It is very easy to learn to shoot a gun with a scope. A scope is an optical sighting device that you will find on most guns today. One of the reasons why a lot of people prefer to use scopes other than iron sights is that scopes are very simple, and therefore very easy to use. With a scope, you just line up your reticle with your target and you are good to shoot. Both Vortex Sparc and Strikefire are great quality red dot scopes that come at a fairly good price. Each of them are great in their own aspect but if you want to make a choice between the two, Vortex vs Strikefire comparison should help you decide: –
Contents
Similarities
The first notable similarity of both Sparc and Strikefire is that they are very affordable scopes. In the market today, you will find scopes of all kind, some of which are very expensive. There are those that cost up to 800 dollars, which is why you need to take note about scopes that are still very good yet they are quite affordable to many hunters. The price for both the scopes is almost the same, with a slight difference of about 5 dollars.
Both of them are red dot scopes. They are both one power scopes, designed for shooting at close range. Additionally, they are excellent quality scopes. This means that both of them are great choices to make for anyone that is looking for the best scope, that will deliver results at an affordable cost.
Both Sparc and Strikefire are designed to work in any situation and in any weather condition. They are waterproof and completely submersible. They are also fog free and have shock proof.
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Differences
As you are making your selection, it is the differences between these two models that will guide your decision. Here are some that are worth noting: –
Their Size
One of the clearest differences between the two scopes is in their physical size. Strikefire is bigger in size between the two. It is more of an objective lens and measures 30mm in length. Its length makes it easy for the user to mount a cantilever, which comes in its package. Its optic is 5.6 inches long and about 1.5 inches high. Sparc on the other hand has a more compact frame, measuring 3.1 inches in length and 1.1 inches in height. It is micro-optic. Its objective lens is 22mm long, which means that it has no room at all for any kind of a mounting system. Since it is small, it can mount with a lower Picatinny adapter.
Their weight
This is a major consideration for people who buy scopes. This is in order for them not to have to deal with a heavy scope all the time. Both Sparc and Strikefire are lightweights, but with a slight difference in their weights. Strikefire weighs about 7.2 ounces without the cantilever mount. Sparc on the other had weighs about 5.9 ounces with its mount. On a rifle, you may not really notice the difference in their weights but it can be noticeable in other types of weapons.
The reticles
When it comes to reticles, Sparc has just one option for a red dot while Strikefire has two options for reticles. As for Strikefire, one option is meant for a single red dot, which usually is a very bright option. For the next option, the user can easily swap between red or green reticles. The latter is however not as bright as the former reticle. This is what makes Strikefire a good choice if you are going to use your scope in different situations. With the additional reticle, a user is able to choose the reticle to use depending on the background surface at any given time. A green is also good for those people who are worried about straining their eyes. Green color is less straining to the eye.
Other than the reticle type, there is a great difference between the two scopes in the size of their reticles. Sparc uses smaller reticles of 2 MOA size. Strikefire on the other hand uses 4 MOA, which are larger, more noticeable reticles. Different users have different preferences when it comes to the reticle size, therefore what you choose depends on what you prefer to use.
Battery Life
Both Vortex Sparc and Strikefire have good battery life. Strikefire for instance is able to last for about 400 hours when on a maximum setting. It can last up to 7, 000 hours when working on a minimum setting. Sparc on the other hand is able to offer up to 300 hours of battery life when it is working on maximum brightness setting. On a minimum setting, you can count on it for 5, 000 hours of battery life. However, when it comes to making a choice between the two, you will love Strikefire more. This is because it has a higher battery life. Strikefire uses a single CR2 battery, which may be out of the ordinary but at least easy to find in the market. Sparc uses CR2032 battery, which might be easy to find too, but with a lower battery life. Both batteries are very expensive.
Ease of use
You get a mount when you buy the two scopes, therefore both of them are ready to use after purchase. Strikefire comes with a cantilever, which raises it up to a co-witness height. This scope can work with any 30mm mounts. It can also be used with a lower profile mount or even with those mounts that can be detached quickly. This is what makes it good to use in a variety of rifles.
Sparc is quite versatile too as it can work with a shotgun, a rifle and also a handgun. This is all because it is small in size. The mount that comes with the scope can be mounted directly on a rail or it can be used to allow a lower 1/3 co-witness. Its lightweight feature is also a great advantage in that it can be used for handguns as well as large revolvers. If your bow has a Picatinny rail, you can also be able to use Sparc.
Magnifier
Both vortex Sparc and Strikefire work with Vortex magnifiers. Strikefire is usually ready to use with its magnifier once it is out of the box. Sparc on the other hand will need a specific type of riser in order to use the magnifier. With this feature, it makes it possible for you to see more clearly, thus guiding you towards making a more accurate shot.
The Automatic Shutdown
Both of the scopes have an automatic shutdown, a feature that is meant to help save the battery life. Many people will forget to shutdown the scope at the switch, which is why this is a great feature to note. Strikefire has a 6-hour auto-shutdown feature while Sparc has a 12-hour auto-shutdown feature.
Conclusion
These are two great scopes of great quality. They are both affordable; therefore, one can easily pick either of them for a great hunting experience. However, one choice has to be made in the end, which is why you need to know what each of their strengths are for you to make a wise decision. A Sparc is the choice to make if you are buying one scope for a number of weapons. It is also the best red dot for a handgun. A Strikefire is the kind of scope you choose if you are looking for a scope exclusively for a rifle. Its large size, ease of use and a more eye catching red dot is what makes it a better choice here. More so, it is usually ready to use with a magnifier, therefore a great choice for a quick detach device. In any case, both will satisfy all your needs fully.