Thoughts on Vortex SPARC/STRIKEFIRE w/ Magnifier

[7duster3]

So currently on my AR-15 i have an NC STAR Mark III and it does its job of being a cheap scope that allows me to hit tannerite nicely. I'm looking for a better quality scope that i might be able to see and hit targets a little further out with. I primarily use my AR for plinking so i don't need anything crazy and am not looking to break the bank at all.

Is something like the VORTEX spark or strikefire what i need? How far out do you think i can clearly see out too with the magnifier combined?

[PrimaryArms]

https://www.primaryarms.com/Vortex_StrikeFire_Red_Green_Dot_p/sfrd-hunt-ar15-bundle.htm

Dimitri

[marsh1]

https://www.primaryarms.com/Vortex_S...r15-bundle.htm

Dimitri

The included screw in 2X magnifier is kind of weak. Here is a picture of the bundle we have on sale right now that Dimitri linked to. $169.99 including our 3X magnifier. Much wider field of view than the 2X.

[PrimaryArms]

Do you sell a folding mount that will work with that set up? If so can I purchase it without the optic?

Look under this link for mounts and magnifiers we offer.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Red_Dot_Magnifiers_s/191.htm

Dimitri

[Artsville]

I have the sparc and really like it. The magnifier is what it is. I have had it for 2 years and it has never lost zero. The risers that come w it are perfect for absolute cowitness.

Art

[7duster3]

Thanks for the link that deal is a steal. Can you tell me realistically if i were to purchase the 6x magnifier what kind of yardage i'd be able to clearly see?

[marsh1]

Thanks for the link that deal is a steal. Can you tell me realistically if i were to purchase the 6x magnifier what kind of yardage i'd be able to clearly see?

It is not really how far you can see. Most people can see a 600 yard shot with irons on a silhouette size target. The magnifier is helpful for smaller targets, target identification and more precise shot placement.

[Tjfearl]

Thanks for the link that deal is a steal. Can you tell me realistically if i were to purchase the 6x magnifier what kind of yardage i'd be able to clearly see?

I have a SPARC with the Vortex VMX3 and it is great and you can't beat the lifetime warranty. But with a red dot I would not be counting on being too accurate out past 300 yards. You would have better luck shooting 600 with irons so you can adjust for windage and elevation. The red dot doesn't have a bullet drop compensator so you would be doing some extreme kentucky windage 400 and out on a windy day.

[dieselpower]

I have a SPARC with the Vortex VMX3 and it is great and you can't beat the lifetime warranty. But with a red dot I would not be counting on being too accurate out past 300 yards. You would have better luck shooting 600 with irons so you can adjust for windage and elevation. The red dot doesn't have a bullet drop compensator so you would be doing some extreme kentucky windage 400 and out on a windy day.

This is why your zero as well as your dot size matters.

Shooting 600 yards with a 50 yard zero and 2MOA dot isnt very accurate.

Turn that into a 4, 6 or 8 MOA dot with a 25 yard zero and now you are delivering accurate fire. A 4MOA dot covers 24" at 600 yards. The drop for a 62gr shot from a 16" 1:7 with a 25yard zero is about 25" at 550 yrds.... so you place the 4MOA dot directly over where you want to hit, like a figure 8.

Its best to view the LED DOT through a peep sight. This will sharpen the dots perimeter and it should stop the star effect.

This is why I like my C-more. I drop my front sight to get it out of the way and out of my line of sight, and use the fixed A2 of the C-more to sharpen the Dot to a crisp clear circle by closing one eye.

[PrimaryArms]

At 600 using 5.56 your looking at 7.5' hold! Red dots are made for fast acquisition. If your set using a red dot at that range then a 25ft zero will have less of a hold about 4.5'. The 577 Eotech with magnifier is about the only red dot/halo that will give you a chance if you know where to hold for wind.

Dimitri

[dieselpower]

Are you sure Dimitri? I think the whole arc is 7.5 or 90 inches above the LOS.

In this chart a 375 yard shot is not held 10" high, but the arc is 10" above the Line of Sight. A 400 yard shot adds 5" to the arc and the shooter would need to correct by aiming at least 5" above, since the arc shows a -5 from zero @ 400. This makes the total arc 15" above LOS.



Now with a 50 yard zero I bet you are correct since the arc is near zero past 200 yards. Continueing that 50yard zero arc, I am going to take your word for it that the arc needs to be 90" above LOS and I have no idea what your hold over would be.

Truth be told I have only shot past 400 yards a handful of times with a .223.

Now on my "figure 8" comment, the target gets smaller as your dot remains the same size as we all know. So looking at a man sized target with a 4MOA dot @ varing ranges out to 400 yards looks like this. With a 25 yard zero its always a figure 8, with the POI above the POA. Past 400 yards the math flips with the POA above the POI.

[PrimaryArms]

Dimitri

[dieselpower]

Yeah, that is what I am seeing too. Those are the expected drops of a RDS with a set zero of 75yard to 100yards. By comparing your numbers to the chart they both agree at the yellow & green arcs.

Now compare that to the red arc of a 25yard zero. By continuing the red arc on its downward path due to mean ole Mr Gravity, a 25 yard zero will have about 25" to 30" drop below LOS of the RDS.

[PrimaryArms]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1355030709.075951.jpg
25 yard zero

600 yards is a long way and a huge hold for a red dot
FYI SS-109 has a higher BC and like I mentioned earlier drops about 4'5" instead of 5'5" using the 55 gr M193
Hope this helps

Dimitri

[Tjfearl]

I have a hard enough time qualifying at 500 with my M4 and ACOG with a stiff crosswind. I can't imagine how difficult it would be with a 4 MOA dot. I plan on using my RDS for up to 300. If I want to accurately shoot out past that, then I will get a quality scope with a BDC.