Vortex Strikefire II + VMX-3T

[BuddhaBar]

I'm about to pull the trigger on picking up a set of Vortex Strikefire II + VMX-3T for my 14.5 rifle w/ Magpul MBUS pop-ups.

Just wondering if anyone has this setup and what their thoughts were on the product.

I'm pretty sure I won't need risers to use with the MBUS, from looking at the design of it. Anyone have this setup?

Anything other recommendations?

TIA

[k1dude]

I'm about to pull the trigger on picking up a set of Vortex Strikefire II + VMX-3T for my 14.5 rifle w/ Magpul MBUS pop-ups.

Just wondering if anyone has this setup and what their thoughts were on the product.

I'm pretty sure I won't need risers to use with the MBUS, from looking at the design of it. Anyone have this setup?

Anything other recommendations?

TIA

Red dot with a magnifier is old school. Peeps nowadays usually pick a LPVO with a QD mount instead.

[sgtmrangel]

I run that exact same set up on my Bushmaster AR and on my Nordic NC22. Works out great for me and my aging eyes. Also, my son is color blind and cannot see the red dot, so the ability to switch to green with a push of a button is great for him.

[BuddhaBar]

Red dot with a magnifier is old school. Peeps nowadays usually pick a LPVO with a QD mount instead.

School me. Why LPVO? Pros vs Cons?

[k1dude]

School me. Why LPVO? Pros vs Cons?

First is weight. A big red dot with a 3x magnifier and 2 mounts is heavier than a single LPVO.

Second is flexibility. With your combo optic you're limited to either 1x or 3x. With a 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, or 1-10 LPVO, you have unlimited range until you hit the max magnification.

Third is astigmatism. If you have it, a red dot isn't crisp. A magnifier makes it worse. A LPVO is always crisp regardless of your astigmatism. I you don't have an astigmatism yet, it's only a matter of time as you age.

Fourth is speed and precision. You'll rarely (if ever) see a good 3-gun competitor running a combo magnifier and red dot. You'll only see LPVO's amongst the pros. There's a reason for that. They're fast and precise.

Fifth is vanity. If you wanna hang with the cool kids, you have to look the part.

[Brush Guard]

First is weight. A big red dot with a 3x magnifier and 2 mounts is heavier than a single LPVO.

Second is flexibility. With your combo optic you're limited to either 1x or 3x. With a 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, or 1-10 LPVO, you have unlimited range until you hit the max magnification.

Third is astigmatism. If you have it, a red dot isn't crisp. A magnifier makes it worse. A LPVO is always crisp regardless of your astigmatism. I you don't have an astigmatism yet, it's only a matter of time as you age.

Fourth is speed and precision. You'll rarely (if ever) see a good 3-gun competitor running a combo magnifier and red dot. You'll only see LPVO's amongst the pros. There's a reason for that. They're fast and precise.

Fifth is vanity. If you wanna hang with the cool kids, you have to look the part.

I agree with the Dude on all points.

And if I may add, good glass can also improve your ability to clearly see the target, even when set at 1X.

Comparing my Trijicon reflex sight vs. the Razor 1X6 at the 1X setting, the picture is much improved, to the point that magnification may not be necessary. It’s fast and clear.

And yes, like the Dude wrote, precise. A red dot can’t compare to a fine crosshair of a quality reticle for precision shooting. A nice, thin reticle, with graduations for holdovers and you’re in business from point blank to hundreds of yards.

On a side note, and just my opinion, it just seems wrong to have a floppy appendage swinging from the top of a rifle. For me, it seems like a Band-Aid approach in an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of a red dot.

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[BuddhaBar]

Feedback greatly appreciated, guys. Will definitely take into consideration. Might have to hit the range with some of the guys ans try both out and see what fits me best.

[HooYah]

Red dot with a magnifier is old school. Peeps nowadays usually pick a LPVO with a QD mount instead.

So old school that CAG is still using RDS + magnifiers right?

[lordmorgul]

[k1dude]

So old school that CAG is still using RDS + magnifiers right?

Warfighters and civilians use different tools. The OP also isn't using a suppressed SBR and PEQ/NOD. I'll also guarantee your warfighter would get his butt kicked against good 3-gunners with that setup. Different tools for different uses. Good for military use isn't always good for civilian use. Not only that, but the special ops community has been adopting civilian weapons advancements more than they've been developing their own. The military usually lags behind a few years.

[70runner]

I'm using the VMX-3T with Aimpoint Pro. The VMX doesn't flop, solid detent. I like the combo flexibility, RDS for up close and personal, the magnifier for distance. As to old school, I definitely qualify for old.