Where Are Vortex Riflescopes Made?

By Teodor Štimec Nov 21, 2021

Introduction

Vortex Optics is an American brand of sport optics that manufactures riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, monoculars, red dot sights, range finding devices, and related accessories. Vortex products are designed to be used in multiple outdoor activities, including hunting, bird watching, nature observation, and similar outdoor sports. Tactical rifle scopes from Vortex are especially popular among law enforcement agencies, border control, and special armed forces.

History

Like other US-based optics brands, Vortex Optics does not have a long history of producing rifle scopes. The company was established in the form of a small retail store called Wild Birds Unlimited, in Middleton, Wisconsin, in 1986. The store mainly sold a variety of bird feed along with a selection of binoculars designed for bird watching. Founders Daniel C. Hamilton and Margie Hamilton kept their business customer-centric and provided personalized service to avid bird watchers and nature lovers. Since its inception, the company has been proudly owned by the Hamiltons and their successors.

The owners kept a number of binoculars of various brands at their store. While the sales of binoculars were satisfactory, the mechanical design and optical performance of binoculars of that time compared to today put the owners off. The absence of optical coatings in most binoculars, heavy design, shorter eye reliefs, cheap construction, and ineffective waterproofing capability were some of the main complaints raised by customers. Although many of these problems were sorted out by European manufacturers, such as Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski, their sophisticated products were available at a premium price which most potential customers were unwilling to spend.

Eagle Optics

Seeing a rising demand for high-quality binoculars, the founders purchased bulk quantities of binoculars from various international brands and marketed them to local businesses in the US and Canada under their own branding, called Eagle Optics. The brand became amazingly popular among bird watchers and hunters across North America and over 300 stores in major cities and regions were established for the distribution and after-sales services of Eagle Optics products. At one point, the company even advised top sport optics manufacturers about which features were high-in-demand and which products were liked by the masses.

Vortex Optics and Rifle Scopes

While the reselling business proved to be successful, the owners decided to establish a new OEM business by the name Vortex Optics alongside their previous venture. Established in 2002, Vortex Optics initially focused on the manufacturing of binoculars that were tailored to comprise the most-demanded features by hunters and bird watchers.

In the following years, several optical products were added to the product line, including riflescopes, spotting scopes, range finders, and red dot sights. Eagle Optics had a large fan following around the world and most of them became loyal customers to Vortex Optics. This is one of the reasons that a new brand gained a large following and sales numbers in just a few years. Another reason that is behind the brand’s success is its unbeatable lifetime warranty. Since optics devices are susceptible to damage after continuous use over the years, a lifetime warranty provides reassurance of high built quality and a renewed sense of confidence to customers.

Production Facilities

The Vortex rifle scopes are produced in Japan, China, the Philippines, and the United States.

Barneveld, Wisconsin, United States (Headquarters)

The company headquarters of Vortex Optics is located in a small village called Barneveld in the state of Wisconsin, United States. Most of the operations carried out at the location are related to design, supply chain, and marketing, however, one high-end model of Vortex rifle scopes, Razor® HD AMG, is currently manufactured at the location. Until 2018, the headquarters were located in Madison, Wisconsin, but the decision to relocate was inspired by the possibility of in-house production of premium riflescopes, binoculars, and range-finding devices.

The new head office was initially thought to occupy an area of 6 hectares, but the management decided to acquire the entire 60 hectares park area to house a large office and production floor, as well as, several on-site facilities for employees, such as combined daycare and preschool center. Other attractions at the site include a product showroom that showcases all the products currently offered by the company. Two indoor shooting ranges have also been established where quality inspectors, as well as potential customers, can use and test Vortex rifle scopes. The Barneveld facility currently employs a workforce of 300 people.

The previous setting in Madison had small offices and no place for in-house production. To rectify this problem, the main office building and workshop at the Barneveld location are spread over an area of 24200 square m to accommodate wide-open offices and state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture premium-quality products.

Japan

Most of the high-quality rifle scope models from Vortex Optics, including Golden Eagle HD, Razor® HD, Razor® HD LH, and Razor® HD Gen II-E riflescopes, are produced in Japan. In addition, Japan-made lenses and other components are used in other rifle scope variants, especially the Vortex Razor® HD AMG that is made in the US. Products made in Japan are full of high-end features and are offered at a high price compared to other models.

China

Factories in China produce optics products for a number of brands in the US and Europe, and Vortex Optics is no exception. Presently, three rifle scope series are produced in China along with binoculars, spotting scopes, and red dot sights. The Chinese production facilities are being supervised by Japanese optics experts, which is necessary to ensure a consistent product quality and timely delivery of products for onward distribution to North America. Riflescopes models currently produced in China are Crossfire II, Diamondback, and Diamondback Tactical.

Philippines

The entire Viper series of rifle scopes from Vortex Optics is produced in the Philippines. The labor and production costs in the Philippines are comparatively low, therefore, the most affordable rifle scope variants are produced there to benefit from low manufacturing costs in order to keep the prices low. Viper, Viper HS, Viper HS LR, Viper HST, and Viper PST Gen II riflescopes are all produced in the Philippines.

Series Origin

Below is a categorized list of all Vortex rifle scopes according to their origin of production:

Made in China

The following series of rifle scopes from Vortex Optics are made in China:

Crossfire® II Series

The Crossfire® II series from Vortex Optics is an affordable line of rifle scopes that are designed with several features usually found on premium rifle scopes. Over 14 variants of Crossfire II riflescopes are offered by the company, which are made for a range of shooting applications, including but not limited to hunting and sports shooting.

Primary features of the series include fully multi-coated optical elements, long eye relief, capped MOA turrets with resettable zero, elevation/windage adjustment, illuminated reticle (some models), a fast-focus eyepiece, a one-piece tube made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, anodized matte finish, and Nitrogen-filled waterproofing with O-ring seals.

The following variants of the Crossfire® II series are currently offered by Vortex:

Crossfire® II 6-24×50 AO

The Crossfire® II 6-24×50 AO is reasonably-priced rifle scope that is well-suited for medium to long-range hunting and sports shooting competitions. The scope comes in two reticle options, Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA), and features an adjustable objective system for parallax adjustment. The main specifications include 6-24X magnification, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 5.2-1.3 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 9.1 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 40/40 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 30 mm main tube.

Crossfire® II 2-7×32 Crossbow Kit

Design primarily for crossbow hunting, the Crossfire® II 2-7×32 is an ultra-compact scope that features dual reticle illumination for low-light hunting. Equipped with the XBR-2 (MOA) reticle, this scope is perfect for accurate holdovers from 20 to 91 m. Features include 2-7X magnification, 32 mm objective, a field of view of 17.5-5 m/91 m, 6.8 cm eye relief, parallax fixed at 67 m, capped low-profile turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 160/160 MOA with a click value of ½ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube.

Crossfire® II 4-16×50 AO

Fitted with Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) reticle, the 4-16×50 variant of the Crossfire® II series is a multi-purpose rifle scope that does wonders in medium to long-range hunting and precision sports shooting. 4-16X magnification range, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 7.6-1.1 m /91 m, 9.4 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 23 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 30 mm main tube are some of the main features of this scope.

Crossfire® II 3-12×56 AO

If you are looking for a multipurpose hunting riflescope in the affordable price bracket, the Crossfire® II 3-12×56 AO is the device for you. Featuring a large 56 mm objective and illuminated V-Brite (MOA) reticle, the scope is purposely designed for low light hunting situations and also works effortlessly in targeting game animals at short to medium range. Main specifications are 3-12X magnification, a field of view of 11.2-2.8 m/91 m, 8.9 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 9.1 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube.

Crossfire® II 6-18×44 AO

With a 6-18X magnification range and a 44 mm objective, this Crossfire® II variant offers multiple exciting features to give you the right confidence out there in the field, whether it is hunting or shooting competitions. The main features include 3X optical zoom, a field of view of 4.6-1.6 m/91 m, 9.4 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 9.1 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA), V-Brite (MOA), and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 1-4×24

The Crossfire® II 1-4×24 is a compact rifle scope that is best-suited for 3-gun competitions, driven hunting, and stalking. The true 1X zoom and illuminated reticle allow shooters to use this scope as a red dot sight when the situation calls for it, which means one less item to carry. Primary specifications include 1-4X magnification, 24 mm objective, a field of view of 29.3-7.3 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, parallax fixed at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 100/100 MOA with a click value of ½ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube. The device is available in V-Brite (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA) reticle options.

Crossfire® II 4-12×50 AO

Well-suited for hunting and sports shooting, the Crossfire® II 4-12×50 features a large 50 mm objective and 12 X magnification for acquiring close to medium-range targets with ease. The main features of this scope are 4-12X magnification, 50 mm objective, and a field of view of 7.8-2.6 m/91 m, 9.9 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 9.1 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with ¼ MOA click, and 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 4-12×40 AO

Equipped with multiple high-end features, the Crossfire® II 4-12×40 AO is designed to exceed the performance of other hunting/sports rifle scopes in the same price bracket. Main features include 4-12X magnification, 40 mm objective, a field of view of 7.5-2.6 m/91 m, 9.9 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 9.1 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 4-12×44

The Crossfire® II 4-12×44 is an economical rifle scope that is optimized for medium to long-range hunting and shooting competitions. The scope includes multiple features, such as a 3X optical zoom, long eye relief, fast focus eyepiece, and fully multi-coated lenses, which are tough to find in similarly-priced products from other brands. Other attributes include 4-12X magnification, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 7.5-2.6 m/91 m, 9.9 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA), and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 3-9×50

The Crossfire® II 3-9×50 is an inexpensive rifle scope for short to medium-range hunting and competition shooting. Fitted with a 3X optical zoom and fully multi-coated 50 mm objective, the low light performance of this scope is amazing. The main aspects are 3-9X magnification, a field of view of 9.7-3.9 m/91 m, 9.6 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with adjustments of ¼ MOA, and a 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA), V-Brite (MOA), and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 3-9×40

When a large objective is not required, the 3-9×40 Crossfire® II series rifle scope is perfect for acquiring close to medium-range hunting and sports targets during the daytime. Primary specifications include 3X optical zoom, 3-9X magnification, 40 mm objective, a field of view of 10.4-3.8 m/91 m, 9.6 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA), V-Brite (MOA), and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 2-7×32

For shooting adventures that include close-range hunting or shooting, the Crossfire® II 2-7×32 rifle scope can be the perfect companion for your scoping needs. Some of the features of this riflescope are 2-7X magnification, 32 mm objective, a field of view of 12.8-3.8 m/91 m, 9.9 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 2.5 cm main tube. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Crossfire® II 2-7×32 Scout Scope

Optimized for hunters who use Scout rifles, the Crossfire® II 2-7×32 Scout Scope is a compact rifle scope that enhances the shooting accuracy of these rifles. The scope comes fitted with the V-Plex (MOA) reticle and features s 2-7X magnification range, 32 mm objective, a field of view of 5.6-1.6 m/91 m, 24 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 2.5 cm main tube.

Crossfire® II 2-7×32 Rimfire

Compact, Nitrogen-purged waterproofing, and fully multi-coated optics, the Crossfire® II 2-7×32 is perfect for short-range hunting and stalking using Rimfire rifles. Its main specifications include 2-7X magnification, 32 mm objective, a field of view of 12.8-3.8 m/91 m, V-Plex (MOA) reticle, 9.9 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with gradual adjustments of ¼ MOA, and a 2.5 cm main tube.

Diamondback® Series

The Diamondback® is another line of highly affordable rifle scopes from Vortex Optics that are light on the pocket but not so much on the list of features. Designed with aircraft-grade Aluminum alloy and Argon-purged waterproofing, the scopes are designed to be compact and yet withstand medium-to-large calibres with ease even in the most demanding of hunting situations. The series provides excellent value for money, therefore if you are looking for a budget-friendly rifle scope, the Diamondback® scopes will not disappoint.

Primary features of the Diamondback® series are fully multi-coated lenses, 3X optical zoom, second focal plane reticle, elevation/windage adjustment, capped and resettable turrets, Precision-Glide Erector System, and fast focus eyepiece. The construction features of the series include a 2.5 cm main tube, single-piece construction, anodized matte finish, and Argon-purged fog and waterproofing.

The series is available in five exciting variants: 4-12×40, 3.5-10×50, 3-9×40, 2-7×35, and 1.75-5×32:

Diamondback® 4-12×40

The Diamondback® 4-12×40 is a medium to long-range riflescope that is best suited for a range of activities, especially stalking and sports shooting. 4-12X magnification range, 40 mm objective, a field of view of 9.9-3.4 m/91 m, 7.8 cm of eye relief, parallax fixed at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA are the standard attributes of this scope. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Diamondback® 3.5-10×50

The Diamondback® 3.5-10×50 is a reasonably-priced rifle scope that is ideal for close to medium-range hunting, including stalking, stand hunting, and mountain hunting. The rifle scope works effortlessly in low light environments thanks to its large 50 mm objective which captures enough light during dawn and twilight hours. The main aspects of this scope are 3X optical zoom, 3.5-10X magnification, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 10.9-4.2 m/91 m, 8.4 cm eye relief, parallax fixed at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 65/65 MOA with a ¼ MOA click. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Diamondback® 3-9×40

The Diamondback® 3-9×40 is another short-to-medium range rifle scope that is designed for stalking and medium-sized game hunting, especially boar and fox hunting. The riflescope packs a 3-9X magnification, 3X optical zoom, 40 mm objective, a field of view of 13.6-4.5 m/91 m, 8.4 cm eye relief, parallax fixed at 91 m, and elevation/windage adjustment of 70/70 MOA with adjustments of ¼ MOA. Reticle options include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Diamondback® 2-7×35 Rimfire

Designed for Rimfire rifles, the Diamondback® 2-7×35 is a compact rifle scope from Vortex Optics that is best-suited for short-range hunting, especially stalking and high-seat hunting. Some of the primary attributes of this scope include 2-7X magnification range, 35 mm objective, a field of view of 19.6-5.8 m/91 m, 7.8 cm of eye relief, parallax fixed at 46 m, and elevation/windage adjustment of 100/100 MOA with a ¼ MOA click. The 2-7×35 comes features the V-Plex (MOA) scope on the second focal plane.

Diamondback® 1.75-5×32

The Diamondback® 1.75-5×32 is a highly compact rifle scope that is optimized for stalking and hunting in dense vegetation. The scope works perfectly with rimfire rifles or airguns as long as the targets are located at a short distance. The main specifications of the 1.75-5X scope are 1.75-32X magnification range, 32 mm objective, a field of view of 20.8-7 m/91 m, 8.9 cm of eye relief, parallax fixed at 91 m, and elevation/windage adjustment of 125/125 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA. Reticle options for this scope include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and V-Plex (MOA).

Diamondback® Tactical Series

The Diamondback® Tactical series from Vortex Optics is basically the tactical version of the ultra-popular Diamondback® series. Known for high durability, satisfactory optical performance, and an overall high value-for-money, the series offers several outstanding features which are rarely seen in scopes under $500. The Diamond Tactical series is designed for engaging tactical targets as well as performing in medium to long-range sports shooting competitions.

The main features of the series are XD™ Lens Elements with full multi-coating, a non-illuminated reticle in first focal plane Reticle, Glass-Etched Reticle, tactical turrets, elevation/windage adjustment, parallax adjustment (except 4-12×40 variant), Precision-Glide Erector System, Fast Focus Eyepiece, a single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, Hard Anodized Finish, and Nitrogen-purged waterproofing.

The Diamond® Tactical series is available in the following three optical configurations:

Diamondback® Tactical 6-24×50

The Diamondback® Tactical 6-24×50 is the perfect scope for engaging targets over the 914 m mark. Without breaking the bank, the riflescope offers brilliant optical and turret performance along with a list of useful features, such as exposed tactical turrets and parallax adjustment from 9.1 m to infinity. Features include 6-24X magnification, 4X optical zoom, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 5.4-1.4 m/91 m, 9.9 cm of eye relief, high-profile tactical turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 65/65 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include EBR-2C (MOA) and EBR-2C (MRAD) in the first focal plane. If you are a new shooter or looking for a high-value scope for your secondary rifle, this is the right scope at the right price.

Diamondback® Tactical 4-16×44

An outstanding rifle scope from Vortex, the Diamondback® Tactical 4-16×44 is designed to take on targets in medium to long-range distances. Priced reasonably for the performance it provides, the scope features a 4X optical zoom, 4-16X magnification range, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 8.2-2 m/91 m, 9.6 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 18.3 to infinity, tall exposed tactical turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 85/85 MOA with a ¼ MOA click value, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include EBR-2C (MOA) and EBR-2C (MRAD) in the first focal plane. Whether it is tactical shooting or sports shooting competitions, the Diamondback name will not disappoint.

Diamondback® Tactical 4-12×40

The Diamondback® Tactical 4-12×40 is an excellent rifle scope for acquiring medium to long-range tactical and sports shooting at affordable pricing. Primary attributes of the scope are 3X zoom, 3-12X magnification, 40 mm objective, a field of view of 7.2-2.4 m/91 m, 9.9 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, exposed tactical turrets with resettable zero, elevation/windage adjustment of 70/70 MOA with a ¼ MOA adjustment click, and a 2.5 cm main tube. This riflescope comes with the VMR-1 (MOA) reticle in the second focal plane. The scope is ideal for newbies who might want to use it with their training rifles.

Made in the Philippines

The following Viper series riflescopes are sourced from the Philippines:

Viper® 6.5-20×50 PA SFP

If you are looking for premium features in a reasonably-priced rifle scope, the Viper 6.5-20×50 PA SFP is the scope for you. The scope is equipped with 6.5-20X magnification and features a large 50 mm objective, which makes it an ideal scope for a number of hunting applications, particularly low light hunting, mountain hunting, stand hunting, and long-range hunting.

Primary features of the scope are XD™ Lens Elements, XR™ Fully Multi-Coating, second focal plane reticle, a field of view of 5.3-1.8 m/91 m, eye relief of 7.8 cm, parallax adjustment from 46 m to infinity, a fast-focus eyepiece, capped turrets, MAG-Bar, one-piece 30 mm main tube made of aviation-grade Aluminum, ArmorTek® coating, anodized finish, and Nitrogen-purged waterproofing. Elevation/windage adjustment for this scope is available at 65/65 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA. Reticle options for the scope include Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) and MIL-Dot (MOA).

Viper® HS Series

The Viper HS from Vortex Optics is a series of all-rounder rifle scopes that are optimized for competition shooting and multiple hunting methods, including but not limited to stalking, high-seat hunting, and mountain hunting. The characteristic features of the series are 4X optical zoom, generous eye box, second focal plane reticle, and robust design, which are a rare find in this price range. If you are keen on getting a high optical performance for your hunting needs without breaking the bank, look no further than Viper HS.

Additional attributes of the Viper HS series are XD™ Lens Elements, XR™ Fully Multi-Coating, 4X optical zoom, a fast-focus eyepiece, capped reset turrets, MAG-View Fibre Optic, elevation/windage adjustment, one-piece 30 mm main tube made of aviation-grade Aluminum, ArmorTek® coating, hard-anodized finish, Argon-purged waterproofing, and Precision-Glide Erector System.

The Viper HS series is available in the following variants:

Viper® HS 4-16×50

The Viper® HS 4-16×50 is an outstanding hunting rifle scope with several outstanding features that will turn your hunting expedition into a memorable experience, all in an affordable price bracket. Ideal for medium to long-range hunting, the scope offers high optical quality along with a robust design to increase your confidence and subsequently, the first-shot accuracy. 4-16X magnification, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 8.3-2.2 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 46 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube are some of the main features of this scope. Reticle options include V-Plex (MOA) and Dead-Hold BDC in the second focal plane.

Viper® HS 4-16×44

The Viper® HS 4-16×44 is a multipurpose rifle scope that is designed to take on hunting targets in the medium to long-range bracket. Equipped with 4X optical zoom and 44 mm objective, the scope is ideal for a range of hunting types, especially stalking, big game hunting, and varminting. Other attributes of this scope include 4-16X magnification range, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 8.3-2.2 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 46 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include V-Plex (MOA) and Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) in the second focal plane.

Viper® HS 2.5-10×44

The Viper® HS 2.5-10×44 is an excellent telescopic sight for acquiring short to medium-range targets when hunting and shooting for fun. If you are looking for a budget-friendly scope for stalking and high-seat hunting, look no further. Specifications include 2.5-10X magnification range, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 14.3-3.3 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, fixed parallax at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 86/86 MOA with click adjustments of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include V-Plex (MOA) and Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) in the second focal plane.

Viper® HSLR™ Series

The Viper® HSLR™ series is designed to perform in long-range shooting scenarios thanks to the 4X optical zoom and large 50 mm objective. The HSLR in the name is short for Hunting, Shooting, and Long Range, which means the rifle scopes in this series are fit for use for a range of applications, especially mountain hunting, high-seat hunting, night hunting, and long-range hunting. The series features a target-style elevation turret with optimal adjustments for dealing with bullet drop over long distances, so your shots are always accurate no matter how far the target is.

The Viper® HSLR™ series is equipped with XD™ Lens Elements, XR™ Fully Multi-Coating, 4X optical zoom, first focal plane reticle, a fast-focus eyepiece, MAG-View Fibre Optic, elevation/windage adjustment, CRS™ Zero Stop, one-piece 30 mm main tube made of aviation-grade Aluminum, ArmorTek® coating, hard-anodized finish, Argon-purged waterproofing, and a Precision-Glide Erector System.

The series is available in the following two variants:

Viper® HSLR™ 6-24×50 FFP

The Viper® HSLR 6-24×50 is an outstanding companion for your hunting and target shooting rifles for acquiring targets way beyond the 914 m mark. The scope features high-definition glass elements that are fully multi-coated to ensure exceptional image quality at all magnification levels. The primary features of this scope are 6-24X magnification range, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 5.4-1.5 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 46 to infinity, elevation/windage adjustment of 65/42 MOA with a click value of ½ MOA for elevation and ¼ for windage, and a 30 mm main tube. The scope features the XLR (MOA) Reticle.

Viper® HSLR™ 4-16×50

The Viper® HSLR 4-16×50 is best-suited for a range of shooting activities, especially hunting and target shooting. Fitted with several high-end features, such as target-style elevation turret and multi-coated optics, the scope is built to ensure precision shooting when bullet drop and windage become critical over longer distances. Specifications include 4-16X magnification range, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 8.3-2.2 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, side focus adjustment from 46 m to infinity, elevation/windage adjustment of 75/50 MOA with a ½ MOA clicks for elevation and ¼ MOA click for windage, and a 30 mm main tube. The 4-16×50 is equipped with the Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) Reticle.

Viper® HST™ Series (Hunting Shooting Tactical)

The Viper® HST™ from Vortex Optics is optimized for a range of applications, including hunting and sports shooting, but the area where it shines the most is tactical shooting. The series combines many of the high-end aspects of premium rifle scopes to give you the right confidence when you are out there on the field. Key features include 4X optical zoom, second focal plane reticle, and exposed tactical-style turrets for ample windage and elevation travel.

Other specifications of this series are XD™ Lens Elements, XR™ Fully Multi-Coated, elevation/windage adjustment, Side Focus, CRS™ Zero Stop, Precision-Glide Erector System, Fast Focus Eyepiece, MAG-View Fibre Optic, ArmorTek®, 30 mm main tube made of aviation-grade Aluminum, Hard Anodized Finish, and Argon-purged fog and waterproofing.

The Viper® HST™ series is available in two variants:

Viper® HST™ 6-24×50

This Viper® HST™ variant is designed to excel in long-distance shooting scenarios, especially in hunting, sports shooting, and tactical applications. The HST™ 6-24×50 is capable of exceptional optical performance thanks to fully multi-coated optics, and shooters to encourage to test its low-light capabilities. 6-24X magnification range, a field of view of 5.4-1.5 m/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, tactical turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA with a ¼ MOA, and parallax adjustable from 46 m to infinity are some of the main features of this scope. Reticle options include VMR-1 (MOA) and VMR-1 (MRAD).

Viper® HST™ 4-16×44

Designed for a range of hunting, tactical, and sport shooting applications, the Viper® HST™ 4-16×44 is made to acquire medium to long-range targets without breaking a sweat. If you are in the market for a multipurpose rifle scope for your professional hunting and tactical gear, this Viper® HST® checks all boxes. 4-16X magnification range, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 8.3-2.3/91 m, 10.2 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 46 m to infinity, tactical turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 75/75 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube are some of the main features of this scope. The scope is available in VMR-1 (MOA) and VMR-1 (MRAD) reticle options.

Viper® PST™ GEN II Series

The Viper® PST™ Gen II is the ultimate riflescope series designed to take your tactical shooting experience to the next level. Equipped with XD™ Lens Elements and XR™ Fully Multi-Coating, all scopes in the series offer excellent optical imagery with captivating details to improve your shooting accuracy exponentially. From close quarters to long-distance shots, the Viper® PST™ promises quicker target acquisition and repeatable accuracy, thanks to an ample range of elevation/windage adjustment, RZR™ Zero Stop, and an illuminated reticle.

The characteristic features of the scope are 5X optical zoom, Glass-Etched Reticle, adjustable parallax setting, Tactical-Style elevation, and windage turrets, Fast Focus Eyepiece, Hard Anodized Finish, ArmorTek®, Precision-Glide Erector System, Single-Piece Tube made of Aircraft-Grade Aluminum, and Argon-filled waterproofing.

The Viper® PST™ series is available in the following configurations:

Viper® PST™ 5-25×50 FFP

The PST™ 5-25×50 FFP is a long-range tactical rifle scope that is extremely capable of target acquisition over 914 m and more. Fitted with high-definition optics, the scope offers bright images with high contrast and colour accuracy at all magnifications, unlike other devices which fail to produce enough details over long distances. Primary features of the scope are 5-25X magnification range, 50 mm objective, first focal plane reticle, field of view of 7.3-1.5 m/91 m, 8.6 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 23 m to infinity, elevation/windage adjustment of 70/35 MOA along with a ¼ MOA click, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include EBR-2C (MOA), EBR-2C (MRAD), EBR-7C (MOA), and EBR-7C (MRAD).

Viper® PST™ 5-25×50 SFP

The Viper® PST™ 5-25×50 SFP is made to excel in medium to long-range tactical shooting. For shooters who prefer to use second focal plane reticles, this device delivers exceptional optical performance and ensures faster target acquisition. Primary features of the scope are 5-25X magnification, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 7.3-1.5 m/91 m, 8.6 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 23 m to infinity, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA along with a ¼ MOA click, and a 30 mm main tube. This variant is offered with the EBR-4 (MOA) reticle in the second focal plane.

Viper® PST™ 3-15×44 FFP

The PST™ 3-15×44 FFP is a versatile riflescope that is optimized for all of your tactical shooting. The 5X optical zoom provides superb control over magnification, so whether it is close quarters, medium, long-range tactical shooting scenarios, the scope fulfills all expectations without letting you down. 3-15X magnification range, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 12.5-2.6 m/91 m, 8.6 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 18.3 m to infinity, elevation/windage adjustment of 75/40 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube are some of the features of this scope. Reticle options include EBR-2C (MOA), EBR-2C (MRAD), EBR-7C (MOA), and EBR-7C (MRAD).

Viper® PST™ 3-15×44

The Viper® PST™ 3-15×44 from Vortex Optics is a multipurpose riflescope that works effortlessly in all tactical shooting situations from short-range up to a distance of 914 m. The scope features a second focal plane reticle for comfortable shooting even at lower magnifications since the reticle size does not change when you zoom. Some of the features of this device include a 3-15X magnification range, 44 mm objective, a field of view of 12.5-2.6 m/91 m, 8.6 cm eye relief, parallax adjustable from 18.3 m to infinity, and elevation/windage adjustment of 75/40 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA. Reticle options include EBR-2C (MOA), EBR-2C (MRAD), EBR-7C (MOA), and EBR-7C (MRAD). This variant features the EBR-4 (MOA) reticle in the second focal plane.

Viper® PST™ 2-10×32 FFP

The Viper® PST™ 2-10×32 FFP is a tactical-style rifle scope that is best suited for acquiring short to medium-range targets in broad daylight conditions. The scope works best with AR-15 based platforms on targets that are under 549 m. Features include 2-10X magnification range, 32 mm objective, a field of view of 17.7-3.6 m/91 m, 8.1 cm eye relief, parallax setting from 18.3 m to infinity, elevation/windage adjustment of 90/90 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube. This scope comes with either EBR-4 (MOA) or EBR (MRAD) reticle in the first focal plane.

Viper® PST™ 1-6×24

The Viper® PST™ 1-6×24 is a compact-yet-indestructible rifle scope that is designed for close-range shooting. At 1X magnification, the scope offers an excellent field of view and allows shooters to use both eyes simultaneously. In addition, the scope can function as a red dot sight at 1X zoom when the situation asks for it, so there is always one less device to carry. The basic specifications of this scope are 1-6X magnification, 24 mm objective, a field of view of 34.3-5.7 m/91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 160/160 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, parallax fixed at 91 m, 9.6 cm of eye relief, fixed parallax at 100 m, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include VMR-2 (MOA) and VMR-2 (MRAD) in the second focal plane.

Made in Japan

The following series of riflescopes are made in Japan:

Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 SFP

With a 4X optical zoom and a maximum magnification of 60X, the Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 is designed for acquiring extremely long-range targets, especially in F-class and Benchrest shooting competitions. The scope is available with two glass-etched reticle options, ECR-1 (MOA) and SCR-1 (MOA), in the second focal plane, which ensure precision shooting at long-range targets at known distances. If you are aiming for gold in F-Class or Benchrest competitions, look no further than Golden Eagle HD.

The main specifications of this riflescope are high-definition lenses, XR full multi-coating, 4X optical zoom, 5-60X magnification, 52 mm objective, eye relief of 9.9 cm, a field of view of 1.9-0.5 m/91 m, exposed tactical turrets, RZR™ Zero Stop, a fast-focus eyepiece, elevation/windage adjustment of 55/45 MOA with 0.125 MOA click, parallax adjustment from 18.3 m to infinity, Mag-view Fibre Optic zoom, a glass-etched reticle in the first focal plane, daylight reticle illumination with locking, pressurized-Nitrogen waterproofing, one-piece construction, and 30 mm main tube. The scope is made of aircraft-grade Aluminum with ArmorTek® protective coating and features a hard-anodized stealth shadow finish along with Aluminum lens caps.

Razor® HD Gen III 1-10X24

The Razor® HD Gen III 1-10×24 is a feature-packed tactical rifle scope that is an ideal scoping solution for law enforcement agencies and armed forces as well as 3-gun shooting competitions. The ultra-compact scope features a true 1X magnification which provides the ability to use both eyes while aiming and ensures higher situational awareness and quick target acquisition.

The primary features of the Razor® HD Gen III are high-definition lenses, XR full multi-coating, 24 mm objective, 4X optical zoom, 5-60X magnification, 52 mm objective, eye relief of 9.1 cm, a field of view of 35.4-3.6 m/91 m, capped low-profile turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 120/120 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, parallax fixed at 137 m, glass-etched reticle in the first focal plane, daylight reticle illumination with locking, Mechanical features include IPX7-rated waterproofing, one-piece construction made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, 34 mm main tube, ArmorTek® coating, and an anodized stealth finish. The Razor® HD Gen III is available with EBR-9 (MOA) and EBR-9 (MRAD) reticles.

Razor® HD LHT® Series

The Razor® HD LHT® from Vortex Optics is a range of premium-quality rifle scopes that are designed for a multitude of hunting activities, including stalking, high-seat hunting, varmint hunting, big-game hunting, mountain hunting, and long-range hunting. Equipped with high-definition glass elements with XR™ Plus full multi-coating, the Razor® HD rifle scopes offer exceptional image quality with high contrast and details, ensuring high first-shot accuracy.

The series offers a long list of features that enhance your hunting experience in a way you never thought of before. These include 5X optical zoom, second focal plane reticle, Center-dot illumination, elevation/windage adjustment, Locking Elevation Turret, and RevStop™ Zero System. The construction features of the series include a 2.5 cm main tube made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, ArmorTek® coating, anodized matte finish, and Argon-filled fog and waterproofing.

The Razor® HD series is available in the following two variants:

Razor® HD LHT 3-15×42

Unveiled in 2016, the Razor® HD LHT 3-15×42 is an all-rounder hunting scope that is designed for a number of hunting situations, especially stalking and varminting. The scope comes equipped with 3-15X magnification and a 42 mm objective, which are perfect for medium to long-range hunting. Some of the main features of this scope are a field of view of 10.7-2.1 m/91 m, 9.6 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 18.3 m to infinity, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 80/80 MOA with a click value of ¼ MOA, and a 30 mm main tube. Reticle options include HSR-5i (MOA) and HSR-5i (MRAD) in the second focal plane.

Razor® HD LHT 3-15×50

For hunting in low-light conditions, especially during twilight hours, professional hunters usually prefer a hunting scope with a large objective. For improving low light performance, the Razor® HD LHT 3-15×50 features a 50 mm objective, which is made of high-definition glass and coated with Vector’s proprietary full multi-coating to produce bright images. The main specifications of this scope are 3-15X magnification range, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 10.8-2.1 m/91 m, 9.6 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 18.3 m to infinity, capped windage turret, locking elevation turret with zero-stop, elevation/windage adjustment of 23/23 MRAD with a 0.1 MRAD click, and a 30 mm main tube. This variant comes with the G4i BDC (MRAD) reticle in the second focal plane.

Razor® HD 5-20×50 FFP

The Razor® HD 5-20×50 rifle scope is a high-end rifle scope that is perfect for various shooting applications, ranging from medium to long-range hunting, target shooting, tactical shooting, and sports shooting competitions. The scope is fitted with a first focal plane reticle and comprises state-of-the-art features that give this scope its true multipurpose nature. If you are looking for an all-rounder scope that is designed to perform in the most extreme situations with repeatable accuracy, this is the right addition to your gear.

Features include high-definition lenses with proprietary XR full multi-coating, 4X optical zoom, 5-20X magnification, large 50 mm objective, eye relief of 9.9 cm, a field of view of 6.9-1.8 m/91 m, exposed tactical turrets, RZR™ Zero Stop, a fast-focus eyepiece, elevation/windage adjustment of 125/125 MOA with ¼ MOA click, parallax adjustment from 37 m to infinity, Mag-view Fibre Optic zoom, a glass-etched reticle in the first focal plane, daylight reticle illumination, IP X7-rated waterproofing, ArmorTek® coating, 35 mm main tube made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, and hard-anodized finish. Reticle options for this scope include EBR-2B (MOA) and EBR-2B (MRAD).

Razor® HD Gen II Series

The Razor® HD Gen II is a range of high-end rifle scopes that are designed by Vortex to excel in a range of applications, including precision shooting, sporting and tactical shooting over and beyond the 914 m mark. The scopes are made to bear extreme climatic conditions while providing unmatched optical performance and repeatable accuracy. Designed for a range of applications, including stalking, long-range hunting, low-light hunting, and mountain hunting.

All rifle scope variants of the Razor® HD Gen II series feature a 6X optical zoom, HD Lens Elements, XR™ Plus Fully Multi-Coated, Plasma Tech coating technology, First Focal Plane Reticle, Glass-Etched Reticle, Illuminated Reticle, Single-Piece Tube, Aircraft-Grade Aluminum, ArmorTek®, L-Tec™ Turrets, Hard Anodized Stealth Shadow Finish, Locking Illumination, Side Focus, L-Tec™ Zero Stop, Friction Reduction System, Fast Focus Eyepiece, and a one-piece main tube of 34 mm diameter.

The Razor® HD series is available in two variants:

Razor® HD Gen II 4.5-27×56

Engineered for acquiring long to ultra-long-range shots, the Razor® HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 is an excellent rifle scope for multiple shooting scenarios, including hunting, sports shooting competitions, and tactical purposes. The scope is fitted with high-definition glass lenses with XR™ full multi-coating to provide brilliant images even at 27X magnification. The scope features a 4.5-27X magnification range, 56 mm objective, a field of view of 7.7-1.3 m/91 m, 9.4 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 29 m to infinity, L-Tec™ tactical turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 28.5/10 MRAD with a click value of 0.1 MRAD, and the main tube of 34 mm diameter. Reticles options for the scope include EBR-1C (MRAD), EBR-2C (MOA), EBR-2C (MRAD), EBR-7C (MOA), EBR-7C (MRAD), HORUS H59, and HORUS TREMOR3.

Razor® HD Gen II 3-18×50

The Razor® HD Gen II 3-18×50 is a multipurpose rifle scope that offers a combination of high optical performance, repeatable accuracy, and precise control over adjustment turrets. The scope is ideal for competition shooters and precision long-range shooters, thanks to the first focal plane reticle and large objective lens. The riflescope is fitted with a 3-18X magnification range, 50 mm objective, a field of view of 11.5-1.9 m/91 m, 9.4 cm of eye relief, parallax adjustable from 23 m to infinity, L-Tec™ turret system, elevation/windage adjustment of 71/34 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, and a single-piece tube of 30 mm diameter. Options for reticle include EBR-7C (MOA) and EBR-7C (MRAD).

Razor® HD Gen II-E 1-6X24 SFP

The Razor® HD Gen II-E 1-6X24 SFP is the “enhanced” version of the popular Razor® HD Gen II riflescope. The new model is designed to be ¼ pounds lighter than the original model and is the perfect companion for tactical AR platform-based rifles. With a magnification range of 1-6X, the scope is perfect for acquiring short to medium-range tactical targets. The scope is equipped with a true 1X zoom that allows shooters to use both eyes simultaneously for a renewed sense of situational awareness. In addition, the scope can double as a red dot sight, which means one less device to carry with your shooting gear.

High-definition glass elements with XR™ Plus full multi-coating, a field of view of 35.1-6.2 m/ 91 m, eye relief of 10.2 cm, low profile capped turrets of large size, elevation/windage adjustment of 150/150 MOA with ½ MOA adjustment, parallax fixed at 91 m, centre-dot illumination with locking mechanism, a fast-focus eyepiece, glass-etched reticle in the second focal plane, one-piece housing, 30 mm main tube made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, ArmorTek® coating, hard-anodized finish, and Nitrogen-filled waterproofing are some of the main features of this rifle scope. Reticle options for this device include JM-1 BDC, VMR-2 (MOA), and VMR-2 (MRAD).

Made in the United States

Currently, only one rifle scope from Vortex Optics is currently made in the US:

Razor® HD AMG 6-24×50 FFP

The Razor® HD AMG 6-24×50 is a multipurpose rifle scope that is designed for a range of shooting scenarios, including wild hunting, tactical shooting, target shooting, and sports shooting. Equipped with a 6-24X magnification and large objective, the riflescope is best-suited for acquiring long-range to extremely long-range targets without having to worry about carrying additional equipment, such as a spotting scope.

The riflescope is designed to be lightweight and compact, and yet it features a long list of world-class features that make your shooting experience a memorable one regardless of the situation. The main features of this device include high-definition glass elements with XR™ Plus full multi-coating, a field of view of 6.2-1.6 m/ 91 m, L-Tec™ turrets with zero-stop, elevation/windage adjustment of 71/34 MOA with a ¼ MOA click, parallax adjustment from 23 m to infinity, reticle illumination with locking mechanism, a glass-etched reticle in the first focal plane, single-piece housing, 30 mm main tube made of aircraft-grade Aluminum, ArmorTek® coating, and Nitrogen-filled waterproofing. Reticle options include EBR-7B (MOA) and EBR-7B (MRAD).

Conclusion

Vortex Optics is a US-based producer of sport optics that sources rifle scopes from Japan, China, and Philippines, while only one variant is currently produced in the US. Products mainly include binoculars, rifle scopes, monoculars, red dot sights, and range finders, but the Vortex name is famous for outstanding rifle scopes. The company offers a lifetime warranty for all of its devices, which is unprecedented for a company that sources almost all of its rifle scopes from the Asia Pacific. This tells a lot about the effort Vortex Optics has put into developing its vendors over the years.

Vortex offers rifle scopes for all types of shooting applications, including hunting, tactical shooting, target shooting, and sports shooting competitions. Additionally, the scopes are available at a variety of prices starting from a few hundred dollars, so there is always a Vortex scope for everyone.