Rifle Scopes Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

[bm11]

Ok, so I have been running T1's for a while. I don't have any of the new 2 moa T1's just yet, all of mine are the 4 moa model (which I guess are really 3.4 moa?) In any case, I finally picked up an Aimpoint 3x magnifier. I have been wanting to give it a try to boost confidence in longer range/more precise shots.

Well, turns out I am in the crown that gets dot distortion. I don't remember my eye doctor saying anything about astigmatism, but I guess it's possible I may have it. What I tend to see, and it changes a bit every time I mount the gun to my shoulder, is a comet. The dot has a tail, but it makes it really hard to figure out exactly where to point it, as the comet doesn't have a clearly defined "head."

I have heard that the 2moa T1 doesn't have this problem, but I can't see how this is the case. It seems like it would be magnifying the same thing, only on a smaller scale.

Also, I wonder if the difference in height between the Aimpoint twist mount and the Larue tall t1 mount makes a difference. I have read before that there will be a slight difference in height when using a T1 with a magnifier, but that it will not be an issue, just center the magnifier as normal. I am wondering if the 1/8" offset in height between the two is causing the issue?

Finally, if someone has run the magnifier with a Comp m4, I would be interested in hearing the result. Those have a 2 moa dot and the RDS sits on the same plane as the magnifier.

Anyhow, interested in hearing experiences/solutions/etc.

Thanks,

-Bob

 

[oubeta]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Yup mine is a red blob. I can use the T1 as the dot is a little smaller, but I can't use an ACOG or EoTech at all with my eyes.
I went to the eye doc and got glasses and the dots are crisp and round.

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I already wear contacts, that is not the issue. The issue is that the magnifier distorts the dot and makes it much harder to use.

 

[gpowers]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I run a magnifier with a Comp M4. I don't have any distortion. The dot looks the same without the magnifier. I have not tried the magnifier behind one of my micros to see if there are any issues there.

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gpowers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I run a magnifier with a Comp M4. I don't have any distortion. The dot looks the same without the magnifier. I have not tried the magnifier behind one of my micros to see if there are any issues there. </div></div>Mind slapping one on there and seeing if you notice it on the t1 for me?

Thanks,

-Bob

 

[gpowers]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I get very minimal distortion with the magnifier on a micro. It is barely visible when I am really looking for it. Probably would not be noticeable when in use. I have heard this is a somewhat common problem with the micros and magnifiers.

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Thanks for checking! For me, the distortion is not minimal, the dot ends up about 3x as long as it should. Perhaps it is my eyes? My wife sees it the same way though.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I'm wondering if the offset from the optical center of the magnifier is the cause of the issue. I don't have a 3x for my T-1 but am considering one... Will be tracking this for reference.

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

No where do I see the offset taking the blame for the dot distortion on the web, but both the offset and the distortion are well documented with this combo. I tend to believe this to be the case as well, Redman.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I run my T-1 on a rifle that I'm trying to keep as light as possible, hence why I don't have a magnifier yet, but it's one of those "if the right deal comes up" situations. I have the same Larue base on my micro as you do. I guess I need to look into the differences in heights between that and the other mounts out there to potentially avoid this. GDI maybe...

BTW, I have an astigmatism, bad one at that, and wear the B&L Gas Permeable contacts to correct it. Works well for me and they correct my vision down to 20/12 from 20/200+. You might want to look into that too. If you aren't already, I recommend seeing an ophthalmologist, not just an optometrist. That's how I got the proper script for my eyes.

 

[shane45]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Bob, 2 things. First, rotate the whole deal and make sure that the comet doesnt rotate too, just to verify its your eyes and not the unit. #2 can you get the 3x closer to the T1? I have heard that distortion becomes much more pronounced if there is space between the two units.

Shane

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Redman- my eyes aren't too bad, the correction factor on my lenses is only -2.25, and my vision is perfect with them on. I don't think I need further vision assistance.

Shane- I'll try rotating the magnifier, that is a good idea. I'll also see if holding it on the centerline manually does indeed correct it. If that is the case, I'll call and see if the absolute co witness mount brings the optic back down to where it needs to be. The lower 1/3 mount that I am using now (lt660) is just barely too tall, and that may be what is causing the issue.

A lot of other people speculate that it is the dot size itself that is the issue (4moa) but I can't see that being the case and want to exhaust other possibilities before purchasing another t1.

 

[shane45]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I have both a 2 and 4 moa dot. I dont see a big diff really. but I usually have it turned up pretty bright where blooming is adding size. Technically the offset should not be a factor. But distance between the rds and magnifier does make some sense to me as possibly being a factor. Try butting the two up to each other and see if that helps just for curiosity.

 

[Radioactive Yeti]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I have a ML3 and a couple T1s and I run a tripler with Larue flip out mount. I actually get a clearer dot with the tripled in place.i also get really good alignment with the tripler and a T-1 on the Larue 660 Tall mount. Should work just fine.

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Shane, I did try to mount it closer and didn't notice a difference.

I might try the LT fts mount though.

 

[shane45]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Interesting!

 

[jbell]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Bob have you tried looking through the magnifier at some other small dot at the same distance to see if the magnifier is to balme. Take glass from a picture frame and put a small dot on it and hold it the same distance away from the Mag. and see what it looks like. I dont know if it will work b/c I just pulled that out of my ass b/c I want to sound like I know what I am talking about too

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

When I first got my T1 I thought it was F-ed up. Just happened to take my reading glasses off and what do you know - looks normal. I don't need the readers to shoot. LOL

 

[jbell]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Also do it do this with both of your T1s?

 

[gmphk]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

I have a T1 on order from LaRue and wanted to get the Aimpoint magnifier at some point as well. Too many different opinions at this point to spend the extra cash. I too purchased in order to lighten my rifle some. Look forward to following this thread...

 

[bm11]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Jbell,

The glass on the magnifier is actually pretty nice, it definitely doesn't distort the image, only the dot. I only tried it on one of my T1's, the other is in a low mount so the geometry doesn't line up without changing mounts.

 

[jbell]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Do you think it is picking up the trace from the illumination source in the T1? I dont know for sure but dosent the dot get projected into the field of view? So maybe the glass on the T1 could be dirty and the dirt is causing a reflection of the dot that you cant see untill its magnified? Worth a shot, I do know how you feel about cleaning your firearms but its not like you are cleaning the barrel or any crazy shit like that. I would like to check it out on Sunday.

Just thinking out loud, good luck buddy!

 

[FlyShooter]

Re: Aimpoint T1 with 3x magnifier...

Hello Sniper's Hide and Bob,

I thought I could chime in on this. I bought a 3x magnifier before I picked up my 2MOA T-1 for my SBR. I wanted the 2MOA because I had heard the 4MOA could be blurry with the 3x. I also wanted a Larue FTS but the twist mount works great and is at the correct height with the spacer for the GG&G T-1 mount. I snapped some pics to show you my setup.



Here it is with the 3x and the T-1 at brightness 9. The distance is as far as I could in my apartment, about 17-18 feet.



Without the 3x but camera in same position.



A little closer to show the dot. and my cat.



I hope this helps.

I'm enjoying this forum, already picked up a 700 and SWFA 10x to get me shooting past 100 yards.