Aimpoint X3 magnifier clone?

[ar-15 fanatic]

I was just wondering if anybody has used a clone aimpoint X3 magnifier behind a real aimpoint red dot, does it work good because i don't want to spend $1000 on a sight and magnifier when i could spend that same amount on a trijicon X4 ACOG.

[C4IGrant]

Originally Posted by ar-15 fanatic

I was just wondering if anybody has used a clone aimpoint X3 magnifier behind a real aimpoint red dot, does it work good because i don't want to spend $1000 on a sight and magnifier when i could spend that same amount on a trijicon X4 ACOG.

No, they really do not come even close to the real deal (sorry). I would suggest looking for a used 3X VS a clone.

The difference between a Trijicon and an Aimpoint and magnifier is that the ACOG does not do CQB very well (like at all). The Aimpoint setup can wear more hats.


C4

[FJB]

Originally Posted by ar-15 fanatic

I was just wondering if anybody has used a clone aimpoint X3 magnifier behind a real aimpoint red dot, does it work good because i don't want to spend $1000 on a sight and magnifier when i could spend that same amount on a trijicon X4 ACOG.

Realizing that cost is often a factor, the reality is quality isn't inexpensive. "Buy Cheap, Buy Twice" as Pat Rogers' father often stated is very applicable. One of the reasons Aimpoint sights cost more that poorly designed and built competitors is that they use extremely high quality European naturally aged glass in all of their optics. This is the same glass used by the best European optics.

Prices listed are MSRP and not what they are often sold at via reputable dealer. They are definitely not as expensive if you properly shop around. These prices are 2007 cost comparison that has been posted elsewhere. FYI, Aimpoint CompM4 and Micro T-1 prices did not increase for 2008.
-------------------------------

Military Combat Optics – Total Life Cycle Costs

Aimpoint CompM4 w/3XMagnifier & Twist Mount MSR + Life Cycle Cost $1486
Life Cycle Cost - 80,000 Hours w/ AA Lithium Battery
CompM4 MSR $780 + 3X Magnifier MSR $535 + Twist Mount MSR $171
Weight - CompM4 335g + 3X Magnifier w/Twist Mount 300g = 635g

Micro T-1 w/LT660 Mount w/3X Magnifier & Twist Mount MSR + Life Cycle Cost $1455
Life Cycle Cost – 50,000 Hours w/CR2032 Lithium Battery = 2 Batteries X $0.99 = $2
Micro T-1 MSR $650 + LT660 Mount MSR $98 + 3X Magnifier w/ Twist Mount $706
Weight – Micro T-1 w/ LT Mount 177gr + 3X Magnifier w/Twist Mount 300gr = 477gr

Trijicon TA01NSN-DOC MSR + Life Cycle Cost $1605
Life Cycle Cost – 10 Years Tritium + 17,000 Hours CR2032 Battery = 5 Batteries X $0.97 = $5
TA01NSN-DOC MSR $1600 + Life Cycle Cost $5
Weight – 424g

[Lumpy196]

There are other internet forums that extol the virtues of cheap asian knock-offs of real equipment. This isn't one of them.

Most of the knock offs were DESIGNED by Airsoft companies. They make toys. They may resemble the real thing, but they do not have the quality of construction, durability or performance to match.

Decide now whether you are the owner of a toy or a weapon.

[exitinyourhead]

There is always this guy...

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...Po+Boy+Special

I think one or two of our members use this, maybe they will speak up about it. It's not an airsoft knock off but there is a cost savings.

[rob_s]

Originally Posted by exitinyourhead

There is always this guy...

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...Po+Boy+Special

I think one or two of our members use this, maybe they will speak up about it. It's not an airsoft knock off but there is a cost savings.

I think that's the best option for those not sure if they want to go the magnifier route. You get a great mount and if you decide you like the magnifier you can upgrade to the Aimpoint magnifier later. Thanks for reminding me to order one (even though I can't think of any reason I need/want a magnifier.... )

[exitinyourhead]

Originally Posted by rob_s

I think that's the best option for those not sure if they want to go the magnifier route. You get a great mount and if you decide you like the magnifier you can upgrade to the Aimpoint magnifier later. Thanks for reminding me to order one (even though I can't think of any reason I need/want a magnifier.... )

It's all I can do not to give mr larue 200 bucks for no apparent reason. They must have sat in a room and thought.. hmmm... what price would make people buy this thing even if they couldn't possibly need it... 195!!!!

[PLCedeno]

Last class with LV indicated no advantage in having a 3X magnifier-at any distance.

[Failure2Stop]

Originally Posted by Lumpy196

There are other internet forums that extol the virtues of cheap asian knock-offs of real equipment. This isn't one of them.

This was my immediate thought as well. This forum caters to serious use weapons, gear, and training; why would there be an opposite approach to optics?

Originally Posted by PLCedeno

Last class with LV indicated no advantage in having a 3X magnifier-at any distance.

There may be no advantage for you, but for many there is great benefit to the use of magnification.

-F2S

[rob_s]

Originally Posted by Failure2Stop

There may be no advantage for you, but for many there is great benefit to the use of magnification.

So far almost everyone I've seen use one has either gotten rid of it or not yet realized that they actually shoot better without it.

I agree that there are uses for it, but like most things a good number of the people that have them don't know why.

[Failure2Stop]

Originally Posted by rob_s

So far almost everyone I've seen use one has either gotten rid of it or not yet realized that they actually shoot better without it.

Agreed. Most of my use of magnification is for positive target ID. Something small like a pair of bino's or a cell phone are much easier to see with magnification.

I agree that there are uses for it, but like most things a good number of the people that have them don't know why.

That is so true on so many levels. It could describe numerous topics of conversation. For some reason they mostly start with "What's the best. . .", or "What do you think of. . ."

Back to the topic though-

Originally Posted by ar-15 fanatic

i don't want to spend $1000 on a sight and magnifier when i could spend that same amount on a trijicon X4 ACOG.

The ACOG is only acceptable at close range when equipped with the MRD, whereas the Aimpoint performs well from 0-300, even without a magnifier. Consider low-light and use with a tactical light, and the Aimpoint is way ahead of the MRD-less ACOG.

Not sayin' anything, just sayin'.

[Mr.B]

Originally Posted by rob_s

I think that's the best option for those not sure if they want to go the magnifier route. You get a great mount and if you decide you like the magnifier you can upgrade to the Aimpoint magnifier later. Thanks for reminding me to order one (even though I can't think of any reason I need/want a magnifier.... )

well, the month or so wait to get it will give you time to figure it out..lol

I just got my shipping confirmation email last night, after a solid month of waiting.

I don't know how many or thier flip mounts they made on this run, but hopefully they made enough to go around with a few left over..

[cabbynate]

Originally Posted by exitinyourhead

There is always this guy...

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...Po+Boy+Special

I think one or two of our members use this, maybe they will speak up about it. It's not an airsoft knock off but there is a cost savings.

I use one and it works just fine. The mount is great!!! The magnifier is very clear but the magnification is a little weak. I guess what can you expect from 2.5x? I run it behind an EoTech 557. I think EoTech totally had magnification in mind when designing this sight. The Holo is small compared to the 512 I traded in to get it..

[MX5]

Adding a magnifier to an RD is one of those ideas that seems great in theory & even to the extent that it's mounted & used at a square range. However, in real training or in actual use they just don't measure up. LAV is right. There's better ways to spend your hard earned money.

[Misc Ex-Member]

Clone optics are junk and you get what you pay for.

This thread has run it's course.