Vortex Scopes

[Drycreek3189]

Are they good ? I’ve heard both ways, but I need real world advice here. Thinking about a new scope for my APR .280 Rem, my primary deer rifle. I’ll put the Nikon that’s on it now on my CVA .50 caliber. This is the model I’m looking at. A couple hundred yards is about all I’ll ever shoot.

[Raider4044]

The PST Gen 2 and Razor lines are good scopes. I wouldn’t own anything below that.

[bloodtrail18]

The PST Gen 2 and Razor lines are good scopes. I wouldn’t own anything below that.

Same here, I usually lean toward Leupold scopes in that price range. Both companies have the same warranty.

[muzzlebrake]

I have a variety of scopes on a variety of guns. I will rate them in this order of what I own and how they fit with my eyesight.
1. Leupold VXIII's
2. Sig Sauer Whiskey 5
3. Element Helix
4. Burris Euro
5. Nikon Monarch
6. Weaver Pistol scope
7. Bushnell Banner 6-20
8. Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25
9. Vortex Crossfire 1-8
10. Arken SH-4

The Arken parallex adjustment is worse than the Vortex but both have about the same glass quality slightly under the Bushnell Banner.
Vortex and Arken glass is basically the same for my eyes. Good in the center but fuzzy at the edges.
The Arken sits NIB because the parallex won't adjust below 50 yards. I bought it for use on a .25 cal PCP rifle which I shoot a lot at 20-30 yards so it wouldn't work for me.

[Fmjag64]

The Razor series is nice and i like mine a lot. That said i also have a Viper series and it has been very good to me but can definitely tell the difference.

[dustoffer]

Had one about 5 years ago--mounted, zeroed, and went hog hunting. Just wasn't anywhere near as good and clear as any of my Leupolds, new or old so it got sold. Plus, I think they are just ugly.

[splitbeam145]

I own several Vortex products. In the Vortex scope lineup I'd look at the Razor HD LHT for a hunting scope. Nothing below that.

[Texas Grown]

I can say, Cuz, with experience, Vortex warranty is great! Even if you buy second hand, third hand, fourth hand, they will back it up.

I picked up a Vortex Razor HD LHT about a year ago, from another TBHer. Haven't mounted or used it yet. As the NightForce N8 has been in use. Plus, just picked up a rifle needing some optics. So, thinking about using it there. Just need to find some Federal 215 mag primers. And some 190-200gr Accubonds for it. I can say I noticed a big difference in the NForce compaired to other scopes I've used, on it's first hunt. Looking forward to trying the Vortex out.

I had a set of Vortex 10x56 binos that I loved. Unfortunately, I knocked them off the table. Sent them in for repair. And they no longer offered the 10x56. But still offered the 8x56 and the 15x56. So I chose the 15x56 for scouting. They have been great for what I use them for.

[Drycreek3189]

I can say, Cuz, with experience, Vortex warranty is great! Even if you buy second hand, third hand, fourth hand, they will back it up.

I picked up a Vortex Razor HD LHT about a year ago, from another TBHer. Haven't mounted or used it yet. As the NightForce N8 has been in use. Plus, just picked up a rifle needing some optics. So, thinking about using it there. Just need to find some Federal 215 mag primers. And some 190-200gr Accubonds for it. I can say I noticed a big difference in the NForce compaired to other scopes I've used, on it's first hunt. Looking forward to trying the Vortex out.

I had a set of Vortex 10x56 binos that I loved. Unfortunately, I knocked them off the table. Sent them in for repair. And they no longer offered the 10x56. But still offered the 8x56 and the 15x56. So I chose the 15x56 for scouting. They have been great for what I use them for.

Arrowsmith emailed me today and said the scope pictured above is discontinued, so I don’t know where I am now. I like scopes in the 2.5X10 range for my purposes, and the one I chose came close. We will see what he comes up with.

[Texas Grown]

The Vortex I got is a 3-15x42. I like scopes with 4x or less on the lower end, for closer shots. Because of such a fine line crosshair, the NightForce is a 4-32x50. And 4x is almost to much at 50 yards at dusk, without a lighted retical.

[Notaguide]

Nothing wrong with Vortex PST lines and up but Leupold glass just looks better to my eye. Shooting a .22lr long range, we've dailed a Gen2 Pst more than any other scope I own without issue ...yet. I won't be too surprised when it shifts zero unlike the NF I have though. One minor complaint, the metal finish has been easy to scratch on the Pst.

Without the need to dial much in that price range, the Leupold VX3 HD would be glass to consider. It still comes with CDS caps if you need to make a few longer shots from time to time. The Mark 3hd might be worth looking at as well but have not seen one in person yet.

[TacticalCowboy]

I’d go leupold or Burris in that price range. I’m a Burris fanboy.

You may get more “features” with the vortex, but I think the overall quality is a bit less.

[piercebronkite]

Leupold, Zeiss, or Swarvoski. Buy once, cry once but never have any regret is my motto.

[Raider4044]

Arrowsmith emailed me today and said the scope pictured above is discontinued, so I don’t know where I am now. I like scopes in the 2.5X10 range for my purposes, and the one I chose came close. We will see what he comes up with.

If you can bump your budget up to ~$1000, Leupold just released their Mark 4HD lineup that includes a 2.5-10x42. Should be a lot better quality scope than that Viper.

[Drycreek3189]

I made an offer on eBay for a 3x12x44 Zeiss and it was accepted so looks like I have a new scope on the way. I appreciate everyone’s input.