Vortex Strikefire II

[Miles2014]

Thinking of getting this optic for my Sport...should I get the cantilever or flat base version? And, what are the pros/cons to each?

Molte grazie!

 

[JaPes]

The advantage of a cantilever mount is that it allows for more efficient use of all the existing receiver rail space.

In this picture, it pushes the dot forward. It allowed me to mount a magnifier behind it.

 

[andyo5]

I have a Strikefire I mounted on the cantilever. It provides absolute co-witness with the sights.

 

[C J]

My understanding was the primary reason for the cantilever mount was to achieve 1/3 co-witness. It's the low ring mount that provides absolute co-witness.

 

[JaPes]

Guys. Reading comprehension is key. The OP's question isn't whether or not to achieve absolute v.s. lower 1/3 co-witness. The question isn't about mount height. He's asking why to use a cantilever mount v.s. a standard flat mount. Keyword = cantilever.

A cantilever does exactly what it's name implies. Look at the picture I provided. The red dot is on a cantilever mount. The mount cantilevers outward, pushing the objective end of the dot forward of the end of the receiver rail space, in turn pushing the exit end of the scope forward too. This allows the marksman to place another device on the limited top rail space. If I didn't use a cantilever mount, I could not mount the magnifier behind the dot.

Cantilever mounts are available in different heights, but their primary function is the same.

 

[okiegtrider]

Guys. Reading comprehension is key. The OP's question isn't whether or not to achieve absolute v.s. lower 1/3 co-witness. The question isn't about mount height. He's asking why to use a cantilever mount v.s. a standard flat mount. Keyword = cantilever.

A cantilever does exactly what it's name implies. Look at the picture I provided. The red dot is on a cantilever mount. The mount cantilevers outward, pushing the objective end of the dot forward of the end of the receiver rail space, in turn pushing the exit end of the scope forward too. This allows the marksman to place another device on the limited top rail space. If I didn't use a cantilever mount, I could not mount the magnifier behind the dot.

Cantilever mounts are available in different heights, but their primary function is the same.

Nice try JaPes. Round here the OP's intent rarely guides a thread or discussion. Usually one or two subsequent posts and alllll the cannons are loose. Sit back, watch em run.

 

[Miles2014]

Thanks all...a lot of great information to consider. I think the answer to my next question is "depends on what you want to do , but here goes; which should I get, the cantilever or flat base? FYI, I'm probably not going to shoot much beyond 100 yards or so.

Thanks!

 

[Thod24]

I'd go with the cantilever mount. If you change your mind about shooting over 100 yards (and why wouldn't you?) the setup for a magnifier is already there. You can keep your rear BUIS and have enough rail space for everything.


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[Thod24]

By the way, I love my Strikefire 2 and have the cantilever mount as well. It works great and I love the lower 1/3 cowitness.

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[andyo5]

My understanding was the primary reason for the cantilever mount was to achieve 1/3 co-witness. It's the low ring mount that provides absolute co-witness.

Yes, sorry. You are right. I mis-spoke. It gives a 1/3 co-witness.

 

[okiegtrider]

Even though I was poking fun at the thread drift here, I've read all these red dot threads for months now and been toying with the idea of getting a Strikefire II for my own AR. Lots of reviews out there and they are overwhelmingly positive. Sure, a few complaints, now and then, but most seem to be resolved with that sweet warranty from Vortex.

So, I busted off and bought a Strikefire II today. Got a nice online discount with free delivery from Optics planet. It comes with the cantilever mount. I'll start there. Then, I'll probably be back right here wondering whats best...

 

[C J]

The OP's question isn't whether or not to achieve absolute v.s. lower 1/3 co-witness.

Come on man. The main reason for the cantilever is to be able to achieve lower 1/3 co=witness. The low mount won't do it. It is very much key to the discussion. He wanted to know why to pick one over the other and this has a lot to do with that choice.

If you go to the web site of the sight maker you'll see that the low mount doesn't do co-witness.

Vortex Optics - StrikeFire II Red Dot

 

[cyphertext]

Come on man. The main reason for the cantilever is to be able to achieve lower 1/3 co=witness. The low mount won't do it. It is very much key to the discussion. He wanted to know why to pick one over the other and this has a lot to do with that choice.

If you go to the web site of the sight maker you'll see that the low mount doesn't do co-witness.

Vortex Optics - StrikeFire II Red Dot

No, that is not the main reason for a cantilever mount... the main reason for cantilever mount is to move the optic forward but keeping the mount itself on the receiver.

If you go here, you will see that a cantilever mount is available in both heights... therefore it is obvious that the reason to choose a cantilever mount is not height!

Vortex Optics - Cantilever 30 mm Ring Absolute Co-Witness

 

[C J]

I went there and the only co-witness setup they had was with the cantilever mount. Maybe other companies do it different but Vortex made it clear you only get co-witness with the higher mount.

 

[fzntundra]

I just bought the Strikefire 11 last weekend at Cabelas and they mounted it as well. He said I could have it either absolute or 1/3rd co witness with the cantilever mount. I chose to have it absolute and he bore sighted it for me. Haven't gone to the range yet but right now the dot is slightly higher than my A2 post. He said it should be pretty close at 100 yds.

 

[andyo5]

If you can still find an original Strikefire, it comes with a screw-in doubler (2X magnifier) and is otherwise just the same as the Strikefire II.

 

[cyphertext]

Come on man. The main reason for the cantilever is to be able to achieve lower 1/3 co=witness.

I went there and the only co-witness setup they had was with the cantilever mount. Maybe other companies do it different but Vortex made it clear you only get co-witness with the higher mount.

Take a look at what you wrote... they have two heights of cantilever mounts to provide both co-witness techniques. Since both are cantilever mounts, the main reason for a cantilever mount is not ring height. Again, the main reason for a cantilever mount is to allow you to move the optic to a more forward position while still maintaining the mount on the receiver only.

BTW, Vortex offers other mounts that provide co-witness with the Stikefire II...
Vortex Optics - StrikeFire II Red Dot Red/Green<br />Cantilever

 

[C J]

You should take a look at what I wrote. They have 2 heights. Only one has co-witness available. The cantilever mount. Again other companies do it differently. But in this case the main reason I "chose" a cantilever mount was so that I could have co-witness. It is NOT available with the low mount. If it doesn't sink in what I'm saying this time, read it again until you get it.

 

[VaTom]

If you can still find an original Strikefire, it comes with a screw-in doubler (2X magnifier) and is otherwise just the same as the Strikefire II.

The On/Off button was also changed on the StrikeFire II. There were a lot of complaints about the original StrikeFire's switch being accidentally turned on while the rifle was in a case thus resulting in dead battery.

Good Optic. I have one on my M&P15-22.

 

[okiegtrider]

So last weekend I ordered up a Strikefire II online. Watching the tracking and looking forward to it's arrival. Disappointment struck when I checked the tracking info and find that they attempted delivery this morning at my office.

Of course nobody was there on Saturday morning. Guess I'll get it on Monday.