Stepping into the realm of red dot sights brings forth the quest for a blend of precision, ease of use, and durability. The Vortex Strikefire 2 Red Dot is a name that pops up frequently among enthusiasts and professionals. Its promise of rapid target acquisition coupled with a robust build presents an enticing proposition for those keen on enhancing their shooting prowess.
My First Impressions
Unboxing the Vortex Strikefire 2, I was immediately drawn to its design. The red dot sight exudes a blend of aesthetics and functionality right from the first glance. The rear-facing controls for power on/off and dot intensity adjustments are intuitively placed, offering ease of access which is crucial in fast-paced situations. The inclusion of an offset cantilever mount, designed to allow for the sight to be moved forward for use in conjunction with a magnifier and backup iron sights, was a thoughtful addition, signaling its readiness for diverse setups.
Holding it in my hands, the scope felt compact and lightweight but sturdy construction. Before even mounting it onto my rifle, the Strikefire 2 had already made a substantial positive impression. The design and build quality built a solid foundation of anticipation for the performance that I’d hopefully see in the field.
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Optics Quality
Right from the onset, the fully multi-coated lenses welcomed me with a clean, bright, and unobscured point of view. This was actually what I had expected from a name like Vortex, but it was still reassuring to verify that the brand was still sticking to its reputation for quality.
The coating on the lenses played a pivotal role in reducing reflections, thereby enhancing the clarity and contrast of the view. The daylight bright red dot was a boon, aiding in quick target acquisition irrespective of the lighting conditions. One of the defining features that stood out was the unlimited eye relief, which facilitated rapid transitions between targets. This is especially crucial in dynamic shooting scenarios where every second counts.
The 30mm tube gives this scope all the durability it needs but also allows in enough light that the sight picture remains clear and stable, even when firing. This shockproof performance was a clear indicator of the engineering care that Vortex put into this scope.
If you want to read more about other Vortex red dot scopes have a look at my full Vortex Viper review or Vortex Venom review.
Reticle Performance
This reticle is designed from the ground up for rapid target acquisition. The 4 MOA red dot is daylight bright, making it ideal for situations that demand quick transitions between targets. This feature proved its mettle right from the first use, aiding in effortlessly acquiring targets even under the bright morning sunlight.
The ten variable illumination settings are a notable feature, with the lowest two settings being night-vision compatible. This range of illumination settings ensures that the reticle is visible and crisp under a wide spectrum of lighting conditions. The rear-facing controls for adjusting the dot intensity are ergonomically designed for ease of use, making it a breeze to toggle between different settings as the ambient lighting changes with weather conditions or time of day.
The Strikefire 2’s reticle maintained its clarity and crispness even under rapid-fire scenarios, showcasing its stability and reliability. 
Turrets & Adjustments
The ease with which you can make precise adjustments on a red dot sight speaks volumes about its usability, and the Vortex Strikefire 2 stands tall in this regard. The sight comes with two turrets for adjusting the point of impact; one for elevation and the other for windage.
The tactile feedback from each click of the turret dials is satisfying, and the markings are clear, making adjustments intuitive even for someone new to red dot sights. Each click corresponds to a 1/2 MOA adjustment, which closely translates to 1/2 inch at 100 yards, 1/4 inch at 50 yards, and so on. The turret caps are well designed, protecting the turrets while not in use, and the caps can be used as tools to make adjustments, which is a thoughtful addition.
I love how easy it is to reset the turrets to zero after sighting in. It’s simple to get your shot set up, and just as easy to get right back to zero so you can get your next shot set up. It holds your zero no matter the recoil or rough handling you subject your rifle to. For more articles about red dot and holographic scopes see my reviews on Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 or Burris FastFire 3.
Build Quality
The Vortex Strikefire 2 Red Dot is constructed with a clear focus on durability and reliability. The single-piece housing is compact and lightweight but feels solid and reassuring. The aluminum alloy chassis not only houses the optics securely but also provides a level of structural rigidity that’s essential for maintaining zero under varying conditions.
The housing undergoes nitrogen purging and features o-ring seals that ensure the sight remains fog-proof and waterproof. Whether it was the morning dew or a sudden downpour, the Strikefire 2’s optics remained clear and ready for action. No matter what conditions or terrain you intend to operate in, this scope seems designed to stand up to it without any issues.
The cantilever mount that comes included is a solid piece of engineering, facilitating a secure mount on the rail while allowing for proper eye relief. The mounting process is straightforward, and once mounted, the sight held its position securely without any noticeable shift even under heavy recoil.
The controls for power and dot intensity are strategically placed at the rear for easy access, and the buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback. You won’t need to fumble around trying to find buttons, and you’ll know for sure when you’ve positively activated them, no more guess-and-check.
Real-Life Testing: A Day In The Field
Taking the Vortex Strikefire 2 Red Dot out for a day in the field was an experience that further cemented my appreciation for its build and design. The morning was cloudy with rain on the way, yet the red dot was bright and clear, making target acquisition a breeze. The unlimited eye relief was particularly useful when transitioning between targets at varying distances.
Once the rain hit, we were able to really put the waterproof and fog-proof claims to the test with a driving Texas downpour. The Strikefire 2 held up admirably with no fogging, and the water beaded up and rolled off the lens, maintaining a clear sight picture throughout.
As the day progressed and the merciless Texas sun made its appearance, I was able to adjust the dot intensity thanks to the rear-facing controls. The sight held zero impeccably even after multiple rounds of firing, showcasing its shockproof build.
The tactile feedback from the turrets while making adjustments on the fly was satisfying. Each click was pronounced, making it easy to dial in adjustments even in a hurried scenario. The red dot’s performance in aiding rapid target acquisition was consistent, whether I was engaging close-quarter targets or stretching out to longer distances.
As dusk approached, the ability to dial down the dot intensity ensured a clear sight picture even in the diminishing light. The Strikefire 2’s performance across varying light conditions and weather really proved its versatility and reliability in real-world scenarios.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-Friendly Controls: Rear-facing controls for power and dot intensity are intuitive and easy to use, even in high-stress scenarios.
- Versatile Reticle: The daylight bright 4 MOA red dot with ten variable illumination settings caters to a wide range of lighting conditions.
- Precise Adjustments: Turrets provide tactile feedback and clear markings for precise windage and elevation adjustments.
- Extended Battery Life: With up to 80,000 hours of battery life at setting 6, the Strikefire 2 ensures you’re always ready to take that shot.
- Unlimited Eye Relief: Allows for rapid target transitions and a comfortable viewing experience.
- Easy Mounting: The included offset cantilever mount facilitates easy mounting and provides a secure attachment.
Cons
- Size and Profile: While compact, its profile might be a bit large for some users, especially on smaller firearms.
- Flip-Up Lens Covers: While better than nothing, I dislike that they enlarge the scope’s profile while in use.
Who Should Buy This Scope?
The Vortex Strikefire 2 Red Dot is a versatile sight that caters to a broad spectrum of shooters. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a competitive shooter, or a hunting enthusiast, the features and build quality of the Strikefire 2 make it a solid choice.
Its ease of use, coupled with precise adjustments and robust construction, ensures it performs reliably in various scenarios. The extended battery life and the range of illumination settings further enhance its appeal, making it adaptable to different lighting conditions. For those who value quick target acquisition, durability, and a user-friendly interface, investing in the Vortex Strikefire 2 Red Dot would be a decision well made.
The Final Word
The Vortex Strikefire 2 Red Dot embodies a blend of functionality, durability, and user-centric design. Its performance in the field reaffirms its reputation, making it a reliable companion for shooters aiming for rapid target acquisition and a clear-sighted picture, regardless of the conditions. It’s a worthy investment for those seeking a high-quality red dot sight to add to their gear.
If you are interested in my other reviews have a look at Primary Arms 3x32prism scope or best Mueller scopes.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.