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10 Best Vortex Rifle 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 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,368
Reticle
Eye Relief
Field of View

Most important from
13267 reviews

Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches ensures a full image at both low and high power, minimizing the 'scope black eye ring' effect.
Field of View
Clear view with next to no darkness, providing a bright image even in varying conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments
Despite lacking an audible click, the turrets are easy to adjust and hold true with a decent quality mount.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO riflescope is a versatile option for hunters, offering a wide magnification range from 6x to 18x, which is suitable for both close and long-range targeting. The 44mm objective lens ensures good light transmission, and the fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, clear images. The V-Brite illuminated reticle is particularly useful in low light conditions, enhancing target visibility.

With a generous eye relief of 3.7 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, acquiring your target quickly is made easier, reducing eye strain during extended use. The adjustable objective helps in focusing the image and eliminating parallax, ensuring accuracy over various distances. The capped reset turrets are easy to adjust with MOA clicks and can be reset to zero after sighting in, making it user-friendly for adjustments in the field.

Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the riflescope is both strong and shockproof, and its waterproof and fogproof design ensures reliable performance in different weather conditions. Its weight of 19.6 ounces might be on the heavier side for some users, and the lack of night vision could be a drawback for those needing such a feature. Supported by Vortex's unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, it provides peace of mind regarding durability and long-term use. This riflescope is ideal for hunters looking for a reliable, versatile scope with excellent performance in various lighting conditions.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,368
Reticle
Eye Relief
Field of View

Most important from
13267 reviews

Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches ensures a full image at both low and high power, minimizing the 'scope black eye ring' effect.
Field of View
Clear view with next to no darkness, providing a bright image even in varying conditions.
Turrets and Adjustments
Despite lacking an audible click, the turrets are easy to adjust and hold true with a decent quality mount.
#2

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

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Field of View
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
2884 reviews

Magnification
Glass quality is very nice, with great magnification and zoom settings.
Field of View
Crystal clear image and powerful enough to see heat risers.
Turrets and Adjustments
Instructions supplied are very helpful, making it easier to make on-the-fly adjustments.
Parallax Adjustment
Punches well above its price range, offering premium options like parallax adjustment and setting your zero for adjustments.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope offers a variety of impressive features at a competitive price point, making it a strong contender for hunters and long-range shooters. With a magnification range of 6-24x and a 50mm objective lens diameter, this scope is designed for precision and clarity, even at long distances. The extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses deliver a bright and sharp sight picture, essential for accurate shooting in various lighting conditions.

The first focal plane, glass-etched reticle ensures that subtensions remain accurate across the entire zoom range, which is particularly useful for long-range shooting where consistency is key. Additionally, the precision-glide erector system facilitates smooth magnification changes, even in harsh environments. The exposed turrets and side parallax knob provide the necessary tools for precise adjustments, while the fast focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing.

The scope is built to endure tough conditions, featuring a shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof design thanks to its single-piece 30mm tube, strong o-ring seals, and nitrogen purging. However, the scope does have some limitations. It does not offer night vision capabilities, which could be a drawback for users who need to operate in low-light or night-time conditions. Additionally, while it includes features like lens covers, a lens cloth, and a sunshade, some users might find the accessories minimal. The product's weight of 1.5 pounds might also be considered relatively heavy for those looking to minimize their gear's weight. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical scope is backed by an unlimited, unconditional, lifetime warranty. This riflescope is a reliable and high-quality option for anyone involved in hunting or long-range shooting.

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Field of View
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
2884 reviews

Magnification
Glass quality is very nice, with great magnification and zoom settings.
Field of View
Crystal clear image and powerful enough to see heat risers.
Turrets and Adjustments
Instructions supplied are very helpful, making it easier to make on-the-fly adjustments.
Parallax Adjustment
Punches well above its price range, offering premium options like parallax adjustment and setting your zero for adjustments.
#3

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MRAD) , black

Rating
9.3
Reticle
Eye Relief
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
808 reviews

Reticle
The Viper PST Gen II scope is far superior with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an illuminated reticle.
Eye Relief
The Viper PST Gen II scope is far superior with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an illuminated reticle.
Turrets and Adjustments
The Viper PST Gen II scope is far superior with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an illuminated reticle.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 is a high-quality first focal plane riflescope that excels in both close and long-range shooting. Its impressive magnification range of 5-25x allows for versatile use, making it suitable for hunting and target shooting. The large objective lens diameter of 50mm ensures excellent light transmission, enhancing clarity and brightness, especially in low-light conditions. Users will benefit from the intuitive EBR-7C reticle, designed with detailed hold points that are easy to read and adjust, along with 10 intensity levels for varying lighting situations.

One of the standout features is the durable construction, crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that provides both strength and shock resistance. Its O-ring sealed and argon purged design makes it waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliability in various weather conditions. The adjustable parallax and laser-etched turrets with RZR zero stop functionality further enhance its usability for precision shooting, allowing users to make quick and accurate adjustments for wind and elevation.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. With a weight of 31.2 ounces, it may feel a bit heavy for some users, particularly if they are looking for a lightweight option for long treks. The eye relief of 3.4 inches is decent but may not be sufficient for those using high-recoil rifles, which could lead to discomfort during extended use. This riflescope is ideal for serious hunters and competitive shooters who appreciate advanced features and reliable performance, making it a worthy investment for those aiming to enhance their shooting experience.

Rating
9.3
Reticle
Eye Relief
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
808 reviews

Reticle
The Viper PST Gen II scope is far superior with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an illuminated reticle.
Eye Relief
The Viper PST Gen II scope is far superior with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an illuminated reticle.
Turrets and Adjustments
The Viper PST Gen II scope is far superior with more forgiving eye relief, better turrets, and an illuminated reticle.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right vortex rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical operations. The key to selecting the best scope for your needs is understanding the various specifications and how they impact performance. By familiarizing yourself with these specs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements and preferences.
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 your target at different distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher may be necessary. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is crucial because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be using the scope to determine the right size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can assist with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, hunters might prefer a simple, illuminated reticle, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed reticle with range-finding capabilities.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Scopes with longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) are better for high-recoil firearms, as they reduce the risk of the scope hitting your face. Shorter eye relief (less than 3.5 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Consider the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level when selecting eye relief.
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 allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Higher magnification typically reduces FOV, so there is a trade-off between magnification and FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV. For precision shooting at long distances, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). These adjustments are crucial for accuracy, especially at varying distances. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. The type of adjustments (MOA or MRAD) can also vary. Choose a scope with turrets that match your shooting style. For example, tactical shooters might prefer exposed turrets for rapid adjustments, while hunters might opt for capped turrets to maintain settings.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your head. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, ensuring the reticle stays on target. If you plan to shoot at varying distances or require high precision, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, this feature may be less critical.

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