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UWone77
11 August 2013, 23:45
Item to be Reviewed: Vortex SPARC (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-sparc-red-dot-scope)

Manufacturer: Vortex Optics (http://www.vortexoptics.com/)

Purpose: It takes a SPARC to light a fire. The new, compact, daylight-bright SPARC (Speed Point Aiming for Rapid Combat) is packed with performance features and lends itself to a wide variety of firearm platforms—including AR15s, shotguns, and pistols. The modular three-piece base offers four separate mounting heights for user- and weapon-specific customization

A few months ago I obtained a Vortex SPARC (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-sparc-red-dot-scope). I've always wanted to try out the SPARC as I've heard some favorable reviews on it. I've been strictly an Aimpoint guy when it comes to non-magnified red-dot type optics. However, once you start outfitting all of your rifles with $600+ optics, it does start getting expensive. Is the SPARC a viable alternative?

When looking at the specifications, it initially appears to be similar to the Aimpoint T1/H1 series as it has a 2 MOA dot with unlimited eye relief. The Aimpoint is slightly lighter at 3.0oz vs 5.2oz.

Magnification: 1 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Dot Size: 2 MOA
Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA / Click 45 MOA / Rotation
Max Elevation Adjustment: 90 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 90 MOA
Parallax Setting: Parallax free past 50 yards
Length: 3 inches
Weight: 5.2 ounces

When looking further, you get some extras with the Vortex SPARC (http://www.vortexoptics.com/). Vortex includes:

2X Magnifier
1 Piece Lens Cover
Multi-Height Mounting System (1/3 lower cowitness, absolute cowitness, and 2 low mount height options)
2 CR2354 Batteries
Night Vision Compatible

As you can see, including a mount is attractive, as other optics you have to buy a separate mount that can cost you an additional $60-$120. The SPARC also MSRP's for $289 vs $753 for an Aimpoint T1. However, you can typically find SPARC's selling for closer to $199.

I mounted SPARC on an upper which I previously had an Aimpoint on, which consisted of:

BCM Stripped Upper
BCM Gunfighter Mod 3
Fail Zero BCG
Daniel Defense M4 12" Cutout Rail
Centurion Arms 16" CHF Barrel
BattleComp 2.0

A Mossberg 500 12 Gauge Shotgun was also used. I used the supplied mount initially for a Lower 1/3 cowitness. I noticed the mount had an allen head screw securing the mount to the rail. It reminded me of a similar mounting systems that EoTech uses in their 512 series. My confidence was not high as I've had many EoTech's come loose using supplied allen head screws.

During the last 2 months I shot over 800 rounds of 5.56 through the upper with the SPARC. I also shot 300 rounds of 12 Gauge Slugs/Buck/Bird Shot with the SPARC. About half way through the 5.56 testing I noticed that the allen screw was indeed coming a little loose. Instead of continuing to use the mount, I switched the mount in favor of a Seekins Mount. The nice thing about the SPARC is it will fit virtually any mount designed for the Aimpoint T1/H1. I have confirmed for myself that LaRue LT660, Bobro, Fortis, Seekins, and Daniel Defense Mounts will all fit the SPARC.

After the Seekins Mount was installed, I proceeded to shoot an additional 400 rounds of 5.56. No issues surfaced. Several times I took the mount off and threw the SPARC as far as I could onto the other side of the range with a grass surface. The finish held up for the most part. It did sustain a small scuff on the left side of the finish near the rim of the front lens. Not bad for something you normally don't throw. After putting the optic back on, it was still turned on, and there appeared to be no ill effects from throwing the optic several times.

When shooting the SPARC on the Mossberg, I switched the mount to the supplied Low Height Mount (18mm) Again an allen head screw was needed to secure the mount to the shotgun. Although it mount held up during the 100 rounds of buck, 100 rounds of birdshot, it didn't do as well with the 100 rounds of Slugs. I had to re-tighten the mount several times during the
shooting sessions.

I then took the mount off, and simulated if it had actually fallen off by dropping it from about 4 feet off the ground 3 times. Again this was on a grass surface. The SPARC was reinstalled and again it worked just fine. At no time during the testing did the optic itself lose zero.

I tried to use the 2x magnifier, but it's really not useable on a red dot. Magnification on a red dot will only slow you down at close quarters. It reduces your field of view as you cannot keep both eyes open when using it. The SPARC is also not a precision optic, so even if you're shooting on a bench, the magnifier will not likely help you all that much.

Vortex advises the battery life at 1300 on average. At maximum brightness the battery will last 120 hours. Minimum brightness is rated at 3400 hours. The SPARC will automatically shut off after 6 hours. I verified that the SPARC turned off on it's own as I purposely left it on after a range session. In the morning it was indeed off. The battery life is a little disappointing, but again, this optic didn't cost me close to $700. There are some compromises when going with a sub $200 optic. It should be noted Vortex includes an extra battery.

PROS:

Cost
Extras included
Night Vision Compatible
Lifetime/Transferable Warranty
Holds Zero
Rugged
Compatible with most Aimpoint Mounts

CONS:

Included Mount
2X Magnifier
Battery Life

I really can't say the Included mount is a "CON" per se. Afterall, it's included, if it was an extra cost it would not make the cut, but it is useable for range use.

Overall, I was surprised how well the SPARC worked. As a lifetime Aimpoint user, I did not expect a whole lot of performance from a sub-$200 optic. The SPARC took everything I threw at it, and still held zero. The SPARC also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is also transferable. This is much better than Aimpoint, who only warranties their optics for 10 years, or 2 years if it's used in competition. Aimpoint's warranty is also non-transferable. Anyone considering a red dot optic, should give the Vortex SPARC a long hard look, especially if you're on a budget as most of us are. If using this optic for duty use however, I would recommend using a different mount.

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/SPARC_zps197b727e.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/SPARC_zps197b727e.jpg.html)
http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/SPARC2_zpsa576b4c4.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/SPARC2_zpsa576b4c4.jpg.html)
http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/richdkim77/SPARC3_zps2bfb85e3.jpg (http://s1016.photobucket.com/user/richdkim77/media/SPARC3_zps2bfb85e3.jpg.html)

browcs
12 August 2013, 09:17
Excellent review, sir. Thanks!

zero7one
12 August 2013, 16:01
And to go along with this thread...here is the torture test that I did on the SPARC back in 2011:

TORTURE TEST THREAD (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?3413-Vortex-Optics-SPARC-Torture-Test-Review&p=31946#post31946)

...and a little follow up. After around a year of rough use the SPARC's power button would not turn off. If would turn on, but it would drain the battery when the unit would not go off. However, this gave me a chance to try out the Vortex Optics Warranty program. After filling out the form and shipping the unit back to Vortex, I had a new unit at my door within two weeks. Yes, their warranty service is top notch!

Stickman
12 August 2013, 21:04
Nice review, and your pictures are getting much better. I wonder how that happened...