So originally I had no interest in an optic because I couldnt justify paying for an aimpoint or eotech. I got to looking around the web and am intrigued with the strikefire ii and sparc ii. I know that most complaints about the original design had to do with the lens cover being a pain the arse (and that seems to have been addressed with the newer models). Is there any other problems I should take into consideration that anyone here as experienced? Also, does anyone have any recommendations in the $200 price range outside of primary arms or bushnell that might be a option that is close in value?

Have strikefire II...no complaints whatsoever. I like the flip up lense caps

I have the first Strikefire. The only negative for me is where the power button is located. It will turn itself on with the slightest bump and turn itself off when you set your rifle down on a table. Apparently with the newer one, you have to hold the power button down to 5 secs to turn it off, but it seems you can still accidentally turn it on without knowing.

I have the first Strikefire. The only negative for me is where the power button is located. It will turn itself on with the slightest bump and turn itself off when you set your rifle down on a table. Apparently with the newer one, you have to hold the power button down to 5 secs to turn it off, but it seems you can still accidentally turn it on without knowing.

Didnt they also move the location of the controls so that they are rear facing? Wouldn't. That help to solve the issue.

I have the first Strikefire. The only negative for me is where the power button is located. It will turn itself on with the slightest bump and turn itself off when you set your rifle down on a table. Apparently with the newer one, you have to hold the power button down to 5 secs to turn it off, but it seems you can still accidentally turn it on without knowing.

Same for me. Great optic otherwise.

Have used both the original Strikefire and Sparc.  Satisfied with both.  Have used the Bushnell TRS-25 as well as the Primary Arms M4 and they are great low end RDSs as well.  Can't go wrong with any of them for RDS. 

Didnt they also move the location of the controls so that they are rear facing? Wouldn't. That help to solve the issue.

I don't own a StrikeFire 2, but I believe the control locations are exactly the same. The only difference is with the 2 you must hold down power button for 5 secs to shut off.

As for the Sparc, there was a guy at the range last weekend that had one on his son's M&P Sport. That thing is TINY! I'll probably be getting one of them.

It looks like with the Sparc 2, they changed the power button so you will no longer have an issue of accidentally turning it on.

 

I'm thinking about getting a SPARC ii. I liked the old one but didn't have a spot for it. Now I have an ak and it might go well with that

I have a SPARC and I have no complaints but, I have a bad astigmatism so RDS are not good for me. I don't use it anymore went to a 1x4 and am much happier. You will like it, great company also. They will stand behind all their products!!

It looks like with the Sparc 2, they changed the power button so you will no longer have an issue of accidentally turning it on.

 

 

Oh okay maybe I was thinking about the Sparc then when I said the controls were changed.

 

I love the sparc for its lightweight but the strikefire looks better imo with the mount that comes included

I just saw the sparc2 w/2x magnifier for $198

I just saw the sparc2 w/2x magnifier for $198

Details?

I'll take the SPARC all day. I'd rather the aimpoint pro than strikefire.

 

The magnifier is garbage btw

I'll take the SPARC all day. I'd rather the aimpoint pro than strikefire.

 

The magnifier is garbage btw

I would assume it would be but its basically free at $198

Details?

It wasn't the sparc2 it was the sparc my bad.

http://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/electronic-sights/red-dot-sights/sparc-red-dot-scope-prod41533.aspx

I would assume it would be but its basically free at $198

It came with the SPARC and strikefire. Its a screw on fish eye lens basically

It wasn't the sparc2 it was the sparc my bad.

http://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/electronic-sights/red-dot-sights/sparc-red-dot-scope-prod41533.aspx

HOW DARE YOU!!!

I just got a Sparc and love it.  Comparable to the TRS-25, but I feel it's better with the different mounting options that come free.

It came with the SPARC and strikefire. Its a screw on fish eye lens basically

Thats fine, im sure if I wanted a magnifier I would just buy one in the future.

Yeah I definitely suggest that. I wouldnt list it as a pro though.

I just got a Sparc and love it. Comparable to the TRS-25, but I feel it's better with the different mounting options that come free.

Yeah I also love the reassurance of the vortex warranty

Yeah I definitely suggest that. I wouldnt list it as a pro though.

??? You lost me a little there

I suggest getting another magnifier. I wouldn't list the one it comes with as a pro if debating on buying it

Yeah I also love the reassurance of the vortex warranty

 

 

Speaking of the warranty.  I have a small issue with one of the wire tethers for the windage caps as mine keeps popping off because the wire loop is too big.

 

I shot a quick email to customer service asking if there was a fix I could perform myself to tighten the loop.  I got a response in less than 12 hours saying that they'll immediately send a fedex return shipping label and that they'll send me another brand new one as soon as the label tracking # is activated with my drop-off.

 

That is excellent customer service...  On par with Springfield Armory

 

Vortex definitely has me a customer for a very long time

I suggest getting another magnifier. I wouldn't list the one it comes with as a pro if debating on buying it

Ahhh ok i gotchya now.

Speaking of the warranty. I have a small issue with one of the wire tethers for the windage caps as mine keeps popping off because the wire loop is too big.

 

I shot a quick email to customer service asking if there was a fix I could perform myself to tighten the loop. I got a response in less than 12 hours saying that they'll immediately send a fedex return shipping label and that they'll send me another brand new one as soon as the label tracking # is activated with my drop-off.

 

That is excellent customer service... On par with Springfield Armory

 

Vortex definitely has me a customer for a very long time

Thats awesome, some people might think its not good to fa tor a warranty into a purchase but I always factor it in personally.

I have the primary arms 3x long eye relief magnifier. Check that out when your ready. Their customer service is awsome also.

I have a viper pst 4-16x 50 and i love it. Customer service and life time unconditional warranty was also a factor in my decision to go with Vortex . You really have nothing to lose

 with a warranty like that ,unless of course you just don't like the product. I dont have $2500 for a nightforce and i'm quite happy with my vortex