Vortex question

[tgray]

I'm in the market for a scope and I have a guy that wants to sell me a vortex 4-16x50 HS LR for $450. Scope is in like new  condition.  I'm looking for some advice from somebody who has had experience with this scope.  Thanks in advance.

[huntandjeep]

I have one what's your questions

[tgray]

Just wanted some opinions of the scope. And if it was worth this price.
 A different deal came along for me though so I am no longer going to buy this anyway.  So if anybody is looking for this particular scope, PM me and I will give you the guys phone number, he is in the Renton Kent area

[Bean Counter]

I haven't looked through any vortex riflescope but I've looked through several of their spotters and binos. I don't care for them 

[Timberstalker]

I haven't looked through any vortex riflescope but I've looked through several of their spotters and binos. I don't care for them 

Interesting, were you drunk when looking through these optics?

[JDHasty]

We own a Razor 85 spotting scope and we own a 6x32 Viper binocular and we also keep an 8x42 Diamondback binocular in our pickup and re: the first two items they are absolutely over performers.  I have used both side x side with other equipment in the same price class as well as optics  that cost much more.  I have used that spotting scope sitting right next to a Kowa and a Swaro and it does not give up much to either of them in the field or set up focused at a USAF resolution target.  That Viper binocular is a solid performer and I use it more than anything else we own and we own Nikon EDG Binoculars, Swaro and Leica.  It lacks a bit of flatness of field and has a bit of CA, but entirely acceptable.  Again, it is a pre-HD model so that is to be expected.  The build quality seems to be above what I would expect at the price point they sell at too and the build quality on the spotter is as good as any.  And I shoot rockchucks next to a guy who has a 15x56 Kaibab binocular and I looked through it a lot last year.   When I am shooting with someone they use my eqt and I use theirs depending on what is most convenient at the time and that Kaibab is a whole lot of binocular for the money. 

If their scopes are of similar quality I would expect that they will provide a value/dollar ratio that is above almost anything else on the market. 

[JDHasty]

I haven't looked through any vortex riflescope but I've looked through several of their spotters and binos. I don't care for them 

Interesting, were you drunk when looking through these optics?

He also has a problem w/Swaro SLC Neu - which was one of two or three Alpha binocular lines that were universally accepted as the "gold standard" for many years. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Vortex is kind of like a Dodge Cummins.  Fantastic motor, wrapped in cheap components.  Their glass is good, but the durability and quality of components is lacking.  The scope in question performed well for me.  Turret always tracked true.  It is a 1/2 MOA scope though.  It failed in the field though, so it got replace.

[Timberstalker]

Vortex is kind of like a Dodge Cummins.  Fantastic motor, wrapped in cheap components.

Easy! Don't go slinging mud now Karl!!

[Karl Blanchard]

Vortex is kind of like a Dodge Cummins.  Fantastic motor, wrapped in cheap components.

Easy! Don't go slinging mud now Karl!!

  I was SOOOO hoping there were some dodge owners lurking around

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd like to state for the record, I have used and currently use pieces of Vortex glass.  They are all like new............because I had to send every last one of them in this winter to get fixed

[Timberstalker]

I drive a Dodge and look through vortex optics. This is my first night at Optics Anonymous.

[Boss .300 winmag]

 

[Bean Counter]

I haven't looked through any vortex riflescope but I've looked through several of their spotters and binos. I don't care for them 

Interesting, were you drunk when looking through these optics?

I was closin' my eyes and slammin' the trigger! 

[Timberstalker]

 

[Buzz2401]

I would probably buy a spotter by vortex but after I had a vortex  scope fail I will never buy another piece of optics from them that I am worried about failing.   Besides some really old school redfields it is the only scope I have ever had fail and I own around 20 from different manufacturers.

[JDHasty]

I would probably buy a spotter by vortex but after I had a vortex  scope fail I will never buy another piece of optics from them that I am worried about failing.   Besides some really old school redfields it is the only scope I have ever had fail and I own around 20 from different manufacturers.

I was under the impression that their upper end scopes were put together by LOW. 

Not that LOW doesn't build to the specs provided by the client, but LOW has a well renowned clientele base and a reputation for turning out quality product.  That being said, I don't own any Vortex rifle scopes. 

[yorketransport]

I had one of the Vortex Viper HSTs and it got moved down the road pretty quick. I've never had an optic which exaggerated mirage so bad before. I thought maybe I just had a bad sample, so I picked up a 6-24x50 PST from Cabelas out of the bargain cave. Same issue so I sold it. Picked up another 4-16 PST from the bargain cave a little while later, same issue. I decided to keep the 4-16 for a while to just torture test it before selling it. It's on my 338/375 Ruger pistol right now and I'll probably stick it on the 375 BME to see how long it takes to break it.

To me, the glass on the Viper line is similar to the Bushnell 3200 or Burris Fullfield II lines. Bad color distortion, the edge of the FOV is practically worthless and like I said above, the mirage is worse when looking through the Vortex Viper than any other scope I've used. For less money you can get a Nikon Buckmasters scope which beats the viper optically. The Vortex scopes I've had did seem to have repeatable tracking though.

Now the Razor line is a completely different story!

[YukonHunter]

I just ordered a Razor for a new bolt gun build.  I can't wait. 

[BULLBLASTER]

I own and have owned numerous vortex scopes. Only ever had a problem with a hs.
I broke that sucker 3 times on my 375 hh. The last time they replaced it I traded it to a member here and as far as I know it's still going strong for him. I also had a ffp viper pst on my 300 rum. It was a good scope for what I was doing. Always tracked correctly and was repeatable. Image clarity wasn't awesome but I could definitely aim with it just fine. It was replace with a gen 1 razor that I got a good deal on and that is still on there.
I still feel it is hard to beat the pst for the features it gives as a medium to longish range set up tho.

[Jonathan_S]

I look forward to having the ability to review the Viper PST.  Should be several months before that is a possibility 

[BULLBLASTER]

I look forward to having the ability to review the Viper PST.  Should be several months before that is a possibility 

Just keep blowing them up man! Call them and check on it each hour!

[AWS]

I have a couple of Vortex Viper 6.5-20x4?mm on target rifles, while they are working fine they aren't the clearest scope.  I have a Mueller 8-32x4?mm on my 22 LR target rifle and on the same power as the Vortex it is much clearer but the paralax adjustment isn't as good.

[jasnt]

I own and have owned numerous vortex scopes. Only ever had a problem with a hs.
I broke that sucker 3 times on my 375 hh. The last time they replaced it I traded it to a member here and as far as I know it's still going strong for him. I also had a ffp viper pst on my 300 rum. It was a good scope for what I was doing. Always tracked correctly and was repeatable. Image clarity wasn't awesome but I could definitely aim with it just fine. It was replace with a gen 1 razor that I got a good deal on and that is still on there.
I still feel it is hard to beat the pst for the features it gives as a medium to longish range set up tho.

yup still going strong. One of my fav hunting scopes!

[BULLBLASTER]

I own and have owned numerous vortex scopes. Only ever had a problem with a hs.
I broke that sucker 3 times on my 375 hh. The last time they replaced it I traded it to a member here and as far as I know it's still going strong for him. I also had a ffp viper pst on my 300 rum. It was a good scope for what I was doing. Always tracked correctly and was repeatable. Image clarity wasn't awesome but I could definitely aim with it just fine. It was replace with a gen 1 razor that I got a good deal on and that is still on there.
I still feel it is hard to beat the pst for the features it gives as a medium to longish range set up tho.

yup still going strong. One of my fav hunting scopes!

I'm still surprised it wouldn't hold up on the ol 375. I do like that scope

[jasnt]

I own and have owned numerous vortex scopes. Only ever had a problem with a hs.
I broke that sucker 3 times on my 375 hh. The last time they replaced it I traded it to a member here and as far as I know it's still going strong for him. I also had a ffp viper pst on my 300 rum. It was a good scope for what I was doing. Always tracked correctly and was repeatable. Image clarity wasn't awesome but I could definitely aim with it just fine. It was replace with a gen 1 razor that I got a good deal on and that is still on there.
I still feel it is hard to beat the pst for the features it gives as a medium to longish range set up tho.

yup still going strong. One of my fav hunting scopes!

I'm still surprised it wouldn't hold up on the ol 375. I do like that scope

i am too. Has held up on my 300wm and on my shotgun just fine. Shotguns can be brutal on a scope

[pashok23]

I haven't looked through any vortex riflescope but I've looked through several of their spotters and binos. I don't care for them 

Interesting, were you drunk when looking through these optics?

[Caretaker]

I know a lot of guys here swear by Vortex optics and some don't care for them, I have looked through a few Vortex glass over the years and I personally don't see what the hype is.  Interesting though, I was in Cabelas on Saturday night and I walked into the Bargain Cave, 95% of the rifle scopes in the case were Vortex.  I didn't see one Swarovski, no Zeiss, no Leupold, maybe one or two Nikon's and one or two Burris scopes.  Now that makes me wonder why so many purchased them and returned them either for defects, repairs, or just plain poor quality.  The amount of returns on a product makes me think I'll never own a piece of Vortex optics.   

[Bean Counter]

I haven't looked through any vortex riflescope but I've looked through several of their spotters and binos. I don't care for them 

Interesting, were you drunk when looking through these optics?

I've made good money in the last few years with the judicious use of optics. Not that this means I know everything, or that people aren't entitled to their own opinions, but I'm pretty confident when I say that a lot of what Vortex manufactures simply isn't good enough for my standards. Nikon and Zen Ray are much, much better in similar price ranges. 

[JDHasty]

I know a lot of guys here swear by Vortex optics and some don't care for them, I have looked through a few Vortex glass over the years and I personally don't see what the hype is.  Interesting though, I was in Cabelas on Saturday night and I walked into the Bargain Cave, 95% of the rifle scopes in the case were Vortex.  I didn't see one Swarovski, no Zeiss, no Leupold, maybe one or two Nikon's and one or two Burris scopes.  Now that makes me wonder why so many purchased them and returned them either for defects, repairs, or just plain poor quality.  The amount of returns on a product makes me think I'll never own a piece of Vortex optics.   

Many times when you see this in the Bargain Cave they have replaced the demo units.  I have seen the same with other manufacturers products.

[BULLBLASTER]

More Leupold scopes in post falls bargain cave than any other right now. Guess there junk too?

[thinkingman]

More Leupold scopes in post falls bargain cave than any other right now. Guess there junk too?

Too many stories of how wonderful Leupold was about replacing failed optics for me to feel confident.
I don't own any Leupold for that reason....And a side by side comparison to a Burris left me less than impressed with their glass.

[Stein]

I know a lot of guys here swear by Vortex optics and some don't care for them, I have looked through a few Vortex glass over the years and I personally don't see what the hype is.  Interesting though, I was in Cabelas on Saturday night and I walked into the Bargain Cave, 95% of the rifle scopes in the case were Vortex.  I didn't see one Swarovski, no Zeiss, no Leupold, maybe one or two Nikon's and one or two Burris scopes.  Now that makes me wonder why so many purchased them and returned them either for defects, repairs, or just plain poor quality.  The amount of returns on a product makes me think I'll never own a piece of Vortex optics.   

Many times when you see this in the Bargain Cave they have replaced the demo units.  I have seen the same with other manufacturers products.

Yeah, I think they are adding new models or updates as many places have them for great prices now.

For me, they have worked great and the one warranty issue I had was dealt with for free, new unit to my door in under a week.

[JDHasty]

I know a lot of guys here swear by Vortex optics and some don't care for them, I have looked through a few Vortex glass over the years and I personally don't see what the hype is.  Interesting though, I was in Cabelas on Saturday night and I walked into the Bargain Cave, 95% of the rifle scopes in the case were Vortex.  I didn't see one Swarovski, no Zeiss, no Leupold, maybe one or two Nikon's and one or two Burris scopes.  Now that makes me wonder why so many purchased them and returned them either for defects, repairs, or just plain poor quality.  The amount of returns on a product makes me think I'll never own a piece of Vortex optics.   

Many times when you see this in the Bargain Cave they have replaced the demo units.  I have seen the same with other manufacturers products.

Yeah, I think they are adding new models or updates as many places have them for great prices now.

For me, they have worked great and the one warranty issue I had was dealt with for free, new unit to my door in under a week.

They generally impress me as providing value/dollar ratio that is very competitive and better than most of the competitor's across that part of their product range that I am personally familiar with, that would be Viper or higher.  As to their lower price point merch, I am not personally familiar with it.  And their customer service/repair service has been up there with what I get from Swaro and Leupold. 

[Jonathan_S]

I have always been less than impressed with TASCO and Simmons. 

[Karl Blanchard]

I have always been less than impressed with TASCO and Simmons.

Bro!!  They are sleeper scopes!  Best dollar/quality value of any scope in the $20-$60 range there is!  Wake up dude!

[Jonathan_S]

I have always been less than impressed with TASCO and Simmons.

Bro!!  They are sleeper scopes!  Best dollar/quality value of any scope in the $20-$60 range there is!  Wake up dude!

They'll get you on paper anyway 

[Karl Blanchard]

I have always been less than impressed with TASCO and Simmons.

Bro!!  They are sleeper scopes!  Best dollar/quality value of any scope in the $20-$60 range there is!  Wake up dude!

They'll get you on paper anyway 

  how big is the paper

[BULLBLASTER]

More Leupold scopes in post falls bargain cave than any other right now. Guess there junk too?

Too many stories of how wonderful Leupold was about replacing failed optics for me to feel confident.
I don't own any Leupold for that reason....And a side by side comparison to a Burris left me less than impressed with their glass.

burris!  after their complete disregard for customer service on some binos I owned that were defective I'll never own another piece of Burris or Steiner optics again! Any optic company will have warranty issues, it's just how it is. To me it is how they handle the issues they do have. 

[thinkingman]

More Leupold scopes in post falls bargain cave than any other right now. Guess there junk too?

Too many stories of how wonderful Leupold was about replacing failed optics for me to feel confident.
I don't own any Leupold for that reason....And a side by side comparison to a Burris left me less than impressed with their glass.

burris!  after their complete disregard for customer service on some binos I owned that were defective I'll never own another piece of Burris or Steiner optics again! Any optic company will have warranty issues, it's just how it is. To me it is how they handle the issues they do have. 

Strange.
I sent a scope in to be cleaned and they couldn't have been nicer about it.
Sorry you had that experience.
My Fullfield IIs have lead a rough life on top of Tikka 300WSM and never complains, just drives tacks every year and is clear and bright.

[pianoman9701]

I drive a Dodge and look through vortex optics. This is my first night at Optics Anonymous.

It's OK, Timber. We're tolerant of Vortex/Dodge trans-equipment users. Please feel free to make use of either bathroom at your discretion. Just keep in mind: it's not necessary for you to announce to everyone that your equipment is arrayed in such a way. Carry on! I would say "thread jack", but that brings up additional images which may be upsetting to some readers.

[BULLBLASTER]

More Leupold scopes in post falls bargain cave than any other right now. Guess there junk too?

Too many stories of how wonderful Leupold was about replacing failed optics for me to feel confident.
I don't own any Leupold for that reason....And a side by side comparison to a Burris left me less than impressed with their glass.

burris!  after their complete disregard for customer service on some binos I owned that were defective I'll never own another piece of Burris or Steiner optics again! Any optic company will have warranty issues, it's just how it is. To me it is how they handle the issues they do have. 

Strange.
I sent a scope in to be cleaned and they couldn't have been nicer about it.
Sorry you had that experience.
My Fullfield IIs have lead a rough life on top of Tikka 300WSM and never complains, just drives tacks every year and is clear and bright.

I have a ffII on my 7 mag and like the scope well enough. But have come to the realization that if it ever has an issue I won't expect anything much out of Burris after my last dealing and I'll just replace it.

My issue was with binos, but it really made me lose all faith in both Burris and Steiner.

[Buzz2401]

I had a pair of Steiner predator pros that went out of alignment and sent them to Burris and they fixed them up with no questions asked. Took about two weeks door to door.  Never had a problem with any of my Burris scopes though.

[pashok23]

I have 2 vortex scopes...1st is sits in .300 win mag Vortex HS LR 6-24x50 and its a great scope.Shot a bear in Montana a week ago from 530 yards with that scope.2nd scope Vortex HS-T on Ruger American .223 4-16x44 shot few coyotes with that scope.No complaints

[crabcreekhunter]

I have always been less than impressed with TASCO and Simmons.

Bro!!  They are sleeper scopes!  Best dollar/quality value of any scope in the $20-$60 range there is!  Wake up dude!

Hey now Karl, I still use tasco 10×42s!!  Still running strong after 10 years and can't see the difference between them and my vipers, well not a 500 buck difference!

[Karl Blanchard]

I have always been less than impressed with TASCO and Simmons.

Bro!!  They are sleeper scopes!  Best dollar/quality value of any scope in the $20-$60 range there is!  Wake up dude!

Hey now Karl, I still use tasco 10×42s!!  Still running strong after 10 years and can't see the difference between them and my vipers, well not a 500 buck difference!