Red Dot vs. Prism: Liberator II vs. Raider 1x

Traditionally, AR15 platform shooters may mount an LPVO or higher variable scope atop their rifle. But for those without a need for magnification beyond 1x power, tube red dot sights and prism scopes – specifically micro prisms – are more popular options. Though similar in appearance and basic function, it’s how their reticles are illuminated that can make all the difference.

Putting our Liberator II dot sight and Raider 1x micro prism up against each other head-to-head, we compare their construction, reticles, illumination, and specs to ease your purchase decision.

The second generation of our first ever red dot, Liberator II is a tube dot sight intended for large weapon platform use. Improving battery life with an enhanced LED emitter while also adding Swampfox Shake N’ Wake auto on/off technology and, later, a 4-in-1 multi-reticle, Liberator II is a simple, reliable optic with capable versatility atop AR-style rifles, pistol caliber carbines, and sporting and defensive shotguns.

The smallest of our prism scopes, Raider is a 1x magnification micro prism with big performance. Die-cast zinc alloy construction provides incredible durability while a super wide field of view and clear glass-etched reticles allow for rapid target acquisition with astigmatism-free illumination. A standard T-2 mounting footprint and multiple mount options allow Raider to mount freely across large weapon platforms.

Construction

Liberator II

For the best combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and weight savings, Liberator II is built from 6061-T5 aluminum. Weighing 3.5 ounces while measuring roughly 2.5” long, Liberator II is both light and compact while maintaining an IPX7 rating and withstanding 800 G-forces. A 22mm, multi-coated objective lens provides a large viewing window. Brightness buttons on the left-hand side of the optic sit side-by-side opposite the battery cap, with capped windage and elevation turrets proud of the optic body.

Low profile (0.80” centerline) and absolute co-witness (1.41”) Picatinny mounts are included, pairing with Liberator II’s T-2 footprint, making it compatible with aftermarket mounts.

Raider 1x

Unlike other Swampfox optics, Raider features a die-cast zinc alloy housing. Compared to CNC machined aluminum, the die-cast process allows for greater accuracy and produces a higher quality surface finish that complements naturally strong, durable, and rigid zinc alloy. However, with more internal technology than traditional dot sights, Raider weighs in just under 8 ounces at 2.6” long. Its 20mm lens is fully multi-coated to resist fogging, water, and scratches while an adjustable rear diopter allows shooters to achieve perfect clarity with a generous eye box. Brightness buttons are located forward of the elevation turret, which sits flush with the optic body.

Like Liberator II, a T-2 optic footprint accepts a wide variety of aftermarket mounts, though canted 1.10” and 1.60” Swampfox mounts with Picatinny interface are provided with an optional 1.93” mount also available.

Reticles

Liberator II

Liberator II is available with a 2 MOA red or green dot for quick and familiar shooting with any caliber. After all, it wouldn’t be a dot sight without a dot reticle. However, a newer red multi-reticle variant is also available featuring the same 2 MOA center dot, but with an additional 26 MOA internal width open circle, 42 MOA crosshairs, or combination of all three. With four different reticles in one optic, shooters can personalize their precision to their weapon platform, application or personal preference. Dots are great for precision, crosshairs for framing targets, circles for tracking moving targets, and the all-in-one for the benefits of each.

Now equipped with Shake N’ Wake auto on/off, experience up to 10,000 hours of runtime with ten brightness settings (including two night-vision compatible) powered by a side load CR2032 coin battery.

Raider 1x

Like Liberator II, Raider also offers a single dot reticle in the form of a caliber-agnostic 6 MOA red or green dot. However, a secondary Bullet Rise Compensating (BRC) reticle caters to .223 Rem/5.56 NATO shooters with multiple reference points when shooting at short to mid-range distances. Consisting of a 102 MOA outer diameter, 270-degree horseshoe, center trident, and two stacked 6 MOA dots, accurately engage targets at 5, 10, 15, and 50/200 yards without guesswork or manual calculations with subtensions that compensate for the “bullet rise” effect.

Unlike Liberator II, Raider’s reticles are glass-etched, whereas dot sight reticles are projected onto a forward lens by an LED emitter. Without illumination, dot sights have no visible reticle; however, prisms like Raider can be used with and without illumination. Chemically etched, their reticles appear black when not illuminated (so long as there is ambient light) and illuminated when turned on thanks to portions or the entirety of the reticle being infilled with reflective material. This eliminates reticle distortion, like starbursting, smearing, and clustering, that can reduce the effects of astigmatism commonly seen when using red dots.

Specifications

From AR rifles and defensive shotguns to pistol caliber carbines and large frame revolvers, target shooting and self-defense to competition and varmint hunting, dot sights and micro prism scopes like Liberator II and Raider 1x serve as versatile optical solutions to a wide range of platforms and applications.

For shooters with astigmatism, etched prism reticles may offer a cleaner, less-distracting sight picture while also reducing reliance on batteries in daylight conditions. But if vision isn’t a worry, traditional tube dot sights can be lighter and smaller for compact, running and gunning.

Which would you choose: Liberator II, Raider 1x, or both? Try all Swampfox optics risk-free with our 30-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee. If you’re not happy within 30 days of purchase, simply return the optic and exchange it for the other, another, or a full refund. Plus, orders over $300 ship free – including Raider with add-on 1.93” Outlaw Mount.

Shop Swampfox Liberator II

Shop Swampfox Raider 1x

Dive deeper into Raider below and watch our recent video to decide which of its 6 MOA dot or BRC reticles is right for you.

Like comparisons? Check out Arrowhead vs. Tomahawk II in our LPVO head-to-head.