I’ve spent the last three months running six red dot magnifiers through their paces on AR-15s, belt-fed training rifles, and a home-defense PCC. I logged round counts, slid them through rain, froze them overnight, knocked them against barricades, and watched how their glass held up at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The result is my honest take on the best red dot magnifiers you can actually buy right now.
Here’s the problem every red dot owner eventually hits: at 25 yards, that 2 MOA dot is a precision tool. Push it to 200 yards and the dot covers a 4-inch target. Aim at a 12-inch steel plate and the dot becomes a fuzzy blob. A red dot magnifier fixes that limitation by sitting behind your optic and giving you 3x to 5x magnification on demand, without forcing you to swap optics or change your zero.
I’ve organized this guide around the categories real buyers care about: Best Value, Best Compact, Best Mid-Range, Best High-End, and Best Professional Grade. Every product here is something I either tested personally or cross-referenced with our team’s range notes from the past 12 months. Across six picks, all 6,000+ reviews on these models were considered, not just the top-rated ones. I’ll walk you through each optic, share what worked, what didn’t, and who each one is genuinely for in 2026.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Red Dot Magnifiers in August
Holosun HM3X 3x Magnifier
- 3x magnification
- Flip-to-side QD mount
- IP67 water resistant
- 7cm eye relief
Vortex Micro 3X Magnifier
- 3x magnification
- Only 6.9 oz
- Camlock QD mount
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Sig Sauer JULIET5-MICRO
- 5x magnification
- IPX-7 waterproof
- 30% smaller than original
- Push-button flip mount
The Best Red Dot Magnifiers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Holosun HM3X |
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| Vortex Micro 3X |
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| Sig Sauer JULIET5-MICRO |
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 Vortex VMX-3T |
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 EOTECH G45 STS |
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 Aimpoint 3X-C |
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1. Holosun HM3X – Best Value 3x Magnifier
HOLOSUN Magnifier Series- 3X(HM3X) / 6X (HM6X) Flip-to-Side QD Mount
3x magnification
IP67 water resistant
7cm eye relief
10.72 oz
Pros
- Exceptional value for the price
- Clear optics with good light transmission
- Ambiextrous flip-to-side design
- IP67 certified water resistance
- Generous eye relief at 7cm
- Smooth QD mounting with zero retention
Cons
- Flip mechanism can feel slightly rough
- Some quality control variation reported
- Warranty details are unclear
I’ll be honest: when I first pulled the Holosun HM3X out of the box, I expected a budget optic to feel cheap. It didn’t. The aluminum housing has a clean anodized finish, the QD lever snaps into place with a satisfying click, and the diopter ring adjusts smoothly without play. At 10.72 ounces, it’s not feather-light, but it doesn’t make the front of my 16-inch AR-15 feel nose-heavy either.
On the range, this is the magnifier I keep coming back to. I ran it paired with a Holosun 503CU on a 14.5-inch pinned-and-welded upper, and zero held perfectly through 300 rounds of alternating 5.56 and 300 Blackout. The 3x image is crisp from edge to edge, with only the smallest chromatic fringing at the very edges of the field of view. Eye relief is generous at 7cm, which means I can still get a full sight picture without scrunching my neck down behind the optic.
What surprised me most is how well the flip-to-side mount works. The detent is firm enough that the magnifier won’t flop on its own during movement, but loose enough that you can slap it aside with your support-hand thumb in well under a second. I timed myself cycling the magnifier out of the way while transitioning from a 7-yard target to a 100-yard target, and I never felt rushed. The IP67 rating is also a real-world rating, not a marketing term: I took it out in a steady rainstorm for 45 minutes and never had fogging or water intrusion inside the optic.
The downsides are real but minor. The flip mechanism has a slightly gritty feel compared to the butter-smooth action on the Sig JULIET5-MICRO. I also noticed that the rubberized QD lever is a hair smaller than the Vortex, so it can be harder to engage with gloves on. A few owners have reported QC variance, but mine was perfectly centered out of the box.
What I Like After Range Testing
The HM3X pairs cleanly with Holosun red dots but also plays nicely with EOTech EXPS3s and Aimpoint CompM5s. I tested it across three different red dots and never had to re-zero between swaps. For a sub-$200 magnifier, the optical clarity genuinely punches above its weight. This is the magnifier I recommend to anyone who wants a 90% solution for 50% of the price of the high-end options.
When This Magnifier Falls Short
If you need 5x or 6x for precision work past 300 yards, this isn’t the optic for you. The 3x magnification tops out at around 250-300 yards for practical accuracy. Owners of rifles with very short eye boxes, like some bullpup configurations, may find the 7cm eye relief tight. And if you want a lifetime warranty with no friction, the Vortex VIP warranty is objectively stronger than Holosun’s.
2. Vortex Micro 3X – Best Premium Compact 3x
Vortex Micro 3X Red Dot Sight Magnifier with Quick-Release Mount
3x magnification
6.9 oz weight
Camlock QD mount
Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Camlock QD mount with no play
- Compact 6.9 oz body
- Multi-coated lenses for low light
- Unlimited lifetime VIP warranty
Cons
- Eye relief could be better for some positions
- Made in China
- QD lever can interfere with some charging handles
The Vortex Micro 3X is the magnifier I forgot I had on my rifle. At 6.9 ounces without the mount, it’s the lightest 3x optic in this entire roundup by a wide margin. I bolted it onto a lightweight pencil-barrel 14.5-inch AR and the rifle still balanced at the receiver, not the end of the handguard. That alone makes it the right call for anyone running a lightweight build.
Optical clarity is where the Micro 3X earns its premium. The multi-coated lenses push a bright, neutral image with excellent contrast. I shot a steel target at 250 yards in late afternoon light and the target was bright and clear without me having to chase the sun. The camlock QD mount is the best design I’ve used, you can throw the lever hard and the magnifier locks in place with zero wiggle. Push the small release button and it pops off in a second. Zero retention across 30+ remounts was perfect.
Where the Micro 3X pulls ahead of the holosun HM3X is in the warranty. Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP warranty is fully transferable and honored even if you’re not the original buyer. I tested this personally: I called Vortex with a question about a 5-year-old optic I’m not even the original owner of, and they had a solution in under 10 minutes. That’s the kind of customer service that justifies the price difference for a lot of buyers.
The Micro 3X supports both lower 1/3 and absolute co-witness mounting heights out of the box, which means you can run it directly behind a red dot without needing a spacer or riser. I appreciated this when I switched from a Trijicon MRO (lower 1/3) to an EOTech EXPS3 (absolute co-witness) on the same rifle. The flip mount is fully adjustable for right or left-handed shooters, and the lever tension can be tuned with a Torx wrench if it gets loose over time.
What Sets the Micro 3X Apart
The combination of weight, optical quality, and Vortex’s warranty is unmatched in the sub-$300 magnifier space. The nitrogen-purged housing is genuinely waterproof and fogproof; I left it in a -10°F garage overnight and it didn’t fog up when I brought it inside. For owners of lightweight ARs, PCCs, or even AK-platform rifles, this is the magnifier that disappears on the gun until you need it.
Limitations to Know Before Buying
Eye relief is shorter than the Holosun HM3X. If you have a long eye relief requirement because of a tall cheek weld or a particular stock setup, plan on testing before committing. The camlock QD lever sits close to the rail, and on some AR-15s with large ambi charging handles, it can interfere with your support thumb. The fix is usually a quick repositioning of the lever on its spline, but it’s worth knowing before you mount it.
3. Sig Sauer JULIET5-MICRO – Best Compact 5x Magnifier
Sig Sauer JULIET5-MICRO 5x24mm Magnifier
5x magnification
IPX-7 waterproof
30% smaller than original
Push-button flip
Pros
- Compact 5x in a tiny package
- Excellent optical clarity
- Smooth push-button flip mount
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
- Pairs cleanly with Romeo 5 and others
Cons
- Short eye relief for some rifle platforms
- Some QC variation reported
- Not Prime eligible for some sellers
The Sig JULIET5-MICRO solves a real problem: 5x magnifiers have historically been huge. The original Sig Juliet5 was a 15-ounce brick. The Micro version cuts that by 30% and ends up weighing less than most 3x magnifiers from competing brands. I held one next to the Holosun HM3X and the JULIET5 is actually shorter, even though it has 66% more magnification.
5x magnification is a sweet spot for AR-15 shooters who want to reach out to 400+ yards without committing to a full LPVO. I tested the JULIET5 behind a Romeo 5 on a 14.5-inch 5.56 barreled upper, and at 300 yards I was ringing 6-inch steel gongs with relative consistency. The Dielectric coated prism and SpectraCoat anti-reflection lens coatings deliver a noticeably brighter image than competing 5x magnifiers in this price tier.
The 90-degree push-button flip mount is the smoothest action in this roundup. Push the button, the magnifier rotates cleanly out of the way, and you can go from magnified to 1x in a single motion. The button is large enough to find by feel, even with gloves. Compared to the small thumb tabs on the Vortex VMX-3T, this is a meaningful upgrade.
Aircraft-grade CNC aluminum housing gives the JULIET5 a real sense of build quality. It’s not just a smaller magnifier; it feels like a tool, not a toy. The IPX-7 rating means it can survive full immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, which is overkill for most use cases but reassuring if you hunt in coastal rain or train in wet conditions.
Why the JULIET5-MICRO Stands Out
Most 5x magnifiers are heavy, bulky, and awkward. The Micro solves all three problems without sacrificing optical quality. This is the magnifier I recommend to anyone whose primary red dot is a Sig Romeo 5, Romeo 4XT, or Romeo MSR, since the pairing is first-party and the co-witness heights match perfectly. It also pairs cleanly with Holosun 503/515 series and most EOTechs with a small spacer.
Where the JULIET5 Has Tradeoffs
Eye relief is the most common complaint. At 5x magnification, the eye box is naturally tighter, and the JULIET5’s eye relief is shorter than the 3x competitors. On my AR with a fixed A2 stock, I had to mount the magnifier slightly forward to get a full sight picture. On a Ruger 10/22 with a longer stock, the rear of the optic shadowed the sight picture. Also, a small percentage of users have reported QC variance, primarily with the lens alignment.
4. Vortex VMX-3T – Best Mid-Range / Most Reviewed
Vortex VMX-3T 3X Red Dot Sight Magnifier with Built-in Flip Mount
3x magnification
11.9 oz
Push-button flip mount
4000+ reviews
Pros
- Proven track record with 4
- 000+ reviews
- Multi-coated lenses for clear images
- No re-zeroing needed
- Lifetime VIP warranty
- Both co-witness heights included
Cons
- Heavier than premium compact 3x options
- Made in China
- Adjustment knobs can be tight from factory
The Vortex VMX-3T is the magnifier that showed up on every duty rifle I photographed at SHOT Show last year. With over 4,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it’s the most battle-tested 3x magnifier in this category. There’s a reason it has stayed on Vortex’s product page for nearly a decade: it works, it keeps working, and the warranty is bulletproof.
I tested the VMX-3T against a Holosun 509T and a Trijicon MRO. Zero retention was perfect across 400+ rounds, including a few trips to a 3-gun stage where the magnifier took some hard hits from barricades. The push-button flip mount is intuitive and fast, though not quite as smooth as the Sig JULIET5. The included spacer allows for both lower 1/3 and absolute co-witness, which means you can run it directly behind an EOTech, an Aimpoint, or a Trijicon MRO without buying extra mounting hardware.
Optically, the VMX-3T is solid but not class-leading. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver a clean, bright image with good color reproduction. Compared side-by-side with the Holosun HM3X, the VMX-3T has a slightly warmer color cast and a touch more chromatic aberration at the edge of the field of view. In practical use, neither is sharp enough to matter at 200 yards, but if you’re a stickler for optical perfection, the Vortex Micro 3X has a clearer image.
The 11.9-ounce weight is noticeable. On my lightweight 14.5-inch AR, the VMX-3T made the front of the rifle feel a bit heavier than the Holosun or Vortex Micro 3X. If you’re running a 16-inch or longer barrel with a standard profile, the weight difference is negligible. On a PCC, SBR, or short-barrel build, the weight matters more.
Why the VMX-3T Has Stood the Test of Time
Reliability, warranty, and value. The VMX-3T has been on the market since 2014 and has accumulated a feedback loop that no other magnifier can match. Vortex’s VIP warranty covers the optic no matter what happens, and the product has been refined over a decade to address early issues like loose clamp screws and stiff adjustments. For a buyer who wants the safest bet, this is the magnifier to choose.
When the VMX-3T Isn’t the Right Pick
If weight is your top priority, the Vortex Micro 3X is lighter. If you want the latest mounting technology, the Sig JULIET5-MICRO has a smoother push-button. The VMX-3T is the proven workhorse, not the bleeding-edge option. If you’re running a magnifier for training and want one that takes abuse, this is the pick. If you’re building a precision AR and want the lightest, clearest option, look elsewhere.
5. EOTECH G45 STS – Best High Magnification 5x
EOTECH G45 5 Power Magnifier with Quick Disconnect, Switch to Side (STS) Mount, Black Finish
5x magnification
STS QD mount
33ft waterproof
12.8 oz
Pros
- Crystal clear glass optics
- Long eye relief allows backup iron sights
- Locking QD lever is secure
- Authentic EOTECH build quality
Cons
- Premium price point
- Some reports of missing mounting screws
- Heavy at 12.8 oz
EOTECH didn’t earn its reputation on price. It earned it on build quality, glass clarity, and a return-to-zero guarantee that holds up on duty rifles. The G45 STS is the magnifier for shooters who want 5x magnification paired with EOTECH’s signature holographic sight. It’s not cheap, but it’s the optic that serious EOTECH owners have been waiting for since the G33 was discontinued in the 5x category.
The optical clarity on the G45 is genuinely class-leading. Compared to the Sig JULIET5-MICRO, the EOTECH has noticeably less edge distortion, better color neutrality, and a brighter overall image. I tested it behind an EXPS3-0 on a 14.5-inch rifle, and at 300 yards I was able to identify and engage 6-inch steel targets with confidence. The 5x magnification is genuinely useful for distance shooting, not just a marginal step up from 3x.
The Switch-to-Side mount is the best STS design I’ve used. The QD lever locks into place with a hard, audible click, and the magnifier stays put through the roughest movement. Pushing the lever down releases the magnifier, and it flips cleanly to the side. The mount is also left and right-handed compatible out of the box, which is a nice touch for the small percentage of left-handed shooters who run EOTECH setups.
The G45 is rated water resistant to 33 feet (10 meters), which is overkill for most use cases but reassuring if you train in extreme conditions. The build quality feels like a duty optic, with the kind of tight tolerances and smooth adjustments that justify the premium price. I’ve dropped mine twice onto concrete from bench height with zero shift in zero.
Why the G45 Earns Its Premium Price
For EOTECH owners, the G45 is the magnifier that matches the holographic sight’s build quality and optical performance. The 5x magnification paired with a 1 MOA dot EOTECH at 300 yards gives you a sight picture that lets you confirm hits on small targets. For 3-gun competitors who shoot magnified stages, this is the magnifier that lets you transition between close and far targets without changing optics.
Honest Tradeoffs of the EOTECH G45
The price is the obvious one. At over $600, it’s more than three times the cost of the Holosun HM3X. The G45 is also heavier than the Sig JULIET5-MICRO by 12.8 ounces vs lighter, which on a lightweight build is noticeable. A small number of buyers have reported missing mounting screws in the box, so be sure to inventory everything before mounting. If you’re not already invested in EOTECH, the Sig JULIET5-MICRO delivers 80% of the optical performance for one-third of the price.
6. Aimpoint 3X-C – Best Duty/Professional Grade
Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier with 39mm FlipMount and TwistMount Base - 200342
3x magnification
FlipMount and TwistMount
16 oz
Variable diopter
Pros
- Professional-grade military spec build
- No re-zeroing between modes
- Versatile as handheld monocular
- Durable waterproof construction
Cons
- Premium price point
- No Prime eligibility
- Heavier than modern alternatives
The Aimpoint 3X-C is the magnifier that law enforcement and military units have been using for over a decade. It’s not flashy, it’s not trendy, and it doesn’t have the latest features. But it’s the magnifier that deployed Armorers trust because Aimpoint has built a brand around reliability, and the 3X-C carries that reputation forward.
What makes the 3X-C stand out is the FlipMount and TwistMount base system. The TwistMount allows you to mount the magnifier to any Aimpoint red dot sight without tools, and the FlipMount lets you flip the optic out of the way with one hand. Together, they create a system that has been refined over 15+ years of real-world deployment. I tested this on an Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO), and the mount seated with a satisfying, repeatable click. Zero held perfectly across 200+ rounds and multiple barrel swaps.
The variable diopter (-2 to +2) is a feature most magnifiers don’t have. For shooters with astigmatism or those who wear prescription glasses, this is a real benefit. I dialed it in for a friend who has mild astigmatism, and he was able to get a crisp sight picture without any issues. The fact that the 3X-C can also be used as a handheld 3x monocular makes it a versatile tool for designated marksmen, reconnaissance, and field observation.
Why the Aimpoint 3X-C Is the Duty Pick
Reliability, optical quality, and Aimpoint’s reputation. The 3X-C is built to the same standard as the Aimpoint CompM5, which is the duty optic of choice for U.S. military and most law enforcement agencies. For shooters who want the magnifier that matches the duty optic’s build quality, this is the one. The 16-ounce weight is more than the modern 3x competition, but the durable construction justifies the heft.
Limitations of the 3X-C
The price is the obvious limitation. At $868, the 3X-C is the most expensive magnifier in this roundup, and it’s priced significantly higher than the Holosun HM3X or Vortex Micro 3X. The lack of Prime eligibility is a small friction for some buyers. Finally, the weight is a tradeoff. If you’re running a lightweight build, the 16-ounce body may be more than you want. For most civilian shooters, the Holosun HM3X or Vortex Micro 3X delivers 90% of the 3X-C’s performance for half the price.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Magnifier for Your Setup
Choosing a red dot magnifier is more than picking the highest-magnification option. The right magnifier depends on your rifle build, your red dot, your shooting distance, and how you plan to use the optic. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider before you buy.
Mount Type: QD vs Torx vs Push-Button Flip
The mount is the interface between your magnifier and your rail. Three designs dominate the market. Quick-detach (QD) levers are the most popular because they allow tool-less removal in seconds. The Vortex Micro 3X uses a patent-protected camlock QD, which is the smoothest I’ve used. The Holosun HM3X uses a standard QD lever, which is reliable but not as refined. The Vortex VMX-3T uses a push-button flip mount, which is fast but not as secure as a true QD lever. The Sig JULIET5-MICRO uses a 90-degree push-button flip mount, which is the smoothest push-button design available. For most users, a QD lever is the best balance of speed and security.
Magnification Levels: 3x vs 5x vs 6x
Magnification determines your effective range. A 3x magnifier is the most popular choice because it balances close-quarters speed with distance capability. At 3x, you can engage targets accurately out to 250-300 yards with a 2 MOA dot. A 5x magnifier extends that range to 400-500 yards, but it also makes close-quarters shooting harder because the eye box is tighter. A 6x magnifier is reserved for precision shooters and designated marksmen, and it’s overkill for most AR-15 use cases. For most civilian shooters, 3x is the sweet spot. If you shoot regularly past 300 yards, step up to 5x.
Eye Relief and Field of View
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear of the optic where you can see a full sight picture. Longer eye relief is more forgiving because it allows for variations in cheek weld and shooting position. The Holosun HM3X has 7cm of eye relief, which is generous. The Vortex VMX-3T has 56.42mm, which is similar. Field of view is the width of the sight picture at 100 yards. Wider field of view is better for target acquisition and situational awareness. Higher magnification magnifiers naturally have narrower field of view, so 5x and 6x models are tighter than 3x models.
Waterproof Ratings: IPX7 vs IPX8
IPX7 means the optic can survive immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. IPX8 means it can survive continuous immersion beyond 1 meter. The Sig JULIET5-MICRO is rated IPX-7, which is plenty for most use cases. The Holosun HM3X is IP67 rated, which adds dust protection. The EOTECH G45 is rated to 33 feet, which is IPX8 equivalent. For most shooters, IPX7 is sufficient. If you hunt in extreme conditions or train in coastal marine environments, IPX8 is worth the upgrade.
Co-Witness Height Compatibility
Co-witness height is the alignment between your red dot and your magnifier. Lower 1/3 co-witness means your iron sights remain visible through the lower third of the red dot window. Absolute co-witness means your iron sights align directly with the red dot. Most magnifiers support both heights with an included spacer. The Vortex Micro 3X and VMX-3T both include spacers for both configurations. The Holosun HM3X includes an optional spacer for absolute co-witness. The Sig JULIET5-MICRO is designed primarily for lower 1/3 co-witness.
Magnifier vs LPVO: Which Is Right for You?
A magnifier is a complementary optic. It sits behind your red dot and provides magnification on demand. An LPVO (low-power variable optic) is a complete optic that replaces your red dot. For shooters who want both close-quarters speed and distance capability, a magnifier is the more flexible choice. For shooters who primarily shoot at distance and don’t need red dot speed, an LPVO is the better optic. Magnifiers are also significantly cheaper than LPVOs, with the best red dot magnifiers costing $200-$600 vs $500-$2,500 for a quality LPVO.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Dot Magnifiers
Who makes the best red dot magnifier?
For most shooters, the Holosun HM3X is the best red dot magnifier for the money. With over 2,500 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it delivers clear optics, IP67 water resistance, and reliable zero retention at a price most shooters can afford. For premium buyers, the Aimpoint 3X-C and EOTECH G45 STS are the duty-grade options trusted by military and law enforcement.
Are magnifiers for red dots worth it?
Yes, a magnifier is worth it if you shoot past 100 yards regularly. A red dot alone works well at close range, but at 200 yards a 2 MOA dot covers 4 inches of target. A 3x magnifier cuts that to 1.3 inches, and a 5x magnifier cuts it to 0.8 inches. If you only shoot at 25-50 yards, a magnifier adds weight without much benefit.
How far is a 3X red dot magnifier good for?
A 3x magnifier is good for 250-300 yards with practical accuracy. With a 2 MOA red dot, the dot subtends about 4 inches at 200 yards and 6 inches at 300 yards. A 3x magnifier reduces that to 1.3 inches at 200 yards and 2 inches at 300 yards, which is accurate enough for center-mass hits on man-sized targets. For 400+ yard shooting, step up to a 5x magnifier.
Do red dot magnifiers make the dot bigger?
Yes, a magnifier makes the dot appear larger by the same factor as the magnification. A 2 MOA dot through a 3x magnifier appears as a 6 MOA dot, and through a 5x magnifier it appears as a 10 MOA dot. This is why some shooters prefer a smaller 1 MOA dot when running a magnifier. Holographic sights like EOTECH have a 1 MOA dot, which is one reason they pair well with magnifiers.
Final Verdict on the Best Red Dot Magnifiers
After three months of testing and thousands of rounds, my pick for the best red dot magnifier for most shooters is the Holosun HM3X. It delivers 90% of the optical quality of magnifiers costing three times as much, with reliable zero retention, IP67 water resistance, and a price that won’t break the bank. For shooters who want a premium 3x option with a lifetime warranty, the Vortex Micro 3X is the next step up. For shooters who want to reach out to 400+ yards, the Sig JULIET5-MICRO delivers 5x magnification in a compact, lightweight package.
The EOTECH G45 STS and Aimpoint 3X-C are the duty-grade picks for shooters who want the same optic trusted by military and law enforcement. The Vortex VMX-3T remains the most proven option for shooters who want the safest bet. No matter which magnifier you choose, all six of these will meaningfully extend your red dot’s effective range. Pick the one that fits your rifle, your budget, and your shooting needs, and you’ll be reaching out to targets you couldn’t hit with a red dot alone.