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10 Best Vortex Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,106
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13310 reviews

Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire II offers exceptional clarity and a crisp reticle, making it a standout in its price range.
Eye Relief
With great eye relief and minimal scope black eye ring, the Crossfire II ensures a full image view at both low and high power.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, with a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, is well-suited for individuals looking for a versatile and reliable scope for hunting or target shooting. One of its standout features is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which helps users make accurate shots at varying distances, addressing a common challenge of holdover estimation. Its long eye relief (3.8 inches) and forgiving eye box mean that even those who might struggle with eye placement can quickly acquire their target, making it user-friendly, especially for beginners or those new to shooting sports. Additionally, the fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and clear visuals, enhancing the shooting experience.

In terms of durability, the one-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum is designed to withstand shocks and impacts, providing confidence in its performance. The scope is also waterproof and fogproof, thanks to its O-ring seal and nitrogen purging, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

The product is backed by Vortex's impressive unlimited lifetime warranty, which lends substantial peace of mind.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,106
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13310 reviews

Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire II offers exceptional clarity and a crisp reticle, making it a standout in its price range.
Eye Relief
With great eye relief and minimal scope black eye ring, the Crossfire II ensures a full image view at both low and high power.
#2

Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes - EBR-2C (MOA) Tactical Reticle, Black

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
2165 reviews

Magnification
The glass quality is very nice and the magnification and zoom settings are great.
Parallax Adjustment
Provides premium options like parallax adjustment and easy on-the-fly adjustments.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope is designed for precision and long-range shooting, making it suitable for hunters and shooting enthusiasts. With a magnification range of 6-24x and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope offers a clear and bright sight picture, thanks to its extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses. The first focal plane reticle ensures accurate subtensions at all magnification levels, which is essential for long-range accuracy.

The precision-glide erector system allows smooth magnification changes even under harsh conditions, and the exposed turrets with a side parallax knob provide the necessary adjustments for long-range shooting. The scope is built to last with a single-piece 30mm tube that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, backed by Vortex's unlimited lifetime warranty that guarantees repair or replacement if the scope becomes damaged or defective.

On the downside, the scope has a slightly heavier weight of 1.5 pounds, which might be a consideration for those looking for a lighter setup. Additionally, the large size might not be ideal for all rifles or shooting situations. However, its robust construction and features make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize precision and durability in their scopes.

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
2165 reviews

Magnification
The glass quality is very nice and the magnification and zoom settings are great.
Parallax Adjustment
Provides premium options like parallax adjustment and easy on-the-fly adjustments.
#3

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MOA), black

Rating
9.4
Reticle
Tube Diameter
Eye Relief

Most important from
811 reviews

Reticle
Super sharp and clear at any range, the EBC-7C MRAD reticle allows for minimal clicking up for long-range shots.
Tube Diameter
The scope tube on the Viper is much thicker and more robust compared to the Venom.
Eye Relief
The Viper is far superior to the Venom with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an excellent illuminated reticle.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 is a versatile riflescope suitable for various shooting distances, making it a great option for hunters and precision shooters. Its 3-15x magnification range and 44mm objective lens allow for clear, detailed views from close to long range. The first focal plane EBR-7C reticle offers precise hold points without being overly cluttered, enhancing the shooting experience.

Additionally, the scope features laser-etched turrets, an adjustable parallax, and a fiber optic rotation indicator for easy adjustments and tracking, which is particularly beneficial for dialing in for drop and wind compensation. The extra-low dispersion glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses significantly improve resolution and color fidelity, while Armortek coatings protect against scratches, oil, and dirt, ensuring durability in various conditions. The scope is also waterproof and fogproof, thanks to O-ring sealing and argon purging, and its single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction provides a strong, durable platform.

The weight of 28.1 ounces could be a drawback for those needing lighter gear. Another limitation is the lack of night vision capability, which might be essential for some users. Despite these minor downsides, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II's unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty adds extra value and peace of mind for users.

Rating
9.4
Reticle
Tube Diameter
Eye Relief

Most important from
811 reviews

Reticle
Super sharp and clear at any range, the EBC-7C MRAD reticle allows for minimal clicking up for long-range shots.
Tube Diameter
The scope tube on the Viper is much thicker and more robust compared to the Venom.
Eye Relief
The Viper is far superior to the Venom with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an excellent illuminated reticle.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex Scopes

When choosing a Vortex scope, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure you get the best fit for your shooting or hunting activities. Vortex scopes are known for their quality and reliability, but different models offer various features that cater to different types of users. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and select a scope that enhances your shooting experience.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while medium magnification (5-12x) is suitable for mid-range shooting. High magnification (13x and above) is best for long-range shooting where precision is crucial. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance of your targets and the type of shooting you plan to do.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (40mm and above) allow more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low-light situations. Consider the lighting conditions you'll be shooting in and balance it with the weight and size you're comfortable with.
ReticleThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use and target shooting, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation, which is useful for long-range shooting. Illuminated reticles are beneficial in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Tube DiameterTube diameter refers to the thickness of the main body of the scope, typically measured in millimeters (e.g., 1 inch or 30mm). This spec is important because it affects the scope's durability and the amount of internal adjustment for windage and elevation. Larger tube diameters (30mm and above) generally offer more adjustment range and are more robust, making them suitable for long-range shooting and rough conditions. Smaller tubes (1 inch) are lighter and more compact, ideal for general use and hunting. Consider the type of shooting you do and the conditions you'll be in when choosing the tube diameter.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness, especially in hunting or tactical scenarios. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows it. Choose a scope with a FOV that matches your need for target tracking and awareness in your shooting environment.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This spec is crucial for comfort and safety, especially when using high-recoil firearms. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches and above) is better for high-recoil rifles and ensures you don't get hit by the scope. Shorter eye relief (below 3.5 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil firearms. Consider the type of firearm you use and your comfort level when selecting eye relief.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target image and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for precision shooting at varying distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment are beneficial for long-range shooting where accuracy is critical. If you primarily shoot at fixed distances, parallax adjustment may not be as necessary. Choose a scope with this feature if you need precise accuracy at different ranges.

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