By Paul Markel

“How much magnification do you really need?” our instructor asked the class of students present. “You need enough, without too much.” was his answer. Then he followed up with this, “The higher up you dial the power the more noticeable the movement in the crosshairs and the worse the mirage will become. The truth is, inside of 500 yards, you shouldn’t need more than 5 or 6 power. Also, the higher power your scope, the longer it will take you to get the rifle settled and on target.” 

That previous conversation took place during a sniper school training session. Nonetheless, the discussion of scope magnification is valid when it comes to using optics on a fighting rifle such as an AR. How much power or magnification is enough and how much is too much? Does higher magnification slow your ability to get the rifle on target and increase the perceived movement of the reticle? All these questions are valid and factor into your decision to either mount a variable powered scope on your rifle or some type of 1X optic with a magnifier.

How Much Power and When? 

There were many factors that led to the creation of the add-on magnifier, a unit that doesn't have a reticle itself, but works in conjunction with an 1X optic. The Global War on Terror had manufacturers working overtime trying to come up with the best solutions for the problems at hand. 

One thing they came up with, and that the US Marine Corps initially adopted, was to add a fixed 4X optic to their M16A4 rifles. When using these long guns at “rifle” distances -- further than 100 yards -- the 4X optic worked well. However, for close quarters fighting, such as the first and second battles of Fallujah, where the fighting wasn't a long distance shooting affair, but house-to-house, building-to-building, ferocious street fighting, the use or need for 4X magnification was strongly questioned. 

No one questioned the use of optics on modern fighting rifles. The question was, do you need constant magnification or would having magnification available at a moment's notice -- if the situation called for it -- be a better option? Naturally, there are no perfect solutions. Regardless, optics makers started working on a compromise between a 1X red dot and a 4X optic with constant magnification.  

EOTECH HWS/Magnifier Combo

As you've probably figured out, the compromise came in the embodiment of the magnifier, which is just what it sounds like. It's an optical device that magnifies the image that's in front of it, but a magnifier does not have a reticle. It just enhances what you're seeing through your 1X sight. 

The question then became, how much fixed power or magnification should these new devices have? After much deliberation, the de facto standard became 3X. However, because there are always people who have to have something different, there are other magnification options available. At press time, it would seem that 5X and 6X are the most popular powers after 3X versions. 

I live on a small ranch in the mountains and I'm as concerned with f0ur-legged threats as I am with the two-legged varity. If a predator threatens our livestock, they need to be dispatched forthwith. My defensive rifle can be needed at 10 feet for home security or 100 yards to put down a coyote. 

Given that, I decided to use a combination EOTECH holographic weapon sight with one of their 3X magnifiers.

The particular model of HWS that I installed was their XPS2 with a combination 65 MOA circle and 1 MOA aiming dot. The unit runs on a one CR123 battery with 1000 hours of run time on the middle setting at room temperature. The optic is relatively compact and weighs only nine ounces. 

From a personal standpoint, I have been using EOTECH optics for over twenty years, not just on the shooting range, but in the field from the ground, the backs of vehicles, and from helicopters. The projected holographic reticle works with the human eye like no other “red dot” and the 65/1 MOA reticle is one of the best options for dynamic shooting situations. I BZO’d this XPS2 for 50 yards. 

As for the magnifier option, I mounted the EOTECH G43 Magnifier behind the XPS2. When they first came out, many of the magnifiers needed tools to install or remove. Some were fixed in place and didn't flip or rotate out of the way. 

Today that's all changed. The G43 has an adjustable quick detach lever that allows it to be installed or removed with no tools. Also, the G43 flips to the right side and out of the way when it's not needed, but it can be flipped back in place in about one second. Also, the new G43 is much lighter than the older, original magnifier models which could weigh up to a pound or more. The G43 is 11 ounces.     

Both the XPS2 and G43 are water resistant -- not “proof" -- so they're protected from rain and snow, but don’t go scuba diving with them. Very few products are actually “water proof.” 

Is the 1:1 optic with a magnifier the ultimate answer? That depends on what you plan to do and your anticipated mission. If my mission was to hit targets beyond 500 yards, this combo wouldn't be my first choice. But if you might be called to use your rifle from up close and personal out to a couple hundred yards, then yes, the optic combo would seem a very good choice.     

Paul G. Markel is the founder of Student the Gun University and has been teaching Small Arms & Tactics to military personnel, police officers, and citizens for over three decades. He is the author of numerous books and is a combat decorated United States Marine veteran.