Optic Plan B: Astigmatism

[Dave I]

Short version; if you have astigmatism and red dot sights (RDS) do not work for you, what are the best Plan B options?

Slightly longer version, I just got a Trijicon SRS02. Really nice optic. However, I noticed while wearing my glasses (I'm VERY nearsighted) it sort of starbursts or snowflakes, in both eyes. If I turn it down it gets better, however at the optimum point for me it still looks more like a + than a true dot. Turns out I remember my eye doctor years ago mentioning I had an astigmatism, then buried that knowledge in the back of my mind since it never really had any bearing in my day-to-day life. With contacts, it's much better. Probably not perfect, but close enough.

So, I'm trying to decide if I should keep the SRS or return it, and if I did return it what I should get instead. I'm thinking a good pair of iron sights, always use the RDS w/ a rear aperture, some reflex option (no idea on that, however I've read an etched reticle works for lots of people), a variable, or just wear contacts when shooting (which I'd tend to do most of the time). I'm planning this for a defensive rifle, although honestly it will spend most of its time at the range, so I am leaning more toward a RDS/irons/reflex for closer distances (the main reason I did not go with another variable for this one).

Any input is welcome.

-Cheers

[fourXfour]

Try dialing it down and focusing on an object 20 or so yards away. For whatever reason that helps with my astigmatism & Aimpoint Micro. Starburst turns more into a red dot.

[Draufganger]

fourXfour pretty much got it, i have noticed the same thing and the proper way to to aim with these kind of sights anyway is to focus on the target, not the dot/reticle.

Cheers.

[NWPilgrim]

I have pretty strong astigmatism but find the Aimpoint PRO just fine when I keep it on turned down a bit. I've looked through some cheap red dots and the flare was bad even on lower settings.

I would at least try to look through other red dots for comparison then decide whether your current scope can be improved with a replacement or they are all going to flare as much for you.

[Hmac]

With proper vision correction, most astigmatism can be completely corrected, whether it be LASIK or eyeglasses. If your glasses aren't doing that, a reevaluation of your prescription is in order. I would check back with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, explain the problem and see if that can't be better handled.

[seb5]

For whatever reason the full size Aimpoints seem to be more forgiving with astigmatism. My wife cannot use a RDS but has had good results with the Trijicon 1.5X mini Acogs.

[shootist~]

...and if I did return it what I should get instead.

A 1-4x variable (or any good magnified optic) should work. Does for me anyway, but everyone is different. If CQB distance to mid-range is your primary concern, and you are on a budget, try out the $500 Vortex PST 1-4 or something similar. If budget allows, there are a few high end options in the 1-6 range.

[Dave I]

A 1-4x variable (or any good magnified optic) should work. Does for me anyway, but everyone is different. If CQB distance to mid-range is your primary concern, and you are on a budget, try out the $500 Vortex PST 1-4 or something similar. If budget allows, there are a few high end options in the 1-6 range.

I have a GRSC 1-6x on my other rifle, which I love. I went with a RDS this time just for the speed (especially for CQ-distances) and weight, and a bit to try something different. The variable works fine, and I almost went with it again this setup. This time around, I was looking for something with more blazing speed, not because the GRSC is slow (it is not) just that RDS are supposed to be faster overall and a bit more forgiving than tube optics.

I am not saying I disagree with the suggestion, just sort of explaining my position, so to speak.

-Cheers

[Ick]

http://disabled-shooter.blogspot.com...-shooting.html

I know some guys shoot without using a corrective lens and simply use the optic magnification to "see". Some can get great groupings. My eyes are too bad to shoot just using optic magnification.... too bad for me I guess.

Also, every time I get a new prescription every optic I have requires adjustment. Sigh.

[pingdork]

This might have been mentioned before, but I noticed a marked improvement to the starburst effect when I put a killflash on my RDS.