Cant use an Aimpoint.. What now?

[lunchbox]

Do you have to have red dot? I didn't even realize my astigmatism was that bad till got AR and red dot(little bundle of grapes is best way can describe). Have gotten good help/tips and become half-way decent with dot, but always can resort (comfortably) back to any irons. Hate to say irons might be your best option....cheaper too I guess

[BrigandTwoFour]

The TR24 is a great option, I've been running one for a couple years (though it's about to get replaced by something for longer range).

Another option is the TA44S ACOG with the circle dot. It's lighter than a lot of RDS out there, it's 1.5x, and should be astigmatism friendly. It's only real downside is the fiber/tritium illumination can be diminished when aiming at a bright object while you are in a dark area (the reticle is still usable, though, it's just not illuminated).

[mobed]

Optionally, flip up your rear BUIS and check how the dot looks through it.

I have the same issue as the OP and found out recently that when I co-witness the aimpoint with the BUIS the blur goes away and I have a clear, sharp red dot again. Odd but it works.

[Hmac]

I have the same issue as the OP and found out recently that when I co-witness the aimpoint with the BUIS the blur goes away and I have a clear, sharp red dot again. Odd but it works.

Same principle as pinhole eyeglasses or cameras. The small aperture reduces amount of corneal surface refracting the image. Therefore smaller circle of confusion, therefore sharper image.

[usmcvet]

First, make sure that you are focusing down-range, not on the dot.

Easy checks:

While looking through the optic, rotate it. If the dot appears to rotate with the optic, it may be indicative of an optic issue; if the dot stays the same shape/orientation, it is your eyes.

Optionally, flip up your rear BUIS and check how the dot looks through it.

Excellent advice.

I have two M4's with 2MOA dots. They work much better for me. A
1-4 optic might work best for you.

[mobed]

Same principle as pinhole eyeglasses or cameras. The small aperture reduces amount of corneal surface refracting the image. Therefore smaller circle of confusion, therefore sharper image.

Great info thank you. My 2year old scratched my eye 1 1/2 years ago and ever since my t1 is blurry/ distorted. Been to the eye doctor, still an issue. Looking at different optic options now, following this thread.

[kiwi57]

I concur with the suggestions offered here, particularly using the BUIS small aperture as an experiment. Visual acuity, reticle color and configuration preferences are highly individual. I don't think there is a general "right answer" that will satisfy everyone's specific visual strengths or limitations.

I don't have astigmatism, just presbyopia (age-related decreased near focus) on top of myopia (nearsighted--20/200 uncorrected). Aimpoints (2 moa) are my preference (H-1, C3, and Pro), the dot is just a bit irregular for me when on lower intensity numbers. I've recently purchased an ACOG 1.5x16 TA44SR-10 but don't have enough rounds under it to form a final opinion. The reticle is very sharp due to the ACOG design. As mentioned by BrigandTwoFour, I also have noted a slightly dim reticle when aiming from a shaded area to a sunny target. Annoying, but really no surprise. Opinions differ about the 1.5 magnification. I'm beginning to grow partial to it and the glass clarity is remarkable. I'd suggest test driving an ACOG in whatever configuration you can get your hands on.

[usmcvet]

I had to take the kill flash off my Aimpoint too. There was too much going on for me with the BUIS, red dot and the kill flash. When I took it off the world was much clearer!

[MadDog]

I suggest "all things Trijicon".

I have bad Astigmatisms in both eyes and don't use my Aimpoints much any more. I now have quite a few Trijicons and highly recommend Accupoints, ACOG's, Mini ACOG's, Duel Illumination RMR's, and RX30's. I have multiples of each optics named on various weapons and the reticles and dots are all crystal clear with my eye problems.

JMHO,
MadDog

[jmoore]

I'm 20/450 and with atrocious astigmatism. (Oh - and a retinal tear that had to be spot welded back on with a laser - but that's another story.)

Suffice it to say - I have BAD vision (BTW - 20/200 is legal blindness, i.e., if you can't correct back to better than that - you are legally blind.) Without my glasses - the Aimpoint dot is like a rehash of the movie The Blob:) With them - it settles down to a totally useable dot - just like it was intended.

If you aren't wearing glasses - nut up & get them. Yes - it's a pop to the ego, but they work. Countless mil have used them in combat. If worried, put a backup pair in the butt magpouch of your carbine! Though contacts give the illusion of sharper vision to almost all who wear them, actual sharpest vision is still with glasses - especially when astigmatism is thrown into the equation.

Last weekend a I took a 2-day pistol course. At the end of day two - just for shits & giggles - I asked if I could do a 7 yard mag dump into the target - WITHOUT my glasses. When they said yes - I whipped out my 33 round happy-stick for the Glock 17 and started blasting away. Those who do a lot of low-light shooting - and are forced to do so without a weapon light - know what I'm going to say next:) Every damn one in the kill zone. Take home message - perhaps do a little training WITHOUT whatever visual aids you require. Was lots of fun, and very informative. - john