Eye problems and RDS

[Striker]

While driving the other day,I was thinking about different optics. Since I had a four hour drive, I had a lot of time to think. While I think it's universally accepted that if you're betting your life on your RDS, Aimpoint and Eotech are just about the only way to go right now. However, as has been documented, these sights may or may not work for someone with astigmatism or various other eye problems. My question is, would you recommend to someone with astigmatism or other eye problems to purchase a less expensive RDS sight, such as a Primary Arms sight, to try prior to purchasing an Aimpoint or Eotech? My reasoning behind this is that he will be able to find out if an RDS will work for him. If it does, he can go out and buy an Aimpoint or Eotech if he would like and be assured that it will work for him. If it doesn't work for him, he's only out $100.00 or $150.00 instead of $400.00-$600.00 and knows to look for something other than an RDS for short range defense.

A couple of things; first, this is not an Aimpoint vs Eotech vs everyone else thread. That has been done and talked about numerous times and this thread is not really meant for that. I'm really looking to see if my reasoning is sound or if, for some reason, it's not; such as different technologies etc. I'm interested to see what all of you think.

[fourXfour]

Someone can always return an optic if they don't like it. Better yet they can probably check one out at their local gun shop.

Resale value is pretty high, so even if one decides to sell after a year or two there shouldn't be too much of a loss.

[Bcs379]

For what my advice is worth; I too have an astigmatism in both eyes and have really bad near-sighted vision and I don't have problems with the aimpoint reticle on its lower settings. Granted I have prescription eyeglasses that are suppose to correct the astigmatism and my vision. When I crank up to the brighter settings, I have trouble seeing the reticle by itself. Other than that, I can see the reticle fine, but on the lower settings. As far as the Eotech reticle, it looks sharp to me, but the lines themselves are grainy if that makes sense (my friends 55X series Eotech). I don't know if that is how it is supposed to look though.

I purchased the Aimpoint PRO from Grant last February and it was my first RDS and I don't regret the purchase. I would at least try to go to a gun shop and look through them. Otherwise, I would recommend to go with an a higher-end model. As a college student, I managed to save up enough to get one and the price of the others is half way there, but in the end, the decision is solely on you as it is your money.

On a side note, do you have eyeglasses that correct the astigmatism?

[TOMTOM]

I also have astigmatism, and I did exactly what you are asking- I bought a Primary Arms M3 to see if I'd like the aimpoint. The "bloom" bothered me at first, but that was mostly looking through it indoors, where it's at it's worst, IMO.

Once you get outdoors and start shooting it completely goes away. Atleast for me it did. Afterwards I went ahead and put the PA M3 on my MP-22, which serves as an awesome plinking gun.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[Striker]

For what my advice is worth; I too have an astigmatism in both eyes and have really bad near-sighted vision and I don't have problems with the aimpoint reticle on its lower settings. Granted I have prescription eyeglasses that are suppose to correct the astigmatism and my vision. When I crank up to the brighter settings, I have trouble seeing the reticle by itself. Other than that, I can see the reticle fine, but on the lower settings. As far as the Eotech reticle, it looks sharp to me, but the lines themselves are grainy if that makes sense (my friends 55X series Eotech). I don't know if that is how it is supposed to look though.

I purchased the Aimpoint PRO from Grant last February and it was my first RDS and I don't regret the purchase. I would at least try to go to a gun shop and look through them. Otherwise, I would recommend to go with an a higher-end model. As a college student, I managed to save up enough to get one and the price of the others is half way there, but in the end, the decision is solely on you as it is your money.

On a side note, do you have eyeglasses that correct the astigmatism?

Yes I do, well contact lenses to be specific.

The thought actually originated from reading multiple threads where someone had spent a fairly large amount of money for an optic that didn't work for them and then they had it. As suggested above you can return or sell it, but that's a hassle to be honest. The gun shop idea is the one that makes the most sense, but not everyone lives close to a gun store and going to see one can be a day long trip. So with those two things in mind, the thought came to mind that you could try one and not be out $600.00 or have the hassle of trying to sell or return it. As I said, I had a long drive and lots of time to think.

I also have astigmatism, and I did exactly what you are asking- I bought a Primary Arms M3 to see if I'd like the aimpoint. The "bloom" bothered me at first, but that was mostly looking through it indoors, where it's at it's worst, IMO.

Once you get outdoors and start shooting it completely goes away. Atleast for me it did. Afterwards I went ahead and put the PA M3 on my MP-22, which serves as an awesome plinking gun.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Yes it does. Thank you. If I can ask, what if you shoot it indoors under low light conditions? Does it bother you then? Also, did you end up buying an Aimpoint or Eotech as well?

[cabbynate]

I also have a astigmatism in both eyes uncorrected. I bough Aimpoints and sold them before even trying them at the range. (yes I know not smart) I found a deal so good on a Comp M4s I had to buy it. Took it to the range and now I'm getting an H-1 for my 9mm SBR. Yes it looks like a star but a 2MOA "star" leaves a lot of room on a 8" target at 30 yards. A lot of room. As long as your using it for 100 yards or less on a 12" target or bigger you will be just fine I would guess but buying a $100.00 red dot is not a bad idea like you said. Truth is though as was stated, you can buy an Aimpoint and it you don't like it sell it and lose less on it than you would selling the $100.00 red dot. Palmetto State Armory has Aimpoint H-1's on sale right now for $449.00 with a flat top mount. Can't beat that.. http://palmettostatearmory.com/9081.php

[Failure2Stop]

If your application is 200 meters or less with 75% of that at 100 meters or less, I recommend an Aimpoint, especially if it is going to pull HD duty. Even the worst appearing dot is fully usable at those distances.
The Micros are great for size and weight, but I find that the larger tube models have a "cleaner" dot to my repeatedly scratched and scarred eyes.

[SteveL]

I have some astigmatism in both eyes (more so in the right) and I'm doing Ok so far with an Aimpoint.

[5pins]

I have a slight astigmatism but I can get by with red dots if I turn down the brightness a bit. I don’t have it as bad as some have reported. I did notice that the problem is much less using my trijicon tri power and ACOG. If someone has a problem and simply can’t use a RDS then they should take a look at a tri power or a low magnification ACOG.

[markm]

If you really want to just try a cheapo RDS, Get a BSA for under $30.

You can always put it on a rimfire gun later. or toss it in a drawer or something.