Lesson learned

[Idgunner]

I have three varmint rifles that I put good scopes on. The first one has a Burris XTR-II 4-20, the second has a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25, the last one is graced with a Nightforce NX8 4-32. All three are MOA and FFP. I've always had issues with the Vortex not being clear at max power and the paralax/focus not worth much past 400 yards. After shooting both the Vortex and the Nightforce side by side at 600 yards I realized that I've settled for extreme mediocrity with the Vortex. Just so you know I have a pair of Vortex Fury binos that I really like and a Vortex Viper spotting scope that made me wonder why I didn't buy one sooner, so I'm not a Vortex hater. I'm going to sell the Viper PST and put the money toward another Nightforce scope for that second rifle. That Nightforce is as clear as my spotting scope.

 

[Agmldavis]

The Vortex is a price point scope. It is a great starter scope but not on par with glass. A Gen 1 razor is sub $1000 and has amazing glass. I've had the NX8. That glass is nice (like the older NXS line) but still behind Gen 2 Vortex HD glass and the ATACR line. So I understand, but the $700 Vortex is at a disadvantage to the others in pricing (quality) but is a super scope for the starter or someone on a budget. I still shoot one on one of my competition guns as a backup.