VortexOptics SPARC Red Dot Sights Gen II

Listen. It's not a $500 optic. I don't expect it to perform like one.Here's the basics:I would NOT call it cheap because that has the connotation of being poorly built. This red dot feels sturdy and it is from a reputable manufacturer. I will say it was certainly inexpensive compared to some other options.It is compact. It doesn't take a lot of room on the rail. If you want to add a flip out magnifier, you can push this forward and add the magnifier and still have room for your backup iron sites. I run an 18" setup so I still have room for other things like a flashlight.I took this out recently and got it sighted in. It was easy to adjust. I like the adjustment caps have a built in raised portion that fit the adjustment turrets perfectly. No extra tools needed. It held it's zero well with many rapid-fire strings.The red dot was easy to see and I think I only had it turned up to the second or third level of brightness. I was at an outdoor, uncovered range, with a dirt berm backdrop with plenty of old clays spread out. It was still easy to see and quickly acquire a sight picture.There is only one thing that would make me like this optic better, and that's shake awake, but I was aware when I purchased it that this model did not have that feature, which is why it's less expensive and I did not take any stars away from the rating. Next time I might spend a little more for shake awake and auto off, but for now, this works very well.I'm aware there are other less expensive options than this but I'm familiar with Vortex and their reputation. I'm not willing to risk paying $40 for a red dot optic with no reputation and expect it to work properly when I need it to.

This is a great little red-dot sight. I like that it takes a AAA vs. a coin cell, so is easily sourced anywhere or perhaps from a remote or other device if needed. I’ve had this on a 12 gauge pump shotgun for about 3 years and it works really well in that capacity. Great low light target acquisition even with a flashlight. Durable and reliable. Does what it’s supposed to and is backed by a company known for honoring their warranty.

product as described

Little trick for the end caps is they will snap together to keep them from flopping around

This scope has performed well for some varmint removal. My only wish, is that they would make the rubber end caps stick together harder, or maybe even consider embedding a magnet. Once in a while the end caps pop apart and it can get in your way.Other than that, great scope, easy to see red dot.

I have one on my Ruger .45acp carbine. My wife has one on her Ruger 5.7mm carbine. My son has one on his Colt M4. Quick target acquisition without covering the target.

I bought this for an AK47 pattern rifle however the profile was a bit too high. We installed on my son in laws AR15 instead. Quick to sight in, and holds great. This is probably my 3rd or 4th SPARC, cant wait to try the solar.

Pros to the sparc AR:Easy to install.Good price.Durable.Great clarity(under half brightness).Easy to adjust, love the bump outs on the caps for quick adjustments.Easy sight acquisition.Minimal sun glare.So far it’s a really good, decently priced low profile optic!Cons:when you put the brightness up past halfway, the clarity is trash and I will explain why.... but... only heathens run optics near full brightness anyway so I don’t really see this as a big con at all, it doesn’t affect me personally. (I run it 2-4 clicks past 0 depending on the Brightness of my environment, full brightness is 10 clicks.) Past 6 clicks there is a heavy red hue obstructing your vision. The hue is 10-15moa from the center (roughly 30moa in total) and forms almost a perfect circle. For some people they might like this because you can use it as a Reference point, similar to red dot set ups with a real 30moa circle.Also the auto-off 12 hour feature is whackkkk. If you’re going to have an auto off feature, then you should have an auto-on feature as well....