I have heard a lot of mention of the Vortex scopes as being worth the money. But, I have never seen or handled one. As with most scopes, there are different levels of "quality". Is it the same with Vortex? If so, what are there different levels? Which level is recommended or not recommended? How do their level of scopes compare to Nikon, Leupold, Burris, Bushnell, etc.........
Vortex scope for a Rifle
- Thread starter viking499
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pat86323
Member
a friend of mine has viper 3-9 on his elk rifle and i think it stands up very very well to a nice leupold for less money. Durability doesnt ever seem to be a problem with vortex and their warrantee is no BS. I accidently ran over my binos with a quad and they gladly replaced them.
I've also heard a lot about Vortex and it was all good, but I really wasn't impressed with the Vortex scopes that I had opportunities to try out. Keep in mind that I'm really not familiar with their product line or the names that they use to designate the different levels of quality.
That having been said, a friend of mine brought a rifle that he had built to the range this past Saturday. He wanted me to try it out to see what it could do. Without paying any attention, I loaded up a mag, put the rifle on the bags and looked through the scope. After having looked through it, I had to lift my head and take a closer look at it. It turned out to be a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X (I believe). It was very clear with good resolution and only a very small amount of distortion was noticeable around the edges. Keep in mind that I usually shoot with a Nightforce. It isn't the best, but it's a pretty darned good scope and I'm pretty spoiled. The Viper really impressed me. From what I've seen they go for about $400.
Of course, you do give up a few things going with an inexpensive scope. It has a wire reticle rather than etched and it only has an 80MOA range of adjustment (I believe), but for $400, the glass was clear. I plan to pick one up to put on top of a bolt gun I'm getting ready to buy. It should do more than fine for a range/field rifle.
That having been said, a friend of mine brought a rifle that he had built to the range this past Saturday. He wanted me to try it out to see what it could do. Without paying any attention, I loaded up a mag, put the rifle on the bags and looked through the scope. After having looked through it, I had to lift my head and take a closer look at it. It turned out to be a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X (I believe). It was very clear with good resolution and only a very small amount of distortion was noticeable around the edges. Keep in mind that I usually shoot with a Nightforce. It isn't the best, but it's a pretty darned good scope and I'm pretty spoiled. The Viper really impressed me. From what I've seen they go for about $400.
Of course, you do give up a few things going with an inexpensive scope. It has a wire reticle rather than etched and it only has an 80MOA range of adjustment (I believe), but for $400, the glass was clear. I plan to pick one up to put on top of a bolt gun I'm getting ready to buy. It should do more than fine for a range/field rifle.
I have looked through some binoculars (after I bought my Steiner's) they were very nice. Their customer service is also apparently top notch. I sent an email asking where their products are made and I received an answer back withing several minutes.
Here is the email.
Hello ____,
Thanks for contacting Vortex Optics. We design, test and warranty all the product here in Wisconsin then have them made overseas with factories that we work close with.
Japan - Razor spotting scope, Razor and Viper binoculars
China - Skyline, Nomad and Impact spotting scopes - Vanquish, Spitfire, Crossfire, Diamondback and Fury binoculars - Crossfire Riflescopes
The Viper and Diamondback riflescopes are constructed in the Philippians with the glass coming from Japan.
Take care
Tim Austin
Vortex Optics
2120 W. Greenview Drive,
Middleton, WI 53562
800-426-0048 ext 304
Fax 608-662-7454
I will definitely buy Vortex in the future, a Viper PST 6-24x50 for my future target Savage and perhaps a Viper PST 1-4x for a EBR optic if other brands aren't more appealing. I also need to get a Nomad spotting scope until I can save up the big bucks for a Zeiss.
Here is the email.
Hello ____,
Thanks for contacting Vortex Optics. We design, test and warranty all the product here in Wisconsin then have them made overseas with factories that we work close with.
Japan - Razor spotting scope, Razor and Viper binoculars
China - Skyline, Nomad and Impact spotting scopes - Vanquish, Spitfire, Crossfire, Diamondback and Fury binoculars - Crossfire Riflescopes
The Viper and Diamondback riflescopes are constructed in the Philippians with the glass coming from Japan.
Take care
Tim Austin
Vortex Optics
2120 W. Greenview Drive,
Middleton, WI 53562
800-426-0048 ext 304
Fax 608-662-7454
I will definitely buy Vortex in the future, a Viper PST 6-24x50 for my future target Savage and perhaps a Viper PST 1-4x for a EBR optic if other brands aren't more appealing. I also need to get a Nomad spotting scope until I can save up the big bucks for a Zeiss.
kmcintosh78
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I love my Vortex Viper. It rides atop my Springfield M1. Love it and love the customer service at Vortex. They are top notch.
I will say to be weary of the Crossfire line. Viper and Diamondback are tops.
I will say to be weary of the Crossfire line. Viper and Diamondback are tops.
greyling22
Member
I've got a viper. they are clearing some models out now for around $250. check out cameraland and swfa. I can't comment on the true quality yet as I haven't gotten it sighted in, but thus far it looks pretty good. I compared a viper and a diamondback side to side and the viper was noticeably better. I am not, however, a scope connoisseur. Their customer service has been top notch so far. they answered my presale questions well.
chaser_2332
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Razor HD is there top of the line scope
georgeduz
Member
I say buy german.
tehweej
Member
I have handled the Razor HD, one of their viper 4-12's, and one of their diamondbacks. The viper is much much clearer than a Sightron SII big sky. the diamondback was probably close to the sightron(with the edge to the sightron). the razor HD definitely does compare with the high end brands such as zeiss and swarovski. The First focal plane reticle was sweet, never seen one of those before 
the no BS warranty rocks.
the no BS warranty rocks.I was considering one of the Razors. For what you get, it's actually a few hundred cheaper than a comparable Nightforce. I'm shooting a NF 2.5-10X and was considering getting an F1 with the FFP reticle and it's looking like it's going to come in at over $2500. The similarly equipped Razor is right at $2200, I believe.
Really, when you start talking about spending that much on a scope, a few hundred really shouldn't matter that much. What really has me on the fence is the customer service. Over the past month, I've called NF three times. Two of the times that I called I talked to some guy that really seemed to be less than enthused to have to be talking to me about my questions. I was calling them about having my reticle replaced and wanted to make sure that I was well informed before making a final decision. With Vortex, CS is top notch and from what the dealers I've talked to have told me, if you buy a Vortex product and don't like, they'll buy it back. Their binos are exceptional values from what I've seen. What I like about NF is the fact that I can get on the phone and see about having my reticle changed.
As far as the Vortex having Japanese glass, unless I'm mistaken, NF uses Japanese glass to assemble the scopes here in the States anyway.
The Viper that I shot with this past weekend really did impress me in terms of optical quality. I just don't like the idea of a wire reticle. Of course, at that price point, what can you ask for. The clarity and resolution wasn't equal to that of my NF, but then again, it didn't give me a headache looking through it either. It was more than clear enough.
Really, when you start talking about spending that much on a scope, a few hundred really shouldn't matter that much. What really has me on the fence is the customer service. Over the past month, I've called NF three times. Two of the times that I called I talked to some guy that really seemed to be less than enthused to have to be talking to me about my questions. I was calling them about having my reticle replaced and wanted to make sure that I was well informed before making a final decision. With Vortex, CS is top notch and from what the dealers I've talked to have told me, if you buy a Vortex product and don't like, they'll buy it back. Their binos are exceptional values from what I've seen. What I like about NF is the fact that I can get on the phone and see about having my reticle changed.
As far as the Vortex having Japanese glass, unless I'm mistaken, NF uses Japanese glass to assemble the scopes here in the States anyway.
The Viper that I shot with this past weekend really did impress me in terms of optical quality. I just don't like the idea of a wire reticle. Of course, at that price point, what can you ask for. The clarity and resolution wasn't equal to that of my NF, but then again, it didn't give me a headache looking through it either. It was more than clear enough.
1st Place: Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40
This is the best overall scope here and not by a small margin. It is mechanically good and optically excellent for the money. The eyepiece is a little fatter than on other scopes here, but I doubt it is sufficiently large to cause bolt handle clearance issues on most rifles. The reticle remains fairly visible even in rather nasty lighting conditions (I still think that #4 reticle in this scope would be better) and low light image artifacts are well controlled.
2nd Place: Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40
FFII is in a firm second place. It is not quite as good as the Diamondback, but it is appreciably better than the other scopes I looked at. This model has been around for some time, so perhaps it is overshadowed by the Diamondback simply because it is an older design. On the other hand FFII has an excellent record for durability and performance in the field. Optically, its center field performance is very good, but Diamondback offer a more contrasty image and wider field of view.
3rd Place: Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40
While I was pretty sure of where this scope fits in this comparison, I was not entirely sure of how to summarize my impressions on it. For example, Burris that ranked above it was pretty good in everything, but I can't say there is one feature that stands out. It is just a good allround scope. Elite 3200 is a different story altogether. Mechanically, it is the most solid-feeling scope here. Also, it has Rainguard outer coatings which are helpful in wet weather. On the other hand, it has a little bit of tunnel vision (not much) and it needs better coatings since there were some fairly strong internal reflections off of the glass. Another positive is that Elite 3200 line up is very extensive and offers several reticle choices including the FireFly reticle that works very well in low light. Like the Fullfield II, Elite 3200 3-9x40 has been around for some time now. Perhaps, I would have been better served by one of the more recently designed Elite 3200 scopes, but 3-9x40 was the configuration I wanted.
4th Place: Redfield Revolution 3-9x40
This is the new kid on the block, and it is getting a pretty good start. It has a few things going for it:
◦assembled in USA by Leupold (i.e. built in customer base of Leupold fans)
◦slim eyepiece and nice styling: the scope looks right
◦good allround performance
This scope, to me, was kinda like Burris FFII only fifty bucks cheaper and not quite as good. I wish it had a little better contrast, and I wish the knobs were less flimsy feeling. Aside from that, I liked the scope and I can't think of another scope that costs $150 and performs better. I think I have a Sightron S1 3-9x40 sitting in my safe somewhere. I think I'll dig it out and quickly compare it to the Redfield. I suspect that these two are your best bets in this price range (assuming it holds up long term, but only time can determine that).
5th Place: Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40
I might get some flak for what I am about to say, but here it is anyway: I do not get the reason behind this scope. I just can't figure out who I would recommend it to. That is my litmus test: "will this scope be my recommendation for any sort of situation?" With the ProStaff, the answer is an emphatic "no". Optically, is pretty close to Elite 3200, except it does not have Rainguard, knobs are not finger adjustable and available reticles do not work well in low light. Redfield is cheaper and sleeker styled. Plus it has the support of Leupold customer service behind it. Now, here is the kicker: ProStaf is most certainly not a bad scope; however, the competition is awfully good and numerous.
This is the best overall scope here and not by a small margin. It is mechanically good and optically excellent for the money. The eyepiece is a little fatter than on other scopes here, but I doubt it is sufficiently large to cause bolt handle clearance issues on most rifles. The reticle remains fairly visible even in rather nasty lighting conditions (I still think that #4 reticle in this scope would be better) and low light image artifacts are well controlled.
2nd Place: Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40
FFII is in a firm second place. It is not quite as good as the Diamondback, but it is appreciably better than the other scopes I looked at. This model has been around for some time, so perhaps it is overshadowed by the Diamondback simply because it is an older design. On the other hand FFII has an excellent record for durability and performance in the field. Optically, its center field performance is very good, but Diamondback offer a more contrasty image and wider field of view.
3rd Place: Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40
While I was pretty sure of where this scope fits in this comparison, I was not entirely sure of how to summarize my impressions on it. For example, Burris that ranked above it was pretty good in everything, but I can't say there is one feature that stands out. It is just a good allround scope. Elite 3200 is a different story altogether. Mechanically, it is the most solid-feeling scope here. Also, it has Rainguard outer coatings which are helpful in wet weather. On the other hand, it has a little bit of tunnel vision (not much) and it needs better coatings since there were some fairly strong internal reflections off of the glass. Another positive is that Elite 3200 line up is very extensive and offers several reticle choices including the FireFly reticle that works very well in low light. Like the Fullfield II, Elite 3200 3-9x40 has been around for some time now. Perhaps, I would have been better served by one of the more recently designed Elite 3200 scopes, but 3-9x40 was the configuration I wanted.
4th Place: Redfield Revolution 3-9x40
This is the new kid on the block, and it is getting a pretty good start. It has a few things going for it:
◦assembled in USA by Leupold (i.e. built in customer base of Leupold fans)
◦slim eyepiece and nice styling: the scope looks right
◦good allround performance
This scope, to me, was kinda like Burris FFII only fifty bucks cheaper and not quite as good. I wish it had a little better contrast, and I wish the knobs were less flimsy feeling. Aside from that, I liked the scope and I can't think of another scope that costs $150 and performs better. I think I have a Sightron S1 3-9x40 sitting in my safe somewhere. I think I'll dig it out and quickly compare it to the Redfield. I suspect that these two are your best bets in this price range (assuming it holds up long term, but only time can determine that).
5th Place: Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40
I might get some flak for what I am about to say, but here it is anyway: I do not get the reason behind this scope. I just can't figure out who I would recommend it to. That is my litmus test: "will this scope be my recommendation for any sort of situation?" With the ProStaff, the answer is an emphatic "no". Optically, is pretty close to Elite 3200, except it does not have Rainguard, knobs are not finger adjustable and available reticles do not work well in low light. Redfield is cheaper and sleeker styled. Plus it has the support of Leupold customer service behind it. Now, here is the kicker: ProStaf is most certainly not a bad scope; however, the competition is awfully good and numerous.
kmcintosh78
Member
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- Aug 27, 2009
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- 344
Love my Vortex Viper. Would not trade it for the world.
CS is awesome.
CS is awesome.
I just ordered the 6.5x20x44 fine cross hair target dot Viper from SWFA. I have been eyeballing them, and $150 off was too much to resist. I can't wait to try it out. At $250, it should be a heck of a deal. I was tempted to order one of the 2x7x32 Vipers as well.
Midway is running a sale on the 6.5-20 Target Dot too
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=157488
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=157488
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I'm sorry but I've been a committed shooter and devout student of the sport for most of my life and I never heard of Vortex until last year. So I'm a little leery of putting them on par with Leupold, Burris, Bushnell Elite, Nikon and even the new Redfields. Even in this instant-gratification-world, standing the test of time still has meaning.
I can understand that a product standing the test of time having meaning, but to discount something good just because you haven't heard of it could leave you missing out on something.
What really gets my attention is when a company really stands behind what they sell. I think that speaks volumes, test of time or not. I have never seen, nor heard of anyone having a problem with a Vortex product and Vortex CS not being Johnny on the spot with making it right. I'm not talking about it taking weeks or months to get something settled, but I'm talking about things getting shipped over night.
I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I was talking to the owner of the range where I shoot this past weekend. I asked him what he thought of Vortex products. He said they were good. I asked him how good? He said, that if you buy a Vortex product and you don't like it, Vortex will buy it back. He said, they're that good. Is this true? I don't know, but as a Vortex dealer, it's what he told me. If it's true, that a guarantee that's hard to beat.
Of course, the OP can just put all of this foolishness aside and just get himself a Nightforce and be done with it forever.
What really gets my attention is when a company really stands behind what they sell. I think that speaks volumes, test of time or not. I have never seen, nor heard of anyone having a problem with a Vortex product and Vortex CS not being Johnny on the spot with making it right. I'm not talking about it taking weeks or months to get something settled, but I'm talking about things getting shipped over night.
I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I was talking to the owner of the range where I shoot this past weekend. I asked him what he thought of Vortex products. He said they were good. I asked him how good? He said, that if you buy a Vortex product and you don't like it, Vortex will buy it back. He said, they're that good. Is this true? I don't know, but as a Vortex dealer, it's what he told me. If it's true, that a guarantee that's hard to beat.
Of course, the OP can just put all of this foolishness aside and just get himself a Nightforce and be done with it forever.
kmcintosh78
Member
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- Aug 27, 2009
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- 344
Vortex was an unknown to me as well, but I found them while researching scopes for my M1a. I have never been happier with my decision.
pat86323
Member
anyone who refuses to put these optics on par with higher end stuff has obviously never used one, or are snobs. I plan on slapping one onto my weatherby vanguard soon.
Something about Vortex customer service.
I did not know I had developed an astigmatism in my dominant eye. I called them and explained the Strikefire Red dot looked like a daisy to me. The tec rep told me some portion of the population would have a problem with the 3moa dot due to their eyes.
He got my address and shipped me a new unit and told me to box my unit up in the box he was sending me.
I swore after that, if I could send them some business' I would. Just my personal experience and I don't ask for freebies but golly gee whiz what more can u ask for?
I did not know I had developed an astigmatism in my dominant eye. I called them and explained the Strikefire Red dot looked like a daisy to me. The tec rep told me some portion of the population would have a problem with the 3moa dot due to their eyes.
He got my address and shipped me a new unit and told me to box my unit up in the box he was sending me.
I swore after that, if I could send them some business' I would. Just my personal experience and I don't ask for freebies but golly gee whiz what more can u ask for?
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