What’s the difference between the Vortex Strike Eagle and Burris MTAC?
I wanted to find out, so I bought both rifle scopes and hand-tested everything:
- Reticle
- Durability
- Field of view
- And so much more
By the end of this Vortex Strike Eagle vs. Burris MTAC comparison review, you’ll know which rifle scope is best for you.
Let’s get started!
Quick Comparison Table
Features | Vortex Strike Eagle | Burris MTAC |
|---|---|---|
Magnification | 1-6x | 1-4x |
Objective Lens Diameter | 24mm | 24mm |
Eye Relief | 3.5 inches | 3.5-4.0 inches |
Reticle Type | AR-BDC3 | Ballistic CQ |
Illuminated? | Yes | Yes |
Parallax setting | 100 yards fixed | 100 yards fixed |
Weight | 17.6 ounces | 15.5 ounces |
Length | 10.5 inches | 12.2 inches |
Vortex Strike Eagle vs. Burris MTAC Review
When you’re looking for the best rifle scopes on the market, you’re bound to see the names Vortex and Burris.
Both companies are known to produce high-quality and dependable rifle scopes topped with an excellent warranty.
In today’s review, I’ll be making a comparison on two crowd favorites: The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm and the Burris MTAC 1-4×24.
Both scopes have many similar features, as well as notable differences.
I’ve spent all the range time, ammo, and resources, so you can have the best information to decide which one is right for you.
Let’s dive in!
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Vortex and the Burris both offer exceptional glass.
The two optics feature fully multi-coated lenses with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
I did notice the Vortex comes with a slight pink/orange tint, whereas the Burris seems to have more accurate color.
But, the former had more clarity throughout the image, compared to the latter that tends to have blurred edges.
Both scopes are less-than-stellar but acceptable when it comes to low light performance.
This is simply because a 24 mm objective lens won’t gather as much light as a 40mm. For that reason, I would recommend Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm instead for hunting.
Moving on, let’s talk about reticle differences…
The Strike Eagle features an AR-BDC3 glass-etched, illuminated reticle. It comes with a 1 MOA center dot designed for a precise point of aim.
The smaller reticle dots make for easy reticle focusing.
A 16.625 MOA halo surrounds the center dot itself for rapid target acquisition, and the BDC keeps you on target out to 650 yards.
The Burris MTAC features a Ballistic CQ Reticle. It comes with a circular center, making it easy to see your target. The surrounding smaller dots provide trajectory compensation out to 600 yards.
What about reticle brightness?
Both SFP reticles perform equally in terms of brightness. The only difference is:
The Vortex comes with 11 brightness settings, while the Burris only has 10.
Round 1 (Glass Clarity) Winner: the Strike Eagle.
Battery life
This is the round where Burris wins…
Burris claims the MTAC’s battery lasts 5000+ hours with continuous use. Additionally, the scope comes with an automatic shut-off after two hours to preserve battery life.
On the other hand, Vortex rates the Strike Eagle to have 150 hours of battery life at maximum intensity. What a bummer!
Also:
The Burris MTAC’s reticle works with or without batteries. The reticle is still visible when switched off, or the battery dies; it’s just black instead of red.
Then again…
The Strike Eagle’s reticle is etched into the glass, so it also functions even if the battery is dead.
Round 2 (Battery Life) Winner: Burris MTAC
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The MTAC offers better eye relief at 4 inches compared to the Vortex— which only comes with 3.5 inches.
If that’s not enough, you can opt for either the Vortex Crossfire II Scout or Burris Scout Scope with 9.2-12 inches of eye relief. Primary Arms and the Vortex Viper are also good options.
I’ve compared both scopes at 4x zoom, and the Vortex shows a wider field of view than the Burris MTAC.
Round 3 (Eye Relief and Eye Box) Winner: Tie
Durability and Weight
The Vortex Strike Eagle and Burris MTAC are very similar in durability.
Both optics are made with nitrogen-filled tubes— delivering waterproof and fog-proof performance.
They’re also likewise constructed using high-grade aluminum alloy for strength and recoil resistance.
The Burris and the Vortex come with hard anodized finishes for wear resistance, anti-corrosion, and camouflage.
Additionally, they’re roughly the same size, as they both have a 30 mm tube diameter.
So, is there even a difference? Yes!
The Burris MTAC is 2 ounces lighter than the Strike Eagle, making it easier to carry on long hunting trips.
On the other hand, the former is 12.2 inches in length while the latter is 10.5 inches— making the Vortex more compact.
By the way:
If you want more information on key factors when choosing a riflescope, go check out this helpful video!
And last but not least…
Burris and Vortex offer exceptional lifetime warranties. So if either scope gets damaged, you’re guaranteed hassle-free repairs or replacement.
Round 4 (Durability) Winner: Tie
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Vortex Strike Eagle and the Burris MTAC offer positive and precise clicks equally for wind drift correction.
These two scope’s adjustments come in 1/2 MOA clicks but with a max range of 140 MOA for the Vortex and 130 MOA for the Burris MTAC.
You know what I wish these scopes had?
Lockable Turrets— like my Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm.
A locking feature prevents accidental movements of the turrets, which I find very helpful when hunting.
On the bright side…
Both optics feature capped turrets, which helps keep dust and other debris from damaging the scope. Also, both can be reset to 0 once the scope is sighted in.
Speaking of zero…
The Vortex Strike Eagle and the Burris MTAC zeroed easily and had no issues holding zero.
Round 5 (Elevation and Windage) Winner: Strike Eagle
Parallax & Magnification
At 1x, both scopes mimic a red dot sight. This works best for quick defensive shooting out to
100 yards.
However, the Burris MTAC only goes up to 4x while the Strike Eagle’s max magnification is 6x.
The extra range puts the Vortex in the lead, but I’ll note this…
When I was testing the Strike Eagle at 6x magnification, I experienced a slight distortion around the edges of the magnification ring.
Conversely, the Burris MTAC remained clear and crisp all the way to 4x.
If you prefer a Vortex with better clarity at extended ranges, you could opt for the 4-25x40mm model.
Both optics are set to be parallax-free at 100 yards.
Round 6 (Magnification) Winner: Strike Eagle
Mounting
Neither the Vortex Strike Eagle nor the Burris MTAC comes with mounting hardware.
But:
This helps keep the price down and gives you the freedom to choose a mount that works with your specific application.
Since they’re both designed with 30mm tubes, you’ll have many options available for scope rings or one-piece mounts.
For the MTAC, I recommend the Burris P.E.P.R Riflescope Mount.
- Material Type: Aluminum
- Sport Type: Hunting
- Product Possess High Durability
For the Strike Eagle, the Vortex Cantilever Mount is a solid choice.
- Use this cantilever mount for mounting 30 mm telescopic sights.
- The 2-inch offset of this cantilever mount positions the scope in a forward location, allowing the correct eye relief and head placement.
- The cantilever ring mount positions the center of the riflescope tube at a height of 1.59 inches (40.39 mm) from the base. Weighs 6.7 ounces
You can also go with Monstrum Q Series Picatinny/Weaver Scope Rings, which works well with both optics.
- Simple to operate quick release lever mechanism secures and detaches in an instant with no additional tools required.
- 30 mm diameter rings for use with standard 30 mm rifle scope tubes.
- Compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver mounting platforms.
Round 7 (Mounting) Winner: Tie
Price
Here’s the tricky part.
The Burris MTAC 1-4x can be bought on Amazon for roughly $800. Ouch.
- Covered under warranty for life
- Made using the highest quality materials
- Tested for complete quality and reliability
If you’re willing to spend time digging around, you may find it for about $450 from an authorized dealer or second-hand.
The Vortex Strike Eagle is priced at $399 on Amazon and ships within a few days. It’s also readily available in most online shops.
- The updated Strike Eagle 1-6x24 is defined by speed and versatility. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting shooters rapidly engage targets from point-blank to extended...
- The magnification ring has been updated and now includes a thread-in throw lever, and the magnification indicators can now be seen without coming off the scope.
- The new illuminated BDC3 reticle focuses the shooter's eye to the target faster and holdovers allow for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance.
That’s why you’ll see several Vortex scopes on our best scopes under the $500 list.
If you already have the MTAC and want to try the Vortex, it’s good to know you won’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to do so.
Round 8 (Price) Winner: Strike Eagle
Vortex Strike Eagle vs Burris MTAC: Which Rifle Scope is Better?
This was a very close call, but today’s winner is the Vortex Strike Eagle.
- The updated Strike Eagle 1-6x24 is defined by speed and versatility. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting shooters rapidly engage targets from point-blank to extended...
- The magnification ring has been updated and now includes a thread-in throw lever, and the magnification indicators can now be seen without coming off the scope.
- The new illuminated BDC3 reticle focuses the shooter's eye to the target faster and holdovers allow for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance.
Here’s why:
- Lower price tag
- Larger field of view
- Better image clarity
- Unbeatable warranty
- More brightness settings
- Wider magnification range
Plus, the Vortex outperforms with easy accessibility and you can have it on your doorstep within days.
All in all…
I didn’t give the Strike Eagle any special treatment, but its features, performance, and budget-friendly price tag sealed the deal.
FAQ:
Yes, the Vortex provides a true 1x.
The actual magnification or distortion is virtually nonexistent at 1x zoom. You can keep both eyes open when looking through the scope. At 1x, it replicates a red dot’s functionality, which is handy for fast acquisition on close targets.
The Eagle series is manufactured in China. Vortex itself is based in Wisconsin, but its scopes are made in different parts of the world, depending on the product line.
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm riflescope’s AR-BDC3 is a second focal plane reticle. Therefore, the reticle size doesn’t change regardless of magnification.
Scopes that aren’t designed for long-range shooting past 600 yards typically have a second focal plane reticle. If you’re into precision shooting past 600 yards— and the price isn’t an issue— an FFP riflescope is a great option.
I shoot vortex viper and it’s a great rifle scope