I think the CDS dial on that scope is different than the one on your VX-5. If they’re like the original CDS on the VX-R then they spin very easily and can get knocked off just from handling. Maybe they’ve tightened them up since then. I don’t know. The original would spin a full rotation or more just sliding it in a gun case if there was any contact with the soft liner. I’m not trying to discourage you, just making you aware of potential issues.

This is an intriguing offering, and Phillipines, not China:

https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/...t/primary-arms-glx-4-16x50mm-ffp-review/

If you get this Athlon scope from us and don't like we will take it back. It is a solid scope you'll enjoy

By golly, I think I’ll give that Athlon a try. It checks almost all the boxes, though heavier than the VX Freedom and Chinese made. I’ll call you to order.

I placed the order. Athlon HMR 2.5-15x50 with 600 BDC illuminated reticle. I will be the test case for this scope if nobody else has one. Likes and dislikes will be shared, as will hands-on user opinions.

SFP
Low capped turrets
15 max magnification (ideal for me)
BDC illuminated reticle
28 oz (VX Freedom was only 17 oz)
30 mm tube

Please Lord, let this thing track and hold zero.

Kirk

They seem too make pretty good optics. I shoot 308 frequently so I picked this one up to give it try for hunting. Pretty well thought out hunting reticle. Even has Mils built in to it. This one is made in China.

I've been going through the same selection process. One of my scopes, a 3x9x50 Leupold on my all time favorite 30-06, has gone South after a LOT of years. Lots of options out there. Started thinking about my real needs and those options. I have finally realized that I don't need a lot of magnification. At 77 YOA, I doubt that I'll go back to Africa, Alaska, Mexico, Colorado or any of the places that have made me show my passport, climb mountains or take long shots. I will probably just hunt my own place South of Bowie. There, a really long shot is 250 yards and that's only one place. So, dang near anything that is variable will work. I have other scoped rifles but this was my first one(1968) and it needs new glass. Having trouble making a decision.

603, do you still have the crossfire in your possession? If so will you do a test? I’ve long argued that glass trumps magnification. It would be great if you could identify something with the Vortex at its maximum magnification and the limit of its clarity, then grab the VX-5 and see how low you can go on magnification and still get the same quality sight. I know I feel better with a quality 4x than a cheap 3-9, or a quality 4-12 than a cheap 20x. I guess the point I’m trying to make is a good 2-10 will outperform that crossfire regardless of old eyes. It might allow you to rearrange your priorities on scope requirements and really open up your market within your self imposed budget.

I sent the scope back on Saturday. I can’t do the test, but I can say that the Crossfire II had some pretty good glass. I liked most everything about it, until it wouldn’t hold zero. I wasted a bunch of bullets, powder and primers for no return on the expense. It was bad from day 1. Not the first bad Vortex I’ve had, but it will be the last.

I had that crossfire in the stand with me one morning, and as daylight slowly came on, I was looking through the scope and my old Leica binocs. The Leica was better in low light than the Crossfire, but the VX5 was as good as the Leica, though I can’t say it was better. But last year I did have the thought that just maybe my scope is better than the Leica 10x40’s.