Ohub Review: The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP
Nicolas Lenze 05.16.23
Public interest in defensive firearms has been steadily increasing since it spiked during our three-year vacation from normal life and rational thinking. Training to shoot quickly and accurately is a lot of fun, so it’s no wonder why this growth has continued. As those new shooters enjoy becoming more self-reliant, there has also been an increase in other types of shooting. Putting your own, organic, grass-fed meat in your freezer is a big draw to many people, and has drawn them to hunting. With the increase in hunters needing good gear at reasonable prices, Vortex has slid into the DMs with some tempting offers. One of these is a brand-new, mid-range magnified optic. The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP lands somewhere between an LPVO (low-power variable optic) and an HPVO (high-power variable optic). So, put on your SRRG (scope review reading glasses), and let’s get into this.
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The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP: Specifications
- Magnification range: 3-18
- Length: 13.3″
- Objective lens: 44mm
- Illuminated reticle: Yes
- Weight: 27.3 ounces
- MSRP: $849.99
The Initial Strike
If you have a Strike Eagle already, a lot of this is going to feel familiar. I say familiar because this newest generation of Vortex optics is a leap in value from the previous. This is not to say that earlier Strike Eagle optics were subpar. Vortex has simply upgraded the products that they know people already love. Almost like a Subaru before they were cool, upgraded to a 2019 WRX. Both are functional, one is much cooler.
I really like the amount of value that comes in the box. I’ve used more expensive scopes that don’t come with something as simple as a throw lever. This thin piece of metal can’t cost companies more than a couple of dollars to manufacture, yet they somehow find a way to leave it out of the box.
TECH SPECS
For Real, We Striking Steel
This Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP is mounted on a 16″ Ruger 556 Frankenbuild. This gun belongs to Bronson Eguchi, the genius photographer who creates my images. It’s chambered in .223 Wylde and uses a fluted Ballistic Advantage barrel. It has some cool poor people/revolutionary vibes. I’m here for it.
Warming up on paper, we put down some casual groups from about 50 yards. I wanted to get a feel for the reticle on a controlled background. I think I got this one down.
Okay, they were nowhere near what some of you can do, but I’m happy with those. For a budget build rifle, a high-value scope, and the shakes from a $3.00 energy drink breakfast, I’ll take it.
Paper is cool, but we can only get back so far. We headed up to the shooting platforms at MODTAC Training Group. We got behind the scope and sent some lead sailing. We started light at 350 yards, but quickly upped the challenge, maxing out the range at 610 yards. Using the turrets felt about the same as more expensive scopes. I recently played with the Vortex Razor 1-10. That scope’s turrets were basically perfection, and these came pretty close. I like having to unlock turrets before making adjustments. If you’re using this scope for hunting, there’s a decent chance that you’ll bump or move things without knowing. The wind was about 8 MPH and the subtensions put the lead on steel.
What stood out to me was the overall fit and finish. The build quality is far above what I’d expect for a scope under $900. Compared to scopes that cost $1,000 more, I think you’ll be splitting hairs to decide which is nicer. Making adjustments was quick and easy, just as it should be. With Bronson, my cameraman, calling wind, the steel kept ringing.
The Striking Conclusion (To the Puns As Well)
Setting the Strike Eagle aside, what were once considered budget optics are now reaching an impressive level of quality. You may have heard that you should spend more on your glass than on your rifle, but I don’t believe that’s the case anymore. This Strike Eagle 3-18×44 is more than capable of the job. It’s actually enjoyable to use.
As if the glass clarity, easy-to-use reticle, and slick feel weren’t enough for you at this price point, remember that this is a first focal plane optic. Helping dummies like me be lazy is the quickest way to make a sale, and I must say, I’m buying. Having my reticle automatically sized appropriately for my magnification takes out all of the guesswork.
If I had to choose a negative, I did have some trouble finding my eye relief at full power. This is always a problem with high magnification, but I recall this being much less difficult on some of Vortex’s more expensive pieces.
Overall, I think that the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP would make a fantastic hunting scope. I also think that when paired with an offset red dot, starting your scope at three-power extends your capabilities during more “tactical” shooting. I’ve grown to hate that word. While so many are focused on 1-8x or 1-10x LPVOs, I’m over here wondering why I need a 1x in my scope if I have one sitting right beside it. Now, I’ve doubled my magnification range for positive ID or some much longer shots.
If you’d like to add one of these to your newest long-range build or hunting rifle, take a look at the Vortex Optics website. Be sure to follow along on their social media pages, as well. Vortex can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Keep training out there!
