I'm am very impressed with both of the Vortex scopes I have on my Brownings. Viper HS 2.5 x 10 x 44 on the .308 X-Bolt and the HS-T 4X16 X 44 on my 6.5 CM X-Bolt. These are top notch optics, wish they were made in the USA, though . Time will tell, I also like the Leupolds that are on my Marlin lever guns.
I have a Vortex Crossfire 4x16x50 on my X-bolt Long Range Hunter 300 Win mag and a Vortex Crossfire 3x12x56 on my BAR Safari 300 Win Mag. Bought both guns within 6 days of each other and immediately bought the scopes.. Been impressed with them..
Honestly, I wish they were made in USA , but the last Leopold that I bought, said : designed,machined and assembled in the USA. Hmmm, sounds like something is missing. I always bought Made in USA New Balance running shoes, as they had a factory in Maine. Last time, I asked the sales lady if they were still made in Maine, she said they were all made in China, but they might box up a few in the US to make it look good. Wish our Brownings were made here too....
New Balance makes some off shore, but there is still a factory in Skowhegan, Me and yes some are still made in the good ol US of A. That's what I buy as well as USA made Red Wing shoes and boots.
If that is true, that is good news! The last time that I bought NB, I asked the sales lady if they had any American NB's and she said, we keep em out back, as the company tries to push the Chinese ones. Last time, I went there, she said they were all made over seas. Next time, I'll just drive down to Skowhegan. Wouldn't mind putting some money into the pockets of American workers.
I have 2 Viper PST scopes. Very good optics. Now before anybody claims that IOR, Zeiss or the other high dollar scopes are better, I have shot IOR's and the like. My eyes, and My eyes can NOT tell the difference in them. I currently own Vortex and the upper end Nikons.
I have a Vortex Crossfire 3x12x56 on my Browning BAR Safari 300 Win Mag and a Vortex Crossfire 4x16x50 on my Browning X-Bolt Long Range Hunter 300 Win Mag. Have had great luck with both of them even though they are the lower end of the Vortex scopes. I don't plan to shoot 1000 yards so I just can't make myself spend a fortune on glass. My furthest possible shot in hunting might be 400 yards and thats only because I just got clear cut.
I have a friend from The Netherlands is a "great white hunter", He hunts all over the world. He claims only expensive European scopes are any good, better in low light. Ok, maybe, but I go home before it gets dark. Law gives you only 30 minutes after sunset, here in Maine.
My latest aquisition: A Vortex Viper 6 MOA Red Dot on my 1911 Colt Competition .45. So far, I like it a lot! I know, purists probably think a Red Dot on a .45 is sacreligous, but it is really growing on me. Vortex is one of the more compact ones, narrowed it to Vortec, Leupold and Burris. Was a hard choice, all 3 are great.
I volunteer as a range safety officer at a 100 meter indoor rifle range. The least expensive Vortex scopes don't seem any more reliable than any other cheap scope. Price=quality, even with Vortex.
The Vortex scope and the 6.5 CM did their job well! My girlfriend shot a 500 + pound cow moose at about 35 yards. 4 power was plenty. Expected to see them step out at 200 yds, suddenly, 2 moose came out just behind us.
I'm a fan of Vortex scopes, and have several from the Crossfire, Copperhead, Strike Eagle 1-8, Diamondback Tactical, up to the Vortex Viper HS LR and PST. I've never had any trouble out of any Vortex optic. I also have Vortex Viper and Diamondback binos. I also like Leupold and have several. If I had a choice, atm, I am looking to buy Leupold. I also have a Zeiss Conquest, and it is in the safe waiting for a rifle. It's good glass, but nothing special.