Non-magnified optic

A non-magnified optical sight, often simply called a non-magnified or non-magnifying optic, refers to a sighting system which uses windows or optical lenses, but which does not magnify what is seen through the sight. Common window or lens materials on such sights may include glass or plastic with various optical coatings.
Non-magnified optical sights are sometimes called 1×-sights, since not having any magnification at all is equivalent of multiplying with 1x ("one times magnification"). Comparatively, a 2x magnification sight increases the apparent size of objects viewed through the sight such that they appear twice as large as in real life.
Some common types of non-magnified optics include:
* Red dot sights (also known as reflector or reflex sights), which have an illuminated reticle that is partially reflected in the viewing window
* Holographic sights, which have a hologram of the reticle built into the viewing window
* 1x prism sights. A prism sight here refers to a type of scope sight with a fixed (non-adjustable) magnification. A non-magnified prism sight therefore has its nominal magnification set to 1x.
History
The term has been used in the firearms industry since at least 1975 when the Swedish company Aimpoint introduced their Aimpoint Electronic sight, which was billed as a "battery-powered, parallax-free non-magnifying electronic optical sight".
The term non magnifying optic has been used in the multigun ruleset of USPSA since the 2013 season.
User interface
Reticles
Non-magnified optics have either an etched reticle (for prism sights) or a non-etched reticle (for holographic and red dot sights). The reason red dot sights usually do not have an etched reticle is that elevation and windage usually is adjusted by moving the projection (and not the glass). Etched reticles on prism sights may be partially or fully illuminated, while holographic and red dot reticles need to be fully illuminated.
Reticles may be simple and include just a "dot", or be advanced reticles which can include linearly graded holdovers in milliradians (mrad) and minutes of arc (MOA), or parabolicly graded holdovers for cartridge specific bullet drop compensation (BDC) graded in for example meters or yards. Holographic and prism sights are commercially available with advanced reticles, while commercial red dot sights are only available with simple reticles (since they are adjusted by moving the projection).
Any illumination may be powered electronically (for example via battery or solar cell), by a fiber optic, or fluorescence (i.e. tritium).
Red is the most common reticle color for red dot sights, holographic and prism sights, and the Vortex Spitfire 1x AR prism scope. For example, the Aimpoint M5B has graduations to 500 meters, as an alternative to otherwise "holding over" (aiming over the target) at longer distances.
Comparison of the different types
The following section compares general advantages and disadvantages which are inherent to the three aforementioned non-magnified optic technologies (red dot sights, holographic sights and 1x prism sights).
;Parallax:
Sights with any of the three aforementioned sighting technologies are set by the manufacturer to be parallax free at a certain distance, but in practice they are often "near" parallax free from a couple of meters (obviously, the definition of "near" parallax free depends on the specific requirements of accuracy on the target). Depending on model and manufacturer, the true parallax free distance may for example be set at 50 or 100 meters, and the parallax error will increase on distances significantly shorter or longer than that.
;Turrets:
Sights with any of the three aforementioned sighting technologies can be implemented with either exposed or capped turrets (and which can be adjusted by hand or with tools). Any type may also be implemented with or without a zero stop function.
;Light transmission:
* Red dot sights need a reflective lens coating so that the illuminated reticle is reflected and becomes visible to the shooter. The coating may inherently decrease the light transmission of the optic, making the target appear darker.
* Holographic and prism sights can have clear lenses, and therefore have the potential for better light transmission.
;Reticles:
* Red dot sights in practice only feature a simple illuminated dot, and rarely feature more advanced reticles (due to technical constraints since the projected dot normally is being moved during zeroing). This is also why red dot sights in practice rarely have any reticle (simple or advanced) etched to the glass.
* Holographic sights are commercially offered with either simple or advanced reticles.
* 1x prism sights are commercially offered with either simple or advanced etched reticles, and usually have less reflections coming from the illuminated reticle, which could be preferable to shooters wearing prescription eyeglass. (similar to scope sights) which makes placement of the eye more critical (both back and forth and sideways).

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