If you have been searching for a good optic, you know that there are many choices available on the market today. You have broken down your search to Vortex due to superb reliability and value. Now, which Vortex optics to buy?

The company provides an array of non-magnified red dot optics; all differ a bit in features. This comparative guide will assist you in choosing which one is ideal for you and for your handgun.

Vortex Sparc vs. Vortex Sparc 2: A Short Glance 

Vortex Sparc AR

  • Sparc Vortex has ten brightness settings which include two-night vision compatible
  • Dual mounting options which include absolute co-witness
  • Rear-facing brightness controls
  • Affordable cost, below USD300
  • Automatic shut-off feature
  • Short battery life opposed to other red dot sights available
  • No magnification choices available

Vortex Sparc 2

  • Ten brightness settings
  • Dual mounting options which include absolute co-witness
  • Rear-facing brightness controls
  • Cheap, available for only USD300
  • Automatic shut off feature
  • Short battery life
  • No magnification choices available

Design and Features: Overview 

1. SPARC AR

Sparc AR is a 2 MOA non-magnified red dot optic intended to be raised on AR-15 top rail. It has the features you would look forward to a superior and high-quality red dot, such as easy to adjust controls, unlimited eye relief as well as parallax-free accuracy.

It is integrated with push-button controls that sit on the front, and this allows you to instantly adjust the brightness while keeping on focus on the target. It has two mounting options, absolute co-witnesses, and 1/3rd co-witnesses.  Absolute co-witness refers to, once properly zeroed, the red dot will line up precisely with the back-up iron units.  It has housing features O-ring seals as well as nitrogen purges, which makes it waterproof and fog proof.

Covers lens are included and take one triple AAA battery. One battery could last up to 5000 hours, once set on the lowest brightness settings, and has a 12-hour automatic shut-off.

2. Vortex SPARC 2 

II Sparc is a conventional tube design red dot. Aside from being non-magnified, it also comes with 2 MOA adjustable brightness. It goes well with an AR-15 or other models of carbines like Mini-14, SKS as well as AK-47. Also, it is a superb red dot optic for those with shotguns.

It is integrated with one-piece construction, totally multicoated to lessen glare as well as purged with nitrogen gas, thus makes it fog proof. It has an O-ring cover to make it weather or waterproof. Like the AR, this also has dual mounting options.

Sparc 2 is parallax free error and has unlimited eye relief for the fast and instant acquisition of the target. Integrated on the package are removable lens caps, T-10 Torx wrench for mounting, as well as CR2032 battery that lasts up to 5000 hours once set in the lowest settings of brightness. It is also integrated with a 12-hour automatic shut-off.

3. Head to Head Comparison

The ii Sparc and the Sparc are almost the same when it comes to features as well as performance. Both models are integrated with 2 MOA red dots, equal battery life, as well as rear-facing push-button brightness adjustments.

Both will give you dependable shot groups of up to three hundred yards. Both have unlimited eye relief, so meaning you are able to get targets instantly, and two eyes open shooting will keep you aware of the surroundings.

According to the manufacturer, the SPARC comes with a night vision feature that is compatible with the use of the lowest brightness settings. The only apparent and noticeable difference is the type of battery used. The AR model is powered by a triple AAA battery, while the 2 Sparc uses a CR2032 battery.

Battery access is both expedient and convenient; the lifespan of the battery is also the same.

4. Cost and Value Comparison

Both optics are available for only $300 that is cheap compared to other brands of red dot available on the market. The AR and the Sparc 2 provides features the same to more expensive brands; however, much more affordable cost the renowned names in the world of optics.

As with the entire Vortex models, both have an unconditional lifetime warranty that is transferrable if you come up with a decision to resell the product. There is no code to validate and no warranty form to fill out, the company stands behind the product they manufacture.

Practical Uses or Application

AR Practical or Primary Use

  • This model is intended to be a close combat optic for the AR platform
  • It can be put on a duty weapon for military and police applications and will give the performance as well as reliable those departments need and demand.
  • Its low price makes it the best option for a newbie who is searching for a red dot sight for her or his AR-15.
  • It doesn’t matter if you a professional or recreation shooter or competing in tournaments; this optic will surely meet your demands.

Model II Practical and Primary Use

  • It is a superior non-magnified red dot for veterans and beginners alike
  • The reliability and quality are accurate and exactly what serious shooters are searching for, while the low price makes it a very good choice for beginners.
  • It can be put on long guns and make that more effective and efficient.
  • It will surely go along with your shotgun, carbine as well as a rifle.
  • It has an accurate red dot to a distance of up to 300 yards, but more than that, you will need a magnified optic.

Other Major Similarities 

Other major similarities between these two models are as follows:

Zeroing and Setup 

Both models are relatively easy and simple to setup. Either red dot sight takes account of the amount that spares users from the extra money that not even the expensive sights can spare from. When raised or mounted, both sights zero in relatively quickly, below five rounds for each. Once sighted in, both hold zero amazingly well. That is a witness or proof to how shockproof these both models are. It doesn’t matter if you bump these units around or dropped them accidentally, they work well. Buying AR off is a chore as it utilizes Torx screws.

Brightness Setting

The Vortex Sparc AR and the Sparc 2 model provide many different settings for the brightness to make it as handy and usable as much as possible without ambient light and night vision setting for no light environments. A lot of users believe that the Ar model has a better range of settings for brightness, which makes it a bit more handy and usable in a greater array of conditions. On the other hand, this comes at the ill-fated disadvantage of the light emitter for the red dot being a bit apparent. However, on the two models, it is obscured, wherein some users using AR may find it getting into the field of sight. AR respond well to a wide array of ambient light settings compared to the 2 Spar model does. 

Which is better vortex Sparc or Strikefire?

It is easy to know how to use or fire the pistol with a scope. Scopes are an optical sighting tool which you will see on a lot of guns made at this point. One good reason why many people opt to utilizes scopes is that they are easy and straightforward and so user-friendly. With a scope, you simply line up the reticle with the target and ready to fire. Both sparc and strike fire is remarkable high-quality red dot scopes that can be purchased for a reasonable price. Each model is great in its own aspect. On the other hand, to make a sound choice between these two models, the comparison will help you settle on the best one.

When making a choice, it’s the difference between the two units, which will guide you in making a choice.

Is the Vortex Strikefire 2 any good?

Yes. One good reason why Strikefire 2 is a good choice is its

size. It is a bit bigger than the previous model. Also, it is more of an objective

glass or lens as well as has a dimension of 30mm. The length of the unit makes it so easy for the shooter to mount a cantilever that is included in the box.

It is 5.6 inches long and approximately 1.5 inches in height. On the other hand, the sparc has a compact frame that measures 3.1 inches in length as well as 11 inches in height. This is micro-optic, with a lens of 22 mm long. Thus it doesn’t have space for any form of a mounting system. The fact that it is small, users can mount with a lower Picatinny adapter.

You acquire the amount once you purchase the two scopes, so both models can be used upon your purchase. Sparch strike fire model has cantilever that raises it up to a co-witness height. This model is able to work with 30mm mounts. Also, it can be utilized with lower profile mounts and those mounts which can be removed easily and quickly.

What battery does vortex Sparc use?

Sparc units have decent and good battery life. Like for instance, the Strikefire, the included battery, could last up to 400 hours once in the utmost settings. However, it can last to 7,000 hours when the brightness is set to the lowest settings. On the other hand, Sparc provides 300 hours of battery life once set on the highest settings, and it can last up to 5,000 hours once set on the lowest settings of brightness. With regard to making a perfect choice between the two models, you will surely low the Strikefire model. This is due to the high battery life. The Strikefire model makes use of one CR2 battery that might come out of the common, but you can easily find it online, most especially in stores like Amazon and eBay. Both batteries are available for a high price.

Conclusion 

It is now time to make a choice. Both the Sparc II and the Sparc AR are superb choices as a cheap, high-quality, and reliable red dot sight. Also, both models offer 2 MOA accuracy as well as fast target acquisition. The mounting choices for both units provide the versatility that users or shooters are searching for.

Both have the same battery life. On the other hand, it is surely reasonable at up to 5,000 hours prior to changing the battery. If you want to extend the lifespan of your battery, you are advised to set it on the lowest settings or brightness.

Of course, the most important factor when picking between the two models is the looks or design. Which style do you prefer? Do you like the Aimpoint style of the ii Sparc model or the Trijicon MRO-styles look of the Sparc AR model? Well, the choice is yours.

Featured Image: gungoal.com

About the Author Anton Scharff

Anton is a hunting expert who respects nature. Ask him anything about large game. Lover of the great outdoors.

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