whats the difference between a scope and a magnifier?

Question

obviously a scope will have a reticle and can be sighted in but are there any other differences? can you use a scope as a magnifier behind a red dot?

Answer 1

 Of All the years of USAFishernumb`s1 answers...this one is very accurate and I rate it as an excellent example in layman`s terms that anyone should understand. TU to that answer.

I say another difference is from $4 for a magnifier to $4,000 for a rifle scope.

Answer 2

A magnifier loosely means something that makes something small look bigger.   Such as a microscope,  a magnifying glass,  etc.  Often they are just one lens.    A scope by design is to make things at a distance look closer for them to work they usually have two or more lenses.  

Answer 3

whats the difference between a scope and a magnifier?

A magnifier is used to aid sighting with a red dot or holographic sight.

a scope will have a reticle and can be sighted in but are there any other differences? 

A magnifier does not have a reticle. It is used to enlarge (magnify) the field of view when used in conjunction with a red dot or holo sight. The sight has the reticle, the magnifier doesn't.

can you use a scope as a magnifier behind a red dot?

No, that will not work. The scope optics are not set up to focus that closely, the magnifier optics are.