The Vortex line of scopes has only just enetered the South African market. Two hunting magazines have tested the scopes:
Mag 1: Vortex 4-12X42 (They do not say which model - Vortex has the Viper and Diamondback)
They mounted it on a 243 Sako, placed it in a gunbag and it travelled on the back of a pickup to the farm. It held zero. They then moved the dials around, shooting a pattern and it returned to zero. They then slammed the but into ground a couple of times, it still held zero. They then hit the scope with a rubber hammer, it still held zero. They then did a side by side test with a well known brand, the picture of the Vortex was clear and they could not detect any diffrence. Edges were clear and no distortion visible. No distortion when zooming in and out.
The farmer liked the scope so much he refused to give it back and bought it.
The scope is American, made in the Philipines.
Mag 2:3-9X40 Vortex Viper: Multicoated with XR coating which permits 95% light. Finger adjustable dials with a zero setting. The scopes only offer duplex reticules.
The clarity is impressive and better then what is needed for sunny South Africa. He also looked into the late afternoon sun and saw no internal reflections. It is not a Swarovski, but it scores high marks, the tester felt.
He found the eye relief at 3 inches a bit short. He found the adjustments to be good and repeatable. The last shots after firing a box ended back on the first shots. The zooming in and out also did not effect POI. He cannot speak for long term durability. They have an unconditional warranty.
In South Africa the retail for about $540. A similiar Leupold VX111 is about $625.
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