Help with optics for astigmatism....

[Downyours]

I have read and read about all the different sights available from RDS to holo and acual tubed sights. Because I have an astigmatism, it was recommended to me to get a tubed sight for proper accuracy etc. What I am looking for is a fixed power between 1x and 3x that has a diopter adjustment and etched reticle. I know that is asking alot. I also know that Leupold, S+B, and Burris make such beasts. My question is whether I am leaving any out? My price point tops out at around $500. I have done some searching and not found too much as most discussions are on RDS and Acog's (out of price range).

[JHC]

I'm no expert but I struggle with 52 year old eyes that are very nearsighted with some astigmatism also. I don't think it's my imagination but ACOGs with fiber optic (most of the line) seem far more forgiving than conventional recticle scopes.

[esskay]

I have read and read about all the different sights available from RDS to holo and acual tubed sights. Because I have an astigmatism, it was recommended to me to get a tubed sight for proper accuracy etc. What I am looking for is a fixed power between 1x and 3x that has a diopter adjustment and etched reticle. I know that is asking alot. I also know that Leupold, S+B, and Burris make such beasts. My question is whether I am leaving any out? My price point tops out at around $500. I have done some searching and not found too much as most discussions are on RDS and Acog's (out of price range).

I would definitely suggest that if you have some buddies with various optics (or a store, or local gun club, or ...) that you look through as many different examples as you can -- I've found quite a lot of variation between folks with astigmatism as to how they see different sights. e.g. some see Aimpoints clearly but have problems with Eotechs. Some are the opposite, and some have problems with both! Before placing an order it would be helpful if you can check them out with your own eyes.

[Sidewinder6]

This is an interesting topic for me as I believe I may have developed a similar condition that was pointed out to me during a class where we used our RDS with the lens cover on the outer lens and with both eyes open used the red dot to orient to the target. I shot to the left. When I usually shoot, I use both eyes until I need the dot on a precise POA and then occlude my left (non dominant) eye.

If I shoot my pistol with both eyes open and concentrate on my dominant eye without closing my left eye some, I end up with hits that are not good.

I have been trying to understand astigmatisms to figure out what is the right way for me to go. I know if I visit an Ophthalmologist I will end up with glasses that may not resolve what I consider a marksmanship issue.

BTW- My Aimpoint T1 is fine whan used as above.

[CJFirefly]

For under $500 hear some ideas off the top of my head:

Weaver 1.5-4x Classic Extreme illuminated reticle
Bushnell 1.5-4x 4200 Elite illuminated reticle
Weaver 1-3x Classic (a true 1 power and only $150, but not illuminated)
Leupold prismatic (only a 1x, but includes a mount and it is a very robust optic w/ etched reticle, also illuminated)

If you try to find something pre-owned you find be able to find these under $500:

Trijicon accupoint 1.25-4x

And then if you get lucky maybe an IOR 1.1-4x or Meopta K Dot 1-4x, but I doubt it.

[rob_s]

$500 is a tough price point, even in RDS. I can't really help you at that figure.

if you increase your budget, I had great success (before my astigmatism was corrected) with the Compact ACOGs from Trijicon. First a 1.5x and then a 3x TA33R-8. Pay close attention to the eye relief on the various models as some have an unacceptably low amount. Their 2x models may be a very good compromise, but I never owned one.

[S391]

I've been looking at Aimpoints, ACOG's, EOTech's etc. and it has been an interesting project. The reticle on the EOTech looks like a "bowl of grapes" as someone online called it. I have glasses but I really don't need them... I don't wear them when I shoot so I would rather not pony up $500 for something that requires me to wear glasses to operate...

Aimpoints are interesting but I've never really warmed up to them for some reason. I haven’t tried the new Micro version but I'm hoping to in the next couple of days.... perhaps that might be the ticket....

The ACOG's are fantastic but $1400 isn't going to happen anytime soon.....

The journey continues.... please let us know what you end up going with.

[JHC]

The TA-33 ACOG - one Rob_S mentioned also is only about $800-$900

I've got one and will likely get another.

[rob_s]

The TA-33 ACOG - one Rob_S mentioned also is only about $800-$900

I've got one and will likely get another.

Out of stock, but here's one example.

[RAM Engineer]

I have read and read about all the different sights available from RDS to holo and acual tubed sights. Because I have an astigmatism, it was recommended to me to get a tubed sight for proper accuracy etc. What I am looking for is a fixed power between 1x and 3x that has a diopter adjustment and etched reticle. I know that is asking alot. I also know that Leupold, S+B, and Burris make such beasts. My question is whether I am leaving any out? My price point tops out at around $500. I have done some searching and not found too much as most discussions are on RDS and Acog's (out of price range).

Is it possible to just correct your astigmatism? I have it too, but with a proper glasses prescription, I don't notice any problems with a RDS.