Magnifiers mount behind a red dot or holographic sight and add magnification for identifying and engaging targets at longer range. The category covers magnifiers in a range of magnifications, with flip-to-side mounts that move the magnifier out of the way for fast, unmagnified shooting at close range. Military users, law enforcement officers, and competitive shooters all rely on magnifiers to stretch a red dot or holographic sight to longer distances.

Options include flip-to-side magnifiers in a range of magnifications from top brands like EOTech and Holosun. Models differ in magnification, size and weight, housing material, and mount type.

Think about the distances the rifle will be used at. Lower magnification extends a red dot or holographic sight for medium range while keeping a wider view, and higher magnification reaches farther. A flip-to-side mount lets the shooter swing the magnifier out of the way and go back to 1x for close targets, then flip it back in for distance. The magnifier sits behind the sight on the rail, so it has to match the sight's mounting height, and some magnifiers fit both absolute and lower 1/3 co-witness heights. Choose a quick-detach mount if the magnifier needs to come off, and look for tool-free vertical and horizontal adjustments if it needs to be fine-tuned without tools. Compact models take up less rail space and add less weight to a carbine.

Pair a magnifier with rifle red dots or holographic sights, and add a weapon light for low-light use. See more optics for the rest of the setup.