This review is by Lance Chaar, Instructor at Chaar Tactical

vortex-strikefire

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Shockproof red dot optic, rated for low to high calibers.

Target Market: Entry level users, novice rifle/AR-15 owners for short distance and close quarters.

FNBs: (Features and Benefits of this product)

Increased light transmission
Optic is sealed to prevent moisture & dust
Rated for high recoil - factory tests with .375 H&H Magnum for 1000 rounds.
Temperature rated from -22 to +140 degree Fahrenheit.
Night Vision mode
Vortex Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? black only, comes in red, green, or red/green dot models.

What others are saying? "I think the StrikeFire is a good deal for the price. It never lost zero, was easy to mount and sight in, and the dot never flickered or lost brightness. Do I want my son to use it in Afghanistan? No, that's why the 82nd gave him an M68 CCO. But for the average recreational shooter it's fine. I have enough confidence in it to leave it on our home defense shotgun. The 2X doubler didn't impress me much, although I can see it's value for some purchasers. I'd rather see Vortex dump the doubler and put the money into better glass. " - AR15.com review - user firedog55

Price point:

MSRP =$229.00
Retail = $130.00

I need it now! Availability: Check your local gun stores. Online at www.brownells.com

Our Rating:

+ 4 MOA dot is clear and bright + Ghost ring rear iron sight detachable on 1913 rail (factory installed) + Works well with iron sights (absolute cowitness) - Placement and sensitivity of power button may cause optic to stay on when compressed in a hard case - 2x Magnifier extension causes a "fish-eye" effect and reduced objective width, prefer not to use. - Model purchased only came with one mounting ring option.

Score: 5.5 Mediocre

Works as advertised however overall impression is average. Looking forward to Gen II version and upgrades to body and control placement.

Have you ever considered a conversion kit for your AR-15 platform rifle or carbine? Perhaps a 22LR kit that snaps onto your lower receiver and allows you to shoot the economical 22 Rimfire. How about a conversion kit that shoots an even more economical round and keeps your guns clean?

Let me preface this with telling you that I am NOT the target market for this conversion kit. This product is designed for the precision rifle competition shooter, so from my point of view the price point was a real shocker at first. However, I do see value in more than just a competition setting. This could be a really good training option for any AR-15 shooter. I would compare it to a 22LR conversion in some ways. Yes, it’s more expensive, but the ammo is way cheaper than even 22LR. You can purchase 1,250 (177) caliber pellets for about $14. So over time you may break even with a 22LR conversion kit. One of the big benefits of an air rifle upper is that they are very CLEAN, you will rarely, if ever, have to clean this. Not something you can say about 22LR conversion kits. My one big issue is that fact that you have to manually charge the action every time you take a shot. I’m sure this is not an issue for the intended users since they mostly shoot bolt guns in small bore competitions. Overall I'm very pleased with this conversion kit, it leaves a smile on my face each time I shoot it. Whether you're training for 10-meter rifle matches, plinking cans or shooting apples, I would recommend taking a serious look at the Crosman MAR177.

Claim to Fame: The MAR177 conversion kit replaces your existing AR-15 upper receiver and converts it into a PCP(Pre Charged Pneumatic) .177 caliber competition air rifle. Designed to support 10 meter match air rifle competition.

Target Market: The MAR177 is built for National Match Air Rifle competition shooters

Features & Benefits

Key Features

Match grade accuracy
Ready for competition out of the box
Meets the National Match Air Rifle competition requirements
More range time - even indoors
Low noise and minimal recoil
Up to 120 shots per fill

Key Benefits

Practice with your competition AR-15 Trigger Group
Use the same lower, stock and pistol grip of your AR-15 Rifle
It’s possible to put an optic on the rifle
Very accurate
Affordable clips $14.99

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Only Black

What others are saying?

Review by Jim on Crosman’s product page - “I sold off one of my NM uppers to buy this air rifle conversion so I could train in the off season. The cost was a little high but well worth it. I pinned the rear sight and now it works a lot better. The winters are not going to be as boring as they used to be. Thanks for a really good item.”
Review by “The Truth about Guns”

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail)

MSRP = $650.00 from the Crosman Corporation

Retail = $600.00 on Pyramyd Air Gun Mall

I need it now! Availability In stock at the above places as well as: Amazon.com for currently $600

Our Rating If the price point was a few hundred dollars less I would give this 9 stars out of 10 since it would open it up to the 22LR conversion market with comparable price points.

+ Rifled Lother Walther steel barrel + Good alternative to a 22LR conversion kit + Fun to shoot + Very accurate for even a rifle noob like myself + Velocity up to 600 fps + Built in pressure gage

- Very heavy and bulky - Must be charged from a scuba tank or a VERY high pressure hand pump (1,000 to 2,900 psi) - Expensive