I thought I knew the answer to this, but then I ran across something recently that (may have) indicated I was wrong:

Do the separate flip-up magnifiers that are commonly placed in line behind optical sights like Aimpoints magnify the visual size of the red dot reticle as well as the image of the target?

I always assumed so, but if true, I also assume there’s no way they could change the relative size of the dot and image; i.e., if unmagnified dot covers 4 MOA of the target, it would still be 4 MOA as compared with the magnified image—correct? The statement (by a scope manufacturer, IIRC) seemed to suggest that if a separate 3× magnifier was used, it would be like having a 12 MOA dot covering the target.

As I say, I think I know the answer to both questions, but I’ve been wrong before and am therefore asking those who use magnifiers with red dot sights.

The dot doesn't change size - the magnifier magnifies both the image with the dot, so if it's 2 MOA, it remains 2 MOA.

It appears 'bigger' because the image is magnified, but it is the same size.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
It appears 'bigger' because the image is magnified, but it is the same size.

All right. That makes sense and is what I expected, but wanted to check. Thanks.