Using a red dot magnifier on different rifles just for zero?

[DMK]

My eyesight is not what it used to be and it never was that great to begin with.

I do however still love using red dots (Aimpoint Comp M2s mostly) for shooting my semi-auto rifles and prefer them to a magnified optic since the red dots have a much wider field of view and are not as sensitive to eye relief or cheek weld inconsistencies.

My problem is getting a decent level of consistency while zeroing or testing ammo at 100yds. I simply can not make out detail of a small target at longer distances anymore. I don't want to zero at close range because that introduces a larger probability or error (though I do start close and work my way out to fine tune my zero). This leads me shooting 3MOA accuracy with a red dot on a rifle that I can get 1.5 MOA when using a magnified optic.

Would there be any drawback to buying a magnifier on a QD mount that I could swap between my different rifles when I'm zeroing? I would then use the rifle without the magnifier.

I guess the biggest question I have is can a magnifier be swapped from one rifle to another without any change in zero?

I can't see how this wouldn't work or how it could change my zero, but maybe I'm missing something.

 

[zukiphile]

Have you tried looking through an A2 iron sight to see the dot and target more clearly?

It works for me and is cheaper than a magnifier.

 

[T. O'Heir]

"...then use the rifle without the magnifier..." That'd be the same thing as removing the sight altogether. Anyway, a 3 MOA dot will cover 3" at 100. Covers the entire black of a sighting in target. You'd be better off with a low magnification scope. I'd be thinking one of the Burris mini scopes.
Semi-auto or not makes no difference at all. If you can't see the target, you can't hit it.

 

[DMK]

Have you tried looking through an A2 iron sight to see the dot and target more clearly?

I do that sometimes and it does help a little, but it is not anywhere near the same as magnifying the target.

 

[DMK]

"...then use the rifle without the magnifier..." That'd be the same thing as removing the sight altogether.

I mean leave the red dot, but remove the magnifier completely after zeroing the rifle

Anyway, a 3 MOA dot will cover 3" at 100. Covers the entire black of a sighting in target.

That's easily solved by not covering the target with the dot. Use the top edge of the dot, like you would a front sight post.

You'd be better off with a low magnification scope. I'd be thinking one of the Burris mini scopes.

I have other rifles with scopes. I want a red dot on these, I'm just trying to find a way to zero it more accurately.

Yes, I won't shoot as accurately once the magnifier is removed, but then at least I know that's me and not a bad zero.

 

[zukiphile]

Have you tried looking through an A2 iron sight to see the dot and target more clearly?

I do that sometimes and it does help a little, but it is not anywhere near the same as magnifying the target.

Fair enough.

Of course, the 3moa reed dot will be magnified too.

I used to shoot a 12moa red dot from 50 feet to 50 yards, and it did fine. Like you, I either used the top of the dot or centered the dot on a round target.

I am cool to the idea of RDS and magnifiers, but I hope it works out for you.

 

[Destructo6]

Would there be any drawback to buying a magnifier on a QD mount that I could swap between my different rifles when I'm zeroing? I would then use the rifle without the magnifier.

No, that shouldn't present any problems. I've done it many time with service rifles.

 

[DMK]

Thanks guys. I think I'll pick one up and try it out.

 

[Mobuck]

changing the magnifier shouldn't change anything relating to the red dot's zero

 

[Stats Shooter]

I just got an Aimpoint compM4s and Aimpoint 3x-c magnifier. I have not shot is more than 50 rounds but I was getting around 1" groups with it.

But I still have 20/20 vision and with the right iron sights I can shoot 1" groups with them also.

I have the Larue LT755 swivel mount on the 3xc. I shot a group with and without and found no difference in poi at 100 yards. However, the group with the red dot alone was worse, but that was because the target I was using didn't have a very good point of reference for aiming dead center without some magnification.

 

[DMK]

Thanks for the info Mobuck & Mississippi.