Review for Vortex StrikeFire Red Dot Riflescope SFRD with Extra-High Mounting Ring for AR-15

Author: Mikalik2 from Urbana, IL on Dec 29, 2011
Pros:  Price, Durable, easy to attach and use, both green and red dot, can be used with NV
Cons:  device is too easy to accidentally turn on
Would recommend:  yes

Mikalik2 wrote:

I purchased this optic because I just couldn't justify purchasing a red dot sight that was more expensive that the rifle it was mounted on. I read the reviews on the Vortex Strikefire and was quite impressed. I attached the optic to my carbon-fiber Bushmaster AR-15 with rail top upper. The first thing I noticed was that the red dot was not as tight at high brightness as I would have liked. After using an ACOG on several military deployments I can appreciate how much different the dot is on a high-end optic as opposed to the VSF. After putting about 300 rounds through the rifle the mounting screw had to be tightened, as it had wiggled loose (previosuly only hand-tightened). I used a wrench to tighten it this time, as of yet it has yet to loosen. My only real complaint about this optic is that the On/Off switch is way too east to accidentally turn on. The button only requires a slight push and the device turns on, as opposed to a prolonged press to turn off. The second time I went to shoot my rifle it was been stored in a hard case with foam for 2 days. When I went to turn on the device the battery was dead. I went to Walgreens and purchased the $10 battery and it started up just fine. The weird thing was that I usually store my electronics with the battery turned around as to prevent accidental turn-ons . . . but it's possible I forgot to do it this time. Overall you can't find a better optic for the price.