Vortex Scope Reviews: A Guide to the Best Models

We think Vortex is synonymous with “durable”. Anyone who is familiar with rifle scopes will definitely be able to relate.

For years, the Vortex brand has carved out a reputation for producing durable and exquisite scopes. In fact, if you’re looking to buy a new scope, you’d be starting off on the right path by narrowing your choices to Vortex Optics.

However, finding the right Vortex scope can be dicey, considering the fact that this brand has a wide range of scopes for specific purposes.

As such, we’ve created this insightful guide to walk you through the decision making process. This guide contains the Vortex rifle scope reviews of the top products and we hope it’d nudge you towards the best Vortex scope for you.

If you’re trying to find the best of the best Vortex rifle scope, we highly recommend the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP. Not only does it belong to the famous Crossfire II line, but it is also sturdy and comes with unique features that you just can’t find in any other scope.

The Best Vortex Scopes Are:

ProductDetails
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire SFP Riflescope

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 2-7” x 32”
  • Included components: Removable lens covers, lens cloth
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2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50 SFP Riflescope

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 3-9x50
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3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO SFP Riflescope

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 6-18x44
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4. Vortex Optics Viper PA 6.5-20 x 50 SFP Mil Dot Riflescope

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: One size
  • Included components: riflescope, removable lens covers, lens cloth
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5. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 BDC (MOA) Riflescope

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 4-12x40
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1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP Riflescope — Best Vortex Scope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP rifle scope is one of Vortex’s most outstanding productions. Now, Vortex is known for dishing out superb scopes and optics but they really outdid themselves with this one. In fact, we were so impressed with this rifle scope that we had no other option but to make it our top choice.

This riflescope comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that allows for seamless reticule focusing and easy target acquisition. With long eye relief and resettable MOA turrets, it’s obvious that the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is a no-nonsense scope.

What we love about this rifle scope is that it is built with sunshade. This feature helps to minimize the glares of the sun and provide extraordinary clarity and focus. It also comes with lens covers that can always be removed for cleaning and an accompanying dust cloth to clean it.

On the downside, this riflescope is a bit pricey and may not be ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 2-7” x 32”
  • Included components: Removable lens covers, lens cloth

Pros

  • It comes with a hard-anodized finish for extra protection
  • It is shock-resistant

Cons

  • A tad too expensive

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best Vortex scope, the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP is definitely a scope you should consider. Although it’s a bit too pricey, it’s worth every penny and is one of the best investments you could ever make.

Overall Rating – 4.7/5

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2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 SFP Riflescope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9X50 SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA

The Crossfire II line is probably one of Vortex’s most popular lines and with good reason. Most scopes within this line are equipped with impressive features and the Crossfire II 3-9×50 SFP Riflescope is no exception. If you’re looking for a high-grade Vortex scope with a resistant build, then you’d definitely love this scope.

The 3-9×50 SFP scope is a great choice for hunting and shooting at different ranges. With an impressive shock-resistant performance, you can tell that this scope is definitely not fragile.

It comes with an ultra-forgiving eyebox and long eye-relief (one of our favorite features). It is also nitrogen purged, O-ring sealed and water-resistant, making it easy for you to use this scope in the harshest of weather.

Wondering why we love this riflescope so much? It’s quite simple. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 SFP Riflescope gives you an ultra-clear view of your target, thanks to its fully multi-coated and anti-reflective lenses.

What we don’t like about this scope however, is that it could be quite difficult to adjust the parallax as its optical bell is too tight.

Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 3-9×50

Pros

  • It is engineered with resistant, aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Fog and water-resistant
  • Comes with fully multi-coated and anti-reflective lenses

Conclusion

The Crossfire II line 3-9×50 SFP Riflescope is an excellent choice for users who want to shoot at medium range. Thanks to its build and components, this scope can take on just about anything without breaking down.

Overall Rating – 4.6/5

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3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO SFP Riflescope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, SFP Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) with Baseball Hat

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO SFP Riflescope may not be our top choice but it certainly does come close. This exceptional scope is a favorite among many experienced shooters because it comes fully equipped with high-tech features.

For starters, it is built with adjustable objective which allows for impressive image focus. Just like the previous scope, it comes with fully multi-coated and anti-reflective lenses for clarity and a brighter view.

Our favorite feature of this Crossfire II scope is its ultra-forgiving eye box and long eye relief. With this scope, you can enjoy a whole new dimension of shooting without the slightest hint of discomfort or struggle. But that’s not all. This scope also comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that helps users enjoy fast and seamless focus when shooting.

On the downside, the Crossfire II 6-18×44 riflescope isn’t a great choice for long-range shooting. If you’d prefer to shoot at longer ranges, this scope isn’t for you.

Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 6-18×44

Pros

  • It comes with long eye relief and a fast-focus eyepiece
  • High-grade performance
  • Water and fog-resistant performance
  • It comes with multi-coated and anti-reflective lenses for a brighter view

Conclusion

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO SFP Riflescope is a great choice if you’re looking for something inexpensive but highly efficient as well. Not only does it give you bright and clear images of your target, it also comes with just the right amount of eye relief for shooting comfortably. If you aren’t big on magnification, you should definitely try out this scope.

Overall Rating – 4.7/5

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4. Vortex Optics Viper PA 6.5-20 x 50 SFP Mil Dot Riflescope

Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20x50 PA SFP Riflescope Mil-Dot MOA

Are you tired of underperforming rifle scopes that break down under pressure? Then you’d definitely find this scope fascinating. Just like the reptile after which it is named, this scope is built to perform incredibly under rugged environments.

Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is obvious that every inch of the Viper PA 6.5-20 x 50 SFP Mil-Dot rifle scope screams strength and rigidity.

But that’s not the best part yet. It comes with multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses that guarantee up to 95% light transmission. Thus, users are guaranteed clear, enhanced images. It equally comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that allows for swift, seamless reticule focusing.

Did we forget to mention that this scope is O-ring sealed and argon purged? These features account for its fog proof and waterproof performance, giving the scope extra sturdiness and durability.

Even though we absolutely love this rifle scope, you may not love it if you prefer scopes with a magnification power above 10x.

Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: One size
  • Included components: riflescope, removable lens covers, lens cloth

Pros

  • Comes with up to 95% light transmission
  • Sturdy, resistant build
  • It features Armotek coatings that shield the external lenses from dust and scratches
  • Easy adjustment settings

Cons

  • Images get blurry at more than 10x magnification
  • It may be expensive

Conclusion

The Viper PA 6.5-20 x 50 SFP Mil-Dot rifle scope is perfect for different purposes including target shooting and long-range shots. Looking for the perfect scope for deer hunting? You’ve got it right here. Just don’t expect clear images when you increase the magnification power to 10x and above.

Overall Rating – 4.6 /5

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5. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC (MOA) Riflescope

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) with Baseball Hat

Looking for the perfect scope for long-range shots? Well, you’re in luck. When it comes to long-range shooting, the Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC rifle scope will definitely not let you down. This scope is crafted with a hard-anodized finish that not only creates a shockproof effect but helps to camouflage the shooter’s position as well.

The lenses are fully multi-coated just like the other scopes mentioned above, ensuring crystal clear, bright images all day long. It equally features a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticule focusing.

What we love about this rifle scope is that it features metal on metal precision turrets which offers you the ability to zero reset after sight-in. Even if you’re an amateur, operating and adjusting this scope is a piece of cake.

What we don’t like about this scope is its penchant for fogginess. The glass tends to get foggy around the edges when you increase the magnification to 10x or 12x.

Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 4-12×40

Pros

  • You get to enjoy bright, clear pictures well day long
  • Comes with a hard anodized finish for a shockproof effect

Cons

  • The glass may get foggy around the edges at a magnification power of 10x – 12x

Conclusion

The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC rifle scope is one high-grade scope that we’re sure you’d love. If the anodized finish doesn’t grab your attention, you’d definitely fall in love with the crystal clear images this scope provides.

Overall Rating – 4.6/5

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About The Brand

Vortex Optics is an American company, famous for creating superb scopes for a wide range of activities such as hunting and birdwatching. However, their products aren’t limited to just scopes.

They sell various other optics such as binoculars and telescopes among others. This company started out in Wisconsin in 1989 and has remained in business ever since then.

You’re probably thinking what other people have been thinking: Why is Vortex so popular? Well, over the years, this company has cultivated and maintained an excellent reputation for producing excellent lines of scopes and optics in general. With this company, you get to enjoy quality images in addition to great prices.

Guide To Buying The Best Vortex Scopes

At this point, you probably already know that Vortex Optics has a few qualities peculiar to them. Thus, if you’re shopping for the best of the best Vortex scope, we’d advise you to look out for a few factors:

Magnification Settings

Vortex produces a wide range of superb scopes with varying magnification settings. Some may come with magnification settings between 2x and 8x.

Others may have higher magnification settings. At the end of the day, it all boils down to what you really want. Choose a Vortex scope that has the right magnification settings for your intended use.

Budget

All Vortex scopes vary in price, depending on the model, features and of course, the size. Some scopes may be pricey while others may be ridiculously cheap.

Simply stick to your budget, no matter how tempting it may be to buy superior models. As long as it’s a Vortex scope, you’re guaranteed great quality.

Final Thoughts

At this point, we’d love to let you make your final decision. However, just in case you missed it, we’d recap our best Vortex scopes for you. Our top choice is the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire SFP because of its ruggedness and unique features. We’re pretty sure you’d love this scope as much as we do but in case you don’t, we also outlined a few other scopes that’d give you great value for your money.

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