The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish Made a Bold First Impression
The world of optics and accessories can be overwhelming, a sea of choices promising enhanced performance. I’ve spent over a decade navigating this world, and I’m always on the lookout for products that genuinely deliver. The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish immediately caught my eye with its promise of a lightweight, low-profile optic mounting solution.
My need for this riser stemmed from a recent build where I wanted a streamlined co-witness setup with my existing A2 front sight. Many risers add unnecessary bulk and weight, which impacts weapon handling. I hoped the Strike Industries R.EX Riser would offer a more elegant solution.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the Strike Industries riser’s clean lines and the quality of the black hard coat anodized finish. The 6061-T6 aluminum felt solid in hand despite its remarkably light weight. It felt like a premium product designed for serious use.
I considered a few other options before choosing the Strike REX Riser. UTG makes some affordable risers, but their bulkiness and lower-grade aluminum were a turn-off. Midwest Industries offers high-quality risers, but they come at a significantly higher price point.
My first impression of the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish was definitely positive. The lightweight design, combined with the seemingly robust construction, left me eager to mount it and hit the range. I was particularly excited to see if it would truly deliver the co-witness height promised, without adding unnecessary weight or obstruction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser at my local outdoor range, mounted on an AR-15 platform. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect conditions for sighting in a new optic. The initial mounting process was straightforward, with the included Loctite adding an extra layer of security.
I quickly discovered that the co-witness height with my A2 front sight was spot-on. This made transitioning between the red dot and iron sights seamless. No fiddling with adjustments was needed and accuracy at 50 yards felt immediately improved.
My only initial concern was the proprietary picatinny rail design, as it seemed a bit non-standard. I worried it would cause issues with certain attachments, but thankfully, my primary optic mounted without issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range trips and a couple of training sessions in varied weather conditions, the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of loosening or shifting, even after hundreds of rounds fired. The black hard coat anodized finish has proven to be very durable.
Cleaning the riser is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and some CLP is all it takes. It requires minimal maintenance. This is a huge plus for anyone who values a low-maintenance setup.
In comparison to my previous experience with a heavier steel riser, the Strike Industries model is a revelation. The reduced weight improves the overall balance of the rifle. Target acquisition is faster and feels more natural.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Specifications
- The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser weighs a mere 2.58 oz. This lightweight design minimizes added bulk to your firearm.
- Its height, with the included spacer, is .63 inches, while without the spacer it measures .53 inches. These heights facilitate a lower 1/3 or absolute co-witness with many optics.
- The base is constructed from 6061-T6 Aluminum, ensuring strength and durability without adding excessive weight. The aluminum requires a minimum of 5 rail sections for proper mounting.
- The total length is 2.09 inches. This compact size keeps the riser unobtrusive on the rail.
- It features a Black Hard Coat Anodized finish. This provides excellent resistance to scratches and corrosion.
- It utilizes a Picatinny Style mount, though it uses a proprietary rail design. Despite this, it remains compatible with most Mil-Spec 1913 attachments.
- The riser features 3 picatinny slot sections. This gives ample space for attaching optics.
These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the riser’s performance and usability. The lightweight aluminum keeps the rifle balanced. The hard coat anodized finish ensures longevity. The co-witness height allows for seamless transitions between optics and iron sights.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and secure platform for mounting optics. The co-witness height is accurate and the lightweight design doesn’t negatively impact handling.
One strength is definitely its lightweight design and the solid mounting it provides. Its weakness lies in the proprietary rail design, which might limit compatibility with certain less common accessories. It definitely met my expectations by providing a lightweight co-witness riser that did not interfere with the handling of my rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Industries R.EX Riser boasts a clean and minimalist design. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction feels robust, yet remains surprisingly lightweight. In hand, it feels like a well-engineered piece of equipment.
The installation process is simple, requiring only a few minutes and basic tools. There is no significant learning curve. This makes it ideal for both experienced and novice gun owners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser is built to last. The hard coat anodized finish provides excellent resistance to scratches and wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to keep it in top condition.
The riser appears to be easily repairable, should the need arise. The simple design means there are very few components that could fail.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser comes with a small tube of medium strength Loctite. This ensures secure mounting. No additional accessories are included.
While there are no direct customization options for the riser itself, it is compatible with a vast range of optics and other accessories. Compatibility depends on if your accessory is able to mount on a proprietary picatinny rail. The co-witness height allows for pairing with various iron sights.
Pros and Cons of Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Pros
- Lightweight Design: Adds minimal weight to the firearm, improving overall handling and maneuverability.
- Accurate Co-Witness Height: Provides a perfect co-witness with A2 front sights, facilitating seamless transitions between optics and iron sights.
- Durable Construction: Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum with a black hard coat anodized finish for excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward mounting process with included Loctite.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the features and quality provided.
Cons
- Proprietary Picatinny Rail Design: Might limit compatibility with certain less common accessories.
- Requires 5 Rail Sections: The need for 5 rail sections to mount may not be compatible for all firearms.
Who Should Buy Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser Picatinny Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish?
The Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser is perfect for AR-15 owners looking to achieve a lightweight and reliable co-witness optic setup. It’s ideal for target shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and tactical shooters who value a streamlined and durable solution. Anyone wanting to reduce weight on their firearm will benefit from this riser.
This riser might not be ideal for individuals with extremely specialized mounting needs. The proprietary picatinny rail might not accommodate all accessories. This might not be compatible with firearms with limited rail space.
A must-have accessory would be a quality red dot optic that is compatible with the co-witness height of the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser.
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 an outstanding product that delivers on its promises. It provides a lightweight, durable, and reliable platform for mounting optics while achieving an accurate co-witness height with iron sights. The value proposition is excellent.
The price is justified. It gives the user durability and functionality they can depend on.
I would highly recommend the Strike REX Riser to anyone seeking a lightweight and effective optic mounting solution. It will improve your shooting experience. Upgrade your rifle today with the Strike SIREXRISERBK REX Riser and experience the difference!