Adam Scepaniak 04.13.23
The market for intermediate magnification optics is a difficult one to navigate at times. For some people, you absolutely are not in the market for a red dot yet you also aren’t trying to glass craters on the moon either. You want that middle ground of being able to comfortably execute shots as close as 25 yards and ones as far away as 400+ yards. For all of these reasons, it was a pleasant surprise for many shooters to hear that Vortex Optics was introducing a 3-18 power Strike Eagle scope. With a sub-$1,000 price tag, high quality glass, and a bevy of desirable features, the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP could fill a niche for a lot of shooters. So, today we will review the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD to see how it performed out on the range in some adverse, winter Minnesota weather. Let’s dive in!
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Specifications – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
When people talk about Vortex’s Strike Eagle riflescopes most people think of their 1-6x and 1-8x LPVO (Low Powered Variable Optic) offerings. Those are wildly popular, but in recent years Vortex has begun to expand out the Strike Eagle line to more magnified offerings. Most recent was a 5-25x offering and now we have this 3-18x option we are reviewing here today. All of the nitty-gritty specs for the Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD can be read below as presented by Vortex Optics:
- Magnification: 3-18x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Reticle: EBR-7C (MRAD)
- Turret Style: Exposed Elevation Capped Windage
- Tube Size: 34 mm
- Adjustment Graduation: 0.1 MRAD
- Parallax Setting: 10 yds
- Max Windage Adjustment: 18 MRAD
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 45 MRAD
- Travel Per Rotation: 10 MRAD
- Field of View: 39.3′ – 6.7′
- Eye Relief: 3.8″
- Length: 13.3″
- Weight: 27.3 oz
- Reticle: First Focal Plane, Illuminated, Glass-Etched
- Glass: XD Optical System (Extra Low Dispersion – XD) with Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
- RevStop™ Zero System
- Nitrogen Gas Purged, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof
- Single-Piece Tube of Aircraft-Grade Aluminum and a Low-Glare, Matte Black Anodize, ArmorTek® Finish
The gap between tactical mid- and long-range shooting is gone. Top off your carbine or DMR rifle with a first focal plane optic that’s versatile, tough, ultra-clear at any magnification, and specifically designed for rapid adjustment in fast-changing target scenarios.
First Impressions – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
With an MSRP of $849 for the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD, I was expecting a lot of scope when I opened the box which is exactly what you get. It is what I would call a hefty optic, but not unruly heavy. It would have a moderate footprint over any barreled-action or AR-15/AR-10 patterned rifle. The turrets “clicked” crisply and definitively. All of the markings are clear and concise. Plus, you get a host of accessories that are a nice add-on or bonus to owning this optic:
- Sunshade
- Throw Lever
- Lens Covers
- Lens Cloth
- CR2032 Battery
- 2mm Hex Wrench
Reticle Subtensions – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
I chose to put this riflescope on my tried-and-true Springfield Armory Waypoint in 6.5 Creedmoor. Once my chosen rifle and the optic were properly married together, the first thing that is typically tested out at the range are the reticle subtensions. When we look at optics and their reticles in a retail store we make the assumption that if a manufacturer states their subtensions – or the little hashes on a reticle – equal a specific increment like 1 MRAD, that they do. It would be wonderful if that were true, but unfortunately, it is not true for all scope manufacturers.
With the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD scope we are testing, the Vortex EBR-7C reticle does have subtensions so we looked to assess their validity. With the Vortex EBR-7C reticle – which is a very purposeful and finely etched reticle – the best way to verify the accuracy of the subtensions in a riflescope this nice is to get a target specific for measuring a reticle. This is something you can hunt down on the interwebs, but would be uncommon to find in most local gun shops. The Vortex Strike Eagle passed with flying colors by all estimations. Whether you’re a weekend sniper or a simple hunter, this reticle delivers as advertised.
EBR-7C (MRAD) – Designed to maximize long-distance shooting and ranging abilities, the EBR-7C reticle can be used to effectively determine ranges, holdovers, windage corrections, and moving target leads. Ultra-precision laser etching on the glass reticle ensures that specifications are kept to the tightest tolerances possible. The fine center crosshair subtensions on the EBR-7C reticle were carefully chosen to provide the optimum balance between precision aiming and low light visibility. Includes windage reference dots on drop lines.
Tracking – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
The next test to ensure this optic is up to par is to verify it “tracks” correctly. What is meant by this is if you make an adjustment – either windage or elevation – by clicking a fixed amount on your turrets, that should actually pan out on paper. You never want to adjust your elevation say 5 MRAD and then an optic does respond accordingly.
So, to test the tracking I shot a confirmation 3-shot group at 100 yards. Then, I adjusted 1 MRAD of elevation up and to the right. Next, I shot a second 3-shot group. Finally, I adjusted 1 MRAD of elevation down and to the left. A 3rd and final 3-shot group was sent down range. After wandering down to my target to verify, the scope gave me all of the correct adjustment because I ended up exactly where I had started. It passed the test. I can also state that over a period of several months whenever I shot with the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD, the scope always responded accordingly.
Parallax – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
The next test I put the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD through was to verify its parallax. The parallax of any scope is a very misunderstood property. Most people tend to believe your parallax knob (if any scope offers one) is there to make your image clear. This is an extremely rudimentary way of expressing what your parallax actually accomplishes.
The parallax of any scope is meant to get your reticle and the object you are looking at on the same focal plane. When this is achieved, yes, your image will look more clear, but once again that is an overly simplistic explanation for what is going on. Most parallax knobs will have yardage markers to indicate at what revolution point on the knob you should hopefully hit that “sweet spot” of your reticle and target being on the same focal plane. While the numbers are not always perfect, its a good baseline.
I glassed distances out to ~400 yards, although not a very far distance (Minnesota does not offer a lot of long-range shot opportunities), it was adequate enough to test the parallax. The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD exhibited good clarity and resolution on all of its marked parallax increments to make an accurate shot; moreover, the parallax was very forgiving. This equates to less adjustments being required when engaging targets at varying distances.
Final Thoughts – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
From the time that Vortex announced the Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP until now, I have had the fortunate opportunity to play with and deploy this riflescope in the field. By all metrics, it has performed phenomenally. In fact, once I was able to get this scope situated on my Waypoint, within 5 shots at 100 yards I got a sub-1/2″ group (0.495″ to be exact). That is not only a testament to a great gun, but also great glass sitting on top of it. You have positive turrets, clear glass, it passed all of the scope tests, and you have Vortex’s rock solid warranty backing you for that one-in-a-million chance you need service for your optic.
I cannot think of an authentic negative statement to make about this riflescope. The only thing that comes to mind is that it would be nice if it was a 30mm main tube as opposed to 34mm. This would make it lighter and rings would be easier to source, but it begs the question: how much would it alter the quality I have already raved about?… As it stands, the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD at an MSRP of $849 is worth its asking price. For a sub-$1,000 optic, it is hard to beat; nothing honestly comes to mind.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Vortex Optics for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD riflescope. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD riflescope is something worth spending your money on? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
