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Opinions on 3 scopes: vortex, nikon & burris

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jdnan View Drop Down
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    Posted: March/01/2015 at 11:42
Was out at the bargain cave yesterday because I thought that the snow and ice would keep a lot of folks home. Picked a great day because everything in the bargain cave was 25% off Big Grin, among the things I purchased were 3 scopes and I would like opinions if you have any experience with any of these:

1. Vortex Viper HS 30mm 6-24X50 Dead Hold BDC: considering using it for a varmint scope on one of my AR's, replacing an Optisan Mamba 1-4

2. Nikon M-223 1" 4-16X40 BDC 600: to replace cheap 3-10X44 Simmons on a general use/hog hunting AR

3. Burris Fullfield II E1 4.5-14X42 Ballistic Plex: possibly to replace my redfield 4-12X40 accuplex on my 30.06, just for a little extra light transmission & magnification, or to keep for my other AR instead of the Nikon above

I may keep all three, or I may only keep the Vortex, they have a 30 day return policy on optics; things to consider for me are the reticles (I like the Nikon better than the Burris) and the warranty: Vortex & Burris have unlimited, no receipt, no questions warranty and the Nikon has a limited warranty, so I'm not sure if it will be good for this scope, even thought the folks at Cabela's told me it was in the bargain cave because it was a display model & was not a return.

All three scopes made in the Phillipines.

Opinions & thoughts?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2015 at 12:19
All three are good, serviceable scopes. I've had the Vortex and messed with the Burris on a friends rifle. Both were fine. The Vortex folks are great, and their CS is good. I've not owned the Nikon as I generally don't drool over Nikon scopes. That said, Cheaptrick (Mark on here) is a Nikon fanboy. Perhaps he will chime in.
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jdnan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jdnan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2015 at 12:26
Forgot to put the prices I paid w/ the 25% discount:
Vortex: $396.07 + tax
Nikon: $286.04 + tax
Burris: $297.04 + tax
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JLud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2015 at 15:26
A lot of times "bargain cave" at one certain store means returns. That said I think you can find those same scopes maybe cheaper than what you paid, and have swfa price match them plus 10 % of the difference. As far as quality goes, I have found weaver super slam to be very nice at or below that range. I would take a look, very easy to get behind with good eye relief as well.
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jdnan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jdnan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2015 at 16:16
Originally posted by JLud JLud wrote:

A lot of times "bargain cave" at one certain store means returns. That said I think you can find those same scopes maybe cheaper than what you paid, and have swfa price match them plus 10 % of the difference. As far as quality goes, I have found weaver super slam to be very nice at or below that range. I would take a look, very easy to get behind with good eye relief as well.

I'm well aware of what I've purchased, 1 was a display item, 2 were unmounted returns, both immaculate, both with unlimited, no questions asked warranties. I have 30 days to return them so if you know of a place to get them brand new at those prices, I'm all ears, point me to the vendor, I'll share the link w/ the SWFA folks and buy the scope[s] i decided to keep from SWFA.

But this wasn't why I posited my questions. I'm looking for those with experience w/ those particular scopes to give me their opinion of those scopes.
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JLud View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JLud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2015 at 17:23
Right you are, my apologies.  A simple google search should yield any prices of each scope, i just picked one and looked it up as I noticed you had put the prices on the thread, so I thought you might have been seeking price confirmation.  I know I always dread finding something cheaper somewhere else after I buy.

Anyways, to the scopes.  

I have not had that particular Viper model, the one I had was ok but I was not as impressed with it as several are for its optical properties only.  

Nikon should be fine, if that Simmons is anything like the whitetail classic I had should be easy to see.  Ive had Monarchs and the Prostaffs, again not that particular model but value for buck probably most impressed with the Prostaff (before they made the 3s and 5s or whatever they are now).  Only thing I didnt like on Nikon were the BDC circles if they still make those, a bit too busy for my taste. 

The Burris FFII i had also had a BDC type reticle but just the horizontal hash marks which I much preferred.  Optically I thought that the fullfield was lacking even compared to a prostaff.  As a side note, I do have a Burris Euro Diamond and some Sig select binos that I love, also really liked the Tac 30 1-4 I had but again FFs just not the same level.

The weaver super slam euro has some great deals on it right now and as I am personally thinking of getting another couple I thought I might throw it out there.  30mm tube and side focus, a few reticles to choose from.  I personally would consider this optically a step up from the Viper I had by a fair margin.  Im sure others may vary, but I like it better than the elite 4200 series if that gives any perspective.

A few others I like are the Leupold VX3 and Meopta (or Instinct Euro).  Hope that provides some insight, and for what its worth the next new ones I purchase will be one of the ones I mentioned.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jdnan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2015 at 13:10
I've ruled out the Nikon. I contacted Nikon about the terms of their warranty and they told me that because the scope was a display model they will not honor their warranty & that they consider it a used scope & the warranty is not trasferable. This, causes me to cross them permanently off my list of scope options. The Burris scope has no such limitations and neither does the Vortex.

I looked at Luepold VX3's & they were more than double the Burris and close to double the Vortex. I could see little to no difference between the Leupold & the Vortex & just the slightest difference over the Burris. In my opinion, Leupold is overpriced. Haven't looked at the Weaver or Meopta.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2015 at 14:41
I was about to comment on warranty, you make the point moot.

For warranty, I have trouble finding fault with Vortex, they are doing it right.  Leupold, I am told, has a great warranty, but too many owners have cause to use it.  Just my opinion.

Personally, I would go with the vortex.  That said, I have no time on the Burris.
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