Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight Review

In the world of budget red dot optics, Vortex is a brand you can trust, and their Optics Strikefire II red dot sight combines affordability with unnerving accuracy, split-second target acquisition, and maximum field view. Although this sight is ideally suited to ARs, it’s also fully compatible with a wide variety of weapons.

This Strikefire II has a lightweight design and offers mid-range features for low-end prices. But does this budget scope provide enough to make it a worthwhile option?

So, let’s take a look at what makes this scope so popular with novices and professionals alike in my in-depth Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight review.

Who is Vortex Optics?

Vortex is an American-owned optical equipment manufacturer that was established in 1989. They are a family-owned company of veterans with headquarters in Barneveld, Wisconsin, and specialize in the construction and distribution of optics for hunting, law enforcement, shooting sports, military, and outdoor pursuits.

The most popular Vortex products are their binoculars, riflescopes, reflex sights, spotting scopes, and holographic sights.

They are a true rag to riches story and started from humble beginnings to grew into an industry heavyweight. The Vortex team now consists of over 100 American employees that are highly trained and experienced bring you quality products and service.

Overview

See on Opticsplanet - $199

If you’re already familiar with Vortex products, this Strikefire II sight is a larger version of their popular SPARC AR and Crossfire models. But this sight gives you a wider field view than its predecessors and has a number of improved features.

This affordable mid-range scope has 1x magnification, a 30mm objective lens, and two dot color optics that have ten adjustable brightness settings making this sight equally effective during the day or night.

The lightweight alloy casing utilizes Nitrogen purging and O-ring seals, ensuring that it is waterproof and fog-proof. This durable product was built to function in even the harshest of weather conditions.

I recommend that you use this scope at medium ranges for optimum performance because it can struggle over longer distances. But this is one of the reasons that the price tag is so affordable.

What’s in The Box?

Let’s start by taking a look at what’s included when you buy this model.

Features

This versatile and reliable sight is the perfect choice for shooters who want a quality red dot optic but don’t want to pay top dollar. It can be mounted at any height and is compatible with virtually all AR models. Let’s now take a look at the top features to find out if it fits your requirements.

4 MOA Red/Green Dot Reticle

The Strikefire II comes equipped with 4 MOA red/green dot functionality that ensures split-second target acquisition. You get the option of two reticle colors, all in the same package. You can opt for a 4 Minute of Angle (MOA) red dot option or the 4 MOA green dot.

This gives you the flexibility to adapt your sight for specific light conditions and environments. The red dot reticle is better suited to daytime shooting, while the green dot is better for dawn and dusk shooting, but the choice is always yours. The MOA reticle can be used comfortably at close and intermediate ranges.

10 Adjustable Brightness Settings

Take advantage of 10 adjustable brightness and illumination settings that give you rapid adaptability. You can easily adjust the settings via the two rear-facing side button control panels. Also included are also two settings that are night-vision compatible.

Elevation and Windage Adjustments

You can manually adjust the elevation and windage dials with audible clicks. Each click you make will represent a move at the point of impact of 1/2 MOA. The 1/2 MOA corresponds to 1/2 inch at 100 yards, 1/4 inch at 50 yards, and 1/8 inch at 25 yards.

To adjust the windage and elevation settings, you will need to remove the dial covers. You can then use the bar, a coin, or a screwdriver to adjust the dial in the appropriate direction to change the bullet’s point of impact.

Cantilever Ring Mount

A cantilever ring mount that can be mounted on a Weaver-style rail base or Picatinny is included with this package. To use this mount, place the optic bore center approximately 40mm above the base. But remember that you will get a lower 1/3 co-witness with your existing iron sights when mounting a red dot sight on an AR-style platform.

Up to 7,000 Hours Battery Life

The lifespan of this CR2 lithium battery is exceptional. Theoretically, the battery can last up to 7,000 hours when used on the lower settings. But the typical battery life is 300 hours when used at maximum brightness. The 12-hour auto-shutdown feature also helps to maximize battery life.

Vortex Lifetime Warranty

One of the best features is the unlimited Vortex Lifetime Warranty. This ensures that Vortex will repair your optic free of charge if it gets damaged. And if they can’t fix your optics, they will send you a replacement instead. The warranty covers the electronics as well. And in the unlikely case that you do have a problem, the Vortex customer service team is always on hand to help.

Specs and Build

This Vortex sight has an ultra-lightweight 30mm single-piece chassis constructed from aluminum alloy with a hard-anodized finish. The highly durable hard coat creates a low-glare matte surface that can help hide the shooter’s position. The rugged and shockproof materials withstand recoil and impact, making it one of the most durable scopes within its class.

This sight is only 7.2oz in weight but can withstand constant bumps and bangs during hinting trips. The compact design is ideal for easy maneuvering and unobstructed employment with a snag-free transition and acquisition.

Specifications

Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight Pros & Cons

Looking for More High-Quality Scope Options from Vortex?

Then take a look at our in-depth reviews of the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II Rifle Scope, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Matte Riflescope, or the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes.

Or how about our informative reviews of the Best Mini 14 Ranch Rifles, the Best Air Rifle Scopes, the Best Scopes for AR15 under 100 Dollars, the Best Rimfire Scopes, the Best 308 Rifles Scopes, the Best Deer Hunting Scopes, the Best Scout Scopes, the Best 300 Win Mag Scopes, as well as the Best Mil Dot Scopes, you can buy in 2023.

Conclusion

If you are on a tight budget but still need a durable and reliable sight for short and mid-range distances, then this could well be what you’ve been looking for. And the Strikeforce II Red Dot Sight definitely lives up to its reputation for quality at an affordable price.

This is ideally suited to beginners or intermediate shooters. And if the magnification isn’t strong enough for your liking, you can always combine it with a magnifier. The fast target acquisition capabilities help you get on target as quickly as possible. And the red and green dot options working in tandem with the adjustable brightness settings mean you can use it effectively in any lighting conditions.

Happy and safe shooting.