1x optic question from a noob

[Melencio305]

Could someone explain what 1x actually means? Is it just like having no magnification, similar to normal vision? Or does it give you a little bit of zoom?

 

[Mariam21]

1x honestly feels like “normal vision”. When I’m using a red dot at 1x, I really like that I can keep both eyes open and still be fully aware of my environment. I think it’s more like I’m just adding an aiming point to my natural view.

 

[JJNap]

1 X Anything = Anything. Yes. It means zero magnification. Most handgun Red (or Green) Dot sights are 1X, and, as was explained above, by Mariam, it's simply allowing an aiming point, that (hopefully) if you keep the firearm steady, will allow you to hit that point on your target. Especially, now that I'm getting old(er), I find RDS extremely helpful.