Well, that name is a mouthful. Ha-ha. Jokes aside, Primary Arms is a good manufacturer. Maybe you never heard of them. But they do deserve more traction than they are getting.
When you compare Vortex to a brand that probably a lot of people never heard of, it seems like a hard bargain. A lot of partiality and favoritism kicks in. But what if I could sell you that hard bargain?
Interested? Let’s move on to the hot topic we have here. A mouthful sight vs a successor of a popular sight.
That’s right, I am talking about Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot vs Vortex Sparc 2.
Most of us know just how successful the first Sparc was. How about the second one? Let’s find out.
PAA Micro Dot/ Vortex Sparc 2 – Outlooks
PAA Micro Dot/ Vortex Sparc 2 – Specs
| Specs | PAA Micro Dot | Vortex Sparc 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 1X | 1X |
| Weight | 5.5 Oz | 5.9 Oz |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | CR2032 3v lithium | CR2032 |
| Reticle | 2 MOA | 2 MOA |
| Adjustments | Windage, Elevation, Brightness | Windage, Elevation, Brightness |
PAA Micro Dot VS Vortex Sparc 2 – Differences
- SLX advanced microdot is a bit lighter than Sparc 2.
- Primary Arms is smaller than Sparc 2.
- Sparc II has a lower brightness setting compared to Primary Arms microdot.
- Sparc 2 features O-ring sealing.
- Hard anodization is present on Sparc 2.
Quality
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot: I can understand your doubts about this brand. As they are not the most well-known brand at the moment. But don’t let their less popularity sway your opinion against them. Thanks to that, their customer service has always been on point. If you have any issues about their sights, you are just one mail away from them.
The QC on this sight was something worthy of praise. Haven’t seen a lot of sight do that recently. But hey, if you can check out the sight first and then decide, you will know what I am talking about.
Vortex Sparc 2: So far vortex Sparc 2 vs primary arms has been a joy to watch. The joy continues. We all know the QC on Vortex. They never settle for less. Neither should you.
Vortex lenses are some of the best available on the market. Many other brands also purchase lenses from Vortex to make their sights. Fully multi-coated lens has been used in this sight. It will give you a hell of an experience.
Durability
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot: Unless you plan to hammer this sight to the ground, I don’t see how you “accidentally” break the sight. Dropping from a relatively high place will do literally nothing to the sight. The aluminum used here is 6061-grade aluminum. It’s a lightweight durable grade of aluminum whose density is thick enough for a sight.
The inside of the sight is also nitrogen-purged. Granted there is no O-ring sealing, but it’s still water and shockproof.
Vortex Sparc 2: Vortex uses high-grade aluminum to make its sight and uses a hard anodization process to color and coat its sight. It’s a single-piece construction which makes it easier to work around. The inside of the housing is nitrogen-purged. Thanks to that, it’s fogproof. To make the sight waterproof, Vortex also installed O-rings in the sight. They sit between the lens and the sight housing. Making their seal vacuum-tight and bubble-free.
If water can’t get inside, it can’t create fog.
Performance
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot: For a sight that came out a couple of years ago, it’s nice to see how well it fairs against the latest sights as well. Under any given weather, Micro Dot gives its absolute best. Short short-range performance of this sight is amazing. If you want, you can add a magnifier in front of the sight and increase its distance as well. As this is a reflex sight, you don’t need to worry about eye relief at all.
There is no parallax-related issue at all. Motion blur is also minimal and the reticle focus is on point.
Vortex Sparc 2: Sparc was a great sight that gave the Sig Sauer Romeo series a tough fight. When Sparc 2 was released, it’s no wonder people were comparing Primary Arms VS Vortex Sparc. Glad to see Sparc 2 lives up to the expectations of its predecessor.
The short-range performance of this is just absolutely mind-blowing. You could add a magnifier if you so wish. But I don’t think that’s necessary or something you should do. Unless you really need that magnification.
Size
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot: To no one’s surprise the Micro Dot is the smaller among the two. I mean, you can see from the pictures it’s the smaller one. However, the size difference is not as huge as it seems. It’s still under 1” of differences.
But it’s still there if you want to nitpick about it. Don’t worry, this size of sight can sit on most AR rifles out there. In case it doesn’t just use a universal mount to convert this sight to support your gun.
Vortex Sparc 2: Vortex nailed the coffin with this one. It’s just a tad bit longer than the older Sparc Gen-I. While still packing many important upgrades. Yes, it’s a tad bit bigger than Micro Dot. But don’t think the size difference makes the Sparc 2 inferior. It’s far from the truth.
In fact, I think Sparc 2 will suit the taste of most people.
Weight
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot: It’s the lighter scope overall. The weight of the microdot is only 5.5oz. That’s quite light for a reflex sight of this size. The weight feels well distributed as well. You won’t feel like the gun is leaning towards the back more.
That’s a good sign. Finding out your sight makes the gun tilt backward can tilt the person.
Vortex Sparc 2: Compared to Micro Dot, Sparc and Sparc 2 is a bit on the heavier side. Just a little bit shy from the 6oz mark, Sparc II does sound heavy at first. But that misconception immediately clears up when you install this on a gun.
It has such a nice weight distribution, that’s amazing, to say the least. There have been no complaints regarding the toe of the sight feeling lighter than the head.
PAA Micro Dot/ Vortex Sparc 2 – Videos
PAA Micro Dot VS Vortex Sparc 2 – Summary
Vortex Sparc 2 is a much more expensive sight compared to Primary Arms Micro Dot. But Keep in mind, that Vortex came out much later than Primary Arms. That means Sparc 2 does feature some of the latest technologies Vortex is offering.
That will come at a cost. Do you want to or able to afford that cost? Then for sure go for Sparc 2. It’s the better sight overall. But if you have a rather tight budget and want a good sight that won’t fail you anytime soon, then go for Primary Arms.
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
