My first impression of Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight
The world of red dot sights is crowded, but the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight immediately caught my attention with its promise of a lightweight, durable, and affordable aiming solution. This optic boasts a crisp 2 MOA dot and a streamlined design intended for rapid target acquisition. I was intrigued by the Strike Industries reputation for innovative and often aggressively styled firearm accessories, and the Scouter seemed to continue that trend.
I was looking for a compact red dot to mount on a dedicated pistol caliber carbine (PCC). My goal was to improve my close-quarters accuracy and speed. Several other options were on my radar, including the Aimpoint PRO and various Holosun models. I chose the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight because its smaller footprint and lighter weight seemed better suited for my lightweight PCC build.
The unboxing experience was straightforward; the Scouter arrived well-protected. My initial impression was positive – the sight felt solid, and the anodized finish looked clean. The weight was noticeably less than some of my other optics. It felt like a quality piece of kit. I was definitely excited to get it mounted and zeroed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight to my local outdoor range for its maiden voyage. The weather was overcast, with a slight drizzle. This gave me a good opportunity to test the sight’s visibility in less-than-ideal conditions. Mounting the Scouter on my PCC was a breeze, thanks to its standard Picatinny rail mount.
The 2 MOA dot was easily visible, even against the dark backdrops. I found target acquisition to be remarkably quick and intuitive. The brightness adjustments were responsive, allowing me to fine-tune the dot’s intensity to match the ambient light. There was no noticeable parallax. I was impressed with its initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight has proven to be quite reliable. I’ve put it through several range sessions, including some drills in more challenging conditions, such as low light. The sight has held zero consistently and shows no signs of wear and tear.
I’ve given the Scouter a basic cleaning after each range trip, mostly just wiping down the lens with a microfiber cloth. The anodized finish still looks new. Compared to some of my older, bulkier red dots, the Scouter’s lightweight design is a significant advantage, especially during long shooting sessions. I’m very satisfied with its long term performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x – Providing a true one-power view for both-eyes-open shooting and enhanced situational awareness.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm – A compact objective size contributes to the sight’s overall lightweight and streamlined profile.
- Field of View: 20mm – Offers a sufficient field of view for target acquisition and tracking moving targets.
- Eye Relief: Unlimited – Allows for flexible head positioning without compromising the sight picture.
- Dot Size: 2 MOA – A precise dot size offers a good balance between accuracy and visibility.
- Length: 3.12″ – Its compact length makes it suitable for mounting on various platforms, including pistols and carbines.
- Weight: 6.30 oz – This lightweight construction minimizes added bulk. It helps maintain the firearm’s balance.
- Battery: CR2032 – Common and readily available battery type simplifies maintenance and replacement.
These specifications are crucial because they define the Scouter’s core capabilities. The 1x magnification and unlimited eye relief make it incredibly easy to use for close-quarters engagements. The lightweight design ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your firearm. The 2 MOA dot provides a precise aiming point without obscuring the target.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight excels in rapid target acquisition and close-quarters shooting. The crisp 2 MOA dot is easy to pick up quickly, even in bright sunlight. The brightness adjustments provide ample range, allowing you to fine-tune the dot’s intensity to suit various lighting conditions.
The only minor weakness I’ve noticed is that the windage and elevation adjustments are not as tactile as some higher-end optics. However, they are precise enough for zeroing the sight effectively. It meets my expectations for a red dot in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight is impressive for its price point. The anodized aluminum housing feels robust and well-finished. The sight’s low-profile design doesn’t obstruct my field of view, and the controls are easily accessible.
The Scouter is exceptionally user-friendly; even a novice shooter will be able to get up and running with it quickly. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience thus far, the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight appears to be built to last. The aluminum housing is resistant to scratches and dings. The simple design makes maintenance easy; just wipe the lens with a clean cloth as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight comes with a standard Picatinny rail mount. This makes it compatible with a wide range of firearms and mounting solutions. While Strike Industries offers various other accessories, the Scouter itself is fairly self-contained and doesn’t require any specific modifications.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight
Pros
- Lightweight Design: Minimizes added bulk and improves firearm handling.
- Crisp 2 MOA Dot: Offers a precise aiming point without obscuring the target.
- User-Friendly: Easy to mount, zero, and operate, even for beginners.
- Durable Construction: Anodized aluminum housing ensures long-lasting performance.
- Affordable Price: Provides excellent value for the features and performance offered.
Cons
- Windage and elevation adjustments lack tactile feedback.
- Objective lens size, although aiding in weight reduction, could be bigger.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight?
The Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight is perfect for shooters looking for a lightweight, durable, and affordable red dot sight for close-quarters engagements. It is well-suited for PCCs, AR-15s, and even some pistol applications. This optic is also a great choice for new shooters who want a simple, easy-to-use aiming solution.
If you demand the absolute highest level of precision and tactile feedback in your adjustments, you might want to consider a higher-end optic. Likewise, if you anticipate using your firearm in extremely harsh environments.
A must-have accessory would be a quality lens cleaning cloth to keep the sight picture clear.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight
The Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight is a fantastic value for the money. It delivers reliable performance, a crisp 2 MOA dot, and a lightweight design that enhances firearm handling. Strike Industries has created a winner here.
The price of $239.95 is definitely justified, considering the features and build quality. I would highly recommend the Strike Industries Scouter 1x 2 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Sight to anyone looking for an affordable, high-performing red dot optic. If you’re in the market for a new red dot, give the Scouter a serious look. You won’t be disappointed!