South Eastern SWAT Association 2009, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Monthly Product Review
A monthly review of various tactical products.

                              

Red Dot Magnifier

In today’s tactical products market, every one has a gadget to sell. Sometimes you get what you pay for and sometimes you can save money.

Since cost and performance are the ultimate bottom line, I will take a close look at both when comparing any product.  I will also look at other common sense areas when testing products (Durability, Ease of Use, Versatility and Value).

The evaluation will be based on the NTOA point value and point definition system, with some modification.

Products will be tested and scored in 5 possible
categories on a scale of 0 to 5.

5 — Excellent
Defined as a product that performs at a level above advertised specifications and demonstrates its usefulness and quality of workmanship every time it is used.

4 — Very Good
Defined as a product that exceeds advertised specifications on a regular basis and outperforms others in usefulness and quality of workmanship.
3 — Average
Defined as a product the meets minimum advertised specifications, has practical use, but does not go above or beyond the scope of quality or usefulness that is expected.

2 — Fair
Defined as a product that has occasional applications and in some situations meets advertised specifications, but overall is not effective.

0-1 — Poor
Defined as a product that does not meet minimum advertised specifications needed to make the product useful, product does meet any of its practical purposes.
Rating can also have the point system (i.e.: 2.5, 6.9, etc.)  From these numbers, an average will be taken from each category ratings.  The rating categories are:

       Cost- will not be given a score.
1.Performance
2.Durability
3.Ease of Use
4.Versatility
5.Value

Products receiving a rating of 3.0 or higher will receive Recommended Status and be allowed to affix the SESA Tested & Recommended Logo to the product materials.

Products that score lower than 3.0 will not receive approval.  Test results will be sent to the company.

NOTICE:
Please note that the SESA does not provide a warranty, expressed or implied, or guarantee any of the products that have been tested and approved.  SESA assumes no liability for the use or misuse of any of the featured products.
In this test, I will jump into the world of Red Dot Magnifiers.  Test model is the Ontarget 3X Magnifier W/ Flip to Side Mount from Longhorn Tactical.

Cost
The cost of the unit tested is $159.00 and includes the flip to the side mount, a $60.00 value (it can be ordered separately).  Compare this to some models that can cost $500.00 or more.

Performance: 3
The magnifier tested does exactly what it says, however the mount leaves something to be desired.  Just a word about rail space; unless you have a budget that supports the sky is the limit buying mentality then you probably have a standard flattop version AR.  Understand rail space is a problem, unless you use a shorter variant Red Dot Sight.  The really nice feature about this magnifier is the flip to the side mount which allows the operator to switch on the go from a CQC platform to a platform more suited for a longer shot.  Also nice is the fact that this mount allows for use of your flip up rear sight if batteries or optics break or otherwise fail.  However, the mount did not come with instructions and this proved to be problematic when trying to adjust the sight picture.  The mount tested also seemed to have play in the axis adjustments.  I know, I know, remember it’s not a sniper scope and the mount moves.  It doesn’t have the reticle it just magnifies it.  But the play in the mount made it difficult to maintain the same sight picture every time the mount was flipped back into place.  I have seen better quality mounts but you definitely pay for them.  All in all this mount and scope will get the job done, once adjusted, without breaking the bank. 

Durability: 3
The model tested came with a rear flip lens cover and has a rubber coating for shock absorption.  The test unit did fine being loaded in and out of my vehicle when deployed.  I am an operator who believes in “using” my equipment, but I also believe in taking care of my equipment because it takes care of me.  I did not drop the magnifier from a building or run over it in a truck, but I did “use it” like an operator.  Additionally, this unit comes with a 1 year warranty. 

Ease of Use: 2.5
The concept couldn’t be easier.  Just mount and go.  If you’re not using it, flip it to the side.  If you need it put it back in place.  If things manmade or electronic fail then flip it up and go to your flip up back emergency sight.  The lack of instructions on the axis adjustment and the play hurts the mount in this category.

Versatility: 4
You can detach this unit with a flip of the lever and use it for a hand held monocular in a discrete observation platform.  To reattach just flip the lever, mount it, flip it to the side and CQB all day long.  When the need arises, flip it back for just that little extra to put accurate lethal fire on the target.
SWAT guys love equipment that can perform in multiple roles.

Value: 3
There are a lot of factors that go into calculating value. Price v. Performance is just one.  Also one must keep in mind customer service.  I emailed the company to question the lack of instructions and they were already working on the problem.  They took pictures of the mount, added instructions and sent it right back.  This cleared up any issues I had regarding the mount adjustments.

Summary
3.1
The tested magnifier does exactly what it was designed for.  It gives an operator aiming options when it comes to real world operations.  The concept of the flip to the side mount is great, but the fit and finish of this mount could stand to be improved with tighter tolerances.  If this mount locked down, didn’t have play and if the magnifier snapped down into position and the sight picture was the same every time, this package would have received top marks.  As it is, the combination receives a 3.1 which is passing.  But there is room for improvement.  The choice of which magnifier to buy comes down to a matter of budget.  You could get just the magnifier, spend a little more on an upgraded mount and still save money over others in the industry. The model tested will get the job done but is not the Cadillac of the industry. But, then again it didn’t cost like the Cadillac either.