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Finally made a trip to the range with my Xmas gift Sparc. Installation when on wtihout a hitch. Mount seems very solid and i am impressed with all the mount options that come with it. After about 5 rounds at 50 yds i zeroed the Sparc in. I have not tossed my Sparc around or rolled it off the roof. I will take others word for it that it will hold zero. Had an interesting coversation at the range with another shooter. He had another manufactures micro red dot. I noticed him looking at the Sparc and he finally asked what it was. ?????? I told him it was a Vortex Sparc and then i indicated how much it cost, with the mounts and the 2x. His jaw didnt drop but he did stare for a moment. He liked the controls and said he would check it out.
I have 2 issues with my Sparc. One is the On/Off button. It seems that it is too easy to turn on. Even putting the rifle in my hard case is enough to turn it on. The other is the coated wire that is attached to the battery cover. It was frayed and one little wire sticks out. I have poked and pricked myself a few times and hit hurts. Im going the have to trim it. Other than that i like the Sparc. It does what it is supposed to do. |
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Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier?
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Originally Posted By aaholland: Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. |
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www.vortexoptics.com
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Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? |
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Originally Posted By aaholland: Originally Posted By VortexSam: Originally Posted By aaholland: Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? It's really personal preference. I would say that, generally, if you plan to use a magnifier then the 2MOA dot is better. If you don't really care much about the magnifier then the 4MOA dot would be better. |
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www.vortexoptics.com
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any chance for a redesign to sit lower? sparc v2, AK rail cowitnessable with mount removed
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Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? It's really personal preference. I would say that, generally, if you plan to use a magnifier then the 2MOA dot is better. If you don't really care much about the magnifier then the 4MOA dot would be better. So larger dots would be easier to see when it is bright out? |
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Originally Posted By aaholland: Originally Posted By VortexSam: Originally Posted By aaholland: Originally Posted By VortexSam: Originally Posted By aaholland: Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? It's really personal preference. I would say that, generally, if you plan to use a magnifier then the 2MOA dot is better. If you don't really care much about the magnifier then the 4MOA dot would be better. So larger dots would be easier to see when it is bright out? It seems like some people find the larger dot a little faster and easier to see in general. I don't think it necessarily makes a difference how bright it is though. |
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www.vortexoptics.com
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Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? It's really personal preference. I would say that, generally, if you plan to use a magnifier then the 2MOA dot is better. If you don't really care much about the magnifier then the 4MOA dot would be better. So larger dots would be easier to see when it is bright out? It seems like some people find the larger dot a little faster and easier to see in general. I don't think it necessarily makes a difference how bright it is though. Cool I ordered one on Amazon. Cant wait to try it out. |
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Originally Posted By aaholland: Originally Posted By VortexSam: Originally Posted By aaholland: Originally Posted By VortexSam: Originally Posted By aaholland: Originally Posted By VortexSam: Originally Posted By aaholland: Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? It's really personal preference. I would say that, generally, if you plan to use a magnifier then the 2MOA dot is better. If you don't really care much about the magnifier then the 4MOA dot would be better. So larger dots would be easier to see when it is bright out? It seems like some people find the larger dot a little faster and easier to see in general. I don't think it necessarily makes a difference how bright it is though. Cool I ordered one on Amazon. Cant wait to try it out. Thanks for the business! |
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www.vortexoptics.com
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Currently I have 3 sparcs, two mounted on ar's and one mounted on a sig rifle. Besides the fact that I think that the battery dies fast ( I guess the on off button sometimes gets pushed inside the case while carrying my guns), they have been flawless and been holding zero perfectly.
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Utrinque paratus
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Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Originally Posted By VortexSam:
Originally Posted By aaholland:
Interested in one of these. What does the 2 MOA mean? Anyone use them with a magnifier? 2MOA is the diameter of the dot. It's an angular measure (Minute Of Angle). Most red sots have a larger dot, 4+MOA. So what is better? It's really personal preference. I would say that, generally, if you plan to use a magnifier then the 2MOA dot is better. If you don't really care much about the magnifier then the 4MOA dot would be better. So larger dots would be easier to see when it is bright out? It seems like some people find the larger dot a little faster and easier to see in general. I don't think it necessarily makes a difference how bright it is though. Cool I ordered one on Amazon. Cant wait to try it out. Thanks for the business! Got it in the mail today. It seems to work great so far. Are there any quick release mounts you would recommend? I want to be able to switch it and a 1-4x out easily. |
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Originally Posted By aaholland: Got it in the mail today. It seems to work great so far. Are there any quick release mounts you would recommend? I want to be able to switch it and a 1-4x out easily. American Defense and LaRue both make QR mounts that will work (Aimpoint T-1 mounts). I would look at one of those first. |
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www.vortexoptics.com
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Nope it wont. Any mount designed for the Aimpoint T-1/H-1 will work with the Sparc. |
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LCpl. Nigel K. Olsen March 4th, 2010 Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan
LCpl. Carlos C. Aragon March 1st, 2010 Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan |
Originally Posted By sono:
Ok here is my .02 I bought the Vortex due to Katie Harris in 3gun. So I figured hey lets buy from those that help our sport. Sight arrived from AIM and I mounted it up on my Daniel Defense rifle. Short story is that I'm very impressed. Once zeroed I got hits consistantly out to 300yrds on 10inch plates. Me and my buddy passed the gun back and forth ringing the 300yrder until we got tired of shooting in the rain. The rifle and optic were soaked but ran just fine. I'll be picking up another for my ak74 and I bet it handles the heat from the ultimak just fine. I was unaware of Vortex's involvement in 3-gun. Good too know. |
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I'm loving my SPARC. In fact, it is so good, it makes the very few not-perfect things much more noticeable:
(Even with the below issues, I'd still rate this a 5-star product)
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Thank you for providing us some feedback on the SPARC. We will definitely keep your feedback in mind for the future.
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Originally Posted By SvdSinner:
I'm loving my SPARC. In fact, it is so good, it makes the very few not-perfect things much more noticeable: (Even with the below issues, I'd still rate this a 5-star product)
+1, great optic, I have noticed the same thing and what you suggested above would just make it better. @Vortexoptics, thanks for listening!! |
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Anytime, guys! |
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Waned to say thanks to the OP and everyone else providing reviews. And Vortex for stepping in and answering questions!! This thread is pretty much the reason this product will be my next order.
I'll make sure I drop by and voice my experience with it when I order it. |
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Sounds great, thank you for your business! We really appreciate it.
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After reading multiple reviews online I decided to buy this optic. It mounted just fine on my ST rifle with lower 1/3 cowitness. Can't wait to try out at the range this weekend.
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How is this thing for taking a beating? I've mounted mine on a a Larue micro mount and intend on putting it on my 870Express for fall turkey season. It does look sweet on my AR's...
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This should stand up well to a 12 gauge. It has withstood very rigorous durbility tests.
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Just wanted to say I've gotten two of these in the past month.... VERY happy with this optic.
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Originally Posted By PlaneJane: Some of the best contemporary fiction being written in America today gets published right here on ARFCOM.
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either my sparc dot is blurry or i have astigmatism and i think it's me. impressed with the quality even with the bluish tint (not colorblind).
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Interesting... Try taking a picture of the dot. That will tell you for sure which it is. If your camera/ phone shows a round dot, that's how a person will know that it is their eye.
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But if the dot looks sharp in the picture, there are contact lenses that correct this distortion caused by astigmatism. Either way, definitely let us know uf you have any other questions.
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Will this sight work on a scout rifle using the 2x Magnifier? I have a Ruger GSR and put a borrowed sight of similar design on it to see how well it works. I like it.
I already ordered a SPAC, I just have not received it yet. |
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This will work but your field of view will be narrow. I personally would use the SPARC without the doubler.
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Took my SPARC out for a test drive a couple weeks ago on a new 9mm pistol build.
Didn't even zero it in (no time), and was hitting clays semi-consistently at 50 yards! Thought that was pretty accurate for straight out of the box haha. Maybe not tho, I dont have to much experience with optics. I only have the sparc and an aimpoint ive had for awhile, but i zeroed that in right away. Gotta say, im a fan of the sparc so far! |
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Awesome! Glad it's working out and thanks for going with Vortex Optics
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I have a Sparc mounted on a K-VAR Rail on my Arsenal SGL31. AWESOME OPTIC! Just ordered their StrikeFire for my JRC 9mm carbine, thinking of a Sparc on that larue mount for one of my AR's!
Good review and I concur FULLY! Well made and hold zero. Doesn't look like a cheap optic either (A lot of super cheap red dots almost look like they are made or Plastic. Not the Sparc.) |
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Thanks for choosing Vortex Optics and for the great feedback!
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I've got a question about mounts for the Sparc. I've got flip up rear BUIS standard height and I want to keep my cowitness that I have with the stock mount. Will this mount be too tall for that?
https://www.primaryarms.com/American_Defense_ADT111_lower_1_3_cowitness_p/ad-t1-socom.htm Or is this the right one? https://www.primaryarms.com/American_Defense_T1_CO_p/ad-t1-co.htm |
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Originally Posted By Synyster06Gates:
I've got a question about mounts for the Sparc. I've got flip up rear BUIS standard height and I want to keep my cowitness that I have with the stock mount. Will this mount be too tall for that? https://www.primaryarms.com/American_Defense_ADT111_lower_1_3_cowitness_p/ad-t1-socom.htm Or is this the right one? https://www.primaryarms.com/American_Defense_T1_CO_p/ad-t1-co.htm Do you want absolute cowitness or lower 1/3? Which one of these do you prefer? That tells you which mount to buy... |
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Originally Posted By PlaneJane: Some of the best contemporary fiction being written in America today gets published right here on ARFCOM.
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Originally Posted By SgtKiwi:
Originally Posted By Synyster06Gates:
I've got a question about mounts for the Sparc. I've got flip up rear BUIS standard height and I want to keep my cowitness that I have with the stock mount. Will this mount be too tall for that? https://www.primaryarms.com/American_Defense_ADT111_lower_1_3_cowitness_p/ad-t1-socom.htm Or is this the right one? https://www.primaryarms.com/American_Defense_T1_CO_p/ad-t1-co.htm Do you want absolute cowitness or lower 1/3? Which one of these do you prefer? That tells you which mount to buy... http://i47.tinypic.com/25ap1f5.jpg I would prefer a lower 1/3, but I know that the Sparc sits a little different than the T1. I'm not sure if it's higher or lower on the same mount, but they are not the same. I'm going for a LaRue LT660HK height |
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I would use the bottom one- absolute cowitness will line up better with your sights than the lower 1/3 configuration.
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Note: If you were looking for more of an absolute cowitness height, I would recommend the HK quick-release mount.
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Really looking to pick up a sparc today. I am still unclear on the mount... I would like absolute co-witness. I run a BCM flat top with MBUS front and rear sights. Is the LT660-HK what im looking for? Or is it slightly off?
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If you have a flat top rail on your AR, all you will need to do is add the thicker shim that comes with the SPARC. Do not use the thinner shim that also comes with it. Just install the SPARC with the thick shim somewhere on your flat top rail. This should line up nicely for you on in an absolute cowitness configuration. Thanks again and let us know if you have any other questions.
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I am sorry, I should have stated that I want to use a QD mount. Larue preferably...
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You just sold me on the RDS I'm going to buy.
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Sorry, I misunderstood you earlier. Just use the HK mount alone, no shim added. This will provide you with the best sight picture for what you are trying to accomplish. Thanks again. |
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Glad to hear it! Thank you and I think you'll really enjoy the SPARC.
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RIP John Noveske. You are missed & This industry suffers a loss. Prayers for healing for all lives you touched.
Want to buy: 5.45x39 ASC or CPro AR mags. Email me if you have some for sale. |
Awesome! Thank you for sharing that and thank you for choosing Vortex Optics.
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I took the plunge and just ordered a Sparc for my SO's rifle. She's a fairly new shooter and prefers a lightweight platform. Our newly arrived son has put a significant damper on my fun money so an Aimpoint T1 is out of the question. I was a bit leery about about spending money on a "budget" dot, but after reading a lot of reviews and seeing how the Vortex folks conduct themselves here I feel positive about my decision and eagerly await the arrival of my Sparc.
Keep up the friendly service and you might just convince me to buy a Viper PST! |
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Hey glad to hear it! Thanks for choosing Vortex, and I hope you two like your SPARC when it arrives. Thanks again and please let us know if there's anything else we can do for you.
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