4 Best Vortex Strike Eagle Scopes & Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re an experienced marksman or a recreational shooter searching for the perfect rifle scope, you’ll want to read this Vortex Strike Eagle review.  We take an in-depth look at the scope specs and performance and give you buying tips on the model that’s right for you.

Vortex Optics are making a name for themselves in the gun world, and their newest line of rifle scopes are getting rave reviews from users.  Both experienced marksmen and novice shooters alike are impressed by the quality and accuracy of their scopes, and in this Vortex Strike Eagle review, we take an in-depth look at the pros and cons.

We’ll give you a rundown of the specs, how the scopes work, and a detailed technical overview so that you know what you’re getting and what you’ll pay for it.  We’ve also included information about Vortex Optics, what users have to say about the Strike Eagle, and some thoughts on other scopes that might fit the bill too.

Finally, we wrap up with our unbiased opinion on whether the Vortex Strike Eagle is worth the money, and how you can save a little extra if you’re ready to buy.

In this Vortex Strike Eagle review, we’ll include information on each of the four options in the Strike Eagle Line.  They include the 4-24x50, 3-18x44, 1-8x24 and 1-6x24. 

Every one of these Vortex scopes is built to improve your accuracy on a variety of shots, including short and long range, as well as technical or tactical shooting.  They are best used on semi-automatic rifles like the AR15, Ruger Mini series, or the ARAK 21 that feature modern technology and are built for sporting or leisure.

Each of the Vortex Strike Eagle models includes a variable zoom that gives it versatility in a range of shooting situations, and users report that they work particularly well in competition or tactical shooting.  They also perform well in hunting situations, specifically when targeting small varmint or fast-moving predators. 

Here is a breakdown of the specifications on each of the models.

The Vortex Strike Eagle models are named by their magnification and objective lens size, and the 4-24x50 is the high-end model.  The most expensive of the bunch, it features magnification settings between 2 and 24 times and has the largest objective lens in the Strike Eagle models that measures 50mm in diameter. 

This model has an eye relief at 3.5 inches, and a wide field of view at 26.2-4.3 feet/100 yards.  The reticle is an EBR4, a favorite of long-distance shooters for it’s ranging abilities.  This feature makes it easy to determine an accurate range, make windage corrections, and get a lead on moving targets. 

The largest and heaviest option, the tube is 30 mm, it’s 14.9 inches long, and it weighs in at 25.6 ounces.  

From an adjustment standpoint, the 4-24x50 incorporates a tactical turret that’s easy to use, and has a .25 MOA graduation and travels 12 MOA per rotation.  This scope is limited to a max elevation and windage adjustment of 80 MOA, and the parallax setting is set at 20 yards to infinity.

For $ less, the 3-18x44 riflescope offers many of the same features as the higher end model, and many users find it to be comparable and equally as effective.

As its name suggests, it has a 3-18 x magnification and a 44mm objective lens diameter.  The eye relief has a range between 3.5 and 4.1 inches, and the field of view is 34.5-5.7 feet/100 yards.  It has the same EBR4 reticle as its more expensive counterpart.

If the weight of your rifle scope is an important factor, you’ll note that the 3-18x44 is both lighter and a bit smaller than the 4-24x50.  It has a 30mm tube and measures 13.5 inches long. It weighs 23.9 ounces.

This model also uses a tactical style turret with a .25 MOA graduation that travels 12 MOA per rotation.  Despite the same parallax setting of 20 yards to infinity, a notable difference is that the 3-18x44 has a max windage and elevation adjustment of 120 MOA.

Specifically designed for the AR-15, the Strike Eagle 1-8x24 is an adaptable option that’s perfectly suited to a variety of shooting needs and styles.  With a true 1x magnification included on the low end of the spectrum, you can use this scope for anything from home defense to recreational shooting with accuracy.  The 8x zoom range makes it easy to sight your target, and the 24mm objective lens is a versatile fan favorite. 

This model as a 3.5-inch eye relief and a 116.6-14.4 feet/100 yards field of view.  It has an AR-BDC2 glass-etched reticle that works notably well with 5.56 ammo.

The main difference between this and the 1-6x24, and the more expensive scopes listed above other than their magnification capacities and price is the turret style.  This model features a capped turret with 1/2 adjustment graduation.  

Every rotation has 44 MOA of travel, and you have a max elevation and wind age adjustment of 100 MOA.  The parallax setting on this model is an even 100 yards.

Despite its durable, high-quality construction, this scope is compact and lightweight.  The 30 mm tube is only 10 inches long, and it weighs just 16.5 ounces, making it the lightest weight option in the Strike Eagle line up.

Although the Strike Eagle 1-6x24 is the least expensive scope in this class, it’s far from your basic entry-level model.  Perfect for AR shooters who need accuracy at a point-blank range, or those who want to extend their capabilities and see a crisp, clear visual on their target in a low-light situation.

Here you have a 1-6x magnification range and an objective lens that measure 24 mm.  Like the other scopes in this line, the eye relief is 3.5 inches, and the field of view comes in at 116.5-19.2 feet/100 yards.  The 1-6x24 has an AR-BDC reticle which is considered an entry-level option with it’s easy to sight centered red halo for simple target acquisition. 

Although each of the Strike Eagle models features a plethora of helpful features, their construction and technology are all relatively standard when you compare them to other rifle scopes.  However, there are two areas where Vortex products stand out in general that are worth mentioning when comparing to their competition.

One of the reasons why Vortex products are so popular is because they are designed to be durable and reliable.  Users rarely report issues with their scopes, but when one arises, Vortex takes care of their customers. Their VIP Warranty program, which stands for Very Important Promise, guarantees that they will repair or replace their scope for free if it is defective or is damaged in any way.  

Unlike other manufacturers who offer limited warranties and won’t cover their products due to certain types of damage, Vortex doesn’t limit their coverage.  Their unlimited lifetime warranty doesn’t require a receipt, just that you contact the company and file a claim. 

The only caveats are if your scope gets lost or stolen, or if you deliberately damage it (and they can prove it). 

In nearly every Vortex Strike Eagle review you read, you’ll notice that they always receive high-value ratings.  This is because each of these scopes features advanced technology that gives you military-grade optics at a fraction of the cost of their competitors.

If you compare these models to those with similar capabilities produced by other manufacturers, you’ll notice that the price point is anywhere from three to five times more than you’ll pay with a Vortex scope.  We’ve included a few comparisons below for reference. 

One of the reasons shooters appreciate Vortex Optics as a company is because they are a local, American owned business who is passionate about their customers and their community.  They were founded in 1986 by a family that included veterans in south-central Wisconsin, and they have worked hard to deliver personalized service to their customers ever since.

Today they employ over 200 team members in the U.S. and distribute their products to gun enthusiasts worldwide.  

The Vortex Strike Eagle scopes vary in price based on the model.  The 4-24x50 option retails for $$, and the 3-18x44 $$.

If you don’t need that much magnification, you can save some money.  The Strike Eagle 1-8x24 is priced at $$, and the 1-6x24 is an entry-level option at $.

You can also purchase accessories, like an optic cover, mounting kit, or cleaning kit for the scope.  They range in price from $ for the cap to $ for the mounting kit. 

There are no shortage of rifle scopes to choose from, and while the lineup of Vortex Strike Eagle products is impressive, there is lots of competition out there that have similar functionality.

For example, the Primary Arms 1-8x 24mm scope is nearly identical to the Strike Eagle 1-8x24 for a slightly lower price of around $.  It has a different reticle, the ACSS 5.56/.308, and weighs a bit less at 16.0 ounces, which makes it worth a look. However, it isn’t backed by the Vortex VIP Warranty, which could be a decision making factor if you’re hard on your equipment.

The Trijicon RS-27 is another 1-8x comparable model that includes First Focal Plane reticle technology.  This means that the reticle gets larger as you zoom in close, unlike the Second Focal Plane reticle that you see in the Vortex scopes where it stays a constant size regardless of how much you zoom.  Users report that FFP reticles tend to be more accurate and easier to use.

That said, the Trijicon costs upwards of $$$, which is a hefty investment for a potentially small advantage.  If the added accuracy at 8x magnification is important to you, it may make sense to look at another model outside of the Vortex Strike Eagle. 

There are merits to each of the scopes in the Vortex Strike Eagle line.  Overall, the brand delivers optics that have versatile uses and combine modern technology and features into a user-friendly device.  

Not only do these scopes look the part, but they deliver with superior performance for both short and long-range targets.  The biggest selling point of these models is the price. They offer the same capabilities as many competitors for a fraction of the cost and also boast the Vortex VIP Warranty which could save you hundreds in the long run.

Which scope is best for you will depend on several factors.  What you plan to use it for, how you most often shoot your rifle, and your budget will help you narrow down your options.  Regardless of which you choose, our Vortex Strike Eagle review is that they are overall a budget-friendly choice that delivers excellent performance in a range of conditions.

Although they don’t come around often, you can sometimes find manufacturer rebates on some of the Vortex Strike Eagle products online.  When you do, they usually offer you up to 20% off your purchase. Keep an eye out for these offers, and don’t be afraid to ask at your local gun shop if there are any unadvertised specials that you can use.