THE NEW VORTEX OPTICS STRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP MOA

April 2023

Twobirds Flying Publications

THE NEW VORTEX OPTICS STRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP MOA

THE NEW VORTEX OPTICS

STRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP MOA

By: Sal Palma

Vortex Optics, a Wisconsin based purveyor of outstandingoptics, introduced theSTRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP for 2023. Their new rifle scope filled the gap between their low magnification Strike Eagle LPVOs and the long-range Strike Eagle 525X56 thus delivering an impressive tactical opticideallysuitedto themidto long-rangeDMR platforms.

Vortex Optics has the enviable ability to deliver valuewithoutcompromisingonquality,itisagift their competitors could benefit from, but for now Vortex seems to have a lock on it. Their Strike Eagle line is proof of that ability providing exceptional performance at a very palatable price point.

The STRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP is built on a 34 mm tube made of 6061 aluminum which does three important things, keeps weight down, allows for an abundance of light and makes available a large amount of windage and elevation adjustment. Vortex Optics gives us a full featured optic in 13.5 inches of overall length, ataweightofonly26.6oz,with154MOA

of elevation travel and 62 MOA of windage travel.

For this review I used the Arken Optics Halo 34mm scope rings which gave me the perfect height, and with the Strike Eagle’s generous 4inch eye relief, I was able to achieve and maintain consistent cheek weld.

Image Courtesy Arken Optics

Vortex’s High-Definition glass isoutstanding. The image is sharp and clear at all magnifications. There was no observable distortion around the outer edge of the image even at its highest magnification. Also missing was darkening of the image as magnification increases. At 18X, its highest magnification, the image was bright and sharp.

The STRIKE EAGLE features an illuminated EBR7C reticle that’s available in MOA or MRAD. Vortex integrates the parallax adjustment knob and illumination control in one turret. Parallax is adjustable from ten yards to infinity. Reticle illumination is well done offering a range from 1 to 11. The reticle was clearly visible under all ambient light conditions.

Vortex’s EBR-7C reticle is extremely well thought-out and ideal for mid to long range engagements.

magnification the scope is set on. In other words, the 4MOA stadia at 1X is 4MOA at 16X. So, when ranging your target, you don’t need to make the measurement at a specific magnification for it to be accurate.

Elevation and windage adjustments are ¼ MOA increments which provides a precise point of impact adjustment.

Without illumination

At 100 yards a ¼ MOA adjustment produced a ¼ inch POI movement and a 1MOA adjustment produced a 1-inch movement.

With illumination at a setting of 3

Holdovers are fast and accurate with the EBR7C. The stadia are calibrated in MOA or MRAD depending on the model you’ve chosen. This is a first focal plane optic so reticle size will vary with magnification but the hash marks on the reticle are the same value no matter what

The elevation turret is exposed; to adjust elevation simply pull up on the elevation turret and adjust accordingly, then press down on the turret to lock-in the elevation setting. Vortex also includes a zero-stop mechanism they’ve branded as the rev-stop system; once installed, you can easily return to your zero.

Thewindageturretiscapped, IthinkVortextook that route because wind corrections are so easy to make on the fly via the EBR-7C reticle. Why spend time keeping track of your windage

setting when you can handle it quickly and easily optically. A great decision!

of outstanding quality and optical performance. The STRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP continues that tradition and comes with Vortex Optics VIP no questions asked lifetime warranty.

I would love to see them enter the thermal imaging space. A great company with an outstanding product and superb customer service.

-SP SPECIFICATIONS

If all this is not enough to impress you, Vortex Optics includes a sunshade, bikini lens covers and a throw lever for rapid and smooth magnification adjustments.

• Magnification: Zoom: 3X to 18X

• Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm

• Eye Relief: 3.8"

• Field of View @ 100 Yards: 39.3 ft6.7 ft

• Tube Diameter: 34mm

• Turret Type: Exposed Tactical MOA

• Turret Click Value: .25 MOA

• Illuminated Reticle: Yes

• Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane

• Battery Type: CR2032

• Parallax Adjustable: Yes - 10 yards to infinity

• Weather Resistance: Waterproof

• Weight: 30.4 oz

• Length: 13.3 in

• Max Elevation Adjustment: 154 MOA

• Max Windage Adjustment: 62 MOA

Image courtesy Vortex Optics

In introducing the STRIKE EAGLE 3-18X44 FFP Vortex Optics provides its customers with a complete line of exceptional optics. Should you require an LPVO or an optic suitable for your long-range shooting needs, the Strike Eagle line has an offering that addresses your specific needs. At a midlevel price point, the consumer canequiptheirlonggunwithafullfeaturedoptic

In the Box

• Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 Rifle Scope

• Tethered Lens Cover

• 3" Sunshade

• RevStop Zero Ring

• Throw Lever

• CR2032 Battery

• 2mm Custom Tool

• Lens Cloth