this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2026
10 points (91.7% liked)

guns

1743 readers
22 users here now

Keep it civil.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I'm decades behind the latest tech, so excuse me if this is a dumb question. I see a lot of compact red dot sights on semi-auto pistols these days. Do any of them include a bit of magnification, like 1.5x or so? I took a quick look online and was overwhelmed with options.

Asking because my eyes are getting older, and a little magnification is going to be helpful someday soon.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Carmakazi@piefed.social 5 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago) (4 children)

Short answer to your question is no.

Magnification requires multiple optical lenses which creates an "eye box", the specific distance between eye and optic that you need to see a clear picture. You can't use binoculars held two feet away from your face, for example. This is difficult to implement on a handgun because of the variability in how different people hold handguns, especially in more dynamic shooting. It may be near impossible because of the size constraints of the pistol red dot format.

You could opt to use a more traditional handgun scope but you'd be looking at an...interesting mounting solution that is not conducive to being carried in a holster. Think the .45 Longslide from Terminator 1.

[–] kersploosh@sh.itjust.works 3 points 17 hours ago (2 children)

Good points.

I've used traditional scopes on Ruger Standards, and they work great since the scope can attach to the frame and not move when the bolt cycles. But mounting a traditional scope on the slide of a modern semi-auto just seems like a terrible idea. Lots of added mass flying around. I was hoping the red dot makers had some slick magical solution. Guess I'll just need to bring my prescription glasses to the range when that day comes.

[–] PyroNeurosis@sopuli.xyz 4 points 15 hours ago

Hey! On the plus side, you will never forget eyepro at the range!

load more comments (1 replies)
load more comments (2 replies)