SIGforum
AR Optic for Astigmatism

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/630601935/m/2580050324

April 20, 2017, 09:57 PM
DeputyCG
AR Optic for Astigmatism
I was looking through the internet for advice or ideas. I normally use a Shotgun, and don't seem to need any optic to use it. The rifle is another issue altogether though. Mind you with my contact, it helps, but my worry is the time when my contact falls out or I reach for my rifle at night and was asleep.

Thanks
April 20, 2017, 10:04 PM
CandyMan.45
1-4x or 1-6x with an illuminated reticle
April 21, 2017, 02:30 AM
venenoindy
quote:
Originally posted by CandyMan.45:
1-4x or 1-6x with an illuminated reticle


I have astigmatism and you have to look through the different red dots to determine witch one you can actually see, but the low magnification scopes work best
April 21, 2017, 06:00 AM
RogueJSK
Look for an optic with an etched reticle, like the variable power 1-4x/1-6x scopes already mentioned, or a Prismatic optic like an ACOG or Vortex Spitfire. They're more astigmatism-friendly than the projected reticle on something like a red dot.
April 21, 2017, 06:48 AM
shoevb
AS RogueJSK says, Prismatic optics tend to be a little better for astigmatism.
April 21, 2017, 07:03 AM
MNSIG
Agreed on low power scope. I've switched from red dots to Leupold VX-R patrol scopes on my primary ARs. With both eyes open at 1.25x, I see little difference compared to a red dot, other than a MUCH clearer reticle. Of course, being able to increase to 4x is a huge advantage for longer shots.
April 21, 2017, 07:42 AM
ed308
Anything except a red dot works for me. Red dots looks like a comet to my eyes LOL. But I still use one on my 3Gun AR.
April 21, 2017, 08:27 PM
Nick
I run a 2x ACOG, it's light weight, not dependent on batteries and electronics to operate. I use it both eyes open like a dot optic up close and the tip of the triangle for precise aiming. It works well with my astigmatism, unlike the cluster of grapes retical I get from an Aimpoint. If variable is what you want, look at the Trijicon's.


"Escaped the liberal Borg and living free"
April 21, 2017, 09:07 PM
10X-Shooter
IN addition to your contacts, have your doctor make a pair of shooting glasses with the astigmatism correction. I wear bifocals and have astigmatism. I do contacts and have the dr make glasses for a focus length primarily for anything from a rifle scope to pistol/rifle sights. Best solution I've found. One day someone will get smart and make focus able red dot magnifiers.
April 21, 2017, 09:39 PM
Il Cattivo
A smaller red dot (I like 2MOA) and keeping the illumination down can help a bit, assuming the smaller, less illuminated dot still works for you.
April 21, 2017, 09:40 PM
blueinterceptor
Acog shave crystal clear glass and reticles
April 22, 2017, 10:56 AM
captain127
I have astigmatism as well and any red dot looks like a cluster of grapes to me. Stick with cross hairs or chevron or triangles and you should be ok
April 22, 2017, 12:45 PM
cjevans
I use an ACOG - 1.5x16s - on the AUG A3; amber triangle.

That made all the difference for me.
My astigmatism was bad ... right eye 225 if I remember correctly; The left eye was even worse.

Red dots ere a problem. The 2 MOA bloomed just a teeny bit, but was a lot better than the 4 moa and above.

I had corrective shooting lenses that helped a lot, so do look into that.

Then I had lasik.

The ACOG sharpened up; the red dot even better, though I do have a slight halo effect at night. And I thought, so this is what a normal eye is like?

I was glad I didn't have to change those out.

As suggested, etched reticles, a smaller dot and perhaps the dot color to think about.

Have a look through a Burris FFP BTR 1-4x24. Glass, dot and variable; price is good. Save weight and use an AeroPrecision mount.

I have a Weaver 1-3x20 on an Aero mount on an AR15. The Weaver is very light, but no dot. I don't know about the astigmatism with the Weaver, it was purchased after lasik and specifically for the AR.

Something lighter? Leupold's 1-4x20 FD SPR - yes costs more but gives you a comparison for the bang for the buck.

You'll likely make great friends with your LGS before you are done.

Enjoy the research!



We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." ~ Benjamin Franklin.

"If anyone in this country doesn't minimise their tax, they want their head read, because as a government, you are not spending it that well, that we should be donating extra...:
Kerry Packer

SIGForum: the island of reality in an ocean of diarrhoea.
April 23, 2017, 12:10 AM
FenderBender
Stick with the shotty.


___________________________
The point is, who will stop me?
April 23, 2017, 12:13 AM
RichardC
Look at your comet/grape cluster red dot through your rear BUIS aperture and be amazed.

Similarly, look at your distorted red dot through a 3X magnifier.
What do you see?


____________________



April 28, 2017, 06:43 PM
DeputyCG
Thanks for all the replies. I hadn't actually considered the possibility of shooting glasses, I will put that to my doctor. I wonder if that will affect my far farsightedness?

Been looking at the different scopes offered by both Trijicon (accupoint and accupower) and the offerings from Leupold. Not really looking for a complex reticle, just somthing that will work at close range. A maximum of 100 yards.
April 30, 2017, 06:21 AM
RichardC
cjevans, the Weaver 1X3 works fine with uncorrected astigmatism.


____________________



April 30, 2017, 09:53 AM
lyman
quote:
Originally posted by DeputyCG:
Thanks for all the replies. I hadn't actually considered the possibility of shooting glasses, I will put that to my doctor. I wonder if that will affect my far farsightedness?

Been looking at the different scopes offered by both Trijicon (accupoint and accupower) and the offerings from Leupold. Not really looking for a complex reticle, just somthing that will work at close range. A maximum of 100 yards.


http://www.customsightpicture.com/

Doc Toler (the son) is my eye dr,

using this kit, I have a nice set of Decot's I use for shooting,
does not affect my distance vision,

I also have astigmatism, and only use readers for close work (reading/computer etc)



https://chandlersfirearms.com/chesterfield-armament/
April 30, 2017, 12:20 PM
cjevans
quote:
Originally posted by RichardC:
cjevans, the Weaver 1X3 works fine with uncorrected astigmatism.


Thanks - good to know!

Smile



We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." ~ Benjamin Franklin.

"If anyone in this country doesn't minimise their tax, they want their head read, because as a government, you are not spending it that well, that we should be donating extra...:
Kerry Packer

SIGForum: the island of reality in an ocean of diarrhoea.
April 30, 2017, 12:55 PM
CD228
See if there is gander mountain or other big box retailer with a scope petting zoo and take a look through them. All eyes are different, I have slight astigmatism and I can use an AIMPOINT with out issue. You can also search old threads on this very topic and see what worked for other SIGFORUMITES.

That said, Low powered Variables have been proven to be vey quick on target at close range at lower power. Also, reflection from a weapons light will illuminate your iron sights or a non-illuminated reticle. YMMV.