9 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $249.99
The Juliet 3 Micro 3x Magnifier by Sig Sauer is a micro sized magnifier with top-notch features.
You will have crisp visibility with the Dielectric Coated Prism lens coating that provides excellent light transmission while being fog proof.
With a 3x magnification and a 90 degree flip to side mount, you can quickly change from long range to close quarters combat.
One of the many excellent features is the IPX-7 waterproof rating, which will keep your magnifier safe in bad weather and can stay submerged up to one meter for up to thirty minutes.
They also crafted it with an aircraft-grade CNC aluminum housing for added durability.
If you are looking for a compact magnifier with a 22mm objective diameter, the Juliet 3 Micro 3x Magnifier by Sig Sauer is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Vortex Optics – Magnifier For Red Dot With Flip Mount
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 11.9 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $199.99
The Red Dot Magnifier with Flip Mount by Vortex Optics is an excellent option for those with practically any assault rifle height red dot sights.
It comes equipped with a Picatinny rail flip mount to equip the magnifier for additional accuracy with 3x magnification quickly.
With fully multi-coated lenses, you will have a crisp sight picture with optimal light transmission.
They crafted the magnifier from anodized machined aluminum, which is lightweight and rugged.
For additional durability, the chamber is nitrogen purged for a fogproof and waterproof experience.
The Red Dot Magnifier with Flip Mount by Vortex Optics is an excellent overall magnifier that will work with many different red dot optics.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#3. Holosun HM3X Magnifier With Flip and QD Mount
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 9.8 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $249.99
Next up on our list of the best magnifiers for red dots is none other than Holosun’s HM3X.
The Holosun HM3X Magnifier With Flip and QD Mount has a 3x magnification with a 2.75” eye relief.
One thing that is exceptional about the HM3X is that it comes with mounting hardware that works with absolute and Lower 1/3 Height Optics.
It has a crystal clear lens to provide easy target acquisition, and the sight comes with quick flip hardware to go from stock magnification to 3x in a flash.
Constructed with a durable aluminum housing, they made it to withstand the elements.
It also has a waterproof rating of IP67, which means it can be fully submerged 1 meter deep for up to thirty minutes.
Holosun’s HM3X Magnifier With Flip and QD Mount is an excellent overall magnifier and is perfect for those who want an all-in-one package.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. EOTech G33 3x Magnifier
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Not Specified
- Weight: 11.9 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $599.00
The EOTech G33 3x Magnifier is for true professionals and is the only magnifier approved and contracted with USSOCOM.
This battle proven magnifier offers 3x magnification and can withstand anything you throw at it.
It has an improved ambidextrous switch to side mount and a fog-resistant lens for easy targeting.
It is compatible with many red dot optics and night vision goggles and includes a tool-free azimuth adjustment.
With a field of view of 7.3 ft. at 100 yards and an adjustable diopter, you will have superior operational awareness.
If you want a military-grade magnifier tested in combat, The EOTech G33 3x Magnifier is perfect for you.
It’s easily one of the best magnifiers for red dots on the market today, and is available from Optics Planet.
Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#5. Trijicon MRO HD 3X25MM Magnifier
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $379.98
The Trijicon MRO HD 3X25MM Magnifier is a 3x magnifier specifically designed to work with the MRO HD red dot optic.
It has a compact design weighing only 6.5 ounces and with an overall length of 2.9 inches.
The magnifier comes with toolless adjusters and a diopter range of -2.5/+2 to get a clear sight picture.
It features an adjustable quick release with the multi-position flip to side platform.
With an aluminum body, the magnifier is durable and is waterproof up to 33 feet.
The Trijicon MRO HD 3X25MM Magnifier is a must-own magnifier if you already own an MRO HD red dot optic.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Vortex Optics – Micro 3x Magnifier
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 6.9 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $299.99
The Micro 3x Magnifier by Vortex Optics offers crystal clear 3x magnification in a compact package.
Vortex Optics knows that many of the magnifiers on the market are bulky and take up a lot of railing.
To combat this, they created the Micro 3x Magnifier out of lightweight aluminum, and the overall length is just 2.9 inches long.
An excellent feature of this magnifier is that the flip mount comes equipped with a quick release for fast mounting.
It is important to note that Vortex Optics states the magnifier does not work with prism optics and may introduce parallax.
If you are looking for a compact magnifier that will work with many different model optics, the Micro 3x Magnifier by Vortex Optics is the go-to magnifier.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#7. Aimpoint 6XMAG-1 Magnifier
- Magnification: 6x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8.8 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $1,222.00
The Aimpoint 6XMAG-1 Magnifier is packed full of features at a premium price.
It has a variable (-3 to +3) dioptric setting and a 3 degree field of view, making it easier to get a perfect sight picture.
With a massive 6x magnification, you will have a clear target at long distances.
Constructed with a durable aluminum body, it is shockproof and waterproof up to 80 feet.
You will not need to re-zero when switching between magnified and non-magnified aiming, making it a seamless transition.
A huge downside to the Aimpoint 6XMAG-1 Magnifier is the expensive price tag, which may make you want to invest in a low power variable optic.
If price is not a factor, you can not get a better 6x magnifier.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Primary Arms 6X Magnifier (Gen II)
- Magnification: 6x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 9.2 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $95.99
The Primary Arms 6X Magnifier (Gen II) is the perfect choice for those who want a budget magnifier for red dot with decent features.
It comes equipped with a fixed 6x magnification, which is perfect for engaging long range targets.
They constructed the magnifier out of CNC machined aluminum for added durability.
The magnifier is also fog proof and waterproof.
The main selling points of the Primary Arms 6X Magnifier (Gen II) are the price and the 6x magnification.
Compared to the only other 6x magnifier on this list, it is nearly $1,000 cheaper.
It is important to note that the magnifier does not come with mounting hardware, which needs to be purchased separately.
However, even with adding the mounting hardware, it is still the most affordable option on the list.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#9. Bushnell – AR Optics Transition 3x Magnifier W/ Flip-to-Side Mount
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Not Specified
- Weight: 13 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $209.99
Bushnell’s AR Optics Transition 3x Magnifier W/ Flip-to-Side Mount has several high-end features not typically found in a budget-friendly magnifier.
You will be able to quickly acquire your target with a fast-focus eyepiece with the standard 3x magnification.
The optics are fully multi-coated for optimal light transmission for a crisp image.
It has an ambidextrous design and has all the mounting hardware for a superior flip mount.
Constructed to last, the magnifier is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
If you are looking for a budget friendly magnifier that will work with any red dot optic, the AR Optics Transition 3x Magnifier W/ Flip-to-Side Mount by Bushnell may be right for you.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
#10. Sig Sauer Juliet 4 Magnifier
- Magnification: 4x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $319.99 – $335.99
The Sig Sauer Juliet 4 Magnifier is unique with its 4x magnification, enabling you to have the same magnification as a military issued ACOG.
It is fully adjustable with three different height options with the included spacers, and it comes with a PowerCam 90 degree pivot mount.
Another excellent feature is the quick release, which has built-in recoil lugs to keep your zero when reattaching your magnifier.
Sig Sauer’s Juliet 4 Magnifier is constructed out of aircraft grade CNC aluminum and comes with an IPX-8 waterproof rating.
The magnifier also comes with a built-in protective front lens and a rear flap to prevent damage from the elements or while traveling.
The Sig Sauer Juliet 4 Magnifier is your go-to magnifier if you want 4x magnification.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#11. Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $287.00 – $669.99
Another one of the best magnifiers for red dots is the Aimpoint 3X-C magnifier.
The Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier comes with a fixed 3x magnification and doubles as a handheld 3x monocular.
Aimpoint crafts its magnifiers to last with a rugged design and a lightweight aluminum body.
With a rubberized outer shell, the magnifier provides an excellent grip, which is resistant to shock damage.
You never have to worry about re-zeroing with the 3X-C when switching between magnifications since it uses the reticle of your red dot optic.
The difference between the $287 and the $669.99 options is the mounting hardware.
For nearly $350 more, I do not see the twist mount base worth it, but for about $10 more, you can get a flip to side mount, which is a great deal.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#12. Aimpoint – 3X-1 Professional Magnifier
- Magnification: 3x
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8.1 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $810.00 – $1,209.00
The 3X-1 Professional Magnifier by Aimpoint is very similar to the 6XMAG-1 in many respects, except that it has 3x magnification instead of 6x.
An excellent feature of this magnifier for red dot is that it has a variable (-3 to +3) dioptric setting that helps your eye adapt to the magnifier.
Another outstanding feature is the no-zero optics, where you do not need to re-zero your weapon when going to and from magnified aiming.
A downside to the 3X-1 Professional Magnifier by Aimpoint is the hefty price tag.
However, you get what you pay for with this magnifier with its superior performance.
It is available from Brownells. Here’s where to buy it: www.Brownells.com
References / Resources
Red Dot Sight Vs. Laser: Which Is Best For Pistols?
Red Dot vs Reflex Sights: What’s The Difference?
See Also
Best Red Dot Sights For Pistols, ARs, and Shotguns
Best Air Rifle & Pistol Scopes
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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