Take this with a grain of salt since I haven't actually had it out to the range yet. I'm mostly comparing it to some of the other scopes I've been handling/reviewing lately for my site (Meopta Optkia6 5-30x56, Athlon ARES ETR 4.5-30x56, and Steiner P4xi 4-16x56). The Meopta and Athlon were loaners from a friend and fellow blogger, the P4xi is one that I own and mounted to my main rifle.
When I consider that those other scopes ranged from $800 to $1200 MSRP, the Strike Eagle really does bring a lot to the table for its cost (I paid less than $500 for it with a .mil discount). The glass is good, though not in the same class as the $1000+ optics. I think it's more than enough for the kinds of competition's I'll be using this rifle in. The turrets are locking, which is something a lot of people like. I don't particularly care one way or the other about locking, though I think it works well here because the turrets are easy to turn while still keeping distinct clicks. The clicks aren't as solid as the Steiner, but to be fair a lot of people complain that the Steiner's knobs were too beefy.
The illumination is very good, and I like that "this one goes to 11." I think the reticle is really good if you like the tree-style, second only to the Optika6 I tested. It's the same reticle found in the Razor Gen 2 that is so prominent in PRS, so it works really well as a trainer for that optic.
My eye does pick up a little bit of fringing when I jump to maximum magnification. It's not terrible, and certainly not enough to bother me in regular use. All optics have that to some degree or another.
In all, I think this one is a really good buy for it's segment of the market.
Edit to add: One of the biggest reasons I went with the Strike Eagle is that it focuses down to 15 yards, which is HUGE for a 22LR competition optic.
Last edited by BrigandTwoFour; 06-10-20 at 15:24.
Hey, sorry I missed this (been away for a bit).
Optically, the Optika6 is better. I also much preferred the Meopta's reticle between the two. However, they made a few odd decisions with the turrets like a locking elevation turret but non-locking windage. It had a few other things about it that I liked, such as a built-in throw lever system that you can adjust to different positions as needed.
The ETR is a very well executed all-around scope. Its optics aren't up to the European competition, but they are more than sufficient. Everything about it shows careful consideration, though. I thought it's reticle as just a little too busy, but that is very much personal preference.
If you have the funds for the ETR, then I would probably go that route. But since the Optika6 is found on sale a lot these days for less than $1k, I think it's a great option as well.
FWIW, here are my thoughts on each of them in more detail:
The Metopta Optika6
Athlon Ares ETR
Last edited by BrigandTwoFour; 06-28-20 at 07:28.
IMG_7856.JPGI have the same sickness and own more then I should. Right now I've got a Anchutz 64, Savage Mark ll in a Manners, Savage Mark ll in a zombie green McRees, Bergara in and McRees' and another one in the factory stock.
Ruger RPR Rimfire
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25 MRAD
Badger Ordnance 1.375" rings
Sawtooth Rifles RPRR Arca Rail
Area 419 Fixed Barricade Stop
Cheapskate Precision Bag Rider
MDT grip
I'm hooked with bolt action rimfire and already looking at buying a Bergara B-14R in a KRG Bravo stock as a serious training alternative to my centerfire. This RPRR sort of does the job but it doesn't have any soul and the flimsy plastic rear end flexes quite a bit.
P.S. the Strike Eagle sucks compared to my ATACR 5-25.
Last edited by contax_shooter; 01-01-21 at 21:21. Reason: optic ring height for reference
Why do you call them "trainers"? All guns are trainers. Rimfires are precision rifles as much as any others, IMO. They aren't Red Ryder BB guns for sure, considering the cost.
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