Re: Vortex scopes-Really that good or just the new fad
I bought two scopes last week, a 3-9X42 Super Sniper and a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X44. I bought the SS for a M1a Match and the Viper for a RRA 24" Varmint rifle. I'm waiting on mounts for the RRA so I put the vortex on a HK91 and the SS on the M1a and went to the dessert yesterday. I am very pleased with both scopes. I had problems with the base on the HK and could not get the rifle zeroed. However both scopes passed a box test. The Viper has the better optics IMO. I brought an unmounted older 6.5-20X40 VIII Leupold just to compare it to the Viper. The scopes are very close in optical quality to my eye. Hopefully I will get the Viper mounted this week on the RRA and I'll mount the Leupold on something and compare them in the field soon. I plan on taking a resolution chart.
There may be a Fad element to all the Vortex attention. But based on what I've seen I will be buying at least one PST. Durability testing can only come with time for me. I'm not going to abuse a scope to see if it can take it. But looking through the Viper all I can say is Wow. My eyes are 50 years old but they don't lie to me. This scope cost me less than half what the Leupold did and their aint $600.00 difference between them. Same power, roughly the same size, both 30mm tubes, both are side focus, very comparable view, both have positive click adjustments and both have similar warranties. If the durability is there, whats not to like?
By the way the Super Sniper has found a permanent home on my M1a Match. This is my first FFP mil/mil scope and I'm in love. This scope offers excellent value. The knob are a little stiff but the clicks are easy to feel. It is not mushy like my 10X SS. Glass is good, a little better than my 10X SS.
For what its worth the new American Eagle 168g OTM load is a keeper as well. After zeroing I was shooting steel so I did not measure any groups but head shots on 3/4 scale IPSC steel targets at 400 yards were no problem
