Red dot sights are a favorite among shooters because this type of view makes it easy to move from one target to another.
With plenty of red dot sights on the market, it can be hard to find a quality one.
Vortex Optics is a leader in the scope industry, and they came out with the Strikefire 2 model a few years ago. Since then, it has received plenty of raving recommendations.
However, does the Strikefire 2 model genuinely live up to its reputation of being an excellent mid-range optic? We've got all the details here.
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Vortex StrikeFire II Sight
Pros
Cons
Vortex Strikefire II Specs
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Adjustment Options: windage and elevation ยฝ MOA adjustments, maximum 100 MOA
Type of Reticle: 4 MOA red/green dot
Image of Reticle
Magnification: 1x
Focal Plane: single focal plane
Objective Lens: 20 mm
Field of View: maximum field of view, 100 yards
Pros
The Strikefire 2 scope has plenty of incredible features, which we've included below.
Price
One of the biggest attractions of the Strikefire 2 sight is its affordable price. Many other options cost hundreds of dollars more than the Strikefire 2. Of course, these more expensive products have added features that increase the price.
Nevertheless, the Strikefire 2 has everything that beginners to even advanced shooters need in an optic, making the lower cost even more impressive. For simple sight with stellar optics, the price is more than reasonable.
Construction
The Strikefire 2 is average, measuring 5.6 inches in length and weighing an impressively low 7.2 ounces.
Despite its small size and light feel, the Strikefire 2 is a sturdy and lasting optic.
The sight is scratch-resistant thanks to the aluminum build with a matte anodized finish. Plus, you don't have to worry about shooting in the rain since Vortex made this model waterproof. The Strikefire 2 also boasts of being shockproof and fog proof, thanks to the nitrogen purge. Also, the lenses are entirely multi-coated, so nothing obscures your vision.
Some other great construction features include the ideal placement of the on/off button and the addition of a flip-cap optic cover, which is usually a separate purchase with red dot sights.
Easy Installation
You can easily install the Strikefire 2 with any 30 mm scope ring. If you have a flat-top AR, you also have the option to utilize the high-rise cantilever mount that comes in the package. This setup gives you the opportunity of using two scopes at once.
Once you have the Strikefire on your rifle, set the elevation and windage to the correct settings. The 1/2 MOA adjustment makes it relatively straightforward to finish the setup and zero in on your target.
Reliable
While some scopes do not keep the zero for extended periods, especially if you accidentally knock the rifle around or move it, the Strikefire 2 is incredibly reliable.
The scope maintains the zero after hundreds of rounds and numerous trips. This reliability pushes this scope a notch above the competition.
Cons
Of course, no sight is perfect. Here are a couple of the potential problems we saw when using the Strikefire 2.
Difficult to Adjust
You'll need a coin or a small tool to change the elevation and windage settings, which can be slightly frustrating for people used to fingertip adjustments.
Additionally, if you wear gloves while shooting, it may not be easy to find the power and red/green dot buttons. They require pressure directly to the middle of the button, so it may take a couple of tries if you use gloves.
Light Transmission
As you look through the optic, you want to see your target clearly. However, the Strikefire 2 optic is often much darker than the surroundings. Imagine the difference between looking at something with sunglasses and then without, and that will give you a good idea of the difference in the lighting when you look at the optic.
Best Uses for the Vortex Strikefire 2
In general, the Vortex Strikefire 2 is ideal for close-range, quick-fire shooting.
Competitions
Even though the large dot does not work well for precision shooting, many people use this scope for competitive shooting that provides speed and quick changes between targets.
Brush Hunting
The Strikefire 2 offers visibility for 100 yards. With no magnification, many people use the scope for close-range targets like in brush hunting.
Plus, with the multiple light settings and durable build, the scope works well for brush hunters.
Combat
While some more expensive sights offer increased durability for combat's harsh conditions, numerous soldiers use the Strikefire 2 because of its reliability when quickly changing between targets at a closer range.
Is the Vortex Strikefire 2 Hard to Use?
No, the Strikefire 2 is not hard to use. Many people recommend this scope for beginner shooters because of its reliable yet straightforward settings. The switch between the red and green dots also improves the ease of use.
The most challenging part of using the scope would be using a tool to adjust the elevation and windage settings, but that is a standard feature on many other models.
Is the Vortex Strikefire 2 Compatible with Any Rifle?
You can use the Strikefire 2 with any rifle outfitted with a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail. Many people use the scope on their shotguns, rifles, and pistols, but one of the most popular models is the AR-15.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Vortex Strikefire 2?
If you already have a 30mm mounting ring, the Vortex Strikefire 2 fits perfectly in it.
Another option is installing the cantilever ring mount that comes with the scope, which works well on flat-topped rifles.
First, connect the mount to the rail with four inches of eye relief and ensure it fits well. Hook the base clamp on the outer parts of the rail by pushing it down and forwards. Before you put the scope in the ring, tighten the clamp hex nut. Finish up by tightening the ring cap screws.
What Makes the Vortex Strikefire 2 Stand out from the Competition?
While the Vortex Strikefire 2 is a mid-range option, it is anything but ordinary. The low price combined with the necessary features for shooters of all skills makes this optic an excellent choice.
Most people don't need the extra features and extreme durability of more expensive choices, and cheaper options don't have the same quality features.
The Strikefire 2 model is the perfect scope that offers quality at an affordable price.
Comparison Overview of Different Scopes
If you're considering buying the Strikefire 2, chances are you're looking at similar products as well. Here are some quick comparisons to explain how the Strikefire 2 model compares to the competition.
Vortex Strikefire 1 vs 2
Vortex made some much-needed improvements with the Strikefire 2 model.
One of the most prominent complaints about the Strikefire 1 model was the placement of the control buttons. People were continually turning on the red dot accidentally and running down the battery life. The Strikefire 2 has much better placement and eliminates any such accidents.
Plus, the Strikefire 2 has an incredibly bright green dot that was incredibly hard to see with the first model.
Vortex Strikefire 2 vs Sparc 2
Both of these sights are Vortex products, but the company made them with unique purposes in mind. Where Strikefire 2 excels at quick target acquisition, the Sparc 2 takes the prize for precision shooting.
The Strikefire 2's larger size and viewing glass improve your speed shooting, but the Sparc 2's compact build gives you more precision, although it may take longer to set up the shot.
In terms of price, the Strikefire 2 is more expensive, but Vortex doesn't sell the Sparc 2 anymore. You can only find it from other vendors.
Vortex Strikefire 2 vs Aimpoint PRO
Both of these red dot sights are quality options, but the main difference comes down to what each one's purpose is.
Even though many soldiers use the Strikefire 2 scope, most people use it for competitive shooting or hunting. As such, the optic does not have extreme durability and stellar precision or quick shots.
Aimpoint PRO, on the other hand, is a favorite among military personnel and law enforcement officers thanks to its long-lasting, quality build. However, these improvements come at a much higher price than the Strikefire 2.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an affordable sight that still offers quality optics, the Strikefire 2 is a fantastic option. Despite some of its slight flaws in the adjustments and light transmission, you can always expect incredible reliability from this scope.
People Also Ask
Investing in a red dot sight is not a small purchase. You'll probably have plenty of questions before deciding to buy a new scope.
Here is some helpful information that answers some of the most popular questions we've received about the Strikefire 2 scope.
What Kind of Warranty Does the Vortex Strikefire 2 offer?
The Vortex brand sells its products with stellar warranties. The Strikefire 2 model comes with a Very Important Promise (VIP) warranty, which states that the company will fix or replace the product if anything happens to it.
The beauty of this warranty is that the company doesn't ask questions about how the damage happened. They work to fix it or replace it with a new product.
This policy is an unlimited lifetime warranty that doesn't require any previous receipts or warranty cards.
How Much Does the Vortex Strikefire 2 Weigh?
The Vortex Strikefire 2 weighs an impressive 7.2 ounces. While this is slightly more than some other red dot sights like the Bushnell TRS (under four ounces) and the Weaver Micro Dot sight (2.8 ounces), the Strikefire 2 is still incredibly light.
Other similar products weigh more, like the Aimpoint PRO at 7.8 ounces and the Redfield Counterstrike at 14.8 ounces.
Even though the Strikefire 2 might not be the lightest red dot sight available, it is still competitively lightweight.
Can You Use Vortex Strikefire 2 in Low Light?
Yes, you can use the Vortex Strikefire 2 in low light. The sight includes ten intensity levels, with the lowest two being ideal for shooting at night.
You probably won't have to use the lowest levels for low light conditions, but there are plenty of brightness settings to accommodate the shooting conditions.
How Long Does the Battery Last on the Vortex Strikefire 2?
According to the manufacturers, the sight lasts for 80,000 hours if you only use it on setting six. However, under more realistic circumstances, the maximum battery life is only 6,000 hours.
Is Vortex Strikefire 2 Parallax Free?
Yes, the Strikefire 2 is parallax free, meaning that once you have set the reticle on the target, it doesn't move even if you look at it from different angles.
While no sight is entirely parallax free, the slight change in the reticle is so subtle that you will not notice.
What Battery Does Vortex Strikefire 2 Take?
The Vortex Strikefire 2 uses a 3v CR2 Lithium battery, a reasonably standard scope battery. You can easily find replacements for it when needed.
