Introduction
One of the most popular sighting configurations in use today, is the use of a Micro Prism and magnifier combo. Micro Prism’s are basically a compact scope with a reticle. Commonly they are used in similar situations as red dots, for shorter range firearms. These Micro Prisms give some shooters a more precise aim due to optical alignment issues. Folks with an astigmatism may have trouble defining a red dot aim point, whereas with a prism they can focus much better. The magnifier adds a level of optical magnification for additional precise placement on targets. This configuration is a bit newer to me, but I’ll walk you through my own experience as we test and evaluate the Vector Optics Paragon Micro Prism magnifier combo.
Vector Optics Paragon
Paragon Prism
Vector Optics makes a variety of different optical sights, including rifle scopes, red dots, and todays topic; the Paragon Micro Prism and magnifier. There are several different options including 1x, 3x, and 4x micro prisms. And they also make both a 3x and 5x magnifier to put behind the micro prism.
The Paragon Micro Prism uses two push-buttons to power up the reticle. You can power it up or down by holding the front button, while toggling brightness is done using either button. On the left side of the optic there is a battery housing for the CR3023 lithium cell, which makes it easy to change without messing up your zero.
Zeroing the reticle is done using a windage and elevation adjustment screw on the top and right side of the optic. A small flat screwdriver works great for adjustments. At the rear of the optic you can adjust the diopter for best focus. This optic can be a standalone sight, giving you a simple 1x view of your target area.
Paragon Magnifier
Adding the Paragon 3x Magnifier to the Micro Prism gives you an additional magnified image of the target area. And it does this without interfering with the prism or point of impact. The magnifier comes with a spring loaded mount that allows you to quickly pop it out of the way should you wish to use the simple 1x of the prism sight. And just as quickly snap the 3x back into place should you need a closer look at the target.
Vector’s spring-loaded mount has a small button on one side that when pushed, allows the magnifier to swing 90 degrees out of the way. In this position the magnifier is off to the side of your sight rail. Much like the prism, the magnifier is easily mounted on a picatinny rail using a small torx driver.
You might wonder why the magnifier has elevation and windage adjustments when it features not reticle inside. That is to allow you to center the magnifier over the reticle as seen through the prism optic in front of it. It also has an adjustable diopter at the rear to maximize focus and clarity.
Specifications
| Specification | Paragon 1×18 MiCRO PRISM | Paragon 3×18 Mini Magnifier |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 1x | 3x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 18 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Plane | N/A | N/A |
| Exit Pupil | N/A | 6.0 mm (0.24 in) |
| Eye Relief | 95 mm (3.74 in) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Field of View | 78.8 ft @ 100 yd (26.3 m @ 100 m) | 7.4° |
| Lens/Optics Coating | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Side Focus | 100 yd | N/A |
| Click Value | 1 MOA | N/A |
| Turret Function | N/A | N/A |
| Elevation Adjustment Range | >100 MOA | Yes |
| Windage Adjustment Range | >100 MOA | Yes |
| Elevation & Windage Adjustment | Separate adjustments | Yes |
| Diopter Compensation | -2 to +2 | -2 to +2 |
| Illumination | Red & Green; 8 Daylight, 2 Night Vision settings | N/A |
| Battery Type | CR2032 (not included) | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Fogproof | Nitrogen Filled | Nitrogen Filled |
| Shockproof | 1000 G | 1000 G |
| Housing Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy | 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy |
| Finish | Black Matte | Black Matte |
| Mount | Picatinny clamp | Flip-to-Side Quick Release Picatinny Mount |
| Center Height | N/A | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Length | 60.6 mm (2.39 in) | 70 mm (2.75 in) |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 215 g (7.6 oz) |
| Items Included | User Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Plastic Wrench, Riser Section, etc. | Riser Section, User Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Hex Key, etc. |
Host Rifles and Mounting
I have used the Paragon combination on a couple different rifles, both being small frame AR style rifles. The first one is a custom rifle I put together with a 16-inch upper, and the second is the Dark Storm Industries DS-25 MFR. The latter is more of a fighting rifle setup, which tends to be the type of rifle this sight configuration is used for.
Finding the right eye relief is paramount for mounting these optics. Putting them in the right spot that allows you to use either the prism alone, or the prism seen through the magnifier. Once the right eye relief is found, I snugged the two optics down to the pic rail.
I was immediately irritated with the misalignment of the reticle as seen through the magnifier. So in no time I adjusted the windage and elevation on the magnifier until the reticle of the prism was centered. I tested the swing-away feature of the magnifier a few times, and then I was ready to hit the range.
Shooting the Paragon Combination
I would end up shooting with the Paragon combo over the course of several range trips on both host rifles. I like the 1x power of the prism alone, it is fantastic for engaging targets that are not particularly far away. The same type of shooting you’d do with a red bot perhaps.
Engaging targets from 20 to 100-yards was very easily done, and allows the broad field of view. With head up and both eyes open, you can stay very aware of the target area and your own surroundings.
Snapping the magnifier into position would instantly give you the 3x power to add more precision to your shooting. Picking out targets beyond 100-yards was surprisingly easy, and the 2 MOA center dot of the reticle was still small enough to make some pretty good hits as far away as three to four-hundred yards if you could hold steady enough.
Optical Clarity
Vector Optics’ products have proven to be very good optical quality in my experience. And the Paragon combo was no different. Flaws are a little less obvious on lower power optics, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Vector is manufacturing OE products for other brands you would consider better or higher quality.
Bright images with little aberration were easily focused using the adjustable diopter. The brightness levels of the reticle were suitable for indoors and bright sunny day shooting.
Reliability
I don’t see any reason to doubt the durability of the electronics inside the Paragon Micro Prism. Some might suggest that its foreign manufacture are reason alone to doubt it, and I’m open to that possibility. But other Vector products have stood up for me over the course of years, and continue to work great. So I am perhaps a little more lenient on this topic.
Fasteners and materials used appear to be more than adequate, as does the mechanical hinge mechanism and lock. It really does feel like a nice product, comparable to brands that are considered by some to be much better.
Usability
The push-buttons are low profile, and I expect they are less likely to be damaged when compared to a rotary rheostat knob like comparable optics. Adjusting brightness and color is quite easy using the buttons. And the side mounted battery cover it easy to grip as well.
The low profile adjustment screws are easy to get at with your screwdriver, and wont get caught on anything. And adjusting focus of one or both optics is easily done from the shooting position if needed. Having a circle dot reticle also gives you some dexterity in your aiming.
Value
With a combined MSRP of under $230 I find this combo to be a good value. If you are the kind of shooter who’s life hangs on your sights working, you might feel the need to spend more. But for a typical hobbyist or sport shooter, the Paragon Micro Prism and Magnifier would probably be fine for your purposes.
Pros and Cons
Vector’s Paragon optics are pretty impressive considering their price. A comparable set from another manufacturer will easily cost double or more. I like the reticle, and its dual color illumination, the fine dot makes a precise aiming point. While the larger circle gives a fast bracket of the target when targets are close and your moving fast. The clear view and easy operation make it a great sight system. The only thing I wish they’d done was make it a compatible footprint with other popular brand optics like Trijicon so that you could use aftermarket systems like those from Unity Tactical.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a prism/magnifier combo, I recommend you should at least look at these to see if they meet your purposes. There is a lot of money to be spent on comparable systems, and this might do everything you need for much less.