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Rifle Scopes Vortex scopes must have an awful lot of problems

Have a Vortex 4-16x50 FFP EBR 1 Mrad scope. Mounted on a Savage .308 rifle. Shot last Saturday at Woody's. Scope performed great. Mrads in scope are very accurate associated with Hornady ballistic software from Hornady site.
I had looked a lot, talked with the guys at Vortex in making my choice. I have been happy enough with it that I am looking at another for the AR15 rifle. Lifetime warranty and transferable ownership warranty is a good feature. Warranty like Leupold has.
 
I've owned scopes made by Bushnell, Burris, and Vortex. I have had the least amount of problems with the Vortex optics.
 
I believe they are the best bang for the buck in the optics market. I've got a Razor HD on my match rifle, and it's held up well to some tactical abuse. I've got a Diamondback on an airgun that's destroyed seven scopes (yes, good ones, including an old Loopy) and I'm still killing shit with it for two years now.
Does having the best customer service in the business seem a liability to you? I had a Loopy 6-20 go bad on me mid-match, quit tracking. I paid to ship it, and got it back several weeks later with a tracking test report that said it was fine. One range trip disproved that, and I sold the scope rather than deal with their CS again. I don't think they even read the letter I sent in with the scope.
For my money, I'll buy Vortex. I'm heading for the Razor HD spotter with the reticle next.


1911fan
 
I don't think your logic completely applies. I have had a Razor for a few years, zero problems. I do not recommend the PST line to friends any longer. A while back I suggested a PST to an individual, on my recommendation he purchased one, the reticle rotated about 5 degrees when the magnification ring was turned. I recommend things in good faith, this one cost me my word, not going to happen again. I do still own and shoot PSTs, no problems with mine.

I put one of their least expensive scopes on a gun that I gave to a friend's kid, and it came out of the box with the reticle canted about 10 degrees off TDC. I shot them an email with pictures, the next day a new scope was on the way and a shipping label was in my inbox. They helped make that boy's birthday and even if I never buy another scope from them I will always laud their customer service.
 
as with any product and the internet, the negativity will spread farther and louder then positive. IMHO if you have problems, what separates one company from another is how they handle you AFTER the sale, I am a manufacturer myself and know this well. People are passionate about their shooting and equipment, so heated debate and loyalty run deep, but if you distill down the sales #'s vs the problems i would wager Vortex is the same as the others, not extremely worse or better. The more you sell the more exposure you have, again it's AFTER the sale that counts.

Even a Bugatti will have engine trouble.
 
Here's a snippet from another forum. Goes completely against your experience.

I replaced that 3-9x scope with a 6-24x Vortex Viper PST FFP. (using it for LR hunting, Gongs & F Class)
Did it make me shoot any better............No, if anything my F Class scores have dropped.

On 24x the image often becomes quite haisy . . . & no amount of fidling with the paralax adjustment can sharpen up the image but the real pain is that the eye relief is really touchy at that mag.
Wind it back to about 20x & it is OK.

I have spoken to the importer about it & despite the Vortex Warranty being one of the best going, the jist of his message was to "wind the mag down a bit"
Pretty piss poor for a scope that cost me all but a grand.



VIP or GAGF Warranty?

The bold is the problem here. The person didn't talk to Vortex directly so how can you hold what an importer says against Vortex? You can't.
 
A lot of the hype on the web around the CS is probably from 2 types of people.

1) MOST COMMON (IMHO) - People who have read a story online about how someone had a great experience with Vortex CS
2) Not as common - People who have actually used Vortex CS for an issue with their personal scope.


My personal experience is that I have had 2 Vortex Scopes. 1 2.5-10 PST and 1 4-16 PST FFP. I had issues with neither. I would recommend both to a friend, and will continue to recommend them to randoms on the internet. I have since moved on in optics because I was always wanting more. Now I am in scope nirvana. My S&B 5-25 P4F is everything I could dream of in a scope, I only wish I bought it sooner. The only other scope I'm even willing to try would be a Kahles Gen 2 MSR-K.

As for BrettinBoise - Hats off to you for your honesty. Don't let people get to here on the hide because you didn't let your scope be repaired and returned. You know your gear and your shooting style better than anyone, lets not forget that just like any other sport there is a lot "MENTAL" skill/stability/precision that goes into shooting. If you don't have confidence in your equipment you won't have the confidence to take the shot. Whether its on big bull elk at 500 yards, or on an 11" lollipop target upside down at 748 yards.
 
The bold is the problem here. The person didn't talk to Vortex directly so how can you hold what an importer says against Vortex? You can't.

As their agent its their legal responsibility here to honour the warranty. Thats why we have them in the first place. To manage warranty claims without the added expense of doing it ourselves. If it was purchased directly from the US then thatd be the buyers responsibility and the gamble we take to save some bucks. Would Vortex for a scope purchased thru its sole importer and national agent pay for post boths ways to the US or would they say take it to the importer/place of purchase for warranty as thats what they are for? I very much doubt they would take care of it like they do locally there.

Of the Vortex scopes ive personally had my hands on mine (2'5-10 pst) is the only one that hasnt gone back. Initial purchases of a 3 9 Crossfire, two 6-24 pst and a razor have all needed to use CS and all been a complete pita and lengthy wait for the issues to be remedied.
 
As their agent its their legal responsibility here to honour the warranty. Thats why we have them in the first place. To manage warranty claims without the added expense of doing it ourselves. If it was purchased directly from the US then thatd be the buyers responsibility and the gamble we take to save some bucks. Would Vortex for a scope purchased thru its sole importer and national agent pay for post boths ways to the US or would they say take it to the importer/place of purchase for warranty as thats what they are for? I very much doubt they would take care of it like they do locally there.

Of the Vortex scopes ive personally had my hands on mine (2'5-10 pst) is the only one that hasnt gone back. Initial purchases of a 3 9 Crossfire, two 6-24 pst and a razor have all needed to use CS and all been a complete pita and lengthy wait for the issues to be remedied.

Have you asked Vortex or are you just taking guesses at what they might say about directly shipping back for warranty work? Also if the importer is who you should be dealing with and they aren't doing their job maybe someone should tell Vortex and they might find another importer or deal with the problem. If they don't know then they can't fix a problem.
 
i've personally used a vortex razor 5-20 on multiple deployments as well as a razor 1-6 on a mk17, we ended up running them for all our long gun guys overseas this last time. "there is no way the REAL guys use vortex".... uh why not? i've had my original razor on 3 different 300wm's, multiple 50's, personal guns, etc. It has been awesome.
 
you guys also need to realize that in the modern age of the internet, one guy has a issue it can quickly become a folk lore "common issue" just by word of mouth and guys repeating what they heard. Just like good customer service can be echo'd the same. like others said your damned if you do damned if you don't.
 
Customer service isn't necessarily a repair.

More often than not, when I call Vortex with a question, I don't identify myself as a vendor. Before I tell people how great customer service is, I want to know how non-vendors are treated. There has been no difference in the attitude, enthusiasm, knowledge or speed whether I call as a customer or vendor.

One thing I look for (actually, listen for) is what's going on in the background when I call manufacturers. I like the fact that at Vortex, there's no rustling of paper, no being put on hold, no callbacks. As best as I can tell from my calls, the information is committed to memory. It's like talking to an enthusiast.

As far as repairs go, I called to see if I could get a replacement spring for the base of my VMX3, to replace the one I let shoot across the room, and probably ended up in the litterbox a day later after a short trip through the cat. Vortex sent a replacement base assembly. More than expected.

There are many companies that I won't name because I like my job, that are no fun to interact with. Phone trees, long wait times, crappy music, voice talent, multiple transfers, people with absolutely no concept of the products they are providing support for. I think many people are just impressed with how different an experience they have with Vortex, and that''s where the "great customer service" stories come from.

They make my job easier, and they make my hobby more enjoyable.

Mark H.
 
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I had a very minor issue with my PST upon buying it the illuminator did not work, it wasn't the battery. They gave me a shipping label and had it fixed and shipped back to me in under a week free of charge. Very friendly. Now the damn thing won't break.
 
Someone metioned Dillon, it's funny how Dillion is considered the be all end all as far as presses go. It's all because of their no BS customer service but Vortex does the same thing and they get labeled as selling junk by some. I have one Dillon and it had two things seriously wrong with it from the manufacturer. They made it right and sent out extra goodies but it was a PITA. Is it a good press? No it's not, it's a great press. Are Vortex optics good? In general yes but some (Razor) are great. I am glad Vortex has the CS they do, it's a damn shame most companies don't operate their customer service and stand behind their products like they do!


ETA funny how the internet works....
 
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yep not to mention i've never seen a S&B, benny, leupy, USO or any other scope go down for any reason...... (SARCASM)
 
Vortex scopes must have an awful lot of problems

Does anyone remember Tucker automobiles? LOL
Revolutionary and cheap then killed by "the big 3".
 
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I have had nothing but good experience with Vortex Optics. I haven't had one of their optics fail me YET. I say yet, because no matter what you buy, with use a product will eventually break. It might take 50 years, but it will happen. And when that day comes, I would like the product to be from a company that handles the warranty with the upmost customer service possible! Between the glass clarity and the overall function, and the great customer service. That is why I'm a Vortex optics fan and user!
 
My customer service story is:

I had somehow hit the sun shade hard enough to strip the threads and have the shade bind up enough that I could not remove it. Vortex removed the shade and sent me a new replacement, no questions asked. Was it their fault? Nope, but they fixed it.

That is the type of service that I think many are referencing when they say the customer service is top notch.
 
I mounted a Razor HD on a rifle for friend, his first high powered glass. He wasn't comfortable nor had the tools to assure levelness. I did not inspect the scope prior to mounting. I leveled off of the reticle and referenced off of the elevation turret. Matched the ACD. Trued reticle to a plumb. You get it.. the whole process. I wanted to have some alone time with it before he came over to shoot. I had his Razor and my MK4 side by side. I was impressed however still skeptical. Made in Japan. I made assumptions, partly justifying my long history of owning a variety of Leupolds. I cranked up to 20X, checked the ACD. Level. Something odd happened. I rolled over to my rifle, did the same however my (level) reticle was true to my target. Rolled back to his, As I decreased magnification the reticle rotated back to 0 degrees.. powered back up to 20x, it rotated about 6 or 7 degrees. He showed up we shot anyway. I let him notice it for himself. I didn't need to salt the wound. We live in Wisconsin. I think he received the replacement less than 24 hours later. This was almost 3 years ago. We've shoot side by side. I know and trust the replacement as if it was on my own weapon. Even after that happening I still ordered a PST FFP. Shit happens, I don't think its a roll of the dice. It not a gamble because the "risk" is the same with anything you by from any company. Even $100,000 sports cars have flaws. The piece of mind is that they make it right. This bantering should be concluded. Its a dead horse. Buy what meets your needs. Expectations - Reality = Happiness.
 
OP is the best logic & reasoning I've ever seen.

I traded in my Vortex scope when the guys at the range didn't even notice me. :(
 
Hell, by this logic, I guess that Snap-On tools must also have a lot of problems.
 
I have 4 vortex products. 3 years ago I dropped my razor binos from the blind and both eyepieces broke. I called vortex to buy some new ones and they said no, we can send you some for free. They didn't even charge shipping... For a product I broke.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I have a 'being tested' story now. bought my first 6-24 pst used and had a problem with what seemed to be binding in the parallax knob. sent it in for repair with a note and it should get to them tomorrow. After reading about similar stories I am thinking it might be because i likely overtorqued the rings to the scope.
either way, we will see how they handle it.Based on what people are saying here I have no reason to think their CS will not make the situation good.
But it does seem like maybe they are using tubes that are a little too thin if they can't stand up to that extra bit of torque. While not a reason not to recommend them it is something they can work on and something to let others know who intend to buy one.
 
For anyone that thinks customer service is only a crutch for an inferior product then you are terribly mistaken. My partner and I both ran 2 razor scopes for while in tac comps along side many shooters here with great success. Aside from people like Joe who is beating up equipment in the sandbox, tac matches and PRS style matches through out the year will put a scope through more abuse in a few months then most will see in a lifetime. If your around long enough you will realize that everything breaks at some point, is that saying a product is inferior...no its saying its a mechanical item and is subject to failure at some point. Knowing that if im putting money toward a product I look at the warranty and CS. Vortex does a lot to support this sport, puts out a great product and backs it up to the fullest extent its hard to find fault in that.
 
I had a vortex razor 5-20x50, mil with a erb-2. Dont know why they made the ebr-2b Im not trying to have a "4" in the middle of my mil hold. I did not like the eye relief and ammount of scope shadow. And yes, I built a check peice, focused the reticle and made sure I had proper eyereleif, but it wasent enough. I would lose the tgt in the recoil of the gun (M40A5) and had to readjust my head to get just right behind the reticle. This razor was used and prolly attributed to the eyebox problem. But that is my experience with them. Not bad scopes I just belive they are case by case.
 
I own a Razor HD 5-20 and this thing kicks ass! Aboslutely no problems, seems very will built Not familiar with the PSTs first hand though....
 
I have one Razor HD and two PST from vortex. My last PST came with a hand written note from the salesman at Vortex.

This is good customer service without a quality problem.
 
Here's a snippet from another forum. Goes completely against your experience.
VIP or GAGF Warranty?

With all due, I can only relate my personal experiences with Vortex. Although I prefer my Sightron over the Vortex, the manner in which Vortex responded and treated me, including sending me the return authorization without me asking for one, has me thinking this is a company I will enjoy dealing with for a long time to come. They could have told me to back off the magnification a little, but they didn't. They did mention it was possible I over torqued the ring screws causing the haze effect, but to send it back anyway so they could "repair or replace it". Was their mention of screw torque accusatory? Not in the context the information was delivered, but it was informative and educational. They didn't offer to kiss my ass, which seems to be what some people expect from vendors. Instead they offered to do exactly what their warranty states they will do. Exactly, which is all anyone should expect from any company.

Any experienced shooter understands that glass quality and coating types are a function of price. Experienced shooters also understand that at max high magnifications scopes with less than top dollar glass and coatings will "haze" out some. Even some of the very best can develop some haze at very high magnification. The solution is to back off a little bit. Pretty much the same thing one does when dealing with mirage. The point in that last sentence is for people to be realistic. Did they over torque the ring screws and distort the tube, causing the haze? Is there a lot of fog/haze or just a little in a lower priced scope? If only a little perhaps they need to consider what they paid for the product and not expect S&B or Swaro quality at BSA, Millet, Bushy, Vortex or Sightron prices. Notice the quality level went up with each name mentioned but that some expect high end quality from even the lowest priced products.

I participate in another hobby where one manufacturer in the very beginning elected to offer the best customer service policy in the business. Are their products the best in the world? Nope, but they are good for the money spent. However, their customer service policy turned that manufacturer into the world's most sought after product for the application. It is now arguably the standard by which all other products are judged. Took about 15 years to get there but it was done. I see Vortex following the same path because they understand the wealthy are not the majority of their customer base and the majority is are who will carry them forward into the future.

Will I buy another Vortex? If the scope fits the intended application, hell yes! BTW, the Japanese have been making very high quality products for a long time, including optics, firearms, tooling and precision electrical products. So good they almost put our auto manufacturers out of business some time back. If it wasn't for Japanese quality levels we would still be driving cars that died at the 50,000 mile mark instead of 250,000, and still believing that German engineering was the best in the world.
 
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Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm owner here...its not on a safe queen, this rifle gets hunted hard...just yesterday it spent the whole day out in the rain and snow (this pic was taken yesterday while I was hunting)

I'm completely happy with the scope...

IMG_20131127_145528_269_zps5af89a84.jpg


Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
 
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I currently have a 1x4 pst capped version on an AR. Had a PST 6x24 on a sniper type bolt gun. Had zero issues with either. Here is my experience with their customer service. I sent them an e-mail after I purchased my second pst from them giving them kudos on their scopes. I had and Tshirt showed up in my mailbox. Recently I have been looking for another 1x4 light weight scope for another AR. I found a leupold ar mod 1 with spr illuminated reticule for $100.00 less than the pst 1x4. The lupy is a one inch tube and the pst is a 30mm. The lupy is a 1.5x4. I sent Vortex an e-mail with a suggestion for a 1x4 in a one inch tube with a simple illuminated reticule. Lots of folks hunt with Ar type rifles and do not need or want the heavier 30mm scopes with the fancy reticule. They sent me an email back thanking me for the input and they were going to pass along to the r and d dept my suggestion. They then asked me again for my address and my shirt size. A shirt showed up in my mail box. Here is the deal with Vortex to me. They make good quality scopes. They make higher end scopes, that are out of my $ range. They make a good mid range scope that alot of people can afford and they make cheaper ones that most people can afford. I cant spend the dough for a NF, S&B or any of the other high dollar stuff. I can from time to time afford a 500-800 scope. I have not HAD to use their customer service for something that was tore up. I chose to use their cs since I am a customer of theirs. I like their product and they give a shit. They have a great warranty on their stuff. I did not go the lupy route. I did purchase a burris for the rifle that the vortex is on. I will take the vortex off of it and put on my newest AR. (A Bison Armory 6.8) I will always look at Vortex first when I need a scope.
 
I have a PST 4-16 and a Razor and both have been great. No CS issues yet but if the time ever comes I know what to expect and that's what keeps me happy. Things break unfortunately. Even the super duper extra nice S&B's, Premiers etc...Anybody that writes off something after a single failure is going to have a tough time in life because sooner or later they're just going to run out of options.
 
Terrible thread title. Just saying. I can't believe there are seven pages of people's opinions here vouching for vortex. I just can't believe such a stupid thread title provoked such a response. No offense. "Schmidt and bender scopes must be sh*tty bc they only offer a 2 year warranty." What kind of statement is that? "Remington 700s must be terrible because they are mass produced." Close thread, move on. From now on those without personal experience with said equipment are no longer allowed to speculate as to the equipment's quality. Rant off.
 
I think they are a great scope for the money especially with the features you get for that price and at least if you have any type of problem you don't have to worry about spending more money to get your scope repaired.

Very true!
 
BTW, the Japanese have been making very high quality products for a long time, including optics, firearms, tooling and precision electrical products. So good they almost put our auto manufacturers out of business some time back. If it wasn't for Japanese quality levels we would still be driving cars that died at the 50,000 mile mark instead of 250,000, and still believing that German engineering was the best in the world.

Can't argue with that!
 
Well, I have personal experience.... not just repeating internet hearsay. I have 3 Vortex optics. They all work. I have to admit I am not the nicest to my equipment and they have not failed yet. I have used customer service though. It was a pretty, pretty please with sugar on top thing, that I am sure no other company would have done..... It was fast, awesome and easy. And +1 on who ever is answering their phones, she DOES sound HOT! ;)
 
I have 5 rifles and all of them have Vortex on them. Will always look to them first.

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I have a Vortex PST Viper 6-24 SFP and absolutely love it! No issues whatsoever, the scope tracks perfectly, never had an issue getting rounds where they should go.

The reason I'd attest to their great costumer service is that I worked in a gun range and had an Employee discount of %50 with vortex, including discount from sales of vortex products. So I had to deal with the costumer service team to specially order my scope and they were awesome to deal with!

I recommend and love Vortex from my own personal experience!
 
Guess i have a good CS story to report after my earlier comment.
Sent in a scope i bought used that was having issues.
About a week later i just got a box from them with a brand new replacement pst viper. Note said the body was damaged by overtightened rings. Guess i have learned my lesson on scope ring tightening! And have to appreciate Vortex as a company. Their scopes might need to be made a bit more thick/rugged but great CS.
 
To short to tell but I just bought my first two scopes from Vortex and I like them ,nothing bad at all unless the clicks not being loud enough but my hearing aint the greatest,but that’s just my wife that says that,….well the VA said MILD hearing loss( I was an 0331 )USMC but you know,everyone’s a critic (lol)
 
First time I sent one back, I went to their website, printed and filled in the form and mailed it off. Had a new one a week later.

It was surprising to me that a reticle literally fell apart after a few hundred rounds of 223, but they fixed it quickly.


LGS sells Leupold, Nightforce, Vortex, and Sig. There are many that come in and buy diamondback and crossfire, and the store is more than happy to sell them and send them back when the time comes.
The guy doing the sending has noticed it's very rarely a razor or pst that goes back, lots of crossfire's and Diamondbacks and strike eagles.
He has sent in scopes from all the manufacturers and they all got back to the customers in a timely manner.


I did watch a kid smash a pst on the bench one day. Elevation turret died in the first box of ammo so he sends it back. The scope he got back wouldn't adjust windage right out of the box. He wasn't very happy and proceeded to smash it on the bench to insure he got a new one. Haven't seen him back since, so I haven't heard what the 3rd try was like.
 
Ive had a lot of Vortex products and a bunch of other scopes too. I currently own 1 rifle scope, 1 binocular and 1 laser range finder.

Ive been saved by Vortex amazing VIP warranty once, when the rifle a Viper PST 6-24x50 was on, took a plunge to the floor and landed on the elevation turret. Vortex replaced the scope within 7 days. And it was completely my fault.

My Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM2 has also had to go back for service in Germany. Something in the turrets worked loose and rattled inside the scope. It took about 3 weeks and the scope was back, good as new. It has been working without issue since.

Other than that, I have never had an issue. From cheap Vortex to expensive Hensoldt and Kahles scopes and more.
 
Someone metioned Dillon, it's funny how Dillion is considered the be all end all as far as presses go. It's all because of their no BS customer service but Vortex does the same thing and they get labeled as selling junk by some. I have one Dillon and it had two things seriously wrong with it from the manufacturer. They made it right and sent out extra goodies but it was a PITA. Is it a good press? No it's not, it's a great press. Are Vortex optics good? In general yes but some (Razor) are great. I am glad Vortex has the CS they do, it's a damn shame most companies don't operate their customer service and stand behind their products like they do!


ETA funny how the internet works....
Funny you should mention Dillon and Vortex in the same light. After 25 years with a Dillon 550B the part that dumps the Primers went bad. Dillon sent me all the parts of the system I needed and others just in case within a week. I've had 2 Vortex Vipers 4-16X 1st gen PST's at least 15 years. Never has a single issue. I wouldn't hesitate to by another.
 
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I own two; a Spitfire for my AR and a new PST II for my TikTac...Fortunately, I have not had to use their customer service or warranty, but I am glad to know they've got my 6 no matter what. :cool: