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Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting #6383980 07/27/16 02:50 AM
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TXRobTRX Offline OP
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Guys,

I am looking at new Vortex scopes for some of my rifles, and dont know how everything has changed in the last few years in scopes. Been reading a lot but it can get confusing.

First, want to upgrade the scope on my Savage 116 in 30-06. Currently have a Vortex Viper 2.5-10x44 that is probably 3 years old. Use for general hunting - 250 yards or so for deer and up to 400 yards for hogs. Looking at the Viper PST 4-16x44 with illuminated reticle. What is everyone's opinion on this as a hunting scope? Is this too much scope?

Second, use my AR for hog hunting with heavy (62-77grn) 556/223 rounds but will probably switch it to a 300 black. For either the heavy 223 or 300 black, whats a good Vortex optic for AR15 for hog hunting?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6384030 07/27/16 03:40 AM
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Put the 2x10'on your ar

I like the Burris xtr2 glass better than pst

Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6384425 07/27/16 03:39 PM
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I wouldn't limit yourself to just vortex. I don't have anything against them and use them but there are some very good competitors out there these days.

Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6384449 07/27/16 03:56 PM
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I think the PST will have the same glass as your current Viper. So unless you want more magnification why change?


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Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6384488 07/27/16 04:22 PM
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I have a 4-16 PST on my favorite hunting rifle. It's a do-it-all scope. I've shot hogs in the face at 27 yards and shot steel at 1100 yards with that rig.


Originally Posted by KRoyal
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6384531 07/27/16 04:48 PM
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My go-to rifle has the Vortex Viper 4-16 PST FFP. Nice scope. I suppose a fellow could buy a scope with better glass, or so some say, but there isn't a thing wrong with the glass that's in it. I've had the scope for at least 2 years, and I have never had to rezero or adjust the scope in any way. What was the "zero" remains the zero. That has impressed me. As for the illumination, I think that it's too bright even at minimum illumination.

Maybe, if I was back in the Louisiana swamps of my youth, the turrets might be a problem as I fought through legendary briar patches, but that's not a factor here in central Texas.


Not my monkeys, not my circus...
Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6384901 07/27/16 09:40 PM
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Thanks for the replies - keep them coming !!

I wanted to focus on Vortex because I have had good experience so far, and their customer service is ridiculous. I did look at the XTR II instead of the PST but its 25% more expensive and is almost a half pound heavier.

I want to upgrade the scope on the 30-06 to get more magnification. Was also sorta interested in the illuminated reticle, but haven't ever had one before so don't know what that adds.

Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6385400 07/28/16 03:48 AM
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I have a Leupold VX-R. Bought it for the Illumination. I almost never use it but the reticle is a #4, which is an outstanding low light reticle. Maybe if the scope had a different reticle I'd use the illumination more.


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Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6385422 07/28/16 04:23 AM
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I have a 2.5-10, 4-16 (currently removed due to selling the rifle) and a 6-24 PST on different hunting rifles and have no complaints. The 4-16 was on a 6.5 Creedmoor which was the only rifle I used last season. They're a great optic for the money.

Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6385856 07/28/16 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted By: TXRobTRX
Thanks for the replies - keep them coming !!

I wanted to focus on Vortex because I have had good experience so far, and their customer service is ridiculous. I did look at the XTR II instead of the PST but its 25% more expensive and is almost a half pound heavier.


Worth the extra weight and price. I quit Viper PST after it caused me two problems. On a Mule Deer hunt in December. I replaced it with a Burris XTR II 3-15X, and it has really impresses me, way more than the PST. The turrets on the Burris won't get dialed when you sling the rifle and walk, unlike the PST.


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Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6386860 07/29/16 01:30 PM
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But JG....you could have easily replaced the PST with the ordinary Viper, left the caps on and used the BDC reticle.

Problem solved! P_102

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Last edited by P_102; 07/29/16 06:49 PM.

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Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6387040 07/29/16 03:46 PM
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Oh man...P102, you'll get Fireman on a BDC rant again. :-)


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Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6387074 07/29/16 04:10 PM
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Have a vortex viper LR, not illuminated but has turret.

Have enjoyed it. For bright light function its been great. I have not been real impressed with the low light capability of it, but it works well enough. I think my leupolds do better in low light, but they are also lower magnification as well.

I feel like when I bought mine vortex was one of the only options in what I was looking for in my price point. Now I feel they have some competition that may beat them out. If shopping today I don't know that I would but the same scope again, but I have been happy with it.


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Re: Questions on Vortex scopes for hunting [Re: TXRobTRX] #6391201 08/02/16 03:53 AM
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To me one area where Vortex scopes are weak is in low light. I've done extensive comparisons and to my eyes they just don't do the job.


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