First Thoughts on the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish is a low-profile, lightweight riser designed to elevate optics for improved co-witnessing with iron sights or other aiming devices. Manufactured by Strike Industries, this riser boasts a sleek design and a durable hard coat anodized finish. Its claim to fame? Providing a streamlined solution for shooters looking to optimize their sight picture without adding unnecessary bulk.
I’ve been consistently frustrated with the low mounting height of some red dot sights on AR-platform rifles. My cheek weld felt off, and acquiring a clear sight picture felt like a constant struggle, especially while wearing tactical gear. I was searching for a lightweight, durable riser that wouldn’t break the bank, and the Strike Industries REX riser seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the riser’s clean lines and the quality of the anodized finish. It felt solid and well-made, despite its minimal weight of just 2.58 oz. The low profile design was also appealing, as I wanted to avoid adding any unnecessary height to my setup.
Compared to some bulkier risers I’ve used in the past, the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish felt significantly more streamlined. I considered a UTG riser I had lying around, but its blocky design and added weight were a turn-off. The Strike Industries option won me over with its blend of form and function.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The riser looked good and felt solid, but I was eager to see how it would perform on the range. I was excited to finally get my red dot sight at the correct height for a comfortable and natural shooting stance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish to my local shooting range, mounted on my AR-15 with a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot. The range offered a variety of shooting distances, from close-quarters drills to longer-range target practice. I also brought along my A2 iron sights for comparison.
The riser performed admirably, providing a noticeable improvement in my sight picture. The .53″-.63″ height increase (depending on spacer use) allowed for a much more natural cheek weld, leading to faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. Even in the bright sunlight, the black anodized finish prevented any glare or reflections.
The only initial hiccup was ensuring the riser was securely mounted. Because of the “proprietary” picatinny rail design as stated by Strike, I made sure to firmly torque the mounting screws to prevent any movement during firing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and hundreds of rounds fired, the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, and the anodized finish remains scratch-free. I’ve also taken this rifle on several outings where it was exposed to mild rain.
Durability has proven to be a strong suit of this riser. Despite being subjected to recoil and the usual bumps and scrapes that come with handling firearms, the REX riser shows no signs of significant wear and tear. The hard coat anodized finish truly lives up to its name.
Cleaning and maintaining the riser is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to keep it looking new. Compared to some of the cheaper risers I’ve used in the past, which quickly developed rust or corrosion, the Strike Industries riser has been a welcome upgrade. It delivers on its promise of a reliable and long-lasting solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Specifications
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish features a precise set of specifications tailored for optimal performance. Its weight is a mere 2.58 oz, making it a negligible addition to your firearm’s overall weight. The riser’s height is adjustable between .53″ and .63″, offering flexibility in achieving the desired co-witness.
The base, constructed from 6061-T6 Aluminum, ensures strength and durability without sacrificing lightness. A total length of 2.09″ provides ample space for mounting optics, while the Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish offers excellent corrosion resistance. Note that the design requires 5 rail sections for proper mounting.
These specifications directly translate to a better user experience. The lightweight design ensures minimal impact on handling and balance, while the adjustable height allows for precise co-witnessing with various iron sights. The durable materials and finish guarantee that the riser can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish excels at its primary task: elevating optics for improved sight alignment. It accomplishes this without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to the firearm. The increased height makes for a more natural shooting stance, reducing strain and improving accuracy.
The main strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It does what it’s designed to do, and it does it well. The only potential weakness lies in its proprietary picatinny rail design, which might not be compatible with all accessories without careful consideration.
It met my expectations for a lightweight, durable, and functional riser, and it has made a noticeable difference in my shooting comfort and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish boasts a sleek and functional design. The low profile minimizes obstruction of the shooter’s field of view. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction provides a solid feel in the hand.
It is remarkably user-friendly; installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and the included Loctite. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish offers excellent corrosion resistance and scratch protection. This contributes significantly to the riser’s longevity. With proper care, it should last for many years of reliable service.
Maintaining the riser is simple; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient. More stubborn dirt can be removed with a mild solvent and a soft brush.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, but it includes the necessary hardware for mounting and a small tube of medium-strength Loctite. The riser itself is compatible with any optic or accessory that utilizes a standard Picatinny rail interface.
Its compatibility with standard Picatinny accessories allows for a wide range of customization options. Shooters can easily mount their preferred red dot sights, magnifiers, or other accessories.
Pros and Cons of Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Pros
- Lightweight and Low Profile: Adds minimal weight and bulk to your setup.
- Durable Construction: The 6061-T6 aluminum and hard coat anodized finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Improved Sight Alignment: Elevates optics for a more natural and comfortable shooting stance.
- Easy Installation: Simple to install with basic tools and included Loctite.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for its performance and features.
Cons
- Proprietary Picatinny Rail Design: Compatibility with some accessories may require careful consideration.
- Requires 5 Rail Sections: May not be suitable for firearms with limited rail space.
Who Should Buy Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish?
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish is perfect for AR-15 owners, tactical shooters, and recreational shooters who want to improve their sight picture and shooting comfort. It’s also a great option for those who use red dot sights in conjunction with iron sights and want to achieve a proper co-witness.
This product isn’t ideal for shooters who prioritize absolute minimal weight above all else, as there are even lighter (though potentially less durable) options available. It also might not be suitable for firearms with very limited rail space.
A must-have accessory to pair with this riser is a quality red dot sight. You may also want to consider upgrading your iron sights to match the elevated height of the optic.
Conclusion on Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish is a well-designed and affordable accessory that significantly improves the shooting experience. Its lightweight construction, durable materials, and easy installation make it a standout product in its category. It delivers on its promise of providing a streamlined solution for optimizing sight alignment.
The price of $31.99 is more than justified, given the riser’s performance and durability. You’re getting a quality product that will last for years, improving your shooting comfort and accuracy in the process.
I would highly recommend the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish to anyone looking to elevate their optics and enhance their shooting experience. Don’t settle for a subpar sight picture; invest in this simple yet effective upgrade today.