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A lil Vortex discussion…
#8490088
12/29/21 11:14 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,129
Biscuit
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OP
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I ended buying a Burris but I wanted to hear some thoughts on my Vortex observations. I have spent about two hours a day for over a month researching scopes. Many videos and written reviews rate Vortex very high , I realize these could be influenced by Vortex staff.
On this forum Vortex isn’t highly thought of and doesn’t seem to be recommended by many. Here’s my question…is your opinion of Vortex optics because of first hand knowledge, you had a scope or knew someone that did? Or, is your opinion based on Vortex being the lower cost option and therefore must be poor quality?
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490102
12/29/21 11:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,837
ETXFIREMAN 1
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Not enough first hand knowledge of Vortex for me to say anything negative, but I have a Burris XTR II and love it Which Burris did you buy?
No doubt about the AR crap, just damn shame hunters don't have self control and knowledge
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490108
12/29/21 11:34 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,606
603Country
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I have one Vortex scope left. A gen 1 4-16 Viper PST ffp. I had it on the deer rifle for a few years, and had no complaints, other than the glass is just Ok. It’s on a 223 now, and will stay there. I had a 6-24, but sold it, and I had a Crossfire that died. If I was going to buy another FFP scope, and didn’t want to pony up for a NF, I don’t know what I’d buy.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490122
12/29/21 11:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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Gen 1 PST. Dust got inside the optic on a hunt. The turrets were so easy to turn, they would get rotated while slinging the rifle. Cost me a mule deer buck. Sent it in, they cleaned it and said they got it resealed. I sold it when it came back.
Gen 1 Razor spotting scope. Dust inside the optic. Sent it in, the cleaned it, and said they resealed it. A year later it got water inside the objective lens. Still need to send it in the second time.
Seen about 50 of them come out to get used at my place for training. Whole lot of them did not track properly. Some were way off for what they should have been.
I got no use for them. Too many other reliable options.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490200
12/30/21 01:03 AM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,419
Sewer rat
Pro Tracker
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I have a razor hd 1-6 on an AR. I have had no problems with it. I bought some of their binoculars once and used them a week and returned them. Their low light performance was really poor.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490248
12/30/21 01:37 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,993
68A
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Have a gen 1 PST on a 308, still doing the job with no issues. Crossfire II 1-4 on a 3030, not a good scope but it’s a 3030. Don’t plan on shooting past 100 with it anyhow.
For what the majority of people do (safe->truck->blind->truck->safe) they will probably never have an issue.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490272
12/30/21 01:53 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,157
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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I have a 1-8 vortex strike Eagle on an AR. Scope is designed for an AR and is well thought out and holds zero. It is a $500 scope at Academy. It works well enough. I would describe the glass as milky.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490332
12/30/21 03:16 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,165
Judd
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My Vortex experience is very positive…full disclosure, I’ve only bought one that wasn’t a direct buy program they offer that my wife qualifies for, she works retail. They provide discounts to associates to own, be familiar with and can recommend the proper optics.
Vortex stuff we’ve owned: Ranger 1000 range finder 2 PST 1 Diamondback 12x50 binos 6 Golden Eagles 3 LHT Fury binos Razor spotting scope
The Fury binos are the only thing that’s made the trip back to the mother ship. They quit ranging stuff over 3-400y, they cleaned them and did a firmware upgrade and worked until I sold them, they are still working.
I think the current LHT line of scopes are one of the the best hunting scopes offered today.
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490417
12/30/21 05:54 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22,691
BigPig
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Never had an issue with any Vortex scopes. I’ve had from the cheap $129 scopes up to a PST 1, and currently use a pair of Razor HD binos, which I like.
The PST spent a week being shot, turrets turned, and in constant rain for 6-8 hours a day. It never stopped working
Wade Dews, REALTOR ® Rendon Realty, LLC Frontline Real Estate Team www.RendonRealty.comWadeDews@gmail.com 214-356-2410 Up to 1% for closing costs for First Responders & Veterans Proudly partnered with Assist The Officer Foundation https://atodallas.org/
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490512
12/30/21 12:53 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
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I’ve bent a scope, and had to send eyepiece back on little razor spotter once.
With that said, I have one the first scopes they made (viper) and it’s been built proof as are the original razor Bino’s from Vortex that I gave to my kids. Most built proof Bino’s I’ve owned
I do think Vortex’s value isn’t what it use to be.
Recently I picked up an LHT(SFP), love every thing about it but eyebox is tight, which isn’t such a bad thing due to making you get real square behind it.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490589
12/30/21 02:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
redchevy
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I only have one, it’s a gen 1 viper PST long range 4-16. Originally had issues sighting it in had to use z-rings and just barely got it done then. Sent it back to vortex they took it apart inspected it and said there was nothing out of spec but when I got it back it mysteriously worked correctly. Has always held zero and while I have not dialed it as much as many do, it has worked fine. Wife shot a deer with it this weekend, still works well the glass is not the best but is more than serviceable for hunting.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490605
12/30/21 02:47 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
QuitShootinYoungBucks
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Had a 6-24 PST FFP MIL, glass wasn’t great but I liked the reticle. I sold it and it broke on the next owner.
Still have 2.5-10x32 PST FFP MIL but the last time I shot it I wasn’t sure it tracked well. Turrets are stiffer than stiff but that’s ok. May sell it soon.
Looked at a brand new 5-25 PST II and out of the box I thought the turrets were mushy.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: ETXFIREMAN 1]
#8490634
12/30/21 03:07 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,129
Biscuit
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Not enough first hand knowledge of Vortex for me to say anything negative, but I have a Burris XTR II and love it Which Burris did you buy? Exact same one as you !
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490679
12/30/21 03:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045
David Maas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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I have the Fury ranging binos Judd mentioned above, they have been great and have used them out to 800-900yds. What I did notice on farther targets is that if you used the laser guide box, they would always fall short, if you placed that box slightly above your intended target, they were accurate. I think I mentioned this to Judd, which may have explained his issue past the 300-400yd mark.
I have an LHT 3-15x42mm and my only dislike is the same as Bobo's, you have to be square behind it above 3x. I will have to add an adjustable comb to the intended rifle to take advantage of the scope fully. Something I am not looking forward to or interested in.
NRA Endowed Patriot Life Benefactor GOA Life Member TSRA Life Member NSCA Life Member
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: David Maas]
#8490698
12/30/21 04:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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I have the Fury ranging binos Judd mentioned above, they have been great and have used them out to 800-900yds. What I did notice on farther targets is that if you used the laser guide box, they would always fall short, if you placed that box slightly above your intended target, they were accurate. I think I mentioned this to Judd, which may have explained his issue past the 300-400yd mark.
I have an LHT 3-15x42mm and my only dislike is the same as Bobo's, you have to be square behind it above 3x. I will have to add an adjustable comb to the intended rifle to take advantage of the scope fully. Something I am not looking forward to or interested in. Add a Triad Tactical stock pack. It will get your cheek to the proper height, and it is more comfortable than a hard rifle stock.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490733
12/30/21 04:38 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900 |
I don't have any experience with Vortex scopes, largely because of the feedback from those with lots of personal experience. Almost all say they do not hold up and have lots of problems with them. As far as binos go, IMO there's always something better than Vortex for the same or less money. For instance, once again IMO, a Vortex Viper should cost $300, not $500. Razors should cost $700, not close to $1000, and a Vortex UHD at $1400 is insane given the fact you can by a mint SLC for the same money. Since most of them are made by the Chicoms there is a wide variation in quality (sample variation). No offense to Fury HD owners (I tried one), but the glass on those in about like a $300 bino from any other maker.
I will confess I bought my wife (who nowadays loves to whack hogs) a 10x42 Viper HD for $275 which I consider a good deal. I wouldn't pay much more than that for them though.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490785
12/30/21 05:39 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,769
Wytex
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I do not own any Vortex products but have looked through their binos. We bought our better optics way before Vortex came out and have been very pleased with the overall quality of our Swaros. I bought SLCs from the Cabelas bargain cave back in 2007 or so, they have had work done on them one time, I sent them in for a glass upgrade expecting to pay about $150 for the service, they responded the glass in them was found to be defective and did the upgrade for free. Have had no other warranty needs since then. The glass in my older SLCs is great at low light and I can't even imagine how good the newer glass is .
I have not heard really anyone say they have looked through both Swaro and Vortex high end and chose Vortex over the Swarovskis, I could very well be mistaken but anyone feel free to verify they believe that.
For rifle scopes I have no skin in that game.
Spotting scopes, again I love our Swaro but have n ot looked through say Maven, Vortex or any comparable scopes.
Vortex has a great warranty, hands down they stand behind their products from all accounts, but it does sound like it gets used quite a bit. We have 3 Swaro products, binos and spotting scope , and other than the glass upgrades in both binos no other warranty work in years. And we are not easy on our optics.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490886
12/30/21 08:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212 |
I have 2 and gave away a Ranger 1000 that broke..... again.
I will not be buying anything else they make, I can’t afford for an optic to fail while I’m hunting. My family takes up a large portion of my free time including deer season.
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8490951
12/30/21 09:23 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,129
Biscuit
OP
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OP
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All good information fellas, thanks for sharing
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8491171
12/31/21 02:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658
GusWayne
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I bought a Diamondback to go on a .450 Bushmaster
Now, I only carry this rifle 2/3 times a year
I’ve tried over and over to kill a buck with it
But I swear, game time…the last 10 min or so of legal light I cannot see out of it
My vision isn’t great but other I can still see out of
I’ll either lose the reticle or the animal out of it in low light
I just can’t get a full picture w the crosshairs at last light
It has to be the scope, idk what it is
I won’t own another
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: GusWayne]
#8491190
12/31/21 02:36 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,471
4Weight
Extreme Tracker
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I bought a Diamondback to go on a .450 Bushmaster
Now, I only carry this rifle 2/3 times a year
I’ve tried over and over to kill a buck with it
But I swear, game time…the last 10 min or so of legal light I cannot see out of it
My vision isn’t great but other I can still see out of
I’ll either lose the reticle or the animal out of it in low light
I just can’t get a full picture w the crosshairs at last light
It has to be the scope, idk what it is
I won’t own another Buy Zeiss it will seem like daylight
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: J.G.]
#8491208
12/31/21 02:53 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273 |
I have the Fury ranging binos Judd mentioned above, they have been great and have used them out to 800-900yds. What I did notice on farther targets is that if you used the laser guide box, they would always fall short, if you placed that box slightly above your intended target, they were accurate. I think I mentioned this to Judd, which may have explained his issue past the 300-400yd mark.
I have an LHT 3-15x42mm and my only dislike is the same as Bobo's, you have to be square behind it above 3x. I will have to add an adjustable comb to the intended rifle to take advantage of the scope fully. Something I am not looking forward to or interested in. Add a Triad Tactical stock pack. It will get your cheek to the proper height, and it is more comfortable than a hard rifle stock. Ya I use the Hornady version and it helps a bunch
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8491268
12/31/21 04:29 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,624
DStroud
Extreme Tracker
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My first Vortex was the old original PST4-16x 44 and glass was not very good but scope worked fine and I sold it. Next was 2.5-10x 32mm and it’s on a 6x45mm AR currently Bought the Gen1 Razor spotter with Mil eyepiece and it was great but sold it bought a Kowa Bought the Gen I Razor 5-20x with 10 mil turret and still have it mounted currently on Tikka TAC A1 it actually a very solid scope with good glass which I used on a 308 for several years shooting it in competitions. Gen 1 Razor 1-6x on 3 gun AR is heavy but very good glass and still working fine.
I have used a few more of their scopes and a couple pair of binoculars but didn’t own them. I really like the LHT scopes I have seen and shot while sighting in rifles and could see me buying one in the future.
"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."
Jack O'Connor 1963
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: J.G.]
#8491278
12/31/21 05:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045
David Maas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045 |
I have the Fury ranging binos Judd mentioned above, they have been great and have used them out to 800-900yds. What I did notice on farther targets is that if you used the laser guide box, they would always fall short, if you placed that box slightly above your intended target, they were accurate. I think I mentioned this to Judd, which may have explained his issue past the 300-400yd mark.
I have an LHT 3-15x42mm and my only dislike is the same as Bobo's, you have to be square behind it above 3x. I will have to add an adjustable comb to the intended rifle to take advantage of the scope fully. Something I am not looking forward to or interested in. Add a Triad Tactical stock pack. It will get your cheek to the proper height, and it is more comfortable than a hard rifle stock. Judd is aware of this issue, a cheek riser isn't going to fix a mismatch of components. This is with taller rings. I can use Ken Farrell low rings with the Vortex Razor HD LHT, you just cannot cycle the bolt. I will do one of two things, correct the comb with corfill covered with graphite and repaint of sell this stock and replace it with an AG Composites Alpine Hunter. I don't want to add anymore weight to an already heavy rifle. I have no use for a stock pack, it's a band aid.
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Re: A lil Vortex discussion…
[Re: Biscuit]
#8491282
12/31/21 05:26 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 11,913
ntxtrapper
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I will never own another optic from them.
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