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Vortex Review Thread

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Topic: Vortex Review Thread
Posted By: 3PERCENTER
Subject: Vortex Review Thread
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 15:53

I know there are already a lot of threads revolving around the various Vortex scopes but I wanted to start a thread strictly for reviews of newly purchased Vortex scopes. I just received my Viper 6.5-20X44 and I will mount it and test it this weekend. I live in the middle of nowhere and I haven’t got satellite internet yet, so you’ll have to wait until Monday for my review but I would like to have people use this thread for reviews of whichever Vortex scope you recently purchased based on the recent sale on various models. Perhaps we can provide enough feedback to help people with their purchasing decision.

 

So please post your Vortex reviews, pics etc. here to help the undecided’s.

 

Thanks.




Replies:
Posted By: midwestoffroad
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 17:36
I Just received my Viper (6.5-20-44) with plex yesterday and my  mount today so it is sitting atop my AR as we speak and i did get a pic, but will upload this weekend. . first impressions is  it is a good looking scope, i like the turrets and the ability to reset the zero nice audible clicks and  finger friendly.  the turrets do  come preset from Vortex in the center of the windage and elevation settings just  so you know.
 
I wanted to verify the MOA which advertised is 68 moa and i got  69 so that's good.  eye focus was smooth and power adjustment was the same. i like the  readings and lever it is easy to read and aids in  adjustment. 
 
I like the plex i don't resent going against the target dot..
 
Looks crisp  but i need to get outside with it since looking threw my screens and dirty windows  are not doing it justice.  just need to get the ARD and some flip up caps and i will be set for some vermin and paper killin


Posted By: 3PERCENTER
Date Posted: August/23/2010 at 08:38

I liked some of the same things you mentioned like the ability to re-zero the turrets, much easier re-zeroing method than the Leatherwood ZRO-LOC system, and the solid audible clicks on the turrets. The glass is the clearest I own but the only time I paid more than $100 for a scope was the $250 Leatherwood CMR so I don't really have any to compare it to. I had a little trouble zeroing because I was using a Bushnell universal laser boresighter and every time I re-inserted the boresighter into the end of the barrel it would be up to 3 inches off at 50 ft so when I shot at my 100 yard target, I had a hard time trying to locate where the POI was. Once I got on paper though, it was a breeze to set knowing that the turrets are 1/4 MOA (1/4" at 100 yards). I think the problem with the Bushnell boresighter is that the tapered end stops at the flash suppressor and not the bore itself; does anyone think a cartridge type boresighter would help with the initial zeroing-in process?

 
I really didn't improve my group size though compared to my Leatherwood 1-4 CMR like I thought I would, I am still getting about 2" 5 shot groups @ 100 yards. I blame most of this on the trigger on my CMMG lower (I have an awesome new Spikes 1/7 upper), I almost have to jerk the trigger to get the shot off. Although I could probably improve by practicing my breathing and squeezing techniques, I am thinking about getting a Geissele SSA trigger to help me "cheat". Does anyone have one of these triggers? and do you think it would help improve my groups?

 

One thing for certain, at 20X the Viper 6.5-20 definitely reveals how much you wiggle when your trying to hold the crosshairs on target and it is easy to see the POI on paper, it is certainly a scope that will give me lots of room for improvement, I am looking forward to many years of service out of this scope.



Posted By: Scott_at_Vortex
Date Posted: August/23/2010 at 13:48
I have a couple of suggestions for you and they are just that "suggestions".  Instead of using bore sighters try taking your upper off of the lower, take your bolt group out and set the upper on something sturdy were it wont shift to easily. Now find something about 50 to 100 yds out to use as a reference point. Point your upper with scope mounted at this point and sight through your bore. Get it as close to the center of the bore as possible. Now keeping the upper very still adjust your scope to this point. You have now bore sighted your gun. This method works better than any boresighter that I have ever used and it doesnt cost a thing. I have been using this way for years and I have literally never been more than 5 inches off.  

Also, you might want to try the cmmg 2-stage triggers. They are fully adjustable and you can get them in the $120-$140. The giesseles are very nice ,but for the price the cmmg's are hard to beat.




Scott 

-------------
www.vortextactical.com

www.vortexoptics.com


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: August/23/2010 at 14:05
I am still waiting on my 6.5-20x44 Viper. I cant wait till i get it.


Posted By: Prieto9000
Date Posted: August/23/2010 at 14:39
Well guys I just got my new pair of vipers and i went out to make some tests.

I couldn´t fire any bullets from where i was but i mas making some view tests.
I decided to compare my 8.5-25X50 fine duplex VX-III, My 5-20X44 BDC Monarch and my brand new 6.5-20X44 Wide V-Plex Viper and my 6.5-20X50 Target Dot Viper.

For this test i set all my scopes @20x and then @10x even though the leupold could go up to 25x. This was so i had the same conditions on each one.
I was looking at a construction site located @1,000 yds from me, i did this test in late afternoon, about 1 hour before sunset so the light conditions were not the best (that´s what i intended) and the results were the following:

1.- The 6.5-20X50 target dot Viper outstanded every other scope. The image was crystal clear all around the field of view, a little difficult to locate the dot on dark surfaces, but doable. I was thinking about using this scope on my coyote rifle, but after this test a had to look another way. I just think trying to make a quick shot on a moving target with this reticle would not be easy. 

2.- The 6.5-20X44 Wide V-plex Viper had the second best image. In those light conditions you had to really try to notice the difference between the 2 Vipers. Also the image was very crisp and clear. I couldn´t notice any dark ring around the center of the image. The reticle is great, really helps you find the center of the cross but the thin part is really thin. Very eye friendly. I think i will use this scope for my coyote rifle.

3.- Leupold VX-III was good. Not as good as any of the Vipers. I have this scope on my competition rimfire rifle. I have no complains on the scope (except for the price), but the image was not as clear as the one i got from the vipers. You could see a little dark ring ond the edge of the FOV.

4.- 5-20X44 BDC Monarch. This scope looks very nice when you dont have a better comparison, it´s an average scope. The image was very different from the one I got from the other 3 Scopes. It looked like it was a foggy day. You could see the target, but it had this light fog effect that didn´t really helped you appreciate the fine details on the target. the BDC reticle is good, but i think it´s a little bulky compared to the other 3. the horizontal line is extremely wide it only leaves a very small space too place your target at the center of the reticle. Good scope, but I´m selling both my monarchs and replace them with vipers.

I was also very impressed by the construction of the vipers. Even the turret caps are thicker than both leupold and Nikon turret caps. My leupold scope alredy has a dent in one of the caps. The only thing Vortex is missing is a good pair of flip-up caps. They have the ARD flip-up, but a little expensive and I didn´t really liked the construction. I would expect for something like the leupold alumina caps from vortex. I can´t complain about Nikon´s flip-up caps since they are free.



Posted By: Folically Challenged
Date Posted: August/24/2010 at 08:36
I had a guy ask me what I thought of the 2-7 Viper vs. a 2-7 Monarch UCC.  Here are my observations/thoughts:

* The Vortex is about ¼" longer, but has ½" to maybe 3/4" more mounting length available. 
* The Viper's ocular is about ¼" larger in diameter than the Monarch.
* The Monarch might have a tad more eye relief at 2X, but it's tough to tell: pretty close to a wash. However, the Monarch loses at least ½" of eye relief when you zoom from 2X to 7X, while the Viper stays constant.
* The Viper has a slightly wider field of view at all magnification ranges.
* The Viper's magnification ring is easier grab, easier to turn, and easier to read, though the Monarch's certainly not unacceptable.
* The duplex reticles appear identical to me. I've not used a Vortex C3 reticle - it may be thicker.
* The image quality is noticeably better through the Viper: clearer, sharper, etc. Definitely sharper at the edges. FWIW, my eyes detect slightly more yellow shades through Nikons, and slightly more blue shades through Vortex scopes, if that makes any sense. 

FC


Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: August/24/2010 at 10:28
Good info FC. 

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If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: qball
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 08:47
I am new to this type of shooting and just received my Viper 6.5-20 X 44.  It will go on a Savage Model 12 22-250.  Probably an even mix of varmit and target shooting so after long discussion with an avid shooter friend who does a lot of both, I chose the target dot reticle. (bonus...it was 120 dollars less than the other reticle types).

First impression (although I have little to compare it with) it seems to be well thought out and well built.  Optics are very clear.  Seems to be a lot of glass for the money and one of the best values out there after much research.  Can't wait to get it zeroed in.Big Smile


Posted By: 3PERCENTER
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 09:10

qball, actually the one with the vplex reticule was the same price as the target dot. I also debated which reticule to get for varmint and target shooting and thought the vplex with the thin crosshairs was the better choice assuming you have decent eyesight. Just curious, what was the argument your friend gave you to pick the target dot?

 
Although I am still getting the same size 5 shot groups @100 yards with the Viper 6.5-20 as I was getting with my 1-4 Leatherwood CMR, I can see how much I wiggle with the Viper @20X as I am pulling the trigger so I can definitely see that with practice this scope can help me improve my shot. And as I mentioned in my other post above, I think a good 2 stage trigger should help tighten up my groups, so this is next on my upgrade list.


Posted By: qball
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 10:17
Hi 3percenter,
       My buddy shoot all types of reticles with about an even mix of target and mostly prairie dogs for varmits...and he shoots a lot.  He likes the target dot the best for its uncluttered sight picture for the bulls eye or a long shot at a Pdog.  Plus, when I got mine, the V-Plex was still 400 bucks (at least anywhere I could find).  Now it looks as if every reticle type in this model is discounted.
       That said, with his opinion, and the price, I went with it and I like the sight picture.  Time will tell and once I get proficient at this type of shooting I may prefer options that other reticles offer. 
        I think Vortex offers a lot of scope for the price and seems to be a quality product.
        The Accutrigger on the Savage should help and I know what you mean about holding steady at the higher magnifications.  I like this feature as I can use it for long range spotting as well when calling coyotes.



Posted By: Poodleshooter1
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 13:47
Originally posted by Prieto9000 Prieto9000 wrote:



4.- 5-20X44 BDC Monarch. This scope looks very nice when you dont have a better comparison, it´s an average scope. The image was very different from the one I got from the other 3 Scopes. It looked like it was a foggy day. You could see the target, but it had this light fog effect that didn´t really helped you appreciate the fine details on the target. the BDC reticle is good, but i think it´s a little bulky compared to the other 3. the horizontal line is extremely wide it only leaves a very small space too place your target at the center of the reticle. Good scope, but I´m selling both my monarchs and replace them with vipers.


Very interesting that you noticed this too. I took a trip to a local sporting goods retailer to view some Monarchs. I was able to compare Monarchs, Conquests and a few Buckmasters (I own a Buckmaster 4.5-14x 40mm and am very pleased with it).
W/o exception, all of the Nikon Monarchs (3ea 4-16x42mm and 1ea 5-20x 44mm) had that "fog" appear around 14-15x and get worse with more magnification. It wasn't really the typical darkness that accompanies high magnification. Oddly, the Buckmasters didn't have this at 14x. The Monarchs were just a tad brighter than the Buckmasters (larger objective),but the Buckmasters didn't seem to have that "fog". I went with a 6.5-20x 44mm Viper instead of the Monarch 5-20x 44mm that I was planning to get as a consequence of this.
Very weird. I wonder if that's typical for Monarchs or if it's a QC issue? It's odd that the BMs didn't show this issue. My 4.5-14 is very clear.







Posted By: Prieto9000
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 15:07
I didn´t notice that until I made a side by side comparison with my other scopes. I was very happy with my monarch before this.


Posted By: midwestoffroad
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 18:44
Made it to the range today with my SPIKES/ DPMS bull 20 topped off with the 6.5-20x44 viper with wide plex.  crystal clear threw the power range.  I had a nice group of 6 shots . thanks to the viper and my JP trigger. I let the kid pop off a few also.
 
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/MidwestOffroad/Rifles/DSC02443.jpg -  


Posted By: WYcoyote
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 21:00
Midwestoffroad, I can watch your avatar for hours.   Whacko


Posted By: Magnumdood
Date Posted: August/25/2010 at 21:51
Originally posted by WYcoyote WYcoyote wrote:

Midwestoffroad, I can watch your avatar for hours.   Whacko
+1000


-------------
America - Home of the Free

               Because of the Brave


Posted By: midwestoffroad
Date Posted: August/26/2010 at 23:10
I wouldnt recommend it because eventually like most women she'll give you a headache. lol


Posted By: Poodleshooter1
Date Posted: August/30/2010 at 23:15
If I can butt in with my review:
Just shot my newly mounted 6.5-20x-44mm Vortex Viper with the Vplex wide reticle today.
It's mounted in Burris XTR x-tra high rings on a heavy barreled AR varmint rig,set in an x bag,with a good sissy bag at the heel of the stock to isolate it from heartbeat and breathing. I shot reloads that I've previously shot under 1"at 100yds.
I set  the scope up for eye relief and best guess for vertical alignment on Saturday ,then took it out today to test my "by eye" alignment job against a line and plumb bob at 50yds. It was well aligned at that mark. That test  with a long straight line also allowed me to note no evidence of any spherical distortion at the edges. No adjustment was made to the mounting other than some slight tightening of the scope rings on a feeler gauge to better center the boresighting. The scope feels very sturdy. It's reminiscent of many of the Bushnell series from the Trophys on up: heavy and solid.
 
Good things:
1. Sight in is very easy with a scope that adjusts correctly every time. 3 shots got me centered at 2" low at 25yds after boresight. I took it out to 100,and was only 1" right and 1/2 high based on my picky 25yd sight in. One shot was good enough for adjustment there. The remaining 4 rounds I fired into a nice .375" ctr to ctr group at 100yds (.599" edge to edge). While I did not shoot the box yet, every adjustment actually adjusted the correct amount without tapping,firing another shot to settle it in,etc.
2. This is the first scope I've encountered in which the parallax numbers appear to match up with the known distance range. Very handy!
3. Optics were bright and clear. No chromatic issues that my eyes could detect,no spherical aberrations in the glass,no odd glare-just good clear glass.
4. Field of view was nice and wide for the magnification (this trades off with eye relief per the below).
5. The eye box was great: slightly superior to my 4.5-14x  Nikon Buckmaster at a higher power setting, and quite difficult to "crescent out" on the edges when parallax is properly adjusted.
6. Eye relief is a bit shorter than on my comparison Buckmaster, and the Nikon Monarch series,but it is VERY consistent. From 6.5 through 20x, there was very,very little difference in eye relief. From a hunting perspective,this is an excellent quality.
7. Zero reset turrets are handy. Not sure yet if I prefer them to the Nikon system with the screws,as I don't anticipate changing zero that often,but I can see where it would be handy.
8 Clicks are solid. Very easy to feel and hear.
9. The reticle is very nice for good detail work. Reticle subtensions are great. I do wish I had a ballistic reticle, but this one was a great deal,and is fine for my needs.

Some negatives/tradeoffs/opportunity costs:
-The focus ring and lack of parallax adjustment below about 40yds made it extremely difficult to focus on a 25yd target above about 9x. Beyond that,no amount of focus and parallax adjustment  combined could get both the reticle and the target in sharp focus.  In that respect,it lacks the advantage held by many AO scopes for close range,high magnification use in rimfire shoots. Bottomline,this is not an optimal scope for those who want to see how tiny they can make their 5 round groups of Eley Tenex at 25yds. Stick to an AO scope for that (the Tasco it's replacing goes down around 50' or so).  For normal centerfire ranges,or for use below 9x or so at very close range,the Viper is great.
-I noted some wobble in the reticle center while adjusting the focus ring throughout its range. This was probably my only item of real concern for my purposes. When I take the rifle out to 300yds,I'm going to shoot comparison groups after adjusting focus throughout the range,in order to determine if this might affect POI. In this initial test,it did not.
-Eye relief might not be the best for a hard recoiling rifle above 300 Win Mag. While it is very consistent,it seemed a bit shorter than my Buckmaster and the Monarchs I've used,as well as my old Japanese Aetec. This is the trade off for a better field of view. It's probably serviceable for most though. As this is more of a varmint scope anyway,I think it's rather moot.

For further review:
I'll test it again at 300yds, and will try dialing in more elevation in at that point. Previous tests adjusted well,but not over a large enough range to really test it well. Shooting the box out at that range may prove deceptive (wind and too much human factor distorting the test),but I may try that as well.
I'll also test this focus issue to see if it's a moot point or not. Shooting a .375" group,I really can't complain.



Posted By: Alan77
Date Posted: September/01/2010 at 23:04
Hi, great thread going here.  I just purchased a Savage Model 14 Classic (Ruger .204) today off of a well known online gun forum and now I need a scope.  I think I will purchase the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm scope.  I think I would like to use the Burris Signature Zee rings.  However, will the medium height be enough height?  Also what else do I need to mount the scope.  I have never mounted a scope before and I am not sure what is need for the Savage rifle.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks




Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: September/02/2010 at 07:17
Call SWFA @ 972-SCOPE-IT  and tell them what you have and they will tell you what height.  All you need is the package from talley.  There is a supplied wrench in it. 

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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln


Posted By: GetSome
Date Posted: September/04/2010 at 01:06
Nice pics and write up's gentlemen.

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http://www.sloganizer.net/en/">


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: October/29/2010 at 10:32
Shot my viper 6.5-20X44 on my savage 30-06 and love it.  The only issue i have is it takes me a while to focus in but thats because I need new contact lenses. I have a 6-24x50 crossfire now too that I dont have anything to put on yet.  First impression are good except it gets fuzzy in the high magnification. I am wondering if that is just because I cant point it at anything far enough away to use the 24x mag. If I take my viper and put it on 20 and then point it at the house across the street even when I adjust the parallax to the yardage its still not really clear. 

-------------
savage 110 viper-stolen
savage 93r17 crossfire 6-20x50 stolen
NEF single shot 12ga-recovered
stevens ranger 12ga double barrels-stolen
Win 1400 shotgun
Ultra slug hunter sightron 3-9x44-recovered


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: October/29/2010 at 13:29
Saito,

Does the image get sharp at a different parallax setting? Many of my parallax adjustable scopes are marked well off of the proper parallax setting. I just adjust the parallax to get a sharp, parallax free image for my intended target.

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-Matt


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: October/29/2010 at 13:34
My Viper is not super clear at over 16x either.  Higher magnification really brings out the flaws in glass and the whole optical system.  Having only the 44mm objective will make that even a little worse over the 50mm.

Bitterroot is right about the parallax, mine does not quite line up with the numbers either. 


-------------
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: November/01/2010 at 06:34
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

Saito,

Does the image get sharp at a different parallax setting? Many of my parallax adjustable scopes are marked well off of the proper parallax setting. I just adjust the parallax to get a sharp, parallax free image for my intended target.
The numbers on the objective are rarely spot on. I just turn it until the image gets clear. Over about 16x its blurry no matter what the parallax setting is. Of course I can only point it at things about 150 yards away in my neighborhood. I got the scope off the sample list becuase it was 79 bucks and I figured it was worth the shot, being a vortex with the customer service and the warranty. Is the scope defective? or is it just due to 24x being too much mag for objects closer than say 200 300 yards?


-------------
savage 110 viper-stolen
savage 93r17 crossfire 6-20x50 stolen
NEF single shot 12ga-recovered
stevens ranger 12ga double barrels-stolen
Win 1400 shotgun
Ultra slug hunter sightron 3-9x44-recovered


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: November/01/2010 at 09:07
$79 bucks for a Viper!?  Where can I get that deal?  The 6.5-20 Viper I checked out at the local sports-mart (Oh, I hate going there...) seemed sharp throughout the magnification range.  I would give Vortex CS a call.  If it is the Crossfire, I think they lose quite a bit of resolution at high mag.

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-Matt


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: November/01/2010 at 09:19
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

$79 bucks for a Viper!?  Where can I get that deal?  The 6.5-20 Viper I checked out at the local sports-mart (Oh, I hate going there...) seemed sharp throughout the magnification range.  I would give Vortex CS a call.  If it is the Crossfire, I think they lose quite a bit of resolution at high mag.
Its not a viper its a crossfire. I may not have clarified that. The viper I have is on my .30-06 it is a 6.5-20x44 with 30mm tube. The Crossfire is a 6-24x50 with a 1" tube.

-------------
savage 110 viper-stolen
savage 93r17 crossfire 6-20x50 stolen
NEF single shot 12ga-recovered
stevens ranger 12ga double barrels-stolen
Win 1400 shotgun
Ultra slug hunter sightron 3-9x44-recovered


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: November/01/2010 at 09:20
The viper is spot on. No complaints

-------------
savage 110 viper-stolen
savage 93r17 crossfire 6-20x50 stolen
NEF single shot 12ga-recovered
stevens ranger 12ga double barrels-stolen
Win 1400 shotgun
Ultra slug hunter sightron 3-9x44-recovered


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: November/01/2010 at 11:40
oh, good.

I think its pretty hard to get a nice picture at high magnification in a scope at the Crossfire's price point.


-------------
-Matt


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: November/01/2010 at 12:58
Currently emailing Scott at Vortex to see if there really is something wrong with the scope of if the fuzzyness is expected. Seems a bit much to me.

-------------
savage 110 viper-stolen
savage 93r17 crossfire 6-20x50 stolen
NEF single shot 12ga-recovered
stevens ranger 12ga double barrels-stolen
Win 1400 shotgun
Ultra slug hunter sightron 3-9x44-recovered


Posted By: grimreaper21
Date Posted: November/08/2010 at 16:30
Originally posted by saitotiktmdog saitotiktmdog wrote:

Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

$79 bucks for a Viper!?  Where can I get that deal?  The 6.5-20 Viper I checked out at the local sports-mart (Oh, I hate going there...) seemed sharp throughout the magnification range.  I would give Vortex CS a call.  If it is the Crossfire, I think they lose quite a bit of resolution at high mag.
Its not a viper its a crossfire. I may not have clarified that. The viper I have is on my .30-06 it is a 6.5-20x44 with 30mm tube. The Crossfire is a 6-24x50 with a 1" tube.
how does that crossfire compare to the viper from the 6-12x magnification range?
im trying to decide if i can get away with the $100 one for target shooting or save up $250 for the discounted viper.


Posted By: Scott_at_Vortex
Date Posted: November/08/2010 at 16:42
Originally posted by grimreaper21 grimreaper21 wrote:

Originally posted by saitotiktmdog saitotiktmdog wrote:

Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

$79 bucks for a Viper!?  Where can I get that deal?  The 6.5-20 Viper I checked out at the local sports-mart (Oh, I hate going there...) seemed sharp throughout the magnification range.  I would give Vortex CS a call.  If it is the Crossfire, I think they lose quite a bit of resolution at high mag.
Its not a viper its a crossfire. I may not have clarified that. The viper I have is on my .30-06 it is a 6.5-20x44 with 30mm tube. The Crossfire is a 6-24x50 with a 1" tube.
how does that crossfire compare to the viper from the 6-12x magnification range?
im trying to decide if i can get away with the $100 one for target shooting or save up $250 for the discounted viper.




If you can still find one of the discontinued Vipers that is a really easy decision. You will never see a scope of the quality of the Vipers at this price again. Even at regular price the Vipers rival scopes that are much more expensive. The crossfires are an entry level scope and really just cant even be compared to the Vipers,save the fact that they are both riflescopes. The crossfires will be around for a while and you will be able to purchase one anytime.  Hope this helps.




Scott


-------------
www.vortextactical.com

www.vortexoptics.com


Posted By: budperm
Date Posted: November/08/2010 at 19:21
Thanks Scott!  Get teh Viper while you can!!!  I have both teh Crossfire and teh Viper in 6-20!  Crossfire is good for what it is...a entry level scope.  the Vipers compare to 6500s and the like in everything but cost!!! I'm loving my vipers!!!  BTW I also have a 2-7X32 C3 Viper and she's my goto for deer hunting!!!

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"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson





Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: November/08/2010 at 19:38
Yeah those Vipers are awesome.  I have one in the box waiting for a rifle.

Scott,

I am anxiously waiting to see the upcoming product releases!  I can't wait to see the new Viper scopes, the new Viper PSTs, the new Razor HD bins, and the new 20-50 wide angle eyepiece for the Razor HD spotter.  What's that?  That last one is only in my dreams?  My mistake.

Clown


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-Matt


Posted By: csacpt
Date Posted: November/08/2010 at 19:46
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Thanks Scott!  Get teh Viper while you can!!!  I have both teh Crossfire and teh Viper in 6-20!  Crossfire is good for what it is...a entry level scope.  the Vipers compare to 6500s and the like in everything but cost!!! I'm loving my vipers!!!  BTW I also have a 2-7X32 C3 Viper and she's my goto for deer hunting!!!
Don't know about the Crossfire but the 2-7x32 C3 Viper is super! Wish that reticle was available in an illuminated version(hint, hint, HINT!) One can always dream. Stare

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Better to die on your feet than live on your knees! "Ready and Forward"


M14 - Forged in Freedom - Proven in Battle


Posted By: 300 ultramag
Date Posted: November/28/2010 at 22:05
has anyone tried the  crossfire


Posted By: budperm
Date Posted: November/29/2010 at 06:29
Yes I had 3 of them and traded two in on a Viper!  Still have a older Crossfire and it's holding up well so far!  Again I say GET THE VIPER while you can!!!!!!

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"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson





Posted By: Fotis
Date Posted: January/09/2011 at 20:48
Well This has been very informative.  I am pondering a Viper in 6.5x20x44mm for my new big game long range rig. 
Can anyone suggest a reticle for this purpose?


Posted By: Mantiz
Date Posted: February/09/2011 at 12:38
I have this This http://www.testfreaks.com/spotting-scopes/vortex-nomad-20-60x60/ - vortex-nomad-20-60x60 / they are marvellous and i gues nothing can come close to this eye piece. Well, wither i m gettting way better or these scopes are really fine, i am sure its the latter. Thanks.


Posted By: Kam Fong as Chin Ho
Date Posted: February/12/2011 at 15:16
Originally posted by Scott_at_Vortex Scott_at_Vortex wrote:

I have a couple of suggestions for you and they are just that "suggestions".  Instead of using bore sighters try taking your upper off of the lower, take your bolt group out and set the upper on something sturdy were it wont shift to easily. Now find something about 50 to 100 yds out to use as a reference point. Point your upper with scope mounted at this point and sight through your bore. Get it as close to the center of the bore as possible. Now keeping the upper very still adjust your scope to this point. You have now bore sighted your gun. This method works better than any boresighter that I have ever used and it doesnt cost a thing. I have been using this way for years and I have literally never been more than 5 inches off.


Does this really work as good/better than a laser?

Thanks


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: February/12/2011 at 15:53
Originally posted by Kam Fong as Chin Ho Kam Fong as Chin Ho wrote:

Originally posted by Scott_at_Vortex Scott_at_Vortex wrote:

I have a couple of suggestions for you and they are just that "suggestions".  Instead of using bore sighters try taking your upper off of the lower, take your bolt group out and set the upper on something sturdy were it wont shift to easily. Now find something about 50 to 100 yds out to use as a reference point. Point your upper with scope mounted at this point and sight through your bore. Get it as close to the center of the bore as possible. Now keeping the upper very still adjust your scope to this point. You have now bore sighted your gun. This method works better than any boresighter that I have ever used and it doesnt cost a thing. I have been using this way for years and I have literally never been more than 5 inches off.


Does this really work as good/better than a laser?

Thanks

I've never used a laser bore sighter on an AR, but this method flat WORKS!! I do it all the time when I swap scopes out on my AR. 

Good call, Scott!
Excellent 


Posted By: Griffin99
Date Posted: February/12/2011 at 18:04
+1 Cheaptrick.  I had a buddy of mine teach me this many years ago.  Save a ton on both ammo and messing around a 25 yds if what you after is a 100 yd sight in.  Best thing is you can do this at the house and save that much more time at the range for trigger time!!  The key is a steady rest.  The rest is user friendly.

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Far Beyond Driven


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: February/12/2011 at 18:06
Griffin99:
You at Ft Sill?? 


Posted By: JohnnyG83
Date Posted: May/13/2011 at 23:17
New member here. I just purchased my first rifled slug shot gun for deer hunting (H&R USH 12ga). That was the easy decision for me, the hard one is deciding on a scope. I was basically set on the Redfield Revolution 2-7 with Accurange. Then while reading some reviews for it, came across numerous discussions about the Vortex Viper line-up; which have been nothing but positive. 

So now, I'm thinking about purchasing a Viper 2-7 with the C3 reticle. For those that have this scope or have a shot gun similar to mine; would the Viper 2-7 be a good choice for me?


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: May/14/2011 at 01:54
Should be a great scope for a slug gun!

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-Matt


Posted By: stickbow46
Date Posted: May/14/2011 at 06:10
Welcome to the OT!
 
+1 can't go wrong with that combo.


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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken


Posted By: budperm
Date Posted: May/14/2011 at 07:11
I've got two vipers with teh C3 reticle.  You'll love it!!!  Grab it while you can, cause it's WELL BELOW it's price point and that was a bargain price to begin with.  You won't find better glass at $150 either!!!

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"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson





Posted By: JohnnyG83
Date Posted: May/14/2011 at 10:27
Thanks for the quick reply everyone. This is a lot of scope for the money and I would be an idiot to not jump on a deal like this. Only concern I have is eye relief. 


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: May/15/2011 at 08:37
Originally posted by JohnnyG83 JohnnyG83 wrote:

Thanks for the quick reply everyone. This is a lot of scope for the money and I would be an idiot to not jump on a deal like this. Only concern I have is eye relief. 


Eye relief should not be a problem.



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-Matt


Posted By: ArtP
Date Posted: September/15/2011 at 11:00
I thought I'd sort of crash the party here with my thoughts on the Viper 2-7x32 BDC...
 
Of course I couldn't resist trying one out at $169 when they still had the BDC version available.  Without comparing head-to-head against another scope, my initial thoughts were it was an amazing scope for the money.  After a thorough comparison a couple months later against a 20 year old Vari-X III in 2.5-8x36 my thoughts have changed considerably.
 
The construction of the Vortex, the feel of the adjustments, eye relief, the resettable turrets and the finish all are top notch.
 
The image of the Leupold was certainly better; definitely better contrast and slightly better resolution.  The Vortex did have a slight amount of blur at the very edges, but this is not a deal breaker and not really noticeable unless you're looking for it.  In a low powered hunting configuration I found the reticle of the Viper to be too fine for quick acquisition, but certainly usable.
 
The surprise factor was FOV.  Even though the technical specifications of the Viper beat the Leupold on paper, the reality is, the Leupy at 2.5x had a pretty significant FOV advantage over the Viper set at 2x. I couldn't believe this was true and I did test that over and over.  Set at equal magnification, the Leupold had better FOV AND more magnification.  Go figure.
 
I think the Viper does suffer from tunnel vision.  My explanation of tunnel vision is that the Viper image took up about 70% of my eye's total sight picture, while the Leupold took up almost all of my site picture.  This is difficult to explain, another attempt at an explanation is that the image of the Leupold simply looks bigger and fills more of my eye image.  I believe this is the reason the Leupold has a better FOV and seemed to offer more magnification when set identically to the Viper.
 
Both scopes had acceptable "eye box" position.  That is to say neither scope suffered if my head moved slightly up/down, left/right.  This is something I'm sensitive to and reason enough by itself to get rid of a scope.  Some scopes I've used (Nikon Monarch's) quickly gray out with the slightest head movement, then quickly blink out with more movement.
 
With regards to turrets and the design of the mag ring the Vortex is better.  Both scopes are about the same size and weigh about the same.  The Leupold at the same size/weight, with better FOV, better magnification, better reticle and slightly better image is the clear winner.  I did not get as far as testing light gathering ability as dawn/dusk.  But it's been my experience that better contrast usually lends itself to better light gathering.
 
For the price, the Vortex is completely acceptable, just not as good as a scope costing more than twice the price, but that's to be expected.  Now I know it's not fair to compare these two scopes with such a large discrepancy in price, but I've read too many reviews where the Viper is as good or better than the VX III's.  Comparing my individual scopes, I did not find that to be the case, and I do believe my Viper is defective.  In fact, being the picky person I am, the Viper shipped out yesterday to a new owner and only cost me a $20 loss over what I paid.  I picked up the Leupold used in this comparison, used but excellent condition for $200.
 
If I were on a budget and had to choose between both scopes at NIB pricing, I would take the Vortex.


Posted By: ArtP
Date Posted: September/15/2011 at 11:04
I meant to say, my viper is NOT defective.


Posted By: 3_tens
Date Posted: September/15/2011 at 13:34
ArtP good review. You will need to get 50 post to be able to edit. There once was a boost your post thread just for this purpose.

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Folks ain't got a sense of humor no more. They don't laugh they just get sore.

Need to follow the rules. Just hard to determine which set of rules to follow
Now the rules have changed again.



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