Vortex Red Dot?

[tacticalcanuck]

I threw the strikefire II on a tavor. In all honesty if you want pin point precision its not the optic you need. You want to hit an 8 inch plate at 200 yards with a 50 yard zero you can with a little practice do it quite consistently. But you need good eyes. The dot can obscure your target at even 100 yards so you need to get to know the distance target and hold. Sounds like any kind of shooting ive ever done

I put a vortext strike eagle on my AR 1x to 6x and find it better however it requires constant focus on 1x to ensure you have a clear target. Magnified it is like any other scope.

Optic choice is based on application and preference and how reliable you need the rig you put together to be.

 

[Valmet]

I've had a SpitfireII on my M4 for nearly two years and for the $350 I paid for it I've been very happy with it.

 

[C J]

I don't know if this dissertation answers your question. I'm just tired of stuff that doesn't work.

It does for the most part but the sights I still wonder about are the mid-range priced models like the Vortex sights. You mention they have good customer service but you also mention that the Sparq has a design flaw that makes adjusting it hard. Do you think that applies to the Stikefire II and some of the other Vortex sights? I certainly get that the always on function is important for a SD weapon. And the Vortex sights don't have that. Would you think that's a deal breaker? I know it depends on what you intend to use your rifle for but I'm concerned about using it for SD. I certainly know always on would be better. But I tend to think that the irons are always on if you keep them ready to roll. In a really quick developing situation irons could be used but of course that's not as good as a red dot.

Ultimately I know it comes down to your budget and staying away from obvious junk. The questions about details are best answered by individuals I think but I was interested in your POV. Any former serviceman may have better knowledge about such things than I do. I'm just trying to pick your brain a bit.

Again I bought my Strikefire II because of budget constraints placed on me by my family donating to my birthday present fund. We tend to think we can wait for a bigger holiday (like Christmas) for more expensive gifts. I figure I can get some money back out of my Strikefire when I'm ready to move up an Aimpoint or some other top quality sight. But in the mean time I just wonder how far below the line of acceptability I am currently.

 

[Rastoff]

I just wonder how far below the line of acceptability I am currently.

Acceptability? You tell me. You have an optic that it seems you're happy with. That's the only measuring stick that matters. If it's working for you, be happy and press on with it.

I have not owned a Stikefire. I have used Vortex customer service though and found it very good.

Since you mentioned self-defense, I would recommend a different optic that can be left on. No matter how easy it seems to turn it on, when the adrenaline is pumping, it will be hard to activate it. If it's already on, nothing to deal with. Not needing batteries at all is always good.

When it comes to self-defense, I'm with Phil, don't screw around. Your life is infinitely valuable and you want the best tool you can lay your hands on. This is when it boils down to functional reliability. This is another reason I'm sticking with Trijicon. Proven in the field time and again. Expensive? Yes, but worth it. I know it does little good to say this, but you'll see it when you own one.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I just wonder how far below the line of acceptability I am currently.

Vortex is no further below the line than sub $100 budget optics like Primary and Bushnell for purposes of SD.

 

[C J]

Since you mentioned self-defense, I would recommend a different optic that can be left on.

This is what I meant by "below the line of acceptability". Clearly many don't think it is acceptable because of this one issue. I just wondered if there were others. I appreciate the help.

 

[highsideforum]

Vortex is no further below the line than sub $100 budget optics like Primary and Bushnell for purposes of SD.

Based on what?

I'm the first to admit that I'm clueless about optics/guns.
But, Vortex seems to have a good reputation based on my research. Not to mention, a lifetime warranty.

 

[nocents]

Since you mentioned self-defense, I would recommend a different optic that can be left on.
.

I keep reading this argument made and it still puzzles me if you are not a LEO (which I am not)...No question I see the validity in that a LEO or the like would benefit with that option. Maybe I have tunnel vision on this but a self defense weapon to me is my 3913 or my HK45C I have IWB on my person. Build quality,optic clarity and every other argument made for high end optics I understand. But for the average schmuck like me in a SHTF scenario where my AR is the last line of defense I still think I'll have the 1.5 seconds it takes me to turn it on....but I may be mistaken....it happens

 

[Rastoff]

Maybe I have tunnel vision on this but a self defense weapon to me is my 3913 or my HK45C I have IWB on my person.

If your handgun is your primary self-defense gun, then I agree, you don't need the option to have the red dot already on.

For those that use a rifle as a bedside gun, the "already on" aspect is absolutely necessary.

But for the average schmuck like me in a SHTF scenario where my AR is the last line of defense I still think I'll have the 1.5 seconds it takes me to turn it on....but I may be mistaken....it happens

Obviously you have to operate at your own level of risk. However, even if you just intend it as a back up, the red dot already on can be a life saver. Even with handguns that have a weapon mounted light, operating the light is not as easy as it seems when there's pressure. I've done exercises with some where they just couldn't operate the light no matter how much time you gave them. Once the adrenaline starts pumping, all bets are off and any extra moves you need to make to bring your gun to bear cost you precious time.

I did an exercise once with two shooters standing next to each other. The object is to hit three targets, one hostage taker and two silhouettes at different distances, as fast as you can without hitting the hostage. Whoever finishes first wins. Sounds simple, right? Yeah, we had one guy who forgot to turn on his red dot. Another forgot to remove the lens cap. Both found out in a hurry just how important that "one second" is. They were both able to correct the issue, but both lost.

Sure, that's just a game, but it gives great insight into what happens when the pressure is on. Do you think it will be more or less pressure when your life is on the line? Think hard before you answer, your life depends on it.

 

[Disabled1]

I think I can get the correct opinion by stating how and what I shoot at with my AR's.
I mostly shoot the Sport 1 because, IMO, the barrel is much better than my Ruger AR-556. I seem to get a tighter group with the Sport 1 when sandbagging with both. But, I might put it on my AR-556, or, buy another one at a later date.
I want a red dot to just look through, see the target anywhere from 10 yards up to 100 yards. If it's going to cost me more money for a red dot to go beyond 100 yards, then, I choose to stay at 100 yards.
So, in what I have stated, what red dot sight should be my choice?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

The advantage of a red dot is fast target acquisition via unlimited eye relief and field of view. If you are interested in small groups on paper shooting from bags there is no 1x red dot well suited regardless of price compared to a magnified optic.

But for sake of discussion... you're not going to magically shoot better from the bench using a $700 Aimpoint vs a $100 Primary Arms. They'll both hold zero fine and any small difference in parallax won't be noticeable from the bench with a good cheek weld. You may prefer a small size dot such as a 2moa dot versus a 5moa dot.

For general plinking entertainment... PA vs Vortex vs Bushnell... a red dot is a red dot (absent any QC issues). For duty/SD... that's an entirely different matter.

If price is an issue my advice would be to buy a sub $100 Primary Arms and don't look back. Pay more for a Vortex if you want a lifetime warranty.

I think I can get the correct opinion by stating how and what I shoot at with my AR's.
I mostly shoot the Sport 1 because, IMO, the barrel is much better than my Ruger AR-556. I seem to get a tighter group with the Sport 1 when sandbagging with both. But, I might put it on my AR-556, or, buy another one at a later date.
I want a red dot to just look through, see the target anywhere from 10 yards up to 100 yards. If it's going to cost me more money for a red dot to go beyond 100 yards, then, I choose to stay at 100 yards.
So, in what I have stated, what red dot sight should be my choice?

 

[nocents]

If your handgun is your primary self-defense gun, then I agree, you don't need the option to have the red dot already on.

For those that use a rifle as a bedside gun, the "already on" aspect is absolutely necessary.

point made.....we agree on more than we disagree on

 

[WVSig]

Trying to decide which red dot sight to put on my SportII.
Looking at the SpitfireII, the Sparc AR or Sparc. Do you recommend just the red dot or the red/green?

You don't say in your OP what you are going to be using your Sport II for. Use should drive gear, accessories and sights/scopes IMHO.

Without knowing what you intend to do with the rifle and how you intend to use it no one can make intelligent recommendations to meet your needs. All we can do is list what we like based on our needs which may or may not apply to you.

 

[WVSig]

I think I can get the correct opinion by stating how and what I shoot at with my AR's.
I mostly shoot the Sport 1 because, IMO, the barrel is much better than my Ruger AR-556. I seem to get a tighter group with the Sport 1 when sandbagging with both. But, I might put it on my AR-556, or, buy another one at a later date.
I want a red dot to just look through, see the target anywhere from 10 yards up to 100 yards. If it's going to cost me more money for a red dot to go beyond 100 yards, then, I choose to stay at 100 yards.
So, in what I have stated, what red dot sight should be my choice?

Do you want to use is as a plinker or as a defense/SHTF/duty type optic?

Just about anything will hold zero and let you hit a mansized target at 100 yards. If it doesn't it is defective. IMHO

At the sub $100 I like the Primary Arms regular dot because its cheap.

The next step up is the Primary Arms Advanced dot which can be had with mount on sale for about $169.

I also like the Vortex Sparc II and Sparc AR. Lifetime warranty and borderline ruggedness for duty use but suffer from limited battery life. Both can be had around $169. In a $$$ crunch I believe these could be used for home defense or limited duty use in non-harsh environments. Many will disagree but with proper BUIS if this is all I could afford I would rather had it than not have it.

From there I jump right to the Aimpoint Pro. I skip the ACO unless you can get a killer deal which sometimes you can, $300 is a killer deal. The Pro can be had used LNIB often for $350 and NIB for $400 to $425. This is really where you can start to trust your life with the optic.

 

[Disabled1]

The 1st pic is an AIMPOINT RED DOT. The 2nd pic is my red dot & riser I received in the mail today. I was told AIMPOINT makes it, but, does not put their name on it.

 

[Rastoff]

That does not look like an Aimpoint product Disabled1. Here is the riser Aimpoint makes for the optic you pictured:

No matter, what you have will work nicely. I have used a similar riser with good results.

 

[Disabled1]

That does not look like an Aimpoint product Disabled1. Here is the riser Aimpoint makes for the optic you pictured:

No matter, what you have will work nicely. I have used a similar riser with good results.

That's correct, it's NOT an AIMPOINT RISER. I DIDNT state that either. I DID state that the red dot was made by AIMPOINT, according to the advice l received from the gunsmith that suggested l buy it. I will say this though, when l was comparing the 2 together side by side, the cheaper in price one l bought, the red dot was better in every aspect you can ask for in a red dot compared to the HIGH $$$ AIMPOINT! I'm glad l didn't spend big $$$ like a lot of people l see spend on a red dot!
I also watched a few videos, read some very good firearms magazine articles, and, took several shooters and a well known gumsmith's advice, before l bought the red dot. And, it has a lifetime warranty, waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, etc. I'm sort of laughing inside at the little bit of money l spent vs some of the mega $$$ red dots l see people buying!

 

[Disabled1]

That does not look like an Aimpoint product Disabled1. Here is the riser Aimpoint makes for the optic you pictured:

No matter, what you have will work nicely. I have used a similar riser with good results.

When I replied to your reply I was on my phone reading your reply. The words were so small, even with my reading glasses on, I was squinting and didn't see the second part of your reply.
I kind of got the feeling you didn't believe me and was "kind of" being sarcastic. But, now that I'm on my laptop, I can see the second part of your reply. Please, don't feel offended.
I think you might know what brand it is and its value if you have used them before as well. There is an AR website that has some hard core AR users on it. If I were to post that red dot there, I would get cut to pieces from the sarcastic replies as to why I didn't spend at least $500 minimum on a red dot!

 

[Rastoff]

(Chuckles) It's no big deal Disabled1. I made a mistake too. I thought you were only talking about the riser. I didn't realize you were talking about the optic as well. So, my comment only applies to the riser.

Now that I look closer I can see that's not an Aimpoint optic either. Still, if it works for you, have fun with it.

 

[cyphertext]

The 1st pic is an AIMPOINT RED DOT. The 2nd pic is my red dot & riser I received in the mail today. I was told AIMPOINT makes it, but, does not put their name on it.

Ok, I'll bite. What kind of red dot is this? What are the specs? What is the battery life?

I think you got some bad advice on first pass, but with more info I would be willing to research it. I'm always looking for a steal on optics... never have found one though.