Tell me about Vortex Optics....

[OldBrownDog]

I've heard good things and I'm considering the Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP to put on a hunting/general use .30/06.

Never had an FFP before, but I've read a lot about them and I like the concept. Anyone with experience using one for hunting, especially range estimation?

Nearly every review of Vortex's glass I can find is positive, with good customer service. Anyone have any negative experiences?

 

[LocoGringo]

I have a MUCH older model 2.5-10x44 PST and took a deer with it mounted on a 6.8 SPC AR-15. I've got nothing bad to say about it. Granted, it was only a 55 yard shot, but I put the bullet exactly where I was aiming with a DRT. Since the scope you're looking at is a PST, I anticipate zero problems and if, by some crazy circumstances, you do have one, their guarantee is unbeatable. Buy with confidence.

 

[jlr1962]

6x24 viper pst ffp ebr-2, If find one to put my hands on before payment, I will get it. I have had bad luck with optics that I didn't test prior to purchase.

In God we trust!!!

 

[Covelo-NdN]

I own a 6-20-50 HS its mounted on a reaper Dnz on top of a Remington 700 sps 308. The optic is clear, tracks very well.

When I compare it to a vx2 i think the Leopold is much clearer

 

[jehu]

If I could not afford Nightforce I would buy the Vortex, I'm just sayin!

 

[Skylerbone]

I like FFP scopes, they make sense if the reticle is more complex than a standard duplex but can take some getting used to on lower power. The one atop one of my -06s is the RR-800 from Pride Fowler which has very good glass and a reticle second to none for its purpose.

I also own 3 Vortex products; two red dots and binos which all have glass suitable for lower light conditions. Probably as clear as my Leupold's though a shade less neutral on color (best I can describe it).

If it were even money, for a hunting scope, I'd choose a VX-3 CDS or better with duplex crosshairs and an intensifier filter kit. Now I don't know your specific hunting conditions or your intended prey but dialing the CDS in on paper then setting it to PBR at around 275 yds. would cover your bases for antelope or larger game without having to laser them.

If the shot is further away, you really need a more precise distance (range finder) and I feel it makes more sense to range then twist that CDS dial than to calculate mils. If you don't mind math or estimation in the field and want to save on a range finder (for 300+ yd. shots) you could definitely save money choosing a scope with a ranging reticle.

 

[788Ham]

I just bought a Vortex Viper HS 6 X 24 X 50 a couple of weeks ago, have it on my 788 Rem. .223 rifle. This is the nicest scope I've ever owned, clarity is, IMHO, better than the other "top" 3 makes,. I was amazed at ho clear it was sighting it in, I wasn't able to afford any of the higher priced Vortex scopes, but after shooting with this new scope, don't feel I really needed to. I'm very impressed with this glass.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I just purchased a Strikefire II-------now that I got it home out of the box to play with----its going back tomorrow------don't waste your money.

Overpriced Chinese garbage.

 

[pdd614]

Get a good range finder instead of trying to perform range estimation with a reticle. FFP reticles are used for alot more than range finding. They are great for holding wind, or even elevation in a pinch. Range finding, not so much.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

PDD614 makes a good point - a separate rangefinder is quick and easy. To paraphrase, "I didn't claw my way to the top of the food chain to do math".

I own a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP, have had it for about a year. MOA.

I couldn't be more satisfied with it, it's bright and clear, and the adjustments are repeatable. The illumination has a wide range of adjustment.

I feel that Vortex consistently provides value above the price, comparing favorably with more expensive products.

Mark H.

 

[Haxby]

I don't doubt that this is a good scope, but it looks like it has some drawbacks on a hunting rifle.
The reticle is .2 moa thick, which is okay at 8x or 10x, but not what you'd usually want on a 2.5x hunting scope.
It has a 32mm objective, but it is longer, heavier, and more expensive than a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44.

 

[788Ham]

^^^^ I don't seem to notice that extra weight, negligible at best, when shooting from the bench, or from my Harris bi-pod. if one wants to see the target, or whatever ones shooting at, thats the least of my worries, thats why I spent the monies for a better scope, YOMV. The cross-hairs in my reticle are fairly fine, doesn't change as power is raised, still very easy to see.

 

[Haxby]

^^^^ I don't seem to notice that extra weight, negligible at best, when shooting from the bench, or from my Harris bi-pod. if one wants to see the target, or whatever ones shooting at, thats the least of my worries, thats why I spent the monies for a better scope, YOMV. The cross-hairs in my reticle are fairly fine, doesn't change as power is raised, still very easy to see.

I have no argument with any of that. You're talking about a minimum of 6x from a bench. I was talking about a minimum 2.5x on a hunting rifle.

 

[pdd614]

It could have been a better scope if they would have installed a low profile and capped windage knob. Who dials wind anyways?

 

[MCMXI]

I'm considering the Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP to put on a hunting/general use .30/06.

I have a pair of Vortex Razor HD binoculars and recently ordered a PST 6-24x50mm FFP EBR-2C for an AR15 (24" barrel) that I use for varmints. In addition, I've shot about 100 rounds (load development) using a Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm BDC that I bought for a friend. Personally I wouldn't recommend the PST 2.5-10x32 FFP on a hunting rifle. The Viper 3-9x40mm is a good hunting scope and $300 cheaper, and it has stadia for holdovers. I have scopes by Nightforce, Premier Reticles, Leupold, Zeiss and Aimpoint and consider the Vortex to be good value for money. I don't consider their glass to be top tier, but then again nor is their price.

 

[OldBrownDog]

Thanks for all the responses guys. For the record - I realize a rangefinder is easier and better than ranging with a reticle. I just like the idea of having the capability and practicing with it. I currently own a Leupold laser rangefinder.

Also, I realize this scope is not the greatest true hunting scope. I have Leupolds on my hunting rifles, but I just bought a new rifle, shuffled scopes and now find myself with an unscoped rifle. I want to try an FFP scope, preferably with glass comparable to Leupold, without going whole hog for an S&B or USO or something else in that price range.

If someone could point me in the direction of a FFP scope with a 40mm-ish objective that costs ~$1200 and weighs in the neighborhood of 16-22 oz., I'd really appreciate it. But I've been looking, and those don't seem to exist. If the Nightforce NXS Compacts were offered with FFP, I'd just buy that.

 

[Inebriated]

I'd look at the SWFA SS HD 3-9x42.

FFP, Mil-dot reticle, versatile magnification range, right in your weight range, and has excellent glass. I've read that it beats the Vortex Razor HD and I've seen myself how clear it is. Well within your budget at $600

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50716.aspx

 

[pdd614]

I've had both the ss 3-9 and vortex razor. The glass was awful in mine, and nowhere near my Razor. It shouldn't be either, it's only a third of the price. The CA was so bad in the ss, that it was almost like seeing double.

Changing magnification is also a pain in the 3-9. The mag ring is the same size as rest of the eye piece. You have the buy the switchview if you plain on going back and forth between 3-9. Also, the revolution indicator under the knobs is only glued in, and mine kept coming loose. That is very annoying. PST has fixed parallax too.

SS 3-9, no thanks.

 

[Skylerbone]

Weaver makes a "Tactical" Model that might work for you, 2-10 X 36mm FFP, ill. MDR reticle, .1mil adj. for under $800. Leupold offers a few models in and around your price range as well, can't go wrong there.

 

[Allen in MT]

Lets seen now, I've got a
Vortex Spitfire 3x
Diamondback 1.75-5x32
Viper 2.5-10x44 HS
Viper 4-12x40
Viper HS 4-16x44
Viper HS LR 4-16x44
Viper HD 20-60x80 spotting scope
Rangefinder 1000
Viper binocular 10-42
Crossfire ll 10-42 binocular
and have a Viper PST 6-24x50 on order
I don't work in a store and am not affiliated with Viper in any way
I just like their products and have not had any problem with them.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

hahaha nice Allen, and I thought I had a lot of Vortex (that 3x spitfire is great right?)

I have:
3x spitfire
Sparc I
Opmod Strikefire II
diamondback 2-7x35 rimfire
Viper 2.5-10x44
Viper Bino 8x42

and theres as much or more on my to buy list

-Matt S.

 

[OldBrownDog]

Looked at Leupold previously. Unfortunately all Leupold's FFP scopes have mil reticles with MOA adjustments. I don't care if it's mil/mil or MOA/MOA, but I need reticles and adjustments to match.

I just ordered the Vortex. I'll see what I think. Worst case, I hate it on a hunting rifle and I have an excuse to get an AR to put it on. Or I sell it and pick up a Nightforce or Leupold.

 

[Allen in MT]

Just put the Spitfire 3x on my Armalite AR today and was at the range getting it sighted in with the 55gn Remies. Was a little on the cool side 10 above but good to get out and bust a few caps. this is going to be my coyote rifle. Like the red over the green on reticles. The PST I ordered will be going on my 6br which is my long range prairie poodle gun.

 

[Skylerbone]

OBD, I beg to differ, any Leupold with M5 turrets uses mils. Link: http://swfa.com/Leupold-45-14x50-Mark-4-ERT-30mm-Riflescope-P45006.aspx

 

[OldBrownDog]

Well shoot. Now I may have to cancel my Vortex order. Thanks for the heads up, I figured M5's were similar to M1's and M3's. That's what I get for assuming.....