I have an inexpensive PA red dot from PA ( i think it was about $120). works well enough, but in daylight, I cannot easily see the dot at 100 yds. I can see ok at 50. I have poor eyes, but corrected to 20/20 with glasses.

I am wondering if a rds with a magnifier would be a better solution, or if a better rds , such as going up to a vortex, eotech or aimpoint would solve this?

I also have a Nikon p223 3-9 scope, but I was hoping to be able to use just the rds to 100 yds.

Posted up on another forum, someone had a scope with the rds mounted on an angle between scope mounts, so had both on the rifle at the same time. Very interesting to have both these.

The scope is great for accuracy and longer range, but the much quicker target acquisition time is why I wanted the rds.

appreciate anyone's experiences.

I have the Eotech 512 with the Vortex VMX-3T magnifier. It's not a cheap route to go but it works really well. Being able to adjust the focus via the Vortex allows me to compensate for my eyesight and gives me a nice, crisp reticle pattern.

personally i don't like magnifiers because of added weight and extra bulk.i would look into adding a Burris fastfire or Trijicon rmr to the scope you already have.they are small,lightweight and can be mounted just about anywhere with the right mount. Gonna run in the $300-$600 range but this with your scope should handle all your short to mid range needs.

Try putting a fresh battery in it, it really should be bright enough to see at all ranges. I have the PA red dot, Bushnell red dot, Vortex red dot, and an Aimpoint red dot, they are all about the same brightness wise. Turn the brightness up in the sun, down in the overcast, all off them can get too bright on the overcast days. If a new battery doesn't make it brighter, the sight may have a problem, or it might be your eyes,,,

I don't understand the question. If this is a red dot sight, not a laser, why would it make a difference if the target is 50 yards or 100 yards? The dot itself is in the tube and does not project.

I do have a problem with depth perception, actually no problem, I just don't have any, so perhaps the way I see through a red dot is not correct for someone with normal vision.

^ this. You should see the dot no matter what distance the target is, as the dot remains only a few inches from your eye.

If you lose the dot at distances, that indicates it's your vision that is the issue. likely your eye is having trouble bringing the target at that distance and the dot from the optic into focus together. You put priority on the target, and the dot goes out of focus and appears less bright.

Keep in mind that's a theory, I'm no eye doctor (but perhaps you should talk with one about your issue:-) )

__________________
686/M&P9 Pro/M&P15X/M&P15-22

thanks. i understand this. I think there are 2 issues. one is seeing the dot vs. the target in sunlight. And yes, it is a small bullseye I am looking at at 300'. So putting the red dot on a few inch black target at that distance is the issue. I am going to up the intensity of the dot so there will be more contrast, but was thinking a magnifier would make the target bigger to me.

A magnifier will magnify the target, but it also magnifies the dot as well. In other words, the ratio between dot size and target size does not change.

It sounds like to me that you are trying to use a red dot in place of a scope, and that doesn't work. A red dot sight is made for quick target acquisition and making hits, not making tight little groups on paper. At 100 yards, I'm going to say that if you are shooting at a target that is smaller than a 8" pie plate with a 3 MOA dot, you are going to have difficulty seeing the target.

I agree with cyph 100%. also,maybe look into a 1-4 or 1-6 scope w/illumination.

1 MOA dot covers 1" of a target at 100 yards.

3 MOA dot covers 3" of a target at 100 yards.

I have astigmatism. I discovered to at a 3 MOA LED dot gives me a fuzzy starburst. I have an easier time with an EoTech 1 MOA holographic laser sight. If you're going for distance in daytime, turn up the intensity of the dot and use a magnifier.

The drawback to magnifying a LED dot is that the dot is also magnified.

__________________
-John

thanks for all the input. I have a 2MOA rds. I have a regular 50' pistol competition target at 100 yds, so I am putting that 2" dot on the black, and trying to get a 3 shot group there. Maybe not possible with 2MOA and I need a 1 MOA? Or as you say, maybe I need to put the Nikon 223 scope on for this.

I would go scope.