Rifle Scopes Beginner precision scope

[Secant]

The other thing to keep in mind regarding 'failures' is total sales. Vortex in particular is one of the largest (maybe the largest???) manufacturer of riflescopes so you should see a higher number of failures (basic statistics). While the failure rates may be similar to other optics brands and/or comparing similar product lines, sheer numbers may be drastically different.

I totally get that some guys have bad luck or maybe use equipment harder than others; but in general, I don't trust statements that lump all product lines from a single manufacturer. To think/state that a $150 Crossfire is going to be equally subject to "failure" as a $1,600 Gen 2 Razor is pretty ridiculous. Similarly, to think that an $800 SHV is "just as good as" a $2,000 ATACR is pretty dumb.

To the OP, as others have mentioned, the $720 4.5-18 LRTS from CameraLand is a pretty decent option. I've had an LRTS, LRHSi, and DMRii on a tracking board, and they were all within 1% of being correct. Reticle selection obviously plays a part, but the LRTS is a good option to consider in my mind for that price point.

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

I didn’t want to start a brand war. Just looking for good options. Vortex is a good brand. But when you buy cheap you get cheap. I should of saved more money and bought something better. I was in a hurry to shoot my rifle. Honestly it was only intended to be a weekend shooter then I decide to maybe dabble is some local shoots.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I didn’t want to start a brand war.

You're new here. Look around a bit, and you'll see you just inadvertently poked a hornet's nest that's buzzed & occasionally erupted for a long, long time....

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

I started with a Vortex Crossfire II 6-24X50 and was shooting sub MOA out to 600 yards. I only bought the Athlon 10-40X56 to get the slim reticle and tiny center dot. I love it but it's not made me a better shooter. I still sometimes contemplate putting the Vortex back on FrankenGun and living simple with great clarity.

Love my Vortex scopes but there is a plethora of great shit out there now. Gotta experiment.

VooDoo

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

You're new here. Look around a bit, and you'll see you just inadvertently poked a hornet's nest that's buzzed & occasionally erupted for a long, long time....

I see that.

 

[MaximusDecimusMeidius]

DMR2i from Doug at Camerland. Very solid scope in this price range if you're not trying to go with a lightweight.

 

[ae7v]

So dependent on budget look into the Vortex Strike eagle. This is an entry level PRS scope that shouldn't kill the budget. The Crossfire is worse than the Crossfire 2, but worst case scenario get the Diamondback Tactical. Just my opinion here on Vortex dont buy anything lower than a Diamondback as it is a cry now or later situation. Good luck.

I bought a rem 700 in 6.5CM. Did some trigger work to it. Krg bravo. And put on a vortex crossfire 2. Well with like 100 rounds thru it my scope decided it doesn’t want to work past 100 yards. No matter what I do I can’t get it to focus. Going to send in for warranty but I think it’s time to upgrade. I’m looking for a scope for precision shooting. Entry level. Something easy to use and may enter some local shoots with. My local range is 500 yards but I plan shooting 1,000 someday. I’d like FFP. Around 750ish. Don’t mind buying used. A good field of view and clarity. I understand MOA but open to learn MILs. I been looking at vortex or athlon.

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

So dependent on budget look into the Vortex Strike eagle. This is an entry level PRS scope that shouldn't kill the budget. The Crossfire is worse than the Crossfire 2, but worst case scenario get the Diamondback Tactical. Just my opinion here on Vortex dont buy anything lower than a Diamondback as it is a cry now or later situation. Good luck.

Thanks. I asked vortex to trade me up to strike Eagle. They said pay difference so I asked how much that is. Depending how much I may do that for now. If not then I might get mine fix and just use it. Then save up for something real nice.

 

[Tommydean]

 

[Another shooter]

Best “lower” budget quality scope is Athlon Argos. Highly reviewed. Very few compromises. Lifetime zero question warranty

 

[Willie 6.5]

Check out liberty optics real good prices on votex I got my self the razor hd amg but if you don't mine the weight you can get a gen ll you have to add it into your cart for the final price.

 

[Cottonwalker]

You might give the Cabelas CX Pro HD a look. I have one and wrote a review at Cabelas. Very nice for the money....$800. My scope is in MILS. I can easily see, and not easily but successfully, hit 1 MOA targets at 1000 yards.

Also, look at the Brownells MPO line.
These are all good scopes within your budget.

 

[jrsnell]

Virtex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 with EBR2 MOA reticle.

its a good low cost entry level scope that you may want to keep using for a very long time.

 

[STLSteve86]

Vortex pitches their warranty for a reason. You going to use it. I tried one and sold it so fast. I have not had a problem with a Nikon yet but that just me. I run Nightforce on 3 rifles and I wouldn’t go to something else but Schmidt and bender. For $750 you can get a nib luepold VX-5hd 3-15. It tracks pretty good for its price point.

 

[XP1K]

I have four vortex scopes, 3 pst's, 6-24x50's all ffp and a gen2 pst 1-6 on my ar. One of the 6-24's is on a vudoo and its what I call a gen 1.5. Has the ebr-2c reticle and a diglfferent magnification ring. It's been solid so far. It was on an M1A before the vudoo.

The other two are on a 300 win mag and a 700 LTR in 308. The one now on the LTR was previously on a 308 gasser. One of these two has been back to vortex once already. All of the sudden the 308 that was a one holer wouldn't hold a 1" group. Loose ocular ring they said. Both of them need to go back to vortex now. They're still tracking fine and I'm not having accuracy issues but I've got black spots showing up in the glass. The worst one is the one of the 300.

That rifle has a pretty good brake on it and only has about 10 pounds of recoil with my 208gr load. So it's not like its getting punished.

Recently purchased a VX3i lrp 4.5-14 and I like it. Reticle is a little thin on low power and it has no illumination. On 8x you can see the reticle pretty good and I've been out til dark with it and it was still usable up to the last minutes of daylight.

Turns out they're discontinuing the 4.5-14 lrp for some reason and I ended up getting it for $675. I'm happy.

 

[CodeMonkey]

You might give the Cabelas CX Pro HD a look. I have one and wrote a review at Cabelas. Very nice for the money....$800. My scope is in MILS. I can easily see, and not easily but successfully, hit 1 MOA targets at 1000 yards.

So @Cottonwalker you are the other reviewer, eh? Right now the CX Pro HD has two reviews - one from me and the other from you. I've been quite pleased with it for the money. It was on sale and with the veterans' discount I ended up paying $665 for mine.

 

[Lazyfaire]

I saw them. Thought about it. But think I’d rather spend a little more for something better.

Look at TRACToptics.com They sell direct to consumers. Great guys, great glass. 4-18 or 4-20 run $750 or so. Getting a good rep

 

[JerryWalker]

I use a Nightforce ATACR on my 260 Remington. Pretty nice glass, and Nightforce often has used scopes for sale on their website. I just checked and don’t see any now, but I would certainly recommend a Nightforce.

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

I use a Nightforce ATACR on my 260 Remington. Pretty nice glass, and Nightforce often has used scopes for sale on their website. I just checked and don’t see any now, but I would certainly recommend a Nightforce.

A nightforce is on my list but idk if it’s within my budget right now.

 

[Bender]

Why is it fanboys get more worked up about crappy vortex than making mom jokes?

 

[Brazo]

I bought a LRTS on the PX here. That was my outcome to the same question.

 

[Steel head]

DMR2i from Doug at Camerland. Very solid scope in this price range if you're not trying to go with a lightweight.

This is a great starter scope that holds it value and can be the tasked if needed.
I started with a cheaper vortex, it treated my well but for a few hunskies more I could of had a better scope that I wouldn’t outgrow quickly.

 

[Steel head]

Why is it fanboys get more worked up about crappy vortex than making mom jokes?

Leave your mom out of this!

 

[Bender]

Leave your mom out of this!

I’m only fat because every time I see your mom, she makes me a sandwich.

 

[easyrdr]

750ish

https://www.sportoptics.com/nightforce-shv-rifle-scope-demo-c584-nd.aspx

 

[Steel head]

I’m only fat because every time I see your mom, she makes me a sandwich.

Well I fat also, your mom makes a mean sandwich as well.

New porn series?

 

[MaximusDecimusMeidius]

https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/static/media/uploads/2017_prs_club_guidelines.pdf

Well I fat also, your mom makes a mean sandwich as well.

New porn series?

"Mom Switch"????

 

[Steel head]

https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/static/media/uploads/2017_prs_club_guidelines.pdf

"Mom Switch"????

 

[scotchtape]

A few have mentioned the Nightforce SHV - it's SFP. I have one and I'm considering selling it and adding cash for a Razor Gen 2 or adding more cash for a Kahles 525i.
My point being, I don't think you'll be happy with an SHV because it's SFP and that's annoying for PRS.

 

[Dobermann]

The SHV 4-15 x 50 F1 is FFP: https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/shv/shv-4-14x50-f1

$1290 or so retail; not sure what they go for used.

Not necessarily recommending, but I see a lot of people think all the SHVs are SFP.

Lowlight did a review here:

A used SWFA 5-20 x 50 would be close to the OP's price range ...

 

[Balexanderis]

Kahles K525i 5-25x56 can cover a lot of shooting disciplines. Even, there is possibility to choose windage turret on right or left side and CW or CCW direction.
I am using it 2 years already and enjoying it.

I bought a rem 700 in 6.5CM. Did some trigger work to it. Krg bravo. And put on a vortex crossfire 2. Well with like 100 rounds thru it my scope decided it doesn’t want to work past 100 yards. No matter what I do I can’t get it to focus. Going to send in for warranty but I think it’s time to upgrade. I’m looking for a scope for precision shooting. Entry level. Something easy to use and may enter some local shoots with. My local range is 500 yards but I plan shooting 1,000 someday. I’d like FFP. Around 750ish. Don’t mind buying used. A good field of view and clarity. I understand MOA but open to learn MILs. I been looking at vortex or athlon.

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

https://www.sportoptics.com/nightforce-shv-rifle-scope-demo-c584-nd.aspx

Thanks but that’s second focal plane. I’d spend some more money for FFP.

 

[308pirate]

So vortex got back to me. They would trade in my scope towards a strike Eagle 5-25. Just have to pay the difference. Think it’s worth it ?

No. Save up for a Steiner, Vortex Razor, or something else of that level.

 

[swhiteh3]

So vortex got back to me. They would trade in my scope towards a strike Eagle 5-25. Just have to pay the difference. Think it’s worth it ?

Absolutely! I've been super-impressed with my Strike-Eagle 5-25x (and it's sharing a safe with several Razor Gen IIs and Razor AMGs). It's a fantastic piece of glass for the money, and I think it would be a perfect scope for you.

 

[Robpete]

If you want to stick with Vortex, midway has a Viper PST gen II on sale right now for $750.. It’s the 5-25x50 FFP model. I can’t speak for it in any way, but I did order one last night for a new build. Couldn’t pass that price up.

 

[Robpete]

If you want to stick with Vortex, midway has a Viper PST gen II on sale right now for $750.. It’s the 5-25x50 FFP model. I can’t speak for it in any way, but I did order one last night for a new build. Couldn’t pass that price up.

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen 2 Rifle Scope 5-25x 50mm EBR-2D MOA

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II hands an unfair advantage to shooters who seek to keep the upper hand in every situation from close quarters to long-range...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

I

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen 2 Rifle Scope 5-25x 50mm EBR-2D MOA

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II hands an unfair advantage to shooters who seek to keep the upper hand in every situation from close quarters to long-range...

www.midwayusa.com

I don’t have to stick with them but for a good price I thought they made good scopes but starting to see not.

 

[Turbotank]

I have ffp scopes I shoot a lot well beyond 1000 yards I will never buy another one . Now i run a 7-35 -56 atacr the recticle is correct at 17.5 power and at 35 plus it don’t cover up targets when shooting long range .I did get to compare it to a trijicon 10 mile with is I believe around 1600 the 5-50 model and I liked it but it would not stand up to mirage like the atacrThe clarity was close the atacr other than when mirage was high but for the price and the power it would be very hard to beat .

 

[FALex]

If I go to our local Toyota dealership, I'll find a crap ton of broken cars there. Doesn't make Toyota unreliable. And people don't tend to post about scopes or anything else that works - they post, sometimes unfairly, about stuff that has proven personally troublesome.

I would never presume to question the experiences of people like @FALex who have had a lot of trouble - but in my mind would also be the question of how/why one single person has had five scopes fail. Five? That's a lot. A whole lot.

That's why I included the implicit question "circumstances." Such a high failure rate is an indicator to me that his requirements are far more demanding than those to which the vast majority of us would ever subject our equipment. If the OP is going to shoot thousands of rounds of 6.5CM a year, and crank the turrets up/down left/right a zillion times, I'd be recommending a higher-grade scope than a Strike Eagle... but he still doesn't necessarily need a Nightforce Beast.

Put another way: It isn't fair to condemn a half-ton pickup truck that breaks trying to pull a load better suited to a diesel dually.

I only gave you my personal experiences, which are ridiculous in and of themselves. I did not describe the "circumstances" surrounding the issues for one primary reason: there was nothing worthy of note. Out of 2 Gen I Razors purchased at the exact same time, one had a canted reticle, right out of the box. The second one had only been shot a few times before the elevation turret assembly became loose and stopped engaging the splines on the turret itself. Or how about the 4-16 Diamondback Tactical that would not return to zero from the very first time taking it out? So no, I did not abuse any of the optics I had problems with. If that were an issue, don't you think the 4 SWFA SSHD's I owned would have had issues at some point too? Never an issue with any of them.

Also, you forgot to mention the guy who we were shooting with who's elevation turret sheered off or the other friend I have who's windage turret never worked out of the box. At that time, the Gen 2 PST's hadn't even been around long enough to give that shooter the time to be able to abuse it.

Furthermore, you didn't ask the OP if he had abused his Crossfire 2 before it had stopped working. Why not?

I know that it is simply inconceivable to think that a company might be selling an inferior product to begin with; it must be that the products are beat to shit, and thus, that is why they stopped working, but that has been the furthest thing from my experience. On top of the 4 SSHD's, I've had a Bushnell DMR and a couple k624i's for much longer than any of the Vortex products and they are still running strong.

Ever thought about that unlimited lifetime warranty? Is it possible that the QC for Vortex are you and I?

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

Yea my scope was never abused. It road in a gun case to the bench at my local range. Removed and shot off bags on the bench. Then back home. It might have 150 rounds thru it. It was either junk out of box and I just found out or it didn’t last long. I think I’m gonna get it fixed under warranty and find another use for it.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

Guys, I'm not gonna soldier in the brand wars. I'm not saying Vortex scopes at whatever price point don't have problems at a rate above, below, or similar to that of other brands because I don't know and frankly don't give a damn. They work for me. I can afford whatever scope(s) I want; I've been behind a number of $3500-4000 scopes and I haven't personally seen enough difference in optical quality to justify the extra expense. That might change tomorrow just because I get the itch to try a $4000 scope - at my age a "better" scope isn't going to raise my match scores - for me, simply completing a match in summer heat is a victory in itself.

This thread is reminiscent of the bipod wars... people shit all over a $100 Harris because it's not a $300 Atlas and tell newbies they're f'ing stupid to buy one even though the Harris can be made almost as solid as an Atlas for $100 less total cost but it's not an Atlas (or whatever other $300-500 toy has the cool kids' attention this week) so it's still shit.

Good luck, OP.

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

I watched a review on the NF SHV and Athlon. I like the NF. To many choices. Guess I gotta by the one I like best from reviews and go from there. I do like the Burris xtr2 as well.

 

[TIMMYTOY]

Many people say to start out buying entry level stuff and work your way up, I tend to disagree save your money buy a nightforce atacr the glass is great and the zero stop is top notch or something high end.
This is my 2 cents if you buy cheap and not happy with the product(s) you just wasted money and time.
The time and money wasted you could’ve been shooting/training and peace of mind believe me I’ve been down that road as many other people.

 

[Bradv86]

I watched a review on the NF SHV and Athlon. I like the NF. To many choices. Guess I gotta by the one I like best from reviews and go from there. I do like the Burris xtr2 as well.

At this point you've been steered every which way possible. If your only exposure is to a crossfire you will likely be wowed with anything you end up with.

Find a reticle you like in a scope that has the features and mag range you are looking for. If you decide you want something different, offload it and buy something else. That is a huge benefit of buying second hand, you can often sell for similar to your purchase price if you don't beat it up. The other plus is you are getting more scope for your money, and don't have sales tax.

 

[Turbotank]

I have ffp scopes I shoot a lot well beyond 1000 yards I will never buy another one . Now i run a 7-35 -56 atacr the recticle is correct at 17.5 power and at 35 plus it don’t cover up targets when shooting long range .I did get to compare it to a trijicon 10 mile with is I believe around 1600 the 5-50 model and I liked it but it would not stand up to mirage like the atacrThe clarity was close the atacr other than when mirage was high but for the price and the power it would be very hard to beat .

 

[BeardedNewGuy]

At this point you've been steered every which way possible. If your only exposure is to a crossfire you will likely be wowed with anything you end up with.

Find a reticle you like in a scope that has the features and mag range you are looking for. If you decide you want something different, offload it and buy something else. That is a huge benefit of buying second hand, you can often sell for similar to your purchase price if you don't beat it up. The other plus is you are getting more scope for your money, and don't have sales tax.

You make a good point. Personally I only own two scopes. Both crossfire. On is for my deer rifle. O loved it. I don’t shoot farther than 100 yards with it so it’s perfect. And i make sure it’s zeroed and then hunt with it. Not shooting all year. I bought another one cause I liked the first one and price point. But I see now that if I want to shoot every weekend and maybe some competition with it then I need something a lot better. Plus not really in a hurry so I need keeping an eye on the px for a good deal. That way it’s easy to unload if I don’t like it.

 

[TIMMYTOY]

I have ffp scopes I shoot a lot well beyond 1000 yards I will never buy another one . Now i run a 7-35 -56 atacr the recticle is correct at 17.5 power and at 35 plus it don’t cover up targets when shooting long range .I did get to compare it to a trijicon 10 mile with is I believe around 1600 the 5-50 model and I liked it but it would not stand up to mirage like the atacrThe clarity was close the atacr other than when mirage was high but for the price and the power it would be very hard to beat .

Hey Turbotank
I run 2nd focal plane Atacr moar-t on my 22lr and love it. It gives you both reticle values for 35 & 17.5 power.
On my PRS guns I run Atacrs FFP mils only reason is dialing out to 1k and other shooters running the same(share data).
My opinion FFP scopes below 12ish power are worthless reticle is so small they should make FFP Atacr 12x 35x56 and relocate throw lever so not to hit your thumb/fingers while working the bolt on high mag.

 

[Turbotank]

Hey Turbotank
I run 2nd focal plane Atacr moar-t on my 22lr and love it. It gives you both reticle values for 35 & 17.5 power.
On my PRS guns I run Atacrs FFP mils only reason is dialing out to 1k and other shooters running the same(share data).
My opinion FFP scopes below 12ish power are worthless reticle is so small they should make FFP Atacr 12x 35x56 and relocate throw lever so not to hit your thumb/fingers while working the bolt on high mag.

My atacr is also second focal plane and is a moar-t I feel you can do the same thing with it as a first plus you have the advantage of not covering up smaller targets at greater distances . When i first started shooting that was all I would have and they work good they are simple but so are 2nd fp and they also cost less .

 

[jarredsc]

Used vortex pst gen 2 or Athlon ares etr