REVIEW: SAMSON MFG 3.5x Magnifier with Quick Flip Mount

Today we show you a Magnifier from Samson - a rather unknown device, which we cannot understand. Here is our test.Samson is actually better known for manufacturing accessories for firearms. In addition to forend grips for AR and AK platforms, the company offers sights, mounts, stocks, and much more. Among them is also a solitary optic: the 3.5x Magnifier.

The Samson Magnifier comes with 3.5x magnification, which does not stand out compared to other 3x magnifiers.

The dimensions of the device are 117mm x 44mm x 44mm. The slim housing of the Magnifier owes the adjustment turrets for horizontal and vertical adjustment of the red dot. These turrets are exposed and only protected by a slight elevation of the rubber casing that surrounds the entire housing. Adjustment is then done with a common screwdriver - a price that must be paid for the flat housing.

The weight of the Magnifier is 347 grams with the mount when unpacked. When the mount is removed, it becomes evident that a standard riser is built into the mount. This riser positions the center of the Magnifier at 45mm, which is perfect height for an Eotech. But even with an Aimpoint or Holosun micro-vision in absolute co-witness, the device is not too high.If the riser is removed, the optical center is at 38mm. Unfortunately, the packaging did not include short screws to accommodate this mounting height - this should be improved.

The mounting itself is done with a button that then allows the Magnifier to jump to the side by spring force. This works flawlessly and perfectly - excellent craftsmanship.The only drawback: we tried the Magnifier without the riser with other screws. Here a problem arose with the button, which no longer properly engaged due to the housing. Also, activating the button is much more difficult without the riser - the button almost touches the housing and is difficult to hit.

Our recommendation is definitely to use the device with the riser, even if a small cosmetic flaw arises as the Magnifier sits slightly above the red dot (in co-witness).Without the mount, the Samson weighs 237 grams, the riser adds 10 grams, and the mount itself weighs 100 grams.

What we really liked was the quick release of the mount. Normally, quick releases use levers that press sideways on the Picatinny rail. Attaching is always smooth, but removing is usually a pain if there is no way to get your finger between the mount and lever.

Samson has solved this brilliantly: A lever is folded in a semicircle from back to front and then locked with a hook. This provides the same clamping force, but is much easier to release.

You can also adjust the Magnifier optically in diopters, unfortunately, there is no detailed information provided in either the packaging or on the website.

The lens coating and overall optical quality is very high. The image is sharp, clear, and bright. Unfortunately, we had trouble capturing this in photos, but we did our best.

The eye relief is between four to five centimeters: so you can't shoot the Magnifier with your nose on the charging handle.

In practical use, the Magnifier works well: the adjustments turrets allow for precise alignment of the dot to be child's play. The mechanism for quick folding also works very well - a method has been found to quickly fold the Magnifier out of the way without effort. The spring has enough force to securely hold the Magnifier in the folded position - yet it can easily be brought back into the line of sight without much effort.

The accessories are somewhat lacking. You get a great case, but it only contains the Magnifier, a cleaning cloth, and some Loctite. There is no manual included. This wouldn't be a problem if information could be found on the website, but this is also missing.

As a result, we also lack key details, such as the mentioned diopter adjustment, information on water resistance and shock resistance, temperature range for use, field of view, and so on. Accordingly, the review is not as good, even though it is a very well-crafted device with top optical properties.