looking for a 3X magnifier to mount on an AR 15, 14.5" (16" total) rifle.

Would like it to be compatible with the MBUIS sights as well on a co witness if possible.

Suggestions? Why?

As for magnifier brand, Aimpoint and Eotech are high quality, or you can go with a Vortex or Primary Arms if you're wanting something cheaper but still functional. (Pretty much just like with optics themselves.)

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
Would like it to be compatible with the MBUIS sights as well on a co witness if possible.

You won't be able to utilize BUIS through a magnifier, and there typically won't be sufficient room to stack an optic+magnifier+BUIS all in line on top of a receiver anyway. As it is, you may need to invest in a cantilever mount to get your PRO far enough forward to mount a magnifier.

The rear BUIS is typically mounted under the back of the magnifier, and you invest in a twist-/flip-to-side mount for the magnifier to be able to get the magnifier out of the way in order to utilize the BUIS or the unmagnified optic alone.

For example, this particular rifle has an Aimpoint PRO red dot in a Larue cantilever mount plus a Primary Arms 3x magnifier in a Larue flip-to-side mount, with stowed Magpul BUIS that I can use when the magnifier is flipped out of the way.

I HIGHLY recommend you buy a Magnifier with diopter adjustment ESPECIALLY if you are an older shooter. If you are 21 years old with 20/20 vision you might get by without it. If you are not don't waste money on a magnifier without diopter correction. I learned the hard way........

Aimpoint, EOTech, Primary Arms, Vortex, or Holosun are all fine. None of them are going to really wow you on glass quality, but they should all do what they are intended to.

Maybe it’s just me, but I always try to stay with the same company as the optic. I have Eotech and Trijicon magnifiers and they’ve been fine.

If it were me I’d go with this combo deal.