Rifle Scopes Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

[dareposte]

I picked up a Vortex crossfire, 30mm IR, 6-24x50mm scope. I got it on Friday from SWFA and checked it out. Mounted it on my rifle, and ran through the paces with the laser bore-sighter to see what sort of interactions the elevation and windage had. The procedure is basically just put the boresighter in, aim it at the wall, and run the knobs through their paces looking for jumps or skips, and observing the interaction of the windage/elev adjustments.

So it turns out the top 30 MOA of elevation "clicked" on the turret, but failed to move the crosshairs. If I tapped the scope body pretty hard or jogged the windage knob half a turn and back, the crosshairs would slowly come up to where they should be. The last 15 MOA of up would "click" on the elevation knob but no amount of tapping or jogging the windage knobs would bring the crosshairs to where they should be.

Bummer, this is the 2nd new scope I've gotten in the past month with a significant defect. Both were fairly inexpensive optics for project or fun rifles, but by no means crap quality. Just some bad luck I guess. It does clearly illustrate the need to buy good top-end optics if you need to depend on them.

I'm sending it out on Monday to Vortex for warranty repair, just wanted to share my experience and see if anybody else has seen this happen, or has had a similar experience with Vortex optics? Vortex's reputation is pretty good, and I don't anticipate any problems with them making it right through the warranty service, their warranty is one of the best.

The rest of the scope seemed great, the glass is fairly bright up to about 18x, and not bad up to 24x. The AO and IR worked fine, and its a nice size and looks pretty good. If the turrets worked properly I'd be pretty thrilled with it, although the windage / elev seems to interact more than I'd care for. That's not a defect, just the way some scopes are.

 

[1979Wolf]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

have a coke and smile and STFU

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

what was the first?

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Racialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">have a coke and smile and STFU </div></div>

Cracked a beer, advice taken.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: seaaggie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what was the first? </div></div>

The first was a Millett TRS-1 I sent back to SWFA. They swapped it for a SuperSniper 16x and it works great.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

Okay seriously am I just being too picky here, or is this a legitimate problem? I know old scopes sometimes had these problems but I wouldn't have expected it from a new production target-turret scope. A little backlash, sure, but 30 MOA of no movement???

Whats the vote should I just live with it? Am I wrong to expect it to work right? Am I expecting too much? It has about 50 MOA of useful elevation, which is as much as some new scopes have.

I haven't had to tap and jiggle scopes to get the crosshairs to set since I scrapped the Simmons that came in a package rifle back in the mid 90's.

 

[tomme boy]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

Send it back

 

[targetterror]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

It sounds like you are not happy with the scope the way it is. It is also sounds like the scope is not supposed to be the way it is. Contact either Vortex of SWFA, and I'm sure they will make it right. Both have reknowned customer service.

 

[TORQ]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

im sure they will take care of it.

 

[One_Man]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TargetTerror</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It sounds like you are not happy with the scope the way it is. It is also sounds like the scope is not supposed to be the way it is. Contact either Vortex of SWFA, and I'm sure they will make it right. Both have reknowned customer service. </div></div>
+1

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

Sent it back to Vortex, thanks for the reality check. Having "problems" with multiple products over a short span of time makes me start to wonder if I'm being hypercritical or expecting too much. But it sounds like just bad luck.

 

[mis-guided child2]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

Same rings and base?
Same rifle?
Are the rings aligned? Lapped? Torqued properly?

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

Our favorite is the 4-16x50 AO.

As for the Crossfire series, we've had about 5 returns in the last year or so. These are budget priced Chinese made scopes and defects will be a fact of life there. That is managed and accepted risk. Vortex will make it right.

Scott

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

We are very sorry that you are having these issues. Definitely get a hold of us if you haven't already and we will get this taken care of. You can call me direct at 800-426-0048 ext 323





Thank you
Scott

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck with scopes - Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LibertyOptics</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Our favorite is the 4-16x50 AO.
As for the Crossfire series, we've had about 5 returns in the last year or so. These are budget priced Chinese made scopes and defects will be a fact of life there. That is managed and accepted risk. Vortex will make it right.
Scott </div></div>

I totally understand the cost of QC and how it affects price points. I don't mind playing QC inspector on occasion to get a decent optic at a low price, especially for a "fun" rifle.

Whats the approximate volume you sell of Crossfires? If you can't share I understand why but it would be helpful to know a ballpark figure. 5/20 returned is a lot, but 5/100 is possibly not too bad for that price range.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - Resolved

I sent the scope in to Vortex for repair, and they sent me a new one. Everything appears to work fine on the new one, so maybe it will be okay.

A++ customer service from vortex, quick turnaround and good communication. Too bad I needed to use it, but all things done it was fairly painless.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

OK, so I thought this was resolved since the new scope checked out fine with the bore-sighter. But after a range trip, the replacement Vortex sent me would not hold zero for more than about 2 shots.

Over the course of two boxes of ammo, I had to dial in nearly 22 moa of down elevation, just to keep it on paper. Two shots on target, then the third shot showed up 3-4" high. Dial down to compensate, one shot on target, next shot appears 4" high. It was ridiculous. I was starting to question my sanity, but the mounts and rings are a known good setup, verified with my SuperSniper. Everything was tight and torqued properly. It's definitely the scope :*(

I would have thought that for a warranty repair of an already defective scope, they'd make sure not to send out another defective one. I was wrong.

Moral of story: (you fill in the blank here)

 

[Bucksquirelly]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

I had very similar problems with 4 different scopes in the crossfire line. The first 2 were 4-12x40's with target turrets and the third and fourth were a 6-24 and a 8-32 respectively. They would be fine for the first few shots then they would start moving a few clicks after each shot, either the elevation turret or the windage turret depending on which scope it was. They were not mounted on a heavily recoiling rifle either, they were on a .225 Win. The customer service was outstanding though. When I called the first time I got a woman named Julie if i remember correctly and each subsequent call(7 or 8 calls) I dealt with the same person. The first time they sent me a new scope of the same model(4-12x40AO). After I called back with the same problem she offered to upgrade the scope for free or a certain amount of money depending on which scope I wanted. I opted for the 6-24x50ao for free. After the third time she again upgraded me to the next model in the crossfire line and again I had the same exact problem. I had to buy 30mm rings when I initially went with the 6-24 and they took the price of the rings off of the price of a new scope after I called back the 4th time with the same problem. They offered to give me a 6.5x20x44mm Viper for 50$ and of course I took the deal. I have not had any issues whatsoever with the viper and am very pleased with it. So in the end I ended up paying around 160$(price of the original 4-12 plus 50$) for a 6.5-20 viper plus the cost of reloading components for 60 or so rounds.

 

[_Shay_]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

Im taking a good look at the Viper. After reading this, Im really going with the Viper 6.5-20 mildot

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

I called Vortex today to see what they could do, and they seemed to be aware of some of the turret and zero holding "problems" with the crossfire line. It sounds like they are redesigning the Crossfire turrets to address some of the problems they've had, but won't have the new ones out for several months.

The customer service was excellent, and after talking about what I was wanting to do with the scope they agreed to upgrade me to the Viper 6.5-20x50 for just the difference in price, with a modest discount. Total cost to me (including initial and return shipping I had to pay) is about $448, so I guess it's a square deal in the end if the Viper lives up to it's reputation.

The CS guy seemed to have a lot more confidence in their Viper line than the Crossfire line, especially with any sort of higher recoiling rifle.

Overall it's been frustrating, but I'm happy Vortex has backed up their name.

When the Viper comes in I'll post an update, but from the reviews I've read on it I'm expecting a quality product.

 

[Bucksquirelly]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dareposte</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I called Vortex today to see what they could do, and they seemed to be aware of some of the turret and zero holding "problems" with the crossfire line. It sounds like they are redesigning the Crossfire turrets to address some of the problems they've had, but won't have the new ones out for several months.

The customer service was excellent, and after talking about what I was wanting to do with the scope they agreed to upgrade me to the Viper 6.5-20x50 for just the difference in price, with a modest discount for my trouble.

The CS guy seemed to have a lot more confidence in their Viper line than the Crossfire line, especially with any sort of higher recoiling rifle.

Overall it's been frustrating, but I'm happy Vortex has backed up their name.

When the Viper comes in I'll post an update, but from the reviews I've read on it I'm expecting a quality product. </div></div>

Yeah that's is exactly what they did for me as well. Being as I went through as much trouble as I did they gave me a pretty hefty discount. I can say without a doubt that the offer they gave me and the great service is the only reason I currently own a Vortex product and will buy another. I was kinda surprised as well when I starting asking technical questions about the scopes and the CS rep(a woman no less) actually knew what I was talking about and had answers for me immediately.
Its good to hear they are addressing the issue. The CS rep wouldn't say anything damning about the crossfire line but I got the feeling she knew very well the problems they were having. With that kind of support and care for their customers I'm expecting Vortex to be around for at least a little while.
I went through something similar with a Burris scope.Sent it back for repair twice with the same problem and still it is not fixed. I'm reasonably convinced Burris never even opened the box either time I sent it back. I have called them 6 times and wont be calling a 7'th. Looks like I have a 400$ Burris paper weight.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

Bucksquirrely - thanks for your post earlier, it gave me the idea to ask them if they'd swap it for a Viper. I'm not sure the CS guy would have offered, as it could be interpreted as a bait-n-switch tactic if they started pushing higher priced optics when their lower ones failed to perform. He seemed plenty pleased that I asked though and was willing to do quite a bit for me.

 

[dougm58]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

I think you will like the Viper. I have one like the one you're getting and couldn't be happier. It's a great value at its price point.

 

[TheGWP]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

I also purchased a Vortex crossfire, 30mm IR, 6-24x50mm scope last week. When it arrived it had debris on the inside of one of the lenses. They happily sent me a new one, but it left me wondering what kind of QC they have. At least I know how to use the iron sights if needed.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheGWP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also purchased a Vortex crossfire, 30mm IR, 6-24x50mm scope last week. When it arrived it had debris on the inside of one of the lenses. They happily sent me a new one, but it left me wondering what kind of QC they have. At least I know how to use the iron sights if needed. </div></div>

Definitely do due dilligence checking it for proper operation. Hope you got a good one.

 

[Bucksquirelly]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dareposte</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheGWP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also purchased a Vortex crossfire, 30mm IR, 6-24x50mm scope last week. When it arrived it had debris on the inside of one of the lenses. They happily sent me a new one, but it left me wondering what kind of QC they have. At least I know how to use the iron sights if needed. </div></div>

Definitely do due dilligence checking it for proper operation. Hope you got a good one. </div></div>


If I was a betting man I'd have money on the fact its probably not. I got 4 bad ones in a row with the same problem, what are the chances of that?

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (NOT!) Resolved

I got the replacement Viper in today, and have it mounted now. Very solid feeling scope. Initial impression is that it's much higher quality than the crossfire.

I checked it all out with the boresighter and ran the knobs through the paces, and the knobs are pretty good. Even maxed out on elevation there is about 8MOA of useful windage available.

The clicks appeared to be true and track straight, with no slow spots or jumping around.

The Viper scopes only have 68 MOA of total elevation advertised, and mine had 69 MOA. I have it on a one-piece Leupold LR base which I shimmed to get 56 MOA up / 14 down, which is plenty for a 308.

The knobs are pretty cool on the Viper too, to reset them to zero just pull up and rotate them to zero. They're covered so it's not much of a concern that they'd move on their own in the field.

It fits on a Rem700 Varmint contour / Leupold Std base / Medium rings just about perfect over the bore. The objective lense housing is smaller than most 50mm scopes I've had so it makes for a nice tight fit over the bore.

I'll have it out to test at the range tomorrow, so I'm hoping the initial impressions of good quality and proper function won't turn out to be fantasy.

 

[dareposte]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (FINALL!) Resolved

Wow the Viper is a pretty darn good scope.

I ran it from 100-210-330-400 yds and back about 20 times today, and it didn't miss any at all. The tracking was dead nuts on with my range card and agreed with my DOPE from my supersniper. The glass is even pretty good. A world of improvement from the Crossfire, no doubt.

I was expecting a lot from it, but it managed to even surpass what I was hoping for. Vortex is definitely GTG.

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (FINALL!) Resolved

Im glad everyone ignored this dude in the beginning, frankly Im surprised....but Ill tell you this Racialist, why dont you take your own advice and STFU.....or are you another one that thinks you are "senior enough" to give this kind of BULL SHIT to the newer members....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Racialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">have a coke and smile and STFU</div></div>

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (FINALL!) Resolved

Now, I wanted to bump this back to the top because I would like to know if they have fixed the turret issue or not.

 

[z71rat]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (FINALL!) Resolved

I have absolutely no doubt that Vortex will make this right. That is what great customer service companies do. Case in point as to why I will be purchasing a Vortex in the very near future.

On the other hand, Racialist will be ignored from here on out... longrange****, I stand by you on this one. This kind of crap is totally uncalled for under any circumstance.

DK

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Bad luck Vortex Crossfire - (FINALL!) Resolved

It just gets old, Back when we joined the Hide this dude would have been burned at the stake.....