The long and short of this is : I'm not about to drop $600 on an optic any time soon, but I'd like to get something. I had written off the idea of finding a decent optic for less then the cost of an Aimpoint or Eotech. Unitll a few days ago I discovered the SPARC, which seems to be holding some middle ground. I had a cheap "red dot" given to me, and it was exactly that. A cheap piece of crap that didnt hold zero ect... I know lots of people (especially on ARF.com) are going to say "wait and get and Aimpoint". However, the reviews for the SPARC look good and for under $200 I think I'm going to go for it. So, what say you??


Heres some pics of the new gun, as promised.



LMT upper, DD RIS II, MAGPUL grip, BUIS, ASAP, LMT lower parts, Levang Linear comp

Good question - and I'll be watchnig this thread for the anwser(s) - but have you considered Primary Arms? I'd like to hear what everyone has to say on this!

I looked at the Primary arms red dot. IN MY Opinion, it looks like the primary arms is more of a cheap knock off of an Aimpoint, while the SPARC is a low cost red dot with its own design.
Obviously, i only say that based on the reviews and info i've found about them both. Youtube has lots of stuff on both of them.

I don't have the SPARC but do have a Strike Fire that I use on one of my piston practice/ range rifles in 5.45x39. Both optics have same controls and I'm betting are similar in performance and durability.

My Strike Fire has held up great so far. I have several thousand rounds through the rifle with this optic. No issues. I think the SPARC is an attractive option. My only complaints or concerns with choice of this optic if using it for other than range practice would be the push button controls and run time.

The controls are a little finicky and cumbersome IMO. Shutting the optic down results in just changing from red to green sometimes. Dot intensity and uniformity could be better. I did have problems with my first Vortex shutting down during use and exchanged it for another. No problems with second one.

Run time is extremely short compared to say a Aimpoint Patrol for less than $200 more.

If planning on using this rifle for HD or duty I would feel more comfortable saving up for an Aimpoint. If Vortex could increase runtime and change the controls to something more positive, durable, simple! I think they would be a much more attractive option and taken more seriously. Although likely just fine, right now they are optics that won't go much farther than my home shooting range. Other than that I like it.

Topic Moved

There is no green on a SPARC, and I'm told that it is brighter than the Strikefire. Otherwise, yeah, they are very similar, and I do agree 100% with your assessment on the button placement and battery life. Especially concerning about the controls is how the power button is right on the outward facing side. It's super exposed, and combined with the one touch instant on, it can be switched on very very easily accidentally. I've switched mine on occasionally just by the simple act of slinging the rifle.

Otherwise though, it's a great budget optic. It's very solid and holds zero, and the dot is very bright. I wish it could go a little bit more dim for night shoots even, but that's not a huge deal for me. Don't plan on using that magnifier either though. It reduces your FOV to something the size of a dime.

Honestly if this is your first ar15 i would just stick with irons until you have enough money to buy an aimpoint, at least that is what i am doing.

There is a vid on yourtube about the sparc though.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLXsscsiZ9M

I have the PRO on my main rifle on and the Primary Arms micro on the other, and I will say it definitely doesn't feel cheap. Yesterday was the first day I got to use it and it was flawless. It's relatively heavy (read: not cheap plastic or flimsy), solid, and has a really great feel to it. Add to that, it doesn't have that big rubber set of buttons on the side that turned me off the Vortex red dots. Ordered mine with the American Defense mount and couldn't be happier!

I purchased my SPARC based largely on this review here on arfcom:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_277/187104_.html

I needed a night vision compatible optic, and the price was right. The 2X magnifier really narrowed the field of view, and doesn't get much (any) use. The only thing I don;t like is the width of the "control" pod, I find it a bit distracting with both eyes open, but it's not a deal breaker. Having the ability to mix and match the included spacers is a bonus.

Mark H.