Vortex vs. Redfield

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click clack

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I have a Remington 700sps tactical in .308 but it doesnt have a scope yet. It will be used mostly at the range and for deer and hogs in South Carolina. So the longest shot i would be looking at is 300 yards TOPS. The two scopes i am looking at are

http://www.opticsplanet.net/redfiel...e-matte-finish-4-plex-accu-range-reticle.html

http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-crossfire-4-16x50-adjustable-ao-rifle-scope.html

I have looked through the Redfield and like that they are made by Leupold. Both scopes have lifetime warranties. I just havent heard anything about Vortex but i like the extra magnification for the exact same price????

PLEASE HELP:banghead:
 
I am mainly interested in which would have the clearest/better quality glass and would exceed in low light evening hunts
 
The Redfields are rather new so few will have had a chance to compare these against the Vortex.

I see that you've picked 2 50mm objective scopes so that should help in low light conditions. Unfortunately, few mfg'rs publish their data on light transmission so it's extremely hard to know which is better in that regard. Even those that do advertise the light transmission (Leupold comes to mind) only do so in their top-end scopes. I can't find anything on the Leupold VX-I or cheaper scopes.

A good low-light scope should have three things going for it :
1.) A large objective lens like 50mm or larger
2.) 94% or better light transmission.
3.) a low power setting on a variable powered scope, i.e., 2x or 2.5x
 
Consider the Nitrex 3-15x50

Ordered the Nitrex (made by Weaver -- Japanese Factory) from Natchez last week -- Delivered Monday

http://www.natchezshooterssupply.com/brand.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=WE&prodID=WE94530&prodTitle=Nitrex%20TR%20Two%203-15X50mm%20Rifle%20Scope%20Matte%20Finish%20TrexPlex%20Reticle

-- Very Clear Glass
-- Large Objective for low light situations
-- Side Focus
-- Easy Secure Knobs

-- Identical (or very simular to the Weaver Super Slam 3-15x50 Scope) -- http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=473308

My cost after rebate is about $220 delivered -- Lifetime warranty -- Parent Company is ATK (Weaver / Federal / CCI / RCBS / etc)


Just my choice for my M1A

UK
 
read this http://www.opticsthoughts.com/index...mparison&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4


http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x50
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper4-12x40
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper3-10x50

any of these 3 scopes are better than the redfield or the vortex you linked. crossfire is the bottom of vortex's barrel. next comes diamondback and then the viper. the viper is often compared favorably to the leupold VX3, but I have not done a side by side myself. (I've used cameraland, they're solid) I was looking into 50mm objectives and general consensus is that you shouldn't bother because they are heavier, more prone to breakage, and don't add that much to the light gathering abilities.

see also http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=548040
and http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=541449

and finally, my midway catalog I threw away yesterday had sightron s2 scopes on sale for $200. they looked pretty yummy.
 
The Vortex you have listed has optics from China. The Diamond and Viper have Japanese glass. Another good choice is the Simmons Buckmaster 4-20x50 which can be had for 109 to $99. Walkalong and myself did some scope reviews.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=548040

grayling22 sorry you were posting while I was typing!!!
 
I would suggest the highest quality 3-9x40 scope you can find, as optical quality is going to be more useful than nominal magnification and objective size. Lots of light and magnification isn't that great if the image is blurry or you have to refocus the objective because the hog moved 10 feet.

If you want to go that route, I would look seriously at:
Nikon Monarch
Nikon "Team Primos" if any are still available
Vortex Viper (higher line)
Bushnell Elite 3200 and Elite 4200
Weaver Grand Slam - especially the 3-10x mode
 
The Viper can be had for less than 280 but usually sells for around $400. Planetoptics has sold me many things and is a good company but does not always have the best prices.
 
I'm a big fan of Vortex Viper scopes, but I'm not crazy about the other lines. The Redfield is pretty nice, but in that price range, be sure to at least look at the Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9X. It's a nice scope and a bit more compact than the two you are looking at. I try to avoid optics with objectives that large, if for not other reason than that they are BIG.
 
Go vortex, all the way. Try to move up the the viper level. I have had nothing but bad dealings with opticsplanet. Try swfa.com. Vortex customer service is top notch.
 
Vortex Viper....Midway and several other sites have it on save right now for under $300...some places even $250
 
I've had both scopes the OP listed (and I have an SPS Tactical) and if I had to pick one for all purposes I'd get the Redfield. I think it is a little tougher and it is a little brighter. I also have a bit more confidence in it. If you are only going to do paper punching or shooting outside you might go with the Crossfire. Personally, I'd kick in an extra $70 and get the Vortex Viper on sale (also at SWFA) and not worry.

If you do go with the Crossfire, save some dough and go here;
http://swfa.com/Vortex-6-24x50-Crossfire-Rifle-Scope-P43585.aspx
 
I have had nothing but bad dealings with opticsplanet. Try swfa.com

I've had good experiences (not perfect) in multiple purchases from opticsplanet. And while my one purchase from SWFA went well, I've certainly read of other experiences. There is a site called "Reseller Ratings" that might be helpful to get statistical info instead of just anecdotal info.

http://www.resellerratings.com/rankings.pl
 
speaking of bushnell, they have the elite 3200 on sale at academy pretty often for $150. if there's an academy near you.
 
If you're going to try that Viper that's on sale everywhere, be sure to take note of the reticle. It is a very fine target reticle and my not be for you. They are blowing this model out for some reason.
 
If you're going to try that Viper that's on sale everywhere, be sure to take note of the reticle. It is a very fine target reticle and my not be for you. They are blowing this model out for some reason.

+1 - very fine indeed. I would not use this in dark dark woods - you'll never see the reticule.
 
Yep the cross hairs are some of the finest I have ever used...I did not know if I would like them when I first got the scope. In truth I have not had the scope out after sunset or dusk...will check that out today....the fine cross hairs are now my favorite. They do not cover over some of my small targets at 300 yards yet are clear enough for me to see them. It is really a matter of preference. Like anything new you have to mess around with it to figure if it is good or bad for your application. Glad you guys made me think of checking the reticle tonight.
 
A fair number of the vipers are on clearance at SWFA.com. I ordered mine on the weekend and had a tracking # on Mon morning. I just unboxed it a couple of hours ago, as a number of people on the forum have said, it seems to have really sharp optics.
 
natchez has a sale on nitrex tr twos. they are the same as weaver super slams and theyre being sold for like 300-390 and have a 100 dollar rebate included. You'd spend a total of 200ish plus shipping if the rebate goes through on a 2-10 model and it would be a heck of a lot more scope than those two. Ok well I take that back, I have no experience with redfield but my opinion is that Leupold bought an old brand and just banked on alot of people remembering the older products to buy the new ones. I doubt theyre anything alike.

Crossfires are bottom of the barrel for Vortex. Made in China. Go with a diamondback at least.

If you are really set on the two you've listed, I would go with the crossfire because it is advertised as being fully multi coated. My diamondback has some good glass. It would not surprise me if the glass was still very good on crossfires, just the mechanicals would be sup-bar.
 
The Vortex you have listed has optics from China. The Diamond and Viper have Japanese glass.
Exactly, which is why I would shy away from them if possible. I would much prefer a Viper or even Diamondback. FWIW, some retailers have the old model Vipers on sale right now, a 4-12x40mm will only run you about $50.00 more than the Crossfire and is thrice the scope. If that is still too costly a Diamondback in 3-9x40mm can be had for about $200.00, and is still much improved over the Crossfire. All offer an excellent warranty (comparable to Leupold).

:)
 
I just got my Vortex Viper 4-12x40 from camofire. They had them on sale. ~$500 down to $249. So far the scope looks great. Im just waiting for my Burris AR-PEPR mount to show up
 
thanks for all the input guys. i think i made my mind up and im going with the Nitrex TR2 3-15x50.. any last requests/suggestions before i order it?
 
I don't know much about Nitrex, but that scope will likely be big and heavy (if that is a concern).

:)
 
Based on my Weaver it should be a quality scope - BUT - that's a lot of magnification and glass, do you really need all that for 300 yard shots on hogs and deer?
 
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