Primary Arms vs Vortex Red Dots for AR

[josh.mcdonald]

I'm new to the AR platform; however, I just picked up my first budget AR. It doesn't have a rear sight, but has the front A2 iron sight and I'm looking for a decent optic to mount on top.

I've been looking hard at the Primary Arms Classic 30mm Gen II ($98 shipped with mount) and the Vortex StrikeFire II in either Red/Green or Bright Red ($157 shipped with mount).

 

I've been reading a lot of the reviews on the Vortex and many people seem to feel like the Red/Green is not as bright as a normal red dot and tends to wash out in bright sun. The Vortex has a full lifetime warranty, the Primary Arms comes with a 1 year replacement.

Anyone have experience with either? I caught a Cyber Monday deal on the Red/Green Vortex for $139. The Bright Red Vortex is not in stock, but estimated to ship in 1-7 days. I'm considering pulling the trigger on the Bright Red just in case and return whichever doesn't work out.

 

All of them will co-witness with lower 1/3 and have a cantilever style mount.

 

Thanks in advance!

[seez52]

I've got a couple of the Primary Arms models you mentioned and they have worked great. They generally get good reviews. They have a new version out that's $169 and supposed to have 50,000 hour battery life. I'd like to try one of those but don't know if it would be worth double the price of their tried and true red dot.

Edited December 1, 2015 by seez52

[musicman]

Dunno. Just got a Sparc a bit ago and I like the multi-height mounting system it comes with. I wanted a small dot and like the 2MOA size.

I have put it on a few rifles just to look at it and check things out, but I haven't had a chance to use it in live fire yet. Hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend. Got another build I hope to finish out when the final parts arrive tomorrow.

I've looked long and hard at a lot of the PA stuff. Great variety of options with them, and great pricing! I've ordered lots of parts from them, but none of their optics yet. Most reviews seem to be positive.

I'm just a Vortex junkie. :-) Someday I'll probably try one PA's low magnification red dots. My eyes suck.

[josh.mcdonald]

Well, being the impulse buyer I am, I jumped on the Cyber Week bandwagon and ordered the Bright Red Vortex Strikefire. I talked to OpicsPlanet support and they are trying to stop my original order or the Red/Green. If they can't, I do still have 30 days to RMA for a refund if I need to.

Read a few more reviews and looked at some Youtube reviews and it seems the Bright Red version is significantly brighter than the Red/Green combo. I figure I'm out $60 more bucks for a full lifetime warranty at the worst compared to the PA one year. Also, not dealing with a company that just makes a clone of another popular optic.

[cknight8]

I love my Vortex Strikefire. Mine is the red/green and I've never had a problem or noticed that the dot was dim.

[Wingshooter]

I have a Sparc, a 1-4x20 PST and now a Spitfire. I'm a Vortex fan.

The Sparc:
I've used it quite a bit for 3gun. It is daylight bright and has held zero great. I have no complaints with it. I think I've had it about 3 (maybe 4) years(?) and replaced the battery twice.

The PST:
Super clear scope. I've used it at 3gun as well, but the illumination cannot be seen in bright daylight (doesn't bother me because the etched reticle is always visible). This AR and PST combo will shoot sub MoA groups at 200yds. One of my best purchases in optics

The Spitfire:
I just got it on sale at PST for $149. It feel and looks very solid. The red and green are both bright and clear outside in the daylight. I havn't shot it yet, but I think I will really like it.

I've heard good things about the PA but never tried one myself.