Reddit reviews Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - BDC Reticle (MOA)
We found 11 Reddit comments about Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - BDC Reticle (MOA). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The Strike Eagle 1-6x24 is defined by speed and versatility. Adjust to six power when you need to engage targets at a distanceHigh quality, fully multi-coated lenses deliver a clear, crisp sight picture and optimal low light performanceThe illuminated, glass-etched BDC reticle features 11 illumination settings to accomodate for changing light conditions. An extra battery can be stored in the windage cap and easily releasedThe fast focus dial on the eyepiece ensures that your reticle is always sharpWaterproof, shockproof, and fogproof ensures reliability in all weather conditions
It's literally going for $275 on Amazon right now https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474056002&sr=8-1&keywords=strike+eagle
The vortex Strike Eagle is highly reviewed, but I have not seen one in person. I do plan to purchase one at some point. It is slightly over your budget at ~$320, but I think it is something that you should take a look at.
http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451504052&sr=8-1&keywords=vortex+strike+eagle+1-6x24
Having said that Primary arms makes very good optics for the money also. I'm not trying to talk you out of the Primary Arms, just giving you more options to look at.
In your price range (assuming your $500 also has you buying a mount, if not, you can go pricier) I'd suggest either primary arms or Vortex.
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-14x-24-illuminated-scope-pa14x-eta-early-may-2016/p/pa14x/
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Crossfire-1-4x24mm-Riflescope-CF2-31037/dp/B00HYRGODO
In 1-6x:
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-16x-scope-with-patented-acss-556-545-308-reticle-advanced-combined-sighting-system-paps16x-eta-late-aprilmay-2016/p/paps1-6x/
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS
Primary Arm ACSS $289
Primary Arms are good if you like the reticle, I used to own one and I enjoyed it but I upgraded and I honestly can't recommend the Primary Arms unless you love the reticle or want the extra 2x magnification. I can see better with the 4x Leupold than the Primary Arms at 6x. Glass quality is just stupidly better.
Bushnell BTR-1 $199
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6 $300
Leupold Mark AR 1-4 Firedot $395
Seriously a Leupold for $400. AR Ballistic Turrets instead of caps. Firedot Reticle That you will be able to trade off when you get the money to upgrade. The Precision at Range is a bit crazy if you dial your elevation, especially compared to the ACSS
Leupold Mark Ar Duplex $289
Burris MTAC $325
Vortex Viper PST 1-4 $400
SWFA SS 1-4 $400
Steiner P4Xi $500
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 for optic, Aero Precision lightweight 30mm cantilever mount for mounting said optic, to an Aero Precision M4E1 upper 16".
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/m4e1-16in-556-m4-carbine-complete-upper.html
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009N24RN2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480372310&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=vortex+mount&dpPl=1&dpID=31tyDHeiVOL&ref=plSrch
I have a vortex spitfire 3x and really like it. Much better than the strikefire. I've also used the crossfire II which is pretty decent basic hunting oriented scope. I'd also consider this one for the price too. https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&dpID=31ydtJDvWeL&dpPl=1&keywords=vortex%20strike%20eagle&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1474094071&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_1&sr=8-1
Depending on your budget I do like the vortex strike eagle or the primary arms FFP 4x14x44 . Either scope will be perfect for 556/308
Primary Arms 4-14X Tactical Scope with Front Focal Plane PA4-14XFFP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L5IL5X2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-Itazb1FKKZ55
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6 x 24 AR-BDC Reticle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S2P2KKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IKtazbDKD5V12
You will need a pepr style mount in 30mm for either of these.
Here is the 4x14 on my 308
AR10 https://imgur.com/a/euDyO
Yeah, MSRP is always higher. Primary Arm has it for $330, as does Cabela's who offers free mounting.
Edit: [$275 on Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474056002&sr=8-1&keywords=strike+eagle), Prime eligible.
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS/ref=pd_bxgy_200_2?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00S2P2KKS&pd_rd_r=JWJ5Y69AB66C3FVZM0R7&pd_rd_w=v8Roe&pd_rd_wg=7uLn6&psc=1&refRID=JWJ5Y69AB66C3FVZM0R7
For the Carbine, I'd go with a shortdot. Something like a UTG 1-4.5x, Vortex 1-6x, or Primary Arms 1-6x depending what you want to spend. I use the UTG on my Avalon and like it alot.
I have owned and used the Trijicon LED ACOG and I have also used (but not owned) the tritium ACOG during my time in the USMC.
I have never owned a VCOG but I hear they are as good as, if not a little better than, the Vortex. However keep in mind that you are paying $900 more for literally no gain in performance. Both the Vortex and VCOG are 1-6 variable and are similarly weighted.
The VCOG is more durable than the Vortex, however Vortex has an expansive lifetime warranty. If it breaks during normal use they will fix it or replace it. Trijicon has a 5 year warranty on the VCOG for internal electronics, and a "limited lifetime" warranty for material and workmanship.
The VCOG is LED (no tritium) and works off a single AA battery. The Vortex is also LED and is powered off a common watch/camera battery, a CR2032 battery. The CR2032 is a bit harder to come by but you can buy a huge pack of them off Amazon and never have to worry about having a spare.
Last thing is that the magnification adjustment knob on the VCOG comes with "throw lever", which helps in rotating the knob. The Vortex doesn't have that. People who buy the Vortex usually get the "throw lever" to help adjust the knob, as it can be difficult to turn.
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Switchview-Throw-SV-3/dp/B00BQWTCZA/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KEDFDMZATKJB5CT8RCZR
$55
Lastly, if you aren't sure about variable powered optics, just get yourself a Vortex Strike Eagle. It's the Viper HD's cheaper cousin. It's also a 1-6x variable power scope, weighs 17 oz, and only costs $300. The glass isn't as "clear" and the reticule is messier than the Viper HD, but it'll give you a good feel of what the Viper HD is like. If you're unsure, start with the Strike Eagle, see if you like it (or don't) and move on from there. At worst you now have a nice Strike Eagle that you can sell to any of your friends with ARs (they have been selling like hotcakes). At best you'll keep the Strike Eagle and put it on your wife's/kids/friends AR build.
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Strike-AR-BDC-Reticle/dp/B00S2P2KKS
P.S. If you get the Vortex scopes keep in mind they don't come with mounts. Be prepared to buy a 30mm tube mount, like the LaRue cantilever mount. The LaRue is a higher end "quick detach" mount, there are cheaper options available.
LaRue Mount
https://www.amazon.com/LaRue-Tactical-Cantilever-Scope-Mount/dp/B00Z7G9QJS/?th=1&psc=1
$210
Vortex Cantilever mount
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Cantilever-Mount-Offset-CM-202/dp/B009N24RN2/
$88