Vortex, strikefire < SPARC ?

DocBurN

DocBurN

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for my SR-22.. I am trying to decide between

  1. Vortex Strikefire
  2. Vortex Sparc
  3. Bushnell Trophy Red Dot

Im guessing the 3 will work well.. but why is the strikefire cheaper than the sparc ?

What would you buy between a Sparc or a Strikefire ?

If i made bad choice, let me know, still open to suggestion before buying (or finding 1 of the 3 on sale somewhere in Canada)

Thank you for your time!
 
I've used both the Strikefire and and the Sparc and liked both. For quicker target acquisition, the Sparc is just slightly better because of the bigger optic dimension. The Strikefire is quick too, but requires a good cheek weld.

The Sparc will probably stand up better to high caliber rifles, doesn't apply to your application.

The Strikefire is rubber-armoured, the Sparc is not.
The Strikefire has flip up covers, the Sparc does not.

When buying a Strikefire, make sure you get one with the AR mount. It sits just a bit higher and will be easier to use with the straight back stock of an SR22, just like the one on my M&P.

IMG-20111230-00168.jpg
 
Sparc is newer, smaller, and has a bright dot.

Both of them have issues of accidentally touching the power on. I know I drained one because I use a bikini strap cover instead of the crappy flip up caps that come with my Strike Fire (you cannot get them back on!) and the bikini strap squeezed the buttons on. I do not much like that you have to coin adjust the windage and elevation. I've ratched mine up a lot.

Visually, I have no complaints about my red/green Strike Fire. I think the dot is fine. The red dot at the brightest level is a bit big at 50.

Occasionally have to give the rings a tighten after a couple range visits (I shoot .223 / AR15).

You may also want to look at the Lucid which is just above in price of the Sparc.
 
mlehtovaara said:
With all the reports of these failing, and having to be warrantied I don't know I'd be buying either.

Between the 3 I would take the sparc though.

That said for not a whole lot more I'd check out the LUCID HD7.
Click to expand...

Which reports are those? Just asking because I've had a Strikefire mounted to my SuperNova Tactical shotgun, forever, and have had no problems at all.
 
mlehtovaara said:
With all the reports of these failing, and having to be warrantied I don't know I'd be buying either.

Between the 3 I would take the sparc though.

That said for not a whole lot more I'd check out the LUCID HD7.
Click to expand...

Which reports are those? Just asking because I've had a Strikefire mounted to my SuperNova Tactical shotgun forever and have had no problems at all.
 
I've never heard of any failures in the Strikefire or SPARC, unless you count dead batteries from leaving them turned on?
SPARC comes with a doubler lense as does the Strikefire. You can also add the swing away mount with a tripler lense and makea 6x red dot option. You can't do that with the Bushnell.
 
crap more choice, thanks guys haha.. i already have a hard time choosing (and there is the regular scope option)

Bigger field of view sound nice.. would be nice to find an aftermarket flip up/down lids for the sparc (one that work well)

Never owned a red dot before, im trying to force myself into trusting them over a scope. i saw many review on youtube and have no problem with the "accidentaly turn on switch" situation
 
I have a Sparc which stopped working after 3 minimal uses, I called the distributer in Guelph and within 3 days had a brand new one with extra batteries (not easy to get). I'd say that's the best warranty and customer service i've gotten. I use the magnifier as well and it's a great set up. The Strikefire is usually a bit cheaper and for a .22 I'd go that route.
 
On the batteries dying in the strikefire cause it was left on, I call BS. Sure they can be accidentally turned on, but they auto shut off after 1 hour (I don't know if the spark has this feature). I got my Strike fire almost a year ago, mounted it on my SR-22, used it lots, and have left it on accidentally more. Still on the first battery.

AAA.jpg


I have also mounted it on my shotgun while pumping slugs through it, other then the optic being too high because of the extra high mount it preformed flawlessly. Lifetime warranty to whoever owns it, not whoever bought it originally. So even if it does go (minus me using it to put a nail in a wall), I get it replaced. GREAT value for the money spent. Would do it again, actually I am looking at one of their scopes right now.
 
I have used a SPAC on my cz858. It has worked well. On bright day I use it 3 clicks down from full bright dot.

Don't accidently hit the night vision button. You can't see the dot.

I have used the doubler for ammo testing. Worked ok but would not sue it for anything else.
 
Did I heard right that the Strikefire is a lifetime no question ask warrenty ?

and would it be better to ditch the green part of the strikefire and just go with the brighter red only ?
 
My issue with the Strike Fire was because the bikini strap on the covers I have was pressing on it after I put it in the safe and then onto the range. When I took it out, the battery was drained. Though I have been using it all year too. Now I carry a backup battery.

I've ordered a Lucid HD7 out of curiosity and will compare the two maybe this weekend.
 
Had my new strikefire out for the 1st time today.

It functioned great, but at some point, some sort of internal ring came loose and is now shifting around inside the tube.

Had no real effect on the dot position or sight line, but it's definitely not right.

Anyone else have a similar problem?
 
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