The Vortex Strike Eagle was designed primarily for 3-gun competition use. However, this scope can be effective in any application where speed to target is more important than long range tack-driving precision, including hunting and self-defense. It features a 1-6x zoom range, making it extremely easy to use from close range all the way out to 600 yards.

The Strike Eagle features Vortex’s own AR-BDC reticle. The AR-BDC is glass etched and illuminated, with 11 power options. Power source is one CR 2032 battery, and Vortex estimates 150 hours of battery life on maximum intensity. One thoughtful feature is a spare battery compartment under the windage turret cap. The scope also comes with flip up lens covers from the factory.

The reticle itself was designed primarily around the 5.56 cartridge; however, using the Vortex website’s ballistic calculator this optic can be used with many cartridges and calibers. A reference chart for the .308 caliber is also included in the manual.

After zeroing at 50 yards, which is the range the scope is designed to be zeroed, I headed out to my favorite desert spot in El Paso, Texas to test the speed of target acquisition on 1x. I set up two steel targets about a yard apart, at a distance of 15 yards. I tested how quick I could engage each target with one round from the low ready position three separate times. At fifteen yards my average time was 1.64 seconds. I did a single double-tap drill on each target from the low ready which came out to 2.49 seconds.

I repeated the drill at 25 yards and my average time to engage each target once was 1.77 seconds, with the double-tap drill coming out to 3.18 seconds.

Note that I haven’t tested these times compared to other aiming devices so these numbers are for your own reference.

In order to test the rifle at greater distances I went to the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club to use their silhouette range. At this point I did away with timing myself as I was merely testing the accuracy of the BDC hash marks with the 50 yard zero. When I got there I was hoping to test it from 200-500 meters (their range is in meters), however their 300 meter target was out of commission, and spotting myself at 500 meters with plenty of other shooters on the range proved unreliably challenging. Therefore my test of the reticle at distance consisted of transitioning from the 200 meter target to a 400 meter target.

Dialing over to 6x magnification the center crosshair indeed resulted in consistent hits on target aiming center mass at 200 meters (218.7 yards). Switching to 400 meters (437.4 yards) and jumping down to the third crosshair also resulted in consistent hits on target albeit with a slight leftward wind hold. Note no elevation adjustment was required at either distance despite the 10% difference in yards and meters. Rifle used was a Colt LE6920. Ammunition used was Federal 55gr. FMJ.

In summary, my range experience proved the horseshoe reticle combined with the BDC hash marks makes engaging targets from close range out to extended distances fast and easy. I could see this scope being useful for many types of hunting, especially coyote/varmint, dangerous game, and even aerial hog hunting.

Pros:
• Clear glass and bold reticle
• Great for quick shooting from 15-600 yards
• Illuminated reticle
• Price: military grade optics with similar capabilities cost anywhere from 3-5x as much (ex. Vortex Razor HD, Trijicon VCOG).

Cons:
• Parallax: There is no parallax adjustment. It is set to be parallax free at 100 yards. When shooting other distances, Vortex stresses the need to have a consistent cheek weld to minimize the effect.

• Weight: Scope itself is 17.6 oz., plus another 6.7 oz. for the recommended cantilever mount. 24.3 ounces is a total of 1.5 pounds added to the rifle. The setup is light for its capabilities, but is still a significant increase for an EOTech 512 user (11.1 oz) or Aimpoint PRO user (11.6 oz.) for example.

Final thoughts:
The Vortex Strike Eagle is an extremely versatile optic at an affordable price, and with a warranty that leads the industry. This riflescope is great for shooters who want to go high speed from CQB distance all the way out to 600 yards.

Whether you are 3-gunning, hunting, or simply want the capability to make quick and effective shots from point-blank to extended range with your home defense rifle or favorite plinker, the Strike Eagle will help you excel at the task at hand.

Vortex Strike Eagle Specifications are as follows:
• Tube size: 30mm
• Weight: 17.6 oz
• Focal plane: Second
• Eye relief: 3.5 inches
• Capped turrets
• Adjustment graduation: ½ moa
• Travel per rotation: 44 moa
• Maximum elevation and windage adjustment : 140 moa each
• Field of view @ 100yd 116.5-19.2ft
• MSRP: $449

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