I want to buy an inexpensive yet quality red dot for my Sig 522. I couldn’t justify getting another Aimpoint for a 22. That being said, that is the optic I am used to, an Aimpoint CompML3. I chose the Vortex Strikefire Red Dot only because I was told that the brightness range is more comparable to an aimpoint. I was told the red/green combo does not get bright enough for certain situations. Direct sunlight for example. Just recently I was told the red only are too bright even at their lower settings. I have only handled the red/green so I can’t verify this. My problem is this the red only is on backorder till Nov 1st. The red/green is available now. The place I have it ordered from, which I will not name, has been a pain in my a$$. When I ordered it they said it was in stock and they emailed me later that day saying it was backorder. This has been about 2 months ago and everytime I call back the date is moved further away. It was supposed to be mid August then September now today they said Nov 1st. For someone that has experience with both could they tell me if I would be happy with the red/green brightness range. I am not interested in a green dot so that feature doesn’t do anything for me.
I own a red/green. Very satisfied thus far. Approx. 1000 rounds with it in place. I was unable to find a retailer that had the only red version. I have HEARD that the red only gets brighter (in red) than the red/green. I can tell you that I do not even approach maximum brightness settings in either color. All in all, I think this is the best RDS for the $ that you can find. IMHO
Ok. I don’t run my aimpoint bright anyway I normally run them just bright enough to pick them up quickly too bright and you lose the nice tight dot and way too bright you get that red glare off the walls of the tube. So the 3 or so brightest settings aren’t very usable on an aimpoint with a fresh battery. At work we know it’s time to change the battery when you need to use the 3 brightest settings to pick up a nice dot. I guess I was just worried about ther red/green not getting bright enough if I need it. Plus I don’t think I would use the green dot
The green mode is very nice for some of the “red desert” in Oregon and Idaho. Especially in the evenings facing the sun. Happy shooting.
I got the red dot only version at Bass Pro, came with the AR co-witness mount.
Were you able to compare the two at Bass Pro?
No they only had the red dot version, but that was the one I wanted.
I used the red/green combo for a couple of years on a build that I did when I was just starting out. It was nice, held a good zero and didn’t puke out on me even after a few “drops” and such. Of course, a buddy of mine who bought one from the same place I did had his cut out mid string of fire. Vortex replaced it pronto which was cool, but with a $149 optic you are taking your chances…
That being said, I personally like the red/green, as options are always good
Guns America has a writeup about the Strikefire:
The Vortex Strikefire is a great red dot scope, modeled after the Aimpoint used by the US Military.
Improvements over the US Military version include a new button system mounted towards the rear.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/budget-optics-for-the-ar-15/
Had my red only model for well over 2 years, with no problems yet. The red only model is a-lot brighter than the red/green. My brother bought a red/green model (thinking it was the same as mine) It was barely bright enough to make out in the sunlight, it was promptly returned.