Best Red Dot for Astigmatism

[Trvlngnrs]

Thanks for the info. I'll research what you recommended. I'd like something illuminated with long battery life as the gun is kept in our bedroom.

I have a 1.5 ACOG on my 556R..... maybe I'll try that on my PS90.

[Defaultmp3]

What kind of Aimpoint did you look through, and are you using corrective lenses? I'm very near-sighted, and have some astigmatism in my left eye; with my corrective lenses, both contacts and glasses, I've found that my RMRs on my pistols have quite well-defined dots, while the T-1 on my carbine looks like shit. I have a T-2 on the way, and am hoping it'll be better than my T-1; I've also heard other people say that they've found full-sized Aimpoints, such as the M4, have more defined dots than the T-1s for their eyes. Beyond that, the one EOTech I looked through, a 512 IIRC, was also quite crisp and clear, as was the MRO (although I did not like the MRO for other reasons).

[Nocalsocal]

For my astigmatism, I stuck with irons only on my dedicated cqb carbine. I then went with a Vortex Strike Eagle 1x6 my other 150 yd+ rifle. Although the Eotech gave the cleanest reticle for a red dot, I sold it because of the relatively poor battery life and possible issues with shift. I just came to accept that red dots will never be crisp for me.

[Koshinn]

With my astigmatism, an aimpoint would look weird but a trijicon RMR looked like a clean dot. Maybe check out their MRO.

[GH41]

Great ideas, but I should have said it's not going on an AR but a PS90.

Trvlngnrs

If you would have told us PS90 and bedside gun upfront the conversation would be over. Put a quality RDS on it and don't worry about what the dot looks like.

[SteveL]

Chances are any/all red dots will display this problem no matter which red dot you get, due to your astigmatism. Your best bet, barring corrective surgery or lenses, is to get an etched reticle optic (either 1x or low power variable such as 1-4x) with an adjustable ocular diopter and forgetting about cowitness.

I am personally very pleased with the Vortex Spitfire 1x. It can be had for around $199 if you search a bit (Sportsman's Warehouse as of this posting). Also, American Defense Manufacturing makes a dedicated QD mount for it as well.

I have a Vortex scope I'm very pleased with but I haven't looked at their RDS before. The Spitfire looks very interesting as a possible replacement for my Eotech. Thanks.

[ColtSeavers]

I have a Vortex scope I'm very pleased with but I haven't looked at their RDS before. The Spitfire looks very interesting as a possible replacement for my Eotech. Thanks.

No problem.

Just a clerical note to add however, the Spitfire 1x is a prism scope, not a true red dot sight. Not saying you didn't already know that and accidentally typed RDS as that is the actual thread topic, just don't want anyone else glossing over the thread to accidentally get confused.

[SteveL]

No problem.

Just a clerical note to add however, the Spitfire 1x is a prism scope, not a true red dot sight. Not saying you didn't already know that and accidentally typed RDS as that is the actual thread topic, just don't want anyone else glossing over the thread to accidentally get confused.

I did catch that, even though I worded it wrong. I'm glad you clarified though.

How long have you been using the Spitfire and what kind of use have you put it through (classes, round count, etc.)? And how do you think the glass compares to an Aimpoint or ACOG?

[jmoore]

Just got off the phone with an old acquaintance who is now an optometrist. He confirms what I've thought and said for years....
IF you are having issues with astigmatism and an RDS - simply get your prescription updated. Corrective lenses - whether contacts or glasses - will solve the problem 98% of the time. I am both profoundly nearsighted and have severe astigmatism - and my Aimpoints are nice, discrete circles as they were designed. Others who have looked through my sights have complained of the previously mentioned distortion, i.e., their astigmatism was not corrected properly. Forgot to ask him if Lasik type corrections will do the same.

john

[ColtSeavers]

I did catch that, even though I worded it wrong. I'm glad you clarified though.

How long have you been using the Spitfire and what kind of use have you put it through (classes, round count, etc.)? And how do you think the glass compares to an Aimpoint or ACOG?

Time in Possession:
Beginning of July

Use:
Formal outdoor range including off hand, bench and prone positions.
Paper targets from 5-200 yards and gongs every 100 yards from 300-1000 yards.

Informal outdoor course including off hand, kneeling and prone positions.
Paper targets ranging from 5-20 yards with a few 50, 100 and 150 yards shots (gongs) mixed in.

Round Count:
420 round can of Fed Am Eagle XM855
Around a half a case of PMC X-TAC M855 clone
160 rounds of Fed Fusion (non MSR)

Environment:
Western USA, between the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas, Martian sagebrush landscape.

Actual known rough use:
Eating it getting up from a kneeling 50yd shot to transition to the 10yard shot. Feet stopped on rock and became fulcrum as rest of body with rifle went right into the ground.

Eating it attempting to lean against the truck when not near enough to the truck. No, I had not been drinking.

Eating it off the bench onto concrete. I roll deep when I do get to go shoot, and if at the actual range, the bench gets crowded quick.

Otherwise, normal use and 'abuse'.

Comparisons:
I would Compare it to an FX3 Leupold in clarity and fantastic eye relief.

Likes:
Eye relief is pretty damned good. Thick donut makes CQB distance shots a snap. Center dot very suitable for accuracy and precision. As best as I can tell, I have been able to get rid of the dreaded 'fish-eye' through constant adjustment and then witness marking ocular diopter. Two color reticle choices. Green works pretty well during the day and red for low light/night for me as well as black etched reticle 'always on'. No buttons. Adjustment caps are tethered.

Dislikes:
Skinny outer most circle is pretty pointless to me. Not particularly fond of the factory base, it requires at least some damned good torque to stay put.