AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/15/2009 7:21:00 PM EDT
|
I am looking at this scope for a pistol caliber ar. I want to have it
co-witness with my open sigts. Does anyone have input on performance and quality? Thanks |
| I have one, and have used it on my 5.56 AR for only about 500 rounds. It has held it's zero so far, and seems fairly durable, but I'm not running drills with it or anything. The one thing I don't like is the positioning of the button that turns it on/off and switches it from red to green. It is on the side, and is not recessed, so with my two point sling keeping the weapon up against my body, the button gets pushed and turns it on or off or switches the color because it bumps up against me. If they would have put it on the back with the intensity adjustment buttons and the NV button, it would be a lot less likely to get bumped. I think it's a good sight for range work, but I wouldn't want to use it for combat or a SHTF rifle. The last thing you need is to bring the gun up only to find out you need to turn your sight back on. If you're a lefty, it might not be as big of an issue. |
|
The SF is one of the best red-dots for the money. It comes with some very unique features for its price point. The warranty is also top-notch. I never had any problems with mine turning on or off, but I think that's cause I always laid it down the other way. Either way it's not a big deal, yeah it may be annoying for some but if that's all you have to complain about then that aint too bad.
Co-witness is beautiful btw with their AR mounting ring. 
|
| I have one too and it is pretty nice for the money. The power button placement sucks for putting it in a case though. It will get turned on in a gun case. (remove the battery for transport as a work around) I transport my optics separate so it isn't a big deal for me now. Vortex has awesome customer service and a no BS warranty. Vortex is coming out with a micro version sometime in 2010 so that might be something to keep in mind. |
| Flip covers are okay. They are soft and the base is really tight to the lid. I put a very light coating of clear grease on them to get them to close easily. The doubler is pretty cool. It does cut down on the FOV but gets you twice as close for those longer shots. I think the SF is a hard to be value when you figure in all the different features. I used it as a gauge to see if I even liked red dots. (never had one before the SF) |
| I just got my Vortex Strikefire mounted up. First impressions are that it is AWESOME! Fit in finish is very high. Glass is very clear and dot is very crisp. The choice between green and red dot is nice, at first I didn't think I would like the green, but after taking it outside on a sunny day it definitely helps. Mounted up very easy. The factory mount is actually very nice and rugged. Only time will tell, but I think I got all the red dot I will ever need. Plus you cannot go wrong with Vortex warranty, it's the best in the biz. |
|
I got one, along with the ARD that SWFA sells for it. I like it alot. It seems tough as nails, and I like the controls. The power button doesn't seem to be a problem for me, but I can see where it could be for some.
Here is what I don't like- The doubler SUCKS. The field of view is unusably small with it on. Also, it turns off in an hour, and I don't feel warm and fuzzy about that. I understand the feature's need, but I am afraid Mr. Murphy will turn it off at EXACTLY the wrong time. What I do like- The ARD is cool as shit. The dot was bright enough, but with the ARD, it gives it a sharper contrast, and a bit more brightness if needed. I like the caps. After a bit of silicone on the seals to make them easier to snap shut, they lock up tight. I like the mount as it gives a perfect absolute co-witness. I like the glass. It's clear. I love the price! Bottom line- it's the best bang for the buck going if they hold up to abuse like I think it will. |
|
Quoted:
I have one too and it is pretty nice for the money. The power button placement sucks for putting it in a case though. It will get turned on in a gun case. (remove the battery for transport as a work around) I transport my optics separate so it isn't a big deal for me now. Vortex has awesome customer service and a no BS warranty. Vortex is coming out with a micro version sometime in 2010 so that might be something to keep in mind. This is the first I've heard of a Vortex micro, and that is VERY exciting news! |
| I have one and dont have any problems at all the auto off is 2 hours not 1 and the doubler works just fine . the on and off switch isnt a problem for me . if youe dot looks alittle irregular try turning down the dot intensity or you could have a bit of astagism . let somebody else try the dot if it doesnt appear right then send it back , vortex will make it right. |
|
Quoted: I think 87gn said the dot on his wasn't that bright. His review is still around somewhere. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=460583 |
|
Quoted:
Is there an issue with astigmatism and red dots? Yes there is a connection. My RD's all are irregular. I have an astigmatism,even with my glasses on. Try mounting a RD and look thru the small arpature on you BUS. It cleans the dot up alot for me. That should tell you what the dot actually looks like. If it's round or not. |
Mine crapped out on me after 3 trips to the range. Sight was dead. Put new battery in it...still dead. A few hours later it came on spontaneously while I was tinkering with it. Took it back to store where I bought it for e refund. I know they have a lifetime warranty but I don't want to deal with all that. Before it died though, it was ok. Liked the green dot. It did hold zero despite the not entirely soft treatment my ar gets. Co-witnessed perfectly with irons. Doubler makes a great paper-weight . Despite my experience, I wouldn't rule them out for a budget rds (sometimes $500 for an optic is just not an option). They get good reviews and if they all were as bad as mine was, that wouldn't be the case. I ended up going with an Eotech, however, and am much happier.
|
|
Quoted: Mine crapped out on me after 3 trips to the range. Sight was dead. Put new battery in it...still dead. A few hours later it came on spontaneously while I was tinkering with it. Took it back to store where I bought it for e refund. I know they have a lifetime warranty but I don't want to deal with all that. Before it died though, it was ok. Liked the green dot. It did hold zero despite the not entirely soft treatment my ar gets. Co-witnessed perfectly with irons. Doubler makes a great paper-weight . Despite my experience, I wouldn't rule them out for a budget rds (sometimes $500 for an optic is just not an option). They get good reviews and if they all were as bad as mine was, that wouldn't be the case. I ended up going with an Eotech, however, and am much happier.Did you check to make sure that you weren't putting it into NV mode? I have had customers think their sight was broken when it was just in NV mode and they didn't realize it. The fact that it later came on spontaneously when you were tinkering with it leads me to wonder if that might have been the case. Of course if it was in fact something wrong with the sight we would have taken care of it for you. -Sam |
| I just used mine today for the first time. I was very impressed overall. I used it on my Tac Sol .22LR upper. It zeroed quickly and held all day through the various drills we were running. I didn't use the 2x piece, but the regular sight worked great out to 50yds (Quick head shots were no problem). The only real difference I noticed between my Eotech and the Vortex was the dot brightness. My Eotech definately goes way brighter, but the Vortex worked great overall. Even some of the hardcore "all optics should cost $500 + guys" liked it! |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Mine crapped out on me after 3 trips to the range. Sight was dead. Put new battery in it...still dead. A few hours later it came on spontaneously while I was tinkering with it. Took it back to store where I bought it for e refund. I know they have a lifetime warranty but I don't want to deal with all that. Before it died though, it was ok. Liked the green dot. It did hold zero despite the not entirely soft treatment my ar gets. Co-witnessed perfectly with irons. Doubler makes a great paper-weight . Despite my experience, I wouldn't rule them out for a budget rds (sometimes $500 for an optic is just not an option). They get good reviews and if they all were as bad as mine was, that wouldn't be the case. I ended up going with an Eotech, however, and am much happier.Did you check to make sure that you weren't putting it into NV mode? I have had customers think their sight was broken when it was just in NV mode and they didn't realize it. The fact that it later came on spontaneously when you were tinkering with it leads me to wonder if that might have been the case. Of course if it was in fact something wrong with the sight we would have taken care of it for you. -Sam That was the first thing I thought of. I tried to mess with the brightness and NV settings to see if that was it, but still nothing. However, I won't rule out operator error 100% because it was the NV settings I was messing with when it came on. Must have had something to do with that. Anyways, I knew you guys would stand by your product, I was just ready to make a step up anyways and didn't want to mess with it. |
|
I had one slight issue with mine. When firing or letting bolt slam into battery, the dot would disappear for just a moment. I stretched the spring that holds pressure on the battery a little to provide more pressure & less bounce & it works just fine now. I have the astigmatism that makes the dot look slightly irregular, but it doesn't affect accuracy. It holds zero very well.
Very cool sight! I'll be very interested in the micro version. Probably be a nice unit for my Ruger Mark II pistola! |
AR Sponsor
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.