I’ve never made it a secret that I’m a big fan of versatility. Whether you’re using a binocular or rifle scope, having multiple ways to use the same optic or multiple scenarios where it’s useful has always been high on my list of priorities. With that in mind, I have to tell you about the Vortex StrikeFire Red/Green Dot Scope. There are so many things you can do with this scope, but rather than list off situations, I want to tell you the three main things that add to this Vortex StrikeFire’s versatility.
1. The Vortex StrikeFire has a Variable Reticle
More than one rifle scope and red dot sight available right now can offer you adaptability with the reticle. Many illuminated reticles can be adjusted for brightness, and some have multiple reticle styles. Few offer you the option to switch from a red to a green illuminated dot though, and that’s exactly what the Vortex StrikeFire Red/Green Scope does. With the push of a button you can swap out the red dot for green. Why? Partially it’s user preference, as many shooters have grown accustomed to red dots. People are figuring out the benefits of green though, and I have no doubt you’ll see more and more green dots in the future. Just like with a laser sight, green is more visible than red in bright conditions, so if you’re outside on a sunny day the green dot will be more readily apparent than a red. Since the StrikeFire was designed to give you incredibly fast target acquisition, having a more immediately clear reticle will help you get on target fast. There’s nothing wrong with red, but you may have an easier time with the green once you’ve gotten used to it.
Red or Green? That’s up to you!
But that’s not the only way the reticle gives you options. It also has multiple brightness settings, which allow you to set the brightness to the exact level you need dependent on conditions, AND it’s compatible with night vision optics. That’s huge, as most red dots, even at an incredibly low brightness setting, will be useless with a night vision monocular or binocular. You’ll get a bloom effect, which comes from the light from the red dot providing too much light in a specific area to see around it. The dot needs to be invisible to the naked eye to work with night vision. The StrikeFire gives you a setting for this. That’s a lot of different ways you can use this single optic, and just from the reticle.
2. Extend the Range on your Scope with StrikeFire!
The second reason the StrikeFire is incredibly versatile is the included 2X doubler. The StrikeFire is like most red dot sights in that the regular magnification is 1x. This is why it’s so capable of improving your target acquisition. You can shoot with both eyes open, which gives you greater peripheral vision and allows you to find and get on target in no time. The problem with this is that you might have a hard time hitting a target that’s further away. The 2x doubler is a simple to use magnifier that attaches to the ocular lens (the side of the scope facing you) and will help you be more precise, especially at longer ranges.
3. Pick the Vortex StrikeFire Ring Height For You
Vortex knew their StrikeFire would be popular, so they made sure it’d work for a couple different styles of guns. There are two models available: one with high rings and another with standard rings (they call it their StrikeFire Hunting Model). The high rings model gives you a true co-witness with AR15s, and the standard rings will place the scope a bit closer to the gun (such as a shotgun or even handgun) so you can shoot the way you want.
Vortex clearly understands the benefits of having a versatile scope, as the StrikeFire is an incredibly versatile sight that also has a great price! There are a ton of features I haven’t mentioned yet, like the hundreds of hours of battery life, flip up covers and more, but above are my Top Three Reasons the Vortex StrikeFire is an Incredibly Versatile Sight!
About Brian
Avid outdoorsman, writer, shooter and amateur astronomer with experience working with and explaining rifle scopes, binoculars, red dot sights, night vision and more. He appreciates it when you LIKE his posts!
Comments
Q: Dpo you recommend this sight for an AK or SKS? Vortex Strikefire…
Hey Pete,
The StrikeFire with the low ring height would be good for an AK or SKS. That’s the hunting model.
Wouldn’t a Leupold work just as well for the SKS?
Hey Pam,
Leupold is a fantastic brand, and they certainly make some great scopes, but they don’t have a red/green dot sight like the StrikeFire. If you want to be able to switch between red and green reticles on the fly this is a better option. Leupold’s DeltaPoint Red Dot Sights will give you a lower profile and lighter weight. It all depends on the features you want.
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