Vortex Optics - Sparc to Strikefire

Some time ago I had purchased the Vortex Strikefire. Recently, for whatever reason, I scanned through a few threads to see what others had to say about it. What I have read thus far has the words "budget red dot" ringing in my ears. I have some amount of difficulty with this classification based upon my personal experience.

The Strikefire is in fact incredibly affordable. However, the way that I see it, the difference between what I would call a "budget red dot" and the "incredibly affordable" Vortex Strikefire is miles wide!

Perhaps the primary difference I have found between me and others who have purchased the Strikefire is my familiarity with the Vortex brand. I was originally made familiar with Vortex through a neighbor and family friend who had worked for years as a hunting guide in Alaska. I do not believe that he owned a single thing that was not top quality or could not be thoroughly depended upon for a lifetimes use. He did own, and held in very high regard, a set of Vortex brand binoculars.

My entry into the Vortex brand started with the acquisition of the 30mm Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 Mil-Dot, as seen reviewed in a previous Max Venom post (http://www.maxvenom.com/rifleman_vortex_optics_review). I was thoroughly pleased with this purchase!

Therefore when I purchased the Vortex Strikefire my expectations were tremendously high, even given the incredibly affordable 150 USD price.

It would be stating the obvious to mention that EOTech or Aimpoint systems run between 500 to 900 USD. Others often choose to expound upon the tried and true reliability of these manufacturers. However, I am not aware of any system that is so reliable that is not consitantly checked and double checked by actual operators who use them in a theater of combat. Fast target acquisition is the purpose of a red dot, IMHO ultimate reliability is what iron sights are for.

Strikefire In Action

Mounting of the Strikefire should be a breeze for anyone with moderate experience in mounting implements of this nature. The only thing that I might suggest having handy is a bit of blue lock tight.

The optic is sighted in by making adjustments to the dials utilizing the convenient coin-sized slots. The tactile and audible click feedback allows you know precisely how much adjustment you are making.

The Strikefires control system consists of four buttons - on/off, NV (Night Vision), up and down. The on/off button functions as both power on/off switch and a toggle between the red and green dot. The up and down buttons adjust the brightness of the illuminated dot. The N/V adjusts the sights illumination instantly to a level most appropriate for use with night vision.

The Strikefire includes an auto off feature that powers down the unit after one hour and is powered by a single CR2 battery. It may be worth of noting that the StrikeFire lens is ever so slight tinted. Some in "the forums" have noted this as if calling alarm to the fact. I believe that the tint lends itself to the clarity of the projection. I have not confirmed this with the manufacturer, but that is my best guess.

The Strikefire illuminated dot is 4 MOA just as many of the higher priced units such as Aimpoint. I found the sight picture and dot projection of the Strikefire to be crisp, clear and second to none.

The Vortex Strikefire is rated for high velocity calibers. According to the manufacturer the Strikefire readily made it through a 1000 round stress test atop a .357 magnum. I haven’t been counting rounds personally but others report having put at least 500 rounds down range with no zero adjustment necessary. This might sound about right, but on my AR platform, I have made ZERO adjustments in many more rounds.

The Sparc

Not long after the Strikefire won my seal of approval, Vortex came out with yet another red dot system; a smaller more compact unit called the Sparc. I was in the middle of a project at the time, building a Ruger Charger pistol. My project involved some stock reduction and replacement of the factory original barrel with a shorty bull barrel. As I was reducing the factory model from its target configuration to more of a compact fast action plinker, a scope seemed inappropriate option and the Sparc had the look of a near perfect fit. I was back on the phone, and the Sparc was on its way!

The Sparc topped off my modified Charger project just as I had expected and on the range its performance was impeccable. It was then that I realized that I had never actually tried the Night Vision function of the Strikefire. As the Sparc and the Strikefire have mostly the same features, functions and controls; I gathered my PVS7 goggles and waited till dark.

The Night Vision function was spot on for crisp clarity and sight picture. I set up a paper grocery bag with a Birchwood Casey target dot in the center and had at it. Free standing at 30 some odd feet I began to perforate the target dot again and again in the moon light. It had been some time since I had last done any shooting with night vision, and I cannot recall the optic that I might have last used to do so, but with the Sparc I felt far better than average, perhaps better than ever.

The Bottom Line

Should I happen to pick up a turn in one sandbox or another the Strike Fire is coming with me! The Strikefire has what it takes and I would put it all on the line behind this fantastic affordable red dot. I would say the same for the Sparc but mine has found a home atop my Ruger Charger build and if I am going any place rough and tumble that little pussy cat is staying home.

For more information on these products please visit - www.Vortexoptics.com