Vortex updated the Strikefire Red Dot scope not too long ago. The result is the Strikefire 2 which has some great upgrades from the original model. Let’s have a look at whether the upgrades were worth it in the following Vortex Strikefire 2 review.
Review of the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Rifle Scope
These upgrades included shortening the overall size by half an inch, simplified controls, and an additional two night-vision settings with super-low light requirements. The scope is available with red and green dots or with just a red dot.
The price is very reasonable but that shouldn’t fool you. It’s a high-quality scope with features and optics that you’ll otherwise find in higher-priced models.
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Features
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Dot size of 4 MOA
- Red Dot or Red/Green Dot available
- 100 MOA Windage and Elevation adjustment range in ½ MOA steps
- 10 levels of brightness settings
- Negligible parallax making it practically parallax free
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fogproof
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Dot intensity can be set in 10 different stages
- Battery life between 300 and 6,000 hours depending on brightness settings
- No magnification (1x)
Functionality
The Vortex Strikefire 2 is a mid-range red dot scope. Pricing is on the overall lower end which makes it a very affordable sight for beginners and experienced shooters.
The weight of the optic comes in at a low 5.7 oz. Nothing to be concerned about and it won’t impact the balance of your rifle. It measures around 5.6 inches in length and is available with a scratch-resistant black finish.
Rugged Design
The sight is built durable and rugged and is very easy to use. It comes as a red dot optic with a 30mm objective lens and a 1x magnification. The lenses are, as you’d expect from Vortex, of great quality and provide a clear image.
As an alternative to the red dot, you can also get a model with a red or green dot. Both of these versions, at the lowest brightness levels, are night-vision compatible.
4 MOA Red/Green Dot
The optic features a 4 MOA dot in red or red/green color that helps with the quick acquisition of the target. The elevation and windage adjustment range is 100 MOA.
The intensity of the 4 MOA red dot can be adjusted in 10 different levels. The overall brightness of the image can also be adjusted in 10 different settings.
Long Battery Life
The battery life will suffer if you increase the brightness to the maximum, similar to all other electronic optics on the market. You can expect around 6,000 hours or more when using a medium setting.
This is in line with other red dot gun optics but certainly not on the high end. The sight has an automatic 12-hour shutdown if it is switched on and not in use to conserve battery.
Holding its own in the Field!
The Vortex Strikefire 2 is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. It achieves being waterproof and dustproof by using O-rings. We would probably not suggest that you submerge it.
The Strikefire 2 red dot sight comes with a cantilever ring mount, two flip-up lens covers, cloth, CR2 battery, and a torque wrench.
Mounting for 1/3 Co-Witnessing on your AR rifle
The cantilever mount is a perfect mounting solution for 1/3 co-witness on AR platforms. The dot is positioned at a 40 mm height with this solution making it the optimal height to setup co-witnessing with iron sights.
The optic is marketed as parallax-free, but as all with all other similar red dots, there is an insignificant parallax you experience. Eye relief for the Vortex Strikefire 2 is unlimited and you can (and should) target with both eyes open.
Good choice for the AR-15 platform
The Strikefire 2 red dot does lack some of the advanced features you get in high-end (and higher-priced) red-dot sights. You’ll get higher quality lenses, a crisper dot, and more battery life on the more expensive competitors.
Nonetheless, the optic is rugged and will work on a large number of rifles. It’ll do the job on your AR-15 platform and hold zero for many rounds.
Vortex Lifetime Warranty
All Vortex optics, including the red or red-green dot Strikefire 2, are covered by Vortex’ lifetime warranty. You can find out more about this extensive lifetime warranty coverage here.
Adding a Magnifier to the Strikefire 2
You can get an additional 3x magnification for the Vortex Strikefire 2 by adding the Vortex VMT-3T magnifier to the sight. This will vastly improve your options for shooting at longer distances!
Find the best AR red dot for the money!
Pros and Cons of the Strikefire 2 Red Dot Gunsight
Like every other sight and scope, the Vortex Strikefire 2 does not only have positives but also some cons to mention.
Pros
- Overall very user-friendly controls and adjustments
- Easy to zero in and holds it nicely
- Easy adjustments
- Good battery life
Cons
- No magnification
- Lens caps are permanently attached
- Can end up being very heavy depending on the mounting rails.
Where to buy the Vortex Strikefire II?
The best place to buy pretty much any hunting or tactical optics is Amazon. The Vortex Strikefire 2 makes no difference.
You can get the Vortex Strikefire 2 red dot sight at the best price and it is shipped quickly.
Conclusion – Vortex Strikefire 2 Review
The Vortex Strikefire 2 sight is a great piece of shooting equipment specifically if you are a beginner or intermediate shooter. It can easily be combined with the magnifier to make it an outstanding setup with up to 3x magnification!
The Vortex Strikefire II gun sight is great for using your firearm, including your AR-15, as quickly as you can due to its extremely fast target acquisition capabilities. This makes it a great choice for many tactical and shooting situations at a fantastic price point!
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