Vortex Sparc AR or Primary Arms advanced micro?

[jeffafa]

Torn between these two. I have a 1st Gen Sparc that I use on my M&P Sport with an A2 fixed front sight.
Primarily range and SHTF use (non-operator).
Price is negligible between the two, but the Sparc comes with the riser for absolute co-witness w/Magpul flip-up BUIS and the PA is additional (around $25).

Sparc is a few oz. heavier, but it's hard to beat Vortex warranty.
Sparc uses AAA batteries; I'm assuming lithium is recommended where the PA uses the pancake battery.

Anyone have experience with both? (I know the Sparc AR is relatively new).

[CSTactical]

The SPARC AR is a cool little optic! We have a few in stock and you can call us for Calguns pricing at 916.670.1103

[capnemo]

I think you answered your own question. SHTF the batteries for the Sparc will be easy to find.

[tonyxcom]

The battery in the PA Advanced is the extremely common CR2032 which you can find in any desktop computer if SHTF (and I bet you will regularly come across a desktop computer. And you get 50,000 hours of battery life. Basically leaving it on for about 3-5 years depending on how bright you set it.

The Sparc AR uses AAA batteries but the battery life is only 300 hours at max and 5000 hours at min and it shuts off in 12 hours! Or as little as 2 weeks to as much as 7 months of battery life if you manage to keep it on all the time.

You want to be scavenging for AAA's every 6 months?

[thegamettt]

the PA emitter is a lot smaller too. Look into holosun as well, they are the oem for PA.

[tonyxcom]

I emailed Vortex about Sparc AR battery life. The Sparc 2 and Sparc AR have the same (poor) battery life but its AAA vs CR2032.

Does not compute.

[JackRydden224]

The PA red dot has a 50,000 hr (5.7 years) battery life and with a few more in your stock/pistol grip you are gonna be fine. But really, if SHFT scenario last more than 5 years then you got other problems.

I think you answered your own question. SHTF the batteries for the Sparc will be easy to find.

[OpticsPlanet]

I would go with the Spitfire 1x over the Sparc AR

I really like the Original Sparc and would choose that instead of the Sparc AR but you already have one so go with the Spitfire 1x.

Who cares about battery life if you've got an etched reticle?

-Matt S.

[Scratch705]

The battery in the PA Advanced is the extremely common CR2032 which you can find in any desktop computer if SHTF (and I bet you will regularly come across a desktop computer. And you get 50,000 hours of battery life. Basically leaving it on for about 3-5 years depending on how bright you set it.

The Sparc AR uses AAA batteries but the battery life is only 300 hours at max and 5000 hours at min and it shuts off in 12 hours! Or as little as 2 weeks to as much as 7 months of battery life if you manage to keep it on all the time.

You want to be scavenging for AAA's every 6 months?

i find it crazy how so much life can be gotten out of that little pancake battery while a AAA drained that quickly.

i wonder what kind of circuitry setup the PA has vs the Vortex to allow them to get that...

[thegamettt]

i find it crazy how so much life can be gotten out of that little pancake battery while a AAA drained that quickly.

i wonder what kind of circuitry setup the PA has vs the Vortex to allow them to get that...

I think it has to do with the efficiency of the led emitter. They must have cracked aimpoints secret.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Those are both good optics. Suburban commandos may turn their noses up but both work great and are quite durable.

[gargodude]

I'd go with the PA. The battery life is better and the PA's body size and weight are more in line with the viewable size of the optic. I tried a SPARC and sent it back because it was too big/heavy. PA will take care of any problems you have too. Maybe not forever like Vortex, but they don't ask too many questions. They value their reputation. I will be buying my next optic from them soon. Look at the Holosun HS503C. It has the circle dot reticle similar to an EOTech, but in an Aimpoint Micro sized body. Not bad for a $200 optic. Never had any problems with my 2 PA red dots (both made by Holosun and one is on a shotgun).