Magnifiers only magnify and don't need to be accurate where a scope has to be accurate because its the aiming device.
Agreed, but when deployed if the optic (whether a scope or magnifier) has 1/8" movement whether deployed or at rest, if the optic doesn't settle consistently in the mount, the dot will wander while sighting.
Now, I've found that at 100yds with my T and Aimpoint optical platform sitting on LaRue mounts sighting on a 10" target that as long as the dot is on target, it will be hit. 4" groupings @ 100yds w/red dot and magnifier. And taking time to aim.
When the Vortex's magnifying mount doesn't settle consistently
behind the dot w/my 15/22, I was lucky to hit paper.
After reaching my hand up to press on the mount to ensure it was locked and settled, my groups were back to less than 5".
So in my experience so far, I've found that altho the magnifier isn't an 'aim device' if not lined up with aiming device consistently and in the same spot, the dot will appear too high for my lower 1/3 co-witness which in turn throws off my presumed POI.
Like I've said, Ima gonna call Vortex and complain about the flip mount that came with it cuz I don't hear anyone else complaining about theirs being loose.
The way the Vortex 3-VMT? is designed with the mounting plate on the bottom sorta puts the KI-BOSH on getting a good aftermarket mount.
A ring could be used on the back of the magnifier with another mount, but the mount would have to be cantilevered towards the stock. I haven't seen any aftermarket mounts for the Vortex 3X yet, anyone?
But on another note,
The LaRue flip mount I bought for my Aimpoint magnifier has a skoshe of play in it also.
A comparison would be the Vortex has 1mm of play, the Aimpoint has 1cm.
I also gotta put in a plug for Vortex, also. The Vortex magnifier works just as well as the Aimpoint and costs much less.
Only complaint comparing the Vortex to the Aimpoint is the eye relief isn't as great as the AP's. And the supplied mount.
Optics, ruggedness, ease of use right up there with the Aimpoint.
My complaint with the AP is the lack of being able to focus it. No way to focus it and since I need glasses (which I don't wear while shooting), everthang looks kinda fuzzy.
The Vortex can focus the fuzziness out.
Same goes for the Vortex StrikeFire and Aimpoint Pro.
The StrikeFire works just as well as the Pro and has two dot colors and my preference is the green.
The Pro's dot brightness works for 4 clicks w/o night vision. The StrikeFire's dot brightness adjustment can be varied lots more than my Pro's.
The night vision on the StrikeFire is a dedicated platform (different modes) the Pro's isn't.
The 'halo' effect when turned to maximum on the Pro is very pronounced, not so with the StrikeFire.
I'd say they are on par w/one another but the SF is assembled by the C.H.Ina company and I know lots of guys don't want anything but USA products on their rifles.
Bet they shoot cheap imported ammo sometimes, tho!
