Rifle Scopes Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier question.

[Greg Langelius *]

Can the Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier be mounted in front of a Vortex SPARC scope without creating optical issues?

Rather than mounting it behind the SPARC and magnifying the reticle size by 3X, I wonder if the arrangement could be swapped fore and aft effectively.

Greg

 

[6brshooter]

Most of the 3x magnifiers have acog ish eye releif, meaning extremely close compared to a typical scope. Don't know about that particular magnifier but most are 1.5-2" eye releif, i don't think it will work. When i get home tonight i'll throw my magnifier infront of an aimpoint pro and try it.

 

[Scott Parks]

This will not work. There would be some serious collimation problems. Technically you could probably get it to "work", but it would not be desirable or worth anywhere near the trouble and time it would take. 6brshooter makes a great point also, the eye relief is another concern. You would essentially have to place your eye right up on the sparc in order to a sight picture.

While using a magnifier behind a red dot does magnify the dot, it is also magnifying the image. So the dot does not grow in relation to the target, it is a 2moa dot no matter how much magnification is behind it. It essentially works like a first focal plane scope.



Hope this helps.


Best Regards
Scott

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Wow, thank you guys; there's nothing half as good as getting it straight from Vortex.

I suspected this, but I still had to ask.

Scott; does the 2x Magnifier available with the SPARC also magnify the reticle, or does it do its work before the image hits the beam splitter?

Greg

 

[6brshooter]

Good question Greg, never thought about that 2x lense. I bet it would just double image but not dot size. I imagine it would have a little less eye releif and also lose some of the less then perfect cheek weld is not required, that a true 1x red dot has.

Glad Scott showed up, i forgot all about trying the mag infront of the aimpoint last night

 

[elfster1234]

If you're going to use a magnifier for a red dot, then get an illuminated 1-4 scope.... Eye relief on magnifiers is really really bad. Been there done that.

Wow, thank you guys; there's nothing half as good as getting it straight from Vortex.

I suspected this, but I still had to ask.

Scott; does the 2x Magnifier available with the SPARC also magnify the reticle, or does it do its work before the image hits the beam splitter?

Greg

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Okay, this most recent post has swayed my viewpoint. I have ordered this for engaging SR/MR targets. I have chosen this route, not because of any distrust for the reflex approach, nor of Vortex products (I love my Vortex Nomad spotting scope), but because I think my original scheme was asking too much from the complexities of the originally envisaged arrangement.

This Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets and Side Parallax, 3-12x 40mm should give me an introduction to quick target engagement. My limited test loads span a weight range from 50gr to 69gr, slightly wider in scope than the ones recommended for the reticle's BDC component, but likely well within the limits of acceptable accuracy up closer to the shooter. Not a USO for sure, but not too bad for an initial indoctrination.

Incidentally (and OT), the NJSAFE lawsuit has reached the stage, as of Boxing Day (Dec 26, yesterday), where the Judge has announced readiness to render his decision based on the assembled briefs and motions. The mental health provisions of the Act are apparently so egregious that our Esteemed CinC has ordered the VA not to comply.

No slam dunk, but at least the issue has finally come to a head.

Greg

 

[Scott Parks]

Wow, thank you guys; there's nothing half as good as getting it straight from Vortex.

I suspected this, but I still had to ask.

Scott; does the 2x Magnifier available with the SPARC also magnify the reticle, or does it do its work before the image hits the beam splitter?

Greg

Yes, it will work the same way, the image and dot are magnified proportionately.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Thank you, Scott; I especially appreciate the direct response. It answers the question, and should help others with similar thoughts as mine.

Best of the season to you and the rest at Vortex.

Greg