Feyachi M36 1.5-5X Red-Dot Magnifier Flip-to-Side Mount review

Looking to extend the effective range of your red dot without sacrificing the speed of close-quarters engagement?

Quick overview of the Feyachi M36 1.5X – 5X Red Dot Sight Optics Magnifier with Flip to Side Mount

You want something simple, fast, and effective — and that’s the promise of the Feyachi M36 1.5X – 5X Red Dot Sight Optics Magnifier with Flip to Side Mount. It’s a magnifier designed to work as an upgrade to many red dot sights so you can quickly transition between a 1X red dot and a magnified view for longer shots by flipping the unit to the side.

What this product is best for

This magnifier is best for shooters who already run a red dot and want inexpensive magnification for mid-range engagements without committing to a fixed magnified optic. If you need adjustable magnification (1.5x to 5x) and a robust flip-to-side mount for rapid transitions, this unit fits that role. You get fast target acquisition at short distances and a magnified sight picture when you push the unit into place.

Key features at a glance

You’ll appreciate these core attributes when evaluating whether the M36 fits your needs:

Flip-to-side Picatinny rail mount for quick transitions between 1X and magnified modes.
Adjustable magnification from 1.5x to 5x so you can tune the level of zoom.
Designed to work with absolute co-witness red dot sights (doesn’t fit lower 1/3 co-witness height).
Rugged steel mount to help prevent loss of zero under rough handling.
2.2–3.6 inches of eye relief depending on magnification and your setup.
Windage and elevation adjustments to help center your red dot in the magnified view.
Multi-coated optics for improved resolution, color fidelity, and light transmission.

Specifications (table)

Below is a breakdown of the main specs to help you compare quickly.

Specification	Details
Product name	Feyachi M36 1.5X – 5X Red Dot Sight Optics Magnifier with Flip to Side Mount
Magnification	Adjustable 1.5x — 5x
Mount type	Flip-to-side Picatinny rail mount (steel)
Co-witness compatibility	Designed for absolute co-witness (doesn’t fit lower 1/3 co-witness height)
Eye relief	2.2 — 3.6 inches
Adjustments	Windage and elevation adjustments for centering
Optics	Multi-coated lenses
Use case	Upgrade for red dot sights to increase effective range
Weight / Dimensions	Not specified by manufacturer
Protection & durability	Rugged steel mount for zero retention
Quick transition	Yes — push magnifier to side to return to 1X

Optical performance and image quality

You’ll notice the optical performance relies heavily on the lens coatings and the glass quality. The multi-coated optics on the M36 aim to maximize resolution, light gathering, and color fidelity so that your sight picture is sharp and usable across the magnification range. At lower magnifications the image is brighter and wider, and at higher magnifications you’ll see more detail but less field of view.

Because the magnifier is adjustable between 1.5x and 5x, you can fine-tune how much detail you want. When you crank toward 5x, expect a narrower field of view and slightly more sensitivity to hand movement — that’s normal for higher magnifications. The coatings help maintain contrast and reduce flare, particularly in mixed-light conditions.

Magnification and practical reach

The variable 1.5x–5x magnification gives you flexibility:

1.5x–2x: Great for closer mid-range situations where you want a slight zoom without sacrificing situational awareness.
2.5x–3.5x: Sweet spot for most utility: good target ID at moderate range while still being manageable on a carbine.
4x–5x: Best for maximum reach with a red dot plus magnifier setup, but you’ll need a steady rest or good trigger control to capitalize on the extra detail.

If you’re using a typical 1-2 MOA red dot, pairing it with the M36 at 3x or higher lets you effectively engage targets further downrange than you could with the dot alone. You will need to practice transitions and re-centering the red dot in the magnified optic to be effective under stress.

Eye relief and head positioning

Eye relief is listed at 2.2–3.6 inches. That range means you’ll need to pay attention to how you mount the magnifier relative to your red dot and how far you set your stock. At lower magnification settings you’ll have a bit more leeway; at higher magnifications the position is more critical. The flip-to-side mount helps because you can move the magnifier out of the way when you want an unobstructed 1X view.

If you wear glasses, you can still use this magnifier, but you’ll need to test eye relief and cheek weld to be comfortable. The inch-range is typical for magnifiers, so most shooters can find a working setup with minor adjustments.

Mounting and compatibility

Mounting is straightforward if you have a Picatinny rail and an absolute co-witness red dot sight. The flip-to-side mount is designed for rapid changes: push to the side and the magnifier clears the sight line for your 1X engagement. The rugged steel mount reduces the chance that rough handling will shift zero.

Important compatibility notes for you:

The M36 is designed for absolute co-witness red dots (upper or iron sight in the same plane). It does not fit red dots set to lower 1/3 co-witness height, so check your sight’s mounting height before buying.
It’s built for Picatinny rails — if you run different mounting systems, you’ll need an adapter rail.

Installation tips:

Ensure the mount is snug and torqued to the manufacturer’s suggested specs.
If you run an absolute co-witness sight, confirm alignment before tightening everything down.
After mounting, verify that the magnifier clears the red dot when flipped to the side.

Zero retention and durability

The M36 uses a rugged steel mount to resist losing zero even with rough handling. That’s key if you plan to run the magnifier on a duty or field rifle. You should still confirm zero after mounting and after an initial series of shots. The steel mount gives you confidence that repeated flipping and field use won’t drastically shift the centering.

Keep in mind:

Mechanical shocks (hard drops) can affect any optic. The steel mount provides robustness, but treat the optic with reasonable care.
Consistent re-checks of zero after heavy use or transport are good practice.

Windage and elevation adjustments

You can adjust windage and elevation on the M36 to center your red dot in the magnified view. That’s essential because when you push the magnifier into place the red dot must sit centered in the optic’s reticle plane.

Practical steps:

With rifle secured in a rest, flip the magnifier into position and adjust windage/elevation to center the red dot at your chosen magnification.
Work at a comfortable distance (25–50 yards) if you’re zeroing for shorter ranges, and confirm at longer distances as needed.
Lock or protect adjustment caps if present to prevent accidental shifts.

Use cases — how you’ll use it in the real world

You can deploy the M36 in several roles:

Range training: Add magnified feedback when practicing longer shots while retaining the ability to quickly revert to 1X.
Competition: If your event allows magnifiers, you can adapt to stages that require both speed and precision.
Hunting: For close-up encounters you’ll run the red dot alone; for longer shots the magnifier gives extra reach. Check local regulations, though.
Home defense: You’ll probably use the 1X red dot more often in close quarters, and flip the magnifier out of the way to avoid obstruction until you need magnification.
Patrol or field work: The rugged mount and quick transition capability make it suitable if your duties require variable engagement distances.

Handling and transition speed

One of the primary benefits you’ll notice is transition speed. The flip-to-side mount is designed to let you go from magnified to unmagnified in an instant. Practice is important: muscle memory for flipping the magnifier out of line and re-centering the red dot is what makes the system effective in dynamic situations.

Tips for faster transitions:

Practice pressing the release and rotating the magnifier with your support hand until it’s smooth.
Train scanning and target acquisition while flipping the magnifier so you don’t lose situational awareness.
Keep consistent cheek weld and head position to minimize reacquisition time when flipping back into magnified mode.

Pros

You’ll find several compelling advantages if you buy this magnifier:

Versatile magnification range (1.5x–5x) for a variety of engagement distances.
Quick flip-to-side operation that keeps the red dot available for close quarters.
Sturdy steel mount that aids in maintaining zero.
Designed for absolute co-witness setups, making alignment with many red dots straightforward.
Multi-coated optics provide improved resolution and light transmission.

Cons and limitations

To be practical, you should weigh some limitations:

Incompatible with lower 1/3 co-witness red dot heights — check your optic height before purchase.
Exact weight and dimensions are not provided, which may be important for balance on lightweight platforms.
At maximum magnification, you’ll see a reduced field of view and increased sensitivity to movement.
Glass quality and coatings on budget magnifiers can vary — while multi-coating is beneficial, you shouldn’t expect the same performance as high-end glass.

Maintenance and care

You’ll want to treat the M36 like any optic:

Clean lenses with a quality lens brush, microfiber cloth, and lens-safe cleaner.
Avoid touching glass with bare fingers to prevent oils and smudges.
Check the mount screws periodically for proper torque.
Store the optic in a dry place and use covers when transporting to protect the optics and mount.

Tips to get the best performance

Small adjustments and training will amplify your results:

Spend time at the range practicing the flip and re-center routine until it’s instinctive.
Set the magnification to a level that balances target ID and field of view for typical distances you engage.
If you wear eye protection or glasses, test cheek weld and eye relief to find the best mounting position.
If you mount the magnifier too close to the red dot, you can create parallax issues; keep a proper distance following manufacturer guidance.
Use a rest or bipod when using higher magnification to reduce movement and see the most benefit.

Comparing the M36 to other red dot magnifiers

When comparing this magnifier to other aftermarket magnifiers, you’ll notice the following:

The adjustable 1.5x–5x range provides more flexibility than fixed 3x or 4x units.
The steel flip mount is in line with more robust designs aimed at durability and zero retention.
Optical clarity and glass quality on budget magnifiers can be less than premium brands; the multi-coating helps but may not fully match high-end alternatives.
Compatibility with absolute co-witness setups is common, but the lack of support for lower 1/3 co-witness is a limiting factor for some setups.

If you need the best possible optical clarity and are on a budget, weigh whether adjustable magnification is worth potential compromises in glass quality for your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are common questions you might have.

Q: Will this magnifier fit my red dot? A: If your red dot is mounted at absolute co-witness height and you have a Picatinny rail, the M36 should fit. It does not accommodate lower 1/3 co-witness height mounts.

Q: Can you use this with glasses? A: Yes, many shooters who wear glasses can use the M36, but your cheek weld and eye relief must be adjusted to maintain a comfortable sight picture.

Q: How do I zero with this magnifier? A: Zero your red dot first for your preferred distance. Flip the magnifier into position and use the windage and elevation adjustments to center the dot in the magnified view, then confirm at your working distance.

Q: Is the mount solid enough for heavy use? A: The steel mount is designed to reduce loss of zero under rough handling. Regular checks after hard use are still recommended.

Q: Does it work at night? A: The multi-coated optics aid light transmission, but performance at night depends on ambient light and your red dot’s illumination. This is not an illuminated night optic; it magnifies the view.

Who should buy this

Consider the M36 if you:

Already have a red dot on a Picatinny rail and want extendable range without switching to a fixed magnified optic.
Need a flip-to-side magnifier for fast transitions in mixed-distance shooting.
Want adjustable magnification to match different engagement distances.
Value a rugged steel mount for confidence in zero retention.

You might skip this magnifier if:

Your red dot is mounted lower 1/3 co-witness.
You need the absolute highest-end glass and are willing to pay a premium for it.
You prefer a dedicated magnified scope rather than a magnifier-plus-red-dot setup.

Final thoughts and recommendation

If you’re looking to expand the versatility of your red dot setup, the Feyachi M36 1.5X – 5X Red Dot Sight Optics Magnifier with Flip to Side Mount is a practical and flexible option. It gives you the ability to quickly transition between 1X and magnified views, offers a useful range of magnification, and comes with a robust steel mount designed to help keep your zero intact.

To get the most out of it, make sure your red dot is compatible (absolute co-witness), practice transitions at the range, and fine-tune magnification to match your typical engagement distances. With the right setup and training, this magnifier can significantly extend your effective reach while keeping your close-quarters performance intact.

If you want, tell me what red dot and platform you’re running and I’ll help you figure out whether the M36 will fit and suggest mounting positions and magnification settings for your typical distances.

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