Overall Score 8
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
⭐️ Verdict: Holographic Sight (8)
As a professional shooter who has rigorously tested the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II, I can confidently endorse this holographic sight. It’s not just its advanced features that impress; it’s the overall reliability and adaptability it offers in diverse shooting scenarios.
From the crisp clarity of its display to the resilience of its construction, the UH-1 Gen II consistently proves itself as a top-tier choice for anyone serious about their shooting, whether for sport, defense, or professional use.
Hey shooters! Welcome back to my Vortex AMG UH-1 Review.
I’ve come across numerous sights, but few have caught my attention, like the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II.
Having tested this piece extensively on various firearms, I’m excited to share my insights. This holographic sight stands out for its rapid target acquisition and user-friendly features, making it a top choice for shooters looking for an edge in both competitive and recreational settings.
Overview of the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II represents a paradigm shift in sight technology. This holographic sight, without diving into its technicalities, offers a seamless shooting experience.
From its intuitive design to its robust construction, the AMG UH-1 Gen II is built to enhance your shooting, regardless of the environment or situation.
Core Specifications of the AMG UH-1
| Specification | Detail |
| Type | Holographic Weapon Sight |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
| Battery Type | CR123A |
| Auto Shutoff | 14 hours, with disable option |
| Mount Type | Integrated Quick-Release; Weaver/Picatinny compatible |
| Waterproof | Yes (O-ring seals) |
| Fogproof | Yes |
| Night Vision Compatibility | 4 settings, with dedicated NV button |
| Reticle | EBR-CQB with 15 illumination settings |
| Exterior Lens Coating | ArmorTek, scratch-resistant |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Special Features | FHQ Technology, zero forward signature, enlarged viewing window, toolless battery cover |
What’s in the Box?
- Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
First Look & Impression
Upon first handling the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II, it’s clear this is a well-crafted piece of equipment. It feels robust yet not overly heavy, striking a perfect balance for practical use.
The enlarged viewing window immediately stands out, offering an unobstructed view that enhances situational awareness.
Who Should Get Vortex AMG
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is ideal for shooters seeking a reliable, high-performance holographic sight. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a law enforcement officer, or a hunting enthusiast, this sight offers the precision and durability needed for various shooting scenarios.
Types of Guns Suitable for this Sight
- AR-15 and similar modern sporting rifles
- Pistols with rail adapters for holographic sights
- Any firearm compatible with Weaver or Picatinny rail systems
Top 7 Features of Vortex AMG
1. Holographic Display with Night Vision Compatibility
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II boasts an advanced holographic display, setting it apart in the realm of optics. Its defining trait is the capability to adapt to various lighting conditions, including compatibility with night vision.
This feature includes four NV settings along with a dedicated NV button, allowing for quick adjustments. The holographic display is not just about visibility in low light; it’s engineered to provide a crisp, clear reticle view, ensuring that the target acquisition is precise and swift.
The technology minimizes parallax error, providing a consistent point of aim regardless of the eye’s position. This advanced display is instrumental in scenarios where split-second decisions and accurate targeting are crucial.
My Testing
During my testing, the holographic display’s performance in low-light conditions was impressive. The transition to night vision was seamless, and the four NV settings were particularly useful in varying degrees of darkness.
The clarity of the reticle under night-vision mode provided an advantage in identifying targets accurately. This feature is a game-changer for tactical shooting and hunting at dusk or dawn, where light conditions are often challenging.
2. Enlarged Viewing Window and Toolless Battery Cover
The enlarged viewing window of the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is a notable enhancement. This feature offers an expansive field of view, allowing shooters to maintain situational awareness while focusing on their target.
The wider window reduces the need to shift the eye position, facilitating quicker target acquisition and tracking. Complementing this is the toolless battery cover design, which is a testament to the sight’s user-friendly nature.
It allows for swift and effortless battery changes, minimizing downtime in the field. This practical design ensures that maintaining and operating the sight is hassle-free, even under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.
My Testing
In field tests, the enlarged viewing window genuinely enhanced my targeting experience. The broad view helped in quickly acquiring targets, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
The toolless battery cover was a breeze to operate, making battery replacement quick and straightforward, even with gloves on.
3. Integrated Quick-Release Mount and Rugged Construction
The integrated quick-release mount of the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is designed for versatility and ease of use. It attaches securely to both Weaver and Picatinny rails, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of firearms.
The mount’s design allows for rapid attachment and detachment, facilitating quick transitions between different weapons or for maintenance purposes. Additionally, the rugged construction of the sight deserves praise. It is built to withstand the rigors of heavy use, including resistance to shock, water, and fog.
This durability is essential for a sight that may be used in harsh outdoor conditions and under the stress of recoil.
My Testing
Testing the quick-release mount, I found it extremely reliable. It attached effortlessly to various rail systems and maintained a secure fit throughout.
The ruggedness of the sight was evident; it withstood significant recoil and exposure to elements without any loss in performance or clarity. The construction instilled confidence in its durability and longevity in field use.
4. EBR-CQB Reticle with Illumination Settings
The EBR-CQB reticle in the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is a standout feature, designed for both quick target acquisition and precise aiming. This reticle provides a clear, distinct aiming point, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to its 15 illumination settings.
These settings allow for customization to match various lighting environments, from bright daylight to dim twilight. Additionally, the reticle is supported by FHQ technology, which reduces stray light emissions, ensuring that the shooter’s position remains concealed.
This combination of a versatile reticle and adjustable illumination makes the AMG UH-1 Gen II a versatile sight for a range of shooting disciplines, from close-quarter tactical scenarios to mid-range shooting.
My Testing
During testing, the EBR-CQB reticle proved to be highly effective. The various illumination settings allowed for easy adjustments to different lighting conditions.
The reticle was crisp and easily distinguishable, facilitating rapid target engagement and accurate shot placement.
5. ArmorTek Coating and O-Ring Seals
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is equipped with an ArmorTek coating on its exterior lenses, offering exceptional protection against scratches, oil, and dirt.
This ultra-hard coating is a significant barrier against everyday wear and tear, maintaining the sight’s clarity and functionality over time. Complementing this is the O-ring seal design, which ensures that the sight is waterproof and fogproof.
These seals protect the internal components from moisture, dust, and debris, making the sight reliable in a variety of environmental conditions, from rainy weather to dusty terrains.
My Testing
In real-world conditions, the ArmorTek coating proved its worth by keeping the lenses scratch-free and clear, even in rough handling scenarios. The O-ring seals effectively kept moisture and dirt out, maintaining a clear field of view irrespective of weather conditions.
6. Battery Life and Auto Shutoff Feature
Powering the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is a CR123A battery known for its long life and reliability. The sight features a 14-hour auto shutoff, which conserves battery life by turning off the sight automatically if no button is pressed within that period.
This feature is particularly useful in preventing unnecessary battery drain during periods of inactivity. However, for those who require continuous operation, the auto-shutoff feature can be disabled, ensuring the sight is always ready for use.
My Testing
During testing, the battery life was impressive. The auto-shutoff feature worked seamlessly, providing peace of mind about conserving battery life.
When disabled, the sight remained operational for extended periods without the need for frequent battery changes, highlighting its efficiency and reliability.
7. Windage and Elevation Adjustments
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II offers user-friendly windage and elevation adjustments. Each click adjusts the point of aim by approximately ½ MOA, allowing for precise zeroing.
The dials are designed to provide tactile feedback and can be adjusted using a coin or flat-head tool. The resistance encountered at the end of the adjustment range prevents over-adjusting, ensuring the integrity of the sight’s settings.
My Testing
Adjusting windage and elevation was straightforward and precise. The tactile clicks provided confidence in each adjustment made.
Even under repeated recoil, the sight maintained its zero, showcasing the reliability and accuracy of these adjustments.
Footprint and Mounting Considerations
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II presents a substantial footprint, given its dimensions of 6 x 5 x 4 inches. This size is reflective of its robust feature set and enhanced capabilities.
Its weight of 11 ounces, while slightly heavier than some competitors, is a testament to its durable construction. Mounting is streamlined thanks to the integrated quick-release mount, compatible with both Weaver and Picatinny rails.
This system allows for easy and secure attachment, ensuring that the sight remains stable even under recoil. The lower 1/3 co-witness height is ideal for a wide range of firearms, providing a comfortable and effective sighting experience.
Pros and Cons of Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II
Pros
- Fast Holographic Display: Ideal for rapid target acquisition in various situations.
- Night Vision Compatibility: Four settings with a dedicated NV button.
- Enlarged Viewing Window: Enhances sight picture and target acquisition speed.
- Toolless Battery Cover: Simplifies battery changes.
- EBR-CQB Reticle with 15 Illumination Settings: Offers versatility in different lighting conditions.
- FHQ Technology: Reduces stray light emissions for stealthy use.
- Integrated Quick-Release Mount: Easy installation on Weaver or Picatinny rails.
- Rugged, Shockproof Construction: Durable in harsh conditions.
- ArmorTek Coating: Protects lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
- O-Ring Seals: Provide waterproof and fogproof performance.
Cons
- Occasional Parallax problems.
- Slightly Heavy and Bulky.
- Focusing Challenges.
FAQ’s
Where is Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen 2 made?
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen 2 is entirely made in the USA.
What is the battery life of the UH1 Gen 2?
The UH-1 Gen 2 offers about 1500 hours of battery life from a single CR123 battery.
Is the Vortex UH-1 a true holographic sight?
Yes, the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is a true holographic sight.
What is the optic height of the Vortex UH1?
The optical center height of the UH-1 is approximately 1.58 inches.