Vortex Viper Gen2 Problems

[DannC]

I have returned my original Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 because of the nearly impossible to turn the illumination ring and the magnification ring was so stiff that moving from low magnification to high tilted the Ruger PR [15 lbs.] off the bipod.
Took three weeks and they sent me a new [factory sealed] replacement. It is as bad as the first one and have called customer support with no response.
Can anyone tell me that this is normal and with in spec?

 

[hlee]

I don't know if what you are describing is normal or within spec for vortex scopes. I have 3 and they are all stiff, but not enough to be bothersome. What I can say is that torquing down the ring screws too tight on a Leupold scope I have caused the mag dial to be too stiff. Is the dial as stiff off the scope as it is mounted?

 

[DannC]

Yes they are. Tested before I mounted the replacement and only torqued the scope mount screws to fifteen pounds, less than the recommended eighteen pounds. I have a cattail on the mag ring.
The magnification ring I can almost live with, but the illumination dial requires me to stand and put a full fist on it to move. I have not yet needed the illumination but it is impossible to move when seated or prone.
I have two other Vortex scopes that while they are stiff are not impossible to turn.
Took Vortex thirteen days to acknowledge receipt of the return and only one day to ship replacement. I don't think they even tested the old scope and simply sent a replacement. I hope customer service will return my call to hear that this normal, cannot believe it is.
Also read a thread I believe in SH about others who had similar problems but did not read of the results after returning for repair.

 

[308pirate]

Whether or not that stiffness meets "Vortex's specs" is irrelevant. I would not accept it and would demand a full refund from Vortex (not from the seller).

 

[hlee]

That's definitely stiffer than the adjustments on my vortex scopes. The illumination knob placement is a bit awkward to use, but not especially difficult to manipulate. A cat tail would surely make the use of the mag knob faster, but I'm not cranking through the magnification on the clock, so "a little stiff" doesn't hurt. But as 308pirate said, if it doesn't feel right, it isn't right- regardless of "specifications." I guess you get to test the vaunted vortex warranty...

 

[Beneviolence]

my razor gen2 (4.5-27) was absurdly stiff in the magnification ring. I've heard they loosen up over time. My gen1 pst (6-24) is quite a bit easier to spin but still stiffer than my "lower quality" scopes.

 

[DannC]

Vortex has asked me to send in my replacement scope and they assure me that a technician will inspect it . I fear they will say it meets specifications and to live with it. 308 Pirate suggested I demand a refund directly from Vortex which I asked and was quickly told that they would make it right and they did not refund monies paid to their dealers.
I have also called the seller and explained my problem. He has agreed to take the scope back and give full credit towards a higher priced scope of my choice. The Vortex Viper HD 5-20x50 is the only thing he carries that I would be interested in [Out of Stock]. Another $700.00 plus I will not be able to use my 30mm mount, scope level and throw lever, $300,00 more dollars down this rabbit hole.
It has been four weeks since I have been unable to shoot my rifle and that sucks to think it would be at least that long if I return it for service or wait for the Razor to be in stock.
The customer support person I spoke to said they could put lighter grease in the illumination and mag ring to allow them to move more easily. Anyone heard of this Mickey Mouse fix? Also on another item is how soft and nearly silent the clicks are on the elevation turret as compared to the windage. Is this also normal?
What do you guys think of the Razor HD? I never thought that the PST would be the ultimate scope for LR when I bought the rifle six months ago, but I thought it would be a good compliment to a $1,200.00 rifle during my learning curve.
Now I see Ruger PR selling for $899.00 new and I am having to spend another $1,000.00 to $1,200.00 [35mm stuff an't cheap] to have something that works.
I need my meds and I am going to bed right after I kick the dog. Thanks everyone for you advice and help. DannC

 

[fdkay]

Yes they are. Tested before I mounted the replacement and only torqued the scope mount screws to fifteen pounds, less than the recommended eighteen pounds. I have a cattail on the mag ring.
The magnification ring I can almost live with, but the illumination dial requires me to stand and put a full fist on it to move. I have not yet needed the illumination but it is impossible to move when seated or prone.
I have two other Vortex scopes that while they are stiff are not impossible to turn.
Took Vortex thirteen days to acknowledge receipt of the return and only one day to ship replacement. I don't think they even tested the old scope and simply sent a replacement. I hope customer service will return my call to hear that this normal, cannot believe it is.
Also read a thread I believe in SH about others who had similar problems but did not read of the results after returning for repair.

when you say 15 pounds, you ARE talking lb-ins and not lb-ft right?
I had a demo 3-15.
The illumination was a real bitch to turn, as was the ocular focus. The mag ring was smooth and just about the right amount of resistance.
The PST II had better glass and clicks than the XTR II it was compared to, but everything on the XTR II worked as it should have.

 

[fdkay]

Gen 1 razor or Gen 2?
Both are excellent and in a whole different class than the PST.
Mile High has an excellent sale on the Gen 1 razor in a Spuhr mount, for 1699.00. Impossible to beat.
However, have you considered the Bushnell LRTSi or DMR II?
Athlon Cronus, Primary Arms Platinum or Sightmark Pinnacle?
All are high quality Japanese made scopes.

 

[DannC]

I am talking about inch/pounds as my Wheeler torgue wrench only goes to 65 in/lbs..
I have not even mentioned how difficult the ocular adjustment is to turn as this is a set it and forget it. It is on par with the illumination ring.
At a price of 1699.00 for the Razor it is a Gen1. I don't like that I would be giving up 5x more magnification for a about $1000 to $1200 more either.
I had originally looked at the Bushnell but decided that the Vortex had more features and magnification that I need for my poor eye sight.
I am at the point that I may just take the battery out of the illumination and forgetting that it should have this feature and just go shoot it until something does break. The one vertical tracking test that I performed [on the original scope] showed that is was tracking to the left about one and half inches over thirty six inches at one hundred yards.
I also see the reality of those that disparage Vortex's excellent customer support/repair is because they have so much experience with these "budget" optics.

 

[fdkay]

Keep in mind the superior glass and coatings of the Gen 1 razor will have a tremendous effect on resolution and clarity.
You can make out far greater detail with better clarity and resolution with good glass at a lower magnification top end than you can with middle of the road glass and higher magnification.

 

[trob_205]

Hmm the ones I’ve ever played with were on the tight side but def not usable. Sucks that that is happening to you.

The 5-20 is an excellent choice tho. I always tell people if they can swing the extra they are worth it.

 

[j741]

What were changes from HD to HD II? Seems there were big changes in the PST from Gen 1 to Gen II? Same for Razor?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

So you bought an optic that sucks, sent it in and got it replacement that also sucks, and the only optic your dealer can get that that you'd want is another product from the same company that brought you the turd you already have? That's insane. The Gen 1 Razors are also plagued with tracking problems and have had plenty of failures as well. I experience that myself with one.

In the same price range is the Bushnell DMR 2 an HDMR 2 and unlike Vortex they offer a money back guarantee if you don't like it. They also have a much better track record IMO.