Vortex just sent out an email blast teasing a brand-new Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Rifle Scope that they have added to the wildly popular Strike Eagle line of low-powered, variable optics.

Vortex claims a true-1x power on the low-end of the Strike Eagle 1-8 power scope, allowing for increased speed in the acquisition of close range targets.  The new 1-8x Strike Eagle scope will use a new AR-BDC2 reticle which is similar to the AR-BDC reticle used in the 1-6 power version of the Strike Eagle. Vortex announcement states that the AR-BDC2 reticle sensibly utilizes subtensions that match the ballistics of the most popular AR-15 caliber, 5.56 NATO. The AR-BDC2 reticle also features a center target dot with a surrounding halo that allows for fast targeting at the lower power range of this optic.

The announcement of a 1-8 power scope from Vortex comes as no surprise as the well-liked optic manufacturer joins the other big guns in the industry in fielding an 1-8x scope. That Vortex has chosen to expand on the fast-selling Strike Eagle brand also makes perfect sense for the Wisconsin-based manufacturer. The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Rifle Scope will carry a “Street Price” of $450 according to the email announcement. At this price I expect the new Strike Eagle to move as well as the 1-6x model.

Vortex tells us that the new Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Rifle Scope will be on display at the 2017, 146th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia April 27-30.