Vortex Strike Eagle scope expected to sell in mid-$300s

By

Staff

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2014, during RED FLAG-Alaska 15-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr./Released)

The Strike Eagle is a 1-6x24mm scope with an MSRP of $429. Expected street price will be in the mid-$300 range according to reps in the booth.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Vortex is known for its higher-end Razor series as well as its red-dot competitor, the Sparc II, but the company has been working to provide very-high-quality optics at a more approachable price point than some of the other comparable premium optic brands.

The Strike Eagle is 10.5 inches long and weighs in at 17.6 ounces. The etched, illuminated bullet-drop compensating reticle is on the second focal plane and is very bright, with no blooming or washout when we pointed it at the show lights and ran through the 11 brightness settings (yes, it goes to 11!). Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof, the Strike Eagle comes with a 30mm tube and capped turrets providing 280 minute-of-angle adjustments for windage and elevation.

The fully multi-coated glass proved to be extremely clear in the model we sampled.

Available in early Spring 2015, the Strike Eagle will appeal to anyone looking for a quality variable optic who doesn’t want to spend several mortgage payments to get it.