Vortex SPARC AR Red Dot Sight

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Ratings Snapshot

4.9

out of 5

5 (17)

4 (1)

3 (0)

2 (0)

1 (0)

Would recommend this product.

100%

SKU: 115-V-SPC-AR2
UPC: 875874006294
Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
MFG#: SPC-AR2

Initially, I had some reservations, but after testing it out, I'm thrilled with its performance. Vortex clearly did their research with this one. A major plus is the battery. It conveniently runs on a triple-A battery, located at the front, and is easy to swap out without any special tools. It's a relief not to deal with those pricey CR123s. I was initially concerned about the plastic caps becoming loose over time, especially with recoil. But after hundreds of rounds, from 300 blackout to 5.56, they held up without any issue. One ingenious feature is the groove on the caps for elevation and windage adjustments. It eliminates the need for extra tools when making adjustments. And speaking of adjustments, they have very distinct clicks, ensuring precision. The optic uses a 1 MOA red dot sight with multiple settings, easily accessed from the back. Adding to its design is a protective rubberized jacket, which can be easily removed, revealing a sleek optic beneath. Mounting the Vortex Spark AR to a rifle is straightforward, and it securely locks onto a Picatinny rail. A unique feature is a button on the back that assists with mounting, ensuring the optic stays in place. We've tested it across various firearms, from 5.56 to even a .410 shotgun, and once zeroed, it holds its position consistently. Comparing it with an older Vortex model I owned, this one offers better alignment. Although it comes with a riser plate, it isn't necessary due to its design. Overall, Vortex has delivered a reliable, sleek design that I highly recommend for AR platforms.

I've got it mounted on a side-charging AR 7.62x39. At the outset, it features a 2MOA red dot sight and a 22mm objective lens. While it's marketed as "parallax-free," remember, no red dot is truly 100% free of parallax - but it's minimal. I appreciate that the package includes mounts for both lower one-third or absolute co-witness. The red dot weighs in at 7.5 ounces, and a highlight for me is its power source: a simple AAA battery. Say goodbye to fussing with cell batteries! Plus, battery life is impressive at 50,000 hours on the dimmest of its 10 settings. The two lowest settings are even night vision compatible. If you're forgetful, there's an auto shut-off after 12 hours. The brightness buttons are conveniently located at the front, ensuring you maintain weapon control during adjustments. The rubber flip caps are cleverly designed to stay out of your line of sight, and I personally find it pairs brilliantly with a 3x magnifier. It also includes a T10 torx wrench for mounting. The thoughtful design extends to the windage and elevation caps, which are easily adjustable without extra tools. If they're too tight, you can leverage the battery cover's notch to loosen them up. Another user-friendly feature? It remembers your last brightness setting. So, if you shut it off at setting seven, it powers back on at the same. To conclude, the Vortex Spark AR is versatile and can handle various calibers.

ad about 500 rounds through my rifle with this optic over the past month, and so far, I'm pretty pleased. The quality for its budget-friendly price is commendable; In terms of specs: it's a 2 MOA red dot and is parallax-free which aids in quicker sight alignment. However, I do wish the rear element prism was slightly larger for better and faster target acquisition. It weighs 7.5 ounces, and it's convenient that it uses a AAA battery (included). There's a protective rubber coating, but I personally removed the dust caps because they didn’t feel necessary and the magnet attachment wasn't very reliable. The front element features an anti-reflective coating. Having a bit of astigmatism, I've struggled with some red dots in the past due to blooming, but this one is fairly decent, only blooming a tad. The battery life spans from 300 hours on full brightness to 5,000 hours on the dimmest setting. I typically keep mine at a mid-level brightness. Also, it's a 1x magnification red dot, and Vortex advises against pairing it with a magnifier. A couple of drawbacks include the aforementioned dust caps and the smaller rear prism. But, given its budget-friendly nature, you can't expect perfection in every aspect. Nevertheless, it's been performing wonderfully. No issues post-installation with a touch of blue Loctite. I purchased this out of pocket, and I'm genuinely pleased. I've always been a Vortex fan; their optics are on many of my firearms, and I appreciate their lifetime warranty. They've shown great customer service in my past experiences. If you found this useful, do hit the like and subscribe. Thanks for tuning in, and have an awesome week!

Now, straight out of the box, you get the Spark AR red dot with its rubber sleeve and lens caps. You also receive mounting screws, allen keys, and a multi-height mount system. What's great is it comes with a battery installed, so it's essentially ready to use immediately. The red dot offers features like ten brightness settings, a 2 MOA dot, 300 hours of full brightness from the battery, and a 12-hour automatic turn-off. It's rugged, waterproof, shockproof, and fog-resistant, making it great for harsh environments. Comparatively, the Spark AR is an improvement from the Spark 2. Priced at £160 in the UK and $260 in the US, it offers significant value. Although not as compact as some of its pricier competitors, its sleek design and affordability make it stand out. It's a bit heavier than the Spark 2 but almost similar. One major difference is the AAA battery in Spark AR versus the coin cell in Spark 2. This AAA battery is convenient as they are readily available. The red dot offers anti-glare coating and provides clear, adjustable brightness settings. I really like the single-button off feature; it's much easier. However, a few things might take some getting used to, like the slightly stiff elevation adjustments, especially with the rubber cover on. But these are minor compared to its advantages. The biggest takeaway might be the unlimited transferable lifetime warranty Vortex offers. Buy it once, and it's covered for life. If it gets damaged, Vortex will repair or replace it, making it a solid investment.

I finally got the chance to test the Spark AR which is priced at around $199, making it an attractive option for many. I did what I always do: mounted it to a firearm and took it for a spin at the range. Let's talk specs: The battery life is impressive with up to 300 hours on its highest setting and up to 5,000 hours on the lowest. The 2 MOA dot comes with a one-time magnification. If you're unfamiliar with the term MOA, it stands for Minute of Angle, and there are plenty of resources online to dive deeper into it. Surprisingly, the Spark AR weighs just 7.5 ounces, ensuring your firearm remains lightweight. Its length is a mere 2.9 inches, ensuring it doesn't occupy too much space on your gun. This optic is parallax-free with unlimited eye relief. However, note that every red dot or holographic sight will have some degree of parallax. Vortex Optics gave the Spark AR a multi-coated lens which not only increases light transmission but also reduces multi-reflective issues. The red reticle is easily visible even in broad daylight, making it effective in close-quarters combat and for long-range shots. With ten different illumination settings, and the two lowest being night vision compatible, this optic seems well-rounded. However, my biggest gripe with the Spark AR is its dust caps. They're attached to a rubberized housing and, while removable, aren't practical to deal with in real-time situations. Overall, I was very satisfied with the Spark AR. Apart from the dust cap problem, it performed exceptionally well. Its battery life, clarity, and price point make it a top contender for those not looking to splurge on higher-end brands like Aimpoint or Trijicon. Bottom line: It's a worthy option for those on a budget.

First red dot for me. i can see were you can acquire your target quicker than a scope. Being old school and using scopes all my life it's most likely me and change that are the problem. the dot doesn't seem to be as crisp as i would thought it should be but seem too work well at 25 and 50 yard shots. easy to use.

I had a gen one vortex red dot that died. The button went to heck and all function was lost. Back then, it was a one-year warranty on vortex red dots. Did I buy it in 2007ish? I boxed it up and sent it in any way. Three weeks later, a brand new sight with documentation that they tried to fix my old one for me. Since they were unable, they replaced it with a current generation red dot. During the Apocolypse. That is amazing. As far as the new red dot... it is SO SO much better in every single way. (The buttons, the battery type, lack of nasty blue tint) For the money, you can't go wrong.

I love Vortex product; this red dot optic is well made with an excellent quality, mounted on an Ar15 but haven't zero it yet or test it; easy to use and turn on and off. I would buy it again.

This is a great red dot sight I can very effectively use this out to 300-325 yds hunting and gets me on target fast at close - medium range especially on coyotes got a double over the thanksgiving weekend , since I got the Vortex SPARC AR I've got 5 coyotes my farthest 287yds I could've let it come in closer my closest one 7yds w/ my Strike eagle but I practice w/ my Ruger AR-556 mounted w/Sparc AR shooting 1gallon water jugs out to 325yds on days w/ 10-15mph wind for fun but it ain't too often I get a chance at longer shots hunting coyotes my longest shot w/ my SPR built 1000 yds when my cousin's horse died, and I had her haul her horse out of the corral and Set where I put my1000 yrd targets at and went to my spot early the next morning. BAM

I had to send a couple of Red Dots back to the company for repairs. I had been looking at the Vortex SPARC AR for a while and decided to order one while mine was in the shop. I came in when they said it would, and I mounted it on my Department M16. I figured that if it holds up to that weapon, it would be a pleasant sight. I installed it and was able to sight it in 9 shots. I usually zero at 50 yards and did so with this sight. I was using a standard 100 yard zero target. I was able to shoot a 3 shot group in the center diamond on the target over and over again. I have since run about 500 rounds through the weapon, and the sight is holding zero just perfect. I am a Patrol rifle Instructor and run my weapon almost every day to some extent. I am happy with this sight so far.

Ok, I purchased the Vortex SPARC AR after researching every red dot on the market. I chose this sparc ar for three reasons. 1) price 2)warranty 3) all reviews said it was the best bang for the buck. I mounted this on my ar15 5.56. I am sighted in at 50 yards. Let me tell you, this red dot is fantastic!! A lot of people complain about that laser projector obstructing your view. I will tell you first hand; it does NOT obstruct my view while putting shots on target. Glass is transparent. The dot is beautiful and bright. It's not a Trijicon, but for 190 dollars, it is a great deal. If you are looking for a budget red dot for an ar15, I will choose this one. BTW been to the range 4x since purchase and has held zero. And I don't baby my firearms

I have this red dot on my AR, its awesome. Price for this quality the Vortex Sparc AR amazing. Its light (if you think its heavy you should do more arm/shoulder workouts), AAA battery is nice, simple to use, holds zero well, NV compatible. I won't buy an aim point because this optic exists. I love it, I would buy it again.