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Vortex Optics: A Question

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How many of you that own Vortex scopes have had to use that "awesome" customer service and had to send them back for repair or replacement? I know what my experiences have been with Vortex and I know what some of my clients have experienced. I am interested in knowing what problems you had and the make and model. I have had lots of problems with the viper line including the hst models. Mostly tracking and repeatability issues, a broken turret, moving cross hair, and one that was full of moisture. I'm done with this company and try to talk everyone I know out of getting one. I could care less how good the warranty is, I would rather not have to use it and buy a quality product from the start.

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Three of my friends have purchase the 4-16x50 Viper PST. One of them had to send their scope back because of tracking and still isn't happy. Another one is currently having problems getting his previously accurate rifle to shoot groups and the scope is a suspect. The last one hasn't had any problems, but is planning on upgrading to a NightForce.

 

When my first friend returned his scope, the guys at Vortex informed him that the Viper line is sensitive to over torquing and when installing the rings, you should use the minimum torque required, otherwise, it can effect the tracking.

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I have not had any trouble with my PST but have a pair of their binoculars and they suck

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I've had problems with the scopes.. I won't get one. I depend on the repeatability... I don't have a problem with the binos.

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I haven't had any problems with the Viper 6.5-20x50, Diamondback Binos, Viper HD Binos, or Kaibab Binos. They seem to be good quality products, but not comparable to Swaro like some may say.

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I have a diamondback 4-12x scope and its better then any other scope I've used in that price range by a big margain.I only shoot out to about 300, but its been great.excellent value. I also have a pair of the viper HDS in 12x50 and I love them.yeah they're a notch down from swaros and other high end glass, but they're still great. If you can't find game with the vipers,getting swaros isn't gonna help,its you not the glass that's the problem.

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I have a viper 6.5x20 on my 243 and haven't had an issue with it.

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I have 3 Vortex rifle scopes. A 3x9 Diamondback on an AR, but it will be moving to a 10-22.

 

I also have two 4-16x50 Viper HS on different rifles. One on a different AR, and one on my .250AI. When I first got them, I thought they were great. After using them for a couple years, I will be phasing them to lower end weapons over time as money allows for better optics. For under $600, they are decent. But like many, even though they have great CS for the warranty, it seems to be getting used very often. Mores than what I would have thought.

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Exactly. I have Nikon buckmasters and monarchs in the same price range of these vortex optics that I have used for years without issue. I haven't seen a vortex yet that lasted six months.

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Am I understanding that you guys are having issues with just the riflescopes? I am saving up for a pair of razor hd 12x50's and would like to know.

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I would never own a vortex scope imo there is a reason the have the warranty they do I will almost always have a leupold scope on my gun as for the binos I have a pair but I will never own binos that cost more then my wife's wedding ring.

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Either you have been married a long time, or you got off easy on the rings! I have been married 22 years, and my wife's rings cost about the price for a Schmidt and Bender or Tangent Theta scope! Shoot, new trucks cost what my first house did, and I only bought it 22 years ago. A new top quality scope costs almost what my parents first house did.

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There binos are good not sure about the scopes. For 1/4 the cost of the Swaros, they are great! I know peope who have spent $4000 on a custom rifle, $3000 in binos, only to shoot 2 or 3 point average bucks. I actually know alot like that. Most can do that from the road with Tascos or Bushnells. It seems some of the optics companies are good at one thing but not the others. I like Leupold scopes, but there binos I dont and I USED to own a pair.

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There binos are good not sure about the scopes. For 1/4 the cost of the Swaros, they are great! I know peope who have spent $4000 on a custom rifle, $3000 in binos, only to shoot 2 or 3 point average bucks. I actually know alot like that. Most can do that from the road with Tascos or Bushnells. It seems some of the optics companies are good at one thing but not the others. I like Leupold scopes, but there binos I dont and I USED to own a pair.

I understand the quote about the expensive gear and average deer being taken from the road, but....

 

At least they are out enjoying God's country, and putting meat in the freezer. For some, that is all it is about. I enjoy both sides of hunting, the meat and the antlers on the wall. And if buying high priced items to fulfill that is what it takes, then so be it. But, I hunt hard for my animals I take, and practice a lot at extended ranges to ensure I can make a shot when an opportunity comes. Not only for me, but for the animal as well. I hear a lot about wounded animals that are not recovered, and I hope to never have to go through that myself.

 

I am also not a road hunter. But if a nice animal is spotted from the road in between hunting locations, I would have NO problem taking that animal with a high dollar setup.

 

The old thought of all Bushnells being garbage are a thing of the past. Some of the Bushnell line is upwards of $1500+, and very high quality. Tasco is still garbage though.

 

The quote about "for 1/4 the cost of Swaros they are great" is semi-accurate, but is a 1998 Ford Festiva, that costs 1/4 the price of a new Mustang GT, still a "great car"? Not in the same ballpark. Kind of like that. They serve a purpose and can get you from A to B, but you will not enjoy it nearly as much, get the performance out of it, and you don't want your friends seeing you in it. (I could have referenced the other thing that most of us guys would understand too, but trying to keep it family friendly).

 

Lower end Vortex optics, for the price point, are pretty good, and better than most others in the lower end. But if you can afford it, they are not even close to higher end optics above the $500 price point. Especially once you get up to $1K. They taper off very quickly in matching the big boys at this range.

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The ford festiva comparison isn't really a good one.... Vipers vs swaros is more like getting a base model work truck vs a king ranch.yeah the king ranch looks better,drives smoother,performs a little better.but the work truck is still a solid truck that I should be able to get the job done with just fine.

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