When most shooters consider longer range optics be it for target or hunting/varminting use, they tend to have the idea that it’s going to be expensive. Probably because the rule of thumb seems to indicate that only the more prestigious names produce this sort of equipment to the required standard. This is no longer true, though equally confusing are the plethora of cheaper Far Eastern optics that seem to have everything, including the kitchen sink on them. In truth you get what you pay for and though this group fills a large niche in the market, the further you shoot the more telling it is on general optical and performance quality no matter if its Chinese or European made!

NEW GUY, GOOD GUYS

Vortex Optics are a reasonably new name in the UK, certainly when compared to the more prestigious brands. But there product range spans all pockets and needs, at the top end is their Razor, which are second to none in quality and features. Next down and what I am looking at here is the Viper which is made in the Philippines and offers a massive choice of models and specifications. I have been using one of their Viper PST 1-4x24 tactical types on my AR for over a year now and it’s a goody. Apart from features, which includes options on 1st and 2nd focal planes and the usual stuff we now demand two aspects stand out. First Vortex offers a 100% guarantee so if your scope goes wrong in any way, take it back to where you bought it and it will be immediately replaced – no quibble. Secondly, prices are very good, so you can in most cases afford what you want/ need and not have to put up with something more entry level.

On test is what I would term as a more long range option in the form of the Viper 6.5-20x50 PA with Dead Hold BDC reticule. Generally I tend to restrict myself to a maximum of x14 or x15 power on a variable, but I am having a 222 Rem custom varminter built and a x20 top end might just give me a bit more for those smaller, longer distance critters. We shall see!

LOOKS GOOD

Visuals do play a role in selection and this Viper does look nice. The 30mm body tube is of one-piece construction with a long and tapering objective bell. The saddle is big and mounts large, capped, hand-dialable turrets offering ¼ MOA clicks. On the left is a parallax (PA) drum marked 50, 60, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 yards and ∞.

Moving back the eyepiece bell is the fast-focus type and Vortex include what they call a ‘MAG-View Bar’. This consists of a raised section with the magnification marking on it, so rather than having to raise your head off the stock to look down on the setting you can see it at a glance with little disturbance to your shooting position. This is aided by a long lug fitted to the magnification ring with a red pointer, which makes manipulation easier and faster and you can again see at a glance what you are set to.

Heavy duty Precision Force spring and Precision Glide erector systems ensure precise operation and consistency. The scope is Argon gas filled and O-ring sealed, lenses are retained by screw-in locking rings that should stand the test of recoil. Exterior glass surfaces are treated to an ArmorTek coating that protects from abrasion damage and resists the build up of oil and dirt.

Multi-coatings ensure good light transmission with Vortex say that these can be as high as 95%, which is some claim!

CLICKS AND THINGS

As befits this sort of optic the turrets are easy to dial. Click values are ¼ MOA with 48 per turn with the drum sub-divided in ¼ and 1 MOA divisions. They are smooth to operate and move positively with audible clicks. Top to bottom gives five full rotations in both windage and elevation, the windage turret is marked up to 6 MOA in both directions so allowing you to easier lay in a correction. Typically the fixed section is marked with horizontal lines for range reference and the drums can be lifted to disengage and set to zero.

The reticule is in the 2nd focal plane and is their ‘Dead Hold BDC’ (bullet drop compensation) type. It’s essentially a medium Dual-X style with a longer inner bar at 6 o’clock. There are three dots on this below the cross and either side on the horizontal. The former gives four separate aiming points with the cross hair used as a Zero position. The latter is for windage correction. There’s also the option of a V-Plex Wide (open Dual-X) and of course Mil Dot.

The Dead Hold offers a quick and easy way to get on target (given you know the range) and Vortex offer a ballistic resource to aid this. Simply set your zero then push out the range using the various dots on the 6 o’clock arm and note the fall of shot. The information supplied is just a guide as individual rifles, barrel lengths and makes of ammunition will alter things. I would always recommend you get out on the ground and shoot the distances you want so you know what your rifle/scope combo is doing. Never forget - there’s no such thing as a free lunch!

Being a 2nd focal plane optic values will change if you do not use the recommended magnification, which rule of thumbs says the highest setting. Though Vortex says on their information this model should be set at x18 to suit…

In use the Dead Hold worked well once I had set the parameters for the rifle/calibre I was using. Overall a good scope well suited to medium/longer range use and priced very competitively! If you look on the Riflecraft website you will see most optics are currently reduced so well worth a look.

FOR

Well built, useful features and cost effective

AGAINST

No illumination – do you need it?

Verdict

For the price, quality, features and guarantee hard to fault

When most shooters consider longer range optics be it for target or hunting/varminting use, they tend to have the idea that it’s going to be expensive. Probably because the rule of thumb seems to indicate that only the more prestigious names produce this sort of equipment to the required standard. This is no longer true, though equally confusing are the plethora of cheaper Far Eastern optics that seem to have everything, including the kitchen sink on them. In truth you get what you pay for and though this group fills a large niche in the market, the further you shoot the more telling it is on general optical and performance quality no matter if its Chinese or European made!

NEW GUY, GOOD GUYS

Vortex Optics are a reasonably new name in the UK, certainly when compared to the more prestigious brands. But there product range spans all pockets and needs, at the top end is their Razor, which are second to none in quality and features. Next down and what I am looking at here is the Viper which is made in the Philippines and offers a massive choice of models and specifications. I have been using one of their Viper PST 1-4x24 tactical types on my AR for over a year now and it’s a goody. Apart from features, which includes options on 1st and 2nd focal planes and the usual stuff we now demand two aspects stand out. First Vortex offers a 100% guarantee so if your scope goes wrong in any way, take it back to where you bought it and it will be immediately replaced – no quibble. Secondly, prices are very good, so you can in most cases afford what you want/ need and not have to put up with something more entry level.

On test is what I would term as a more long range option in the form of the Viper 6.5-20x50 PA with Dead Hold BDC reticule. Generally I tend to restrict myself to a maximum of x14 or x15 power on a variable, but I am having a 222 Rem custom varminter built and a x20 top end might just give me a bit more for those smaller, longer distance critters. We shall see!

LOOKS GOOD

Visuals do play a role in selection and this Viper does look nice. The 30mm body tube is of one-piece construction with a long and tapering objective bell. The saddle is big and mounts large, capped, hand-dialable turrets offering ¼ MOA clicks. On the left is a parallax (PA) drum marked 50, 60, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 yards and ∞.

Moving back the eyepiece bell is the fast-focus type and Vortex include what they call a ‘MAG-View Bar’. This consists of a raised section with the magnification marking on it, so rather than having to raise your head off the stock to look down on the setting you can see it at a glance with little disturbance to your shooting position. This is aided by a long lug fitted to the magnification ring with a red pointer, which makes manipulation easier and faster and you can again see at a glance what you are set to.

Heavy duty Precision Force spring and Precision Glide erector systems ensure precise operation and consistency. The scope is Argon gas filled and O-ring sealed, lenses are retained by screw-in locking rings that should stand the test of recoil. Exterior glass surfaces are treated to an ArmorTek coating that protects from abrasion damage and resists the build up of oil and dirt.

Multi-coatings ensure good light transmission with Vortex say that these can be as high as 95%, which is some claim!

CLICKS AND THINGS

As befits this sort of optic the turrets are easy to dial. Click values are ¼ MOA with 48 per turn with the drum sub-divided in ¼ and 1 MOA divisions. They are smooth to operate and move positively with audible clicks. Top to bottom gives five full rotations in both windage and elevation, the windage turret is marked up to 6 MOA in both directions so allowing you to easier lay in a correction. Typically the fixed section is marked with horizontal lines for range reference and the drums can be lifted to disengage and set to zero.

The reticule is in the 2nd focal plane and is their ‘Dead Hold BDC’ (bullet drop compensation) type. It’s essentially a medium Dual-X style with a longer inner bar at 6 o’clock. There are three dots on this below the cross and either side on the horizontal. The former gives four separate aiming points with the cross hair used as a Zero position. The latter is for windage correction. There’s also the option of a V-Plex Wide (open Dual-X) and of course Mil Dot.

The Dead Hold offers a quick and easy way to get on target (given you know the range) and Vortex offer a ballistic resource to aid this. Simply set your zero then push out the range using the various dots on the 6 o’clock arm and note the fall of shot. The information supplied is just a guide as individual rifles, barrel lengths and makes of ammunition will alter things. I would always recommend you get out on the ground and shoot the distances you want so you know what your rifle/scope combo is doing. Never forget - there’s no such thing as a free lunch!

Being a 2nd focal plane optic values will change if you do not use the recommended magnification, which rule of thumbs says the highest setting. Though Vortex says on their information this model should be set at x18 to suit…

In use the Dead Hold worked well once I had set the parameters for the rifle/calibre I was using. Overall a good scope well suited to medium/longer range use and priced very competitively! If you look on the Riflecraft website you will see most optics are currently reduced so well worth a look.

FOR

Well built, useful features and cost effective

AGAINST

No illumination – do you need it?

Verdict

For the price, quality, features and guarantee hard to fault