Shooting Performance Observations: RDS vs LPV vs Irons, etc...

[dfeder530]

What are the thoughts on a flip-to-side magnifier instead of a LPVO?

It can give better identification of targets with 3x, 4x, 6x magnification. Or it can be flipped to the side to have the advantages of a RDS up close and in unorthodox shooting positions. If not needed it can be removed to save weight. Also, most LPVO are only used at the lowest and highest magnification settings. At least a magnifier you can remove if you don't need it while still having a RDS optic.

[MSparks909]

YMMV but I find a (1-4/1-6) LPV will take a 0-200Y gun (standard 16" 5.56 AR) and turn it into a 0-600Y gun. I'm comfortable engaging B/C steel out to 200/250 with an Aimpoint or Eotech. 300 on a good day with a high visibility target. Further than 300 maximum or if the target starts to wash out at all in the background and I'm reaching for a good LPV.

I've got an Aimpoint on my "HD" carbine, and I've got a Steiner T5Xi 1-5 on my 16" GP rifle. I've also got an Eotech on a different AR and I think that is the best RDS sight for actual "shooting" but thats another can of worms.