Ep. 116 | Choosing the Right Riflescope

So right off the bat, we should tell you this isn’t going to be a series of “If/then” statements about “If you do ____, then you should get ____ scope”. Truth is, the possibilities there are endless and it would get pretty boring pretty fast. What Jimmy, Mark and Ryan M really wanted to get at in this episode is how do you determine exactly what it is that you’re going to be doing with your rifle and scope, and then how do you determine exactly what features, level of optical quality, and price range, to name just a few of the variables, you really and truly need to accomplish that task. We see bad advice all over the internet about choosing optics - many times putting down new comers to hunting and/or shooting or making them feel like the sport/lifestyle simply can’t be done without a huge budget or gobs of time and an optical engineering degree. Perhaps a few times we got in “Rant” mode here because of it, but just know, it’s all in the name of helping everyone figure out what’s best for them and simply being comfortable with that choice being different from what another person may want/need. As always, if you have any questions about what riflescope you should choose for your very specific application and situation, we’re more than happy to chat that over with you and you can contact us on social media, via phone, e-mail, or in person if you stop by our showroom here in Barneveld, WI.
As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.
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[@jerad4336]

The 308 is one of the few cartridges that I can find ammo available. That and the long barrel life make it a winner.

[@rossauce12]

Ud have to spend over $6k in 6.5 ammo before your barrel starts to go bad... just so you know

[@mattdg1981]

​@@rossauce12308 still last longer

[@theblishknovk]

​@@mattdg1981that is a good thing for the 308. But at the same time if you can afford to burn out a barrel on any gun then its just pocket change to throw another barrel in your gun.

[@PeterOldschool]

​@@rossauce12 Your spending 4-5$ more per box for a tiny game bullet/ paper ripper. Ill take a big .30 round or 7mm any day

[@rossauce12]

@barbalato5 i honestly dont shoot enough of it to make that much of a difference where 4 or 5 matters. But yes I agree for economy 308 would be like a 9mm of a ar10 platform. I do shoot alot of 9 and not my 380s

[@kurtgellert9166]

"I went to public school and drank cheap beer in college....I don't do math well." ...LOL. THAT needs to be on a t-shirt...

[@briankesler449]

I got so much crap in a weatherby group on Facebook for putting a Diamondback Tactical 4-16 on a Weatherby Mark V Weathermark in 300 Weatherby Mag some people actually laughed at me for putting a "cheap scope" on it, saying it needs at least a $2000 scope and I laughed back saying I can probably outshoot them and be able to buy ammowith the money I saved

[@mattskag2]

You can't buy skill. So many people want to buy the latest greatest widget in the hopes it will make them better, ain't gonna happen. Save the money and put in the time and work.

[@newerest1]

expensive rifle and cheap scope makes no sense. the opposite makes more sense. modern rifles are all capable of really good accuracy, not all scopes are capable of being bomb proof and having amazing tracking.

[@burkehoward1511]

My mom has the 4×16 that one has clear glass. Mine doesn't 4×24

[@fluxcapacitor05]

This didn't happen.

[@joeschuster2837]

I use a. Redfield 1x4 for woods hunting. A Leopold 3x9 for field hunting out to 300 meters. A IOR 40x for 1500 meter shooting. ..

[@tomschumacher5434]

I have two diamond back tactical’s and I love that scope for the value 👌🏼

[@ronws2007]

Really enjoying the info here and it totally makes sense. The first rifle I got was a Mossberg Patriot .308 Win that came with a Vortex Crossfire II 3x-9x/40 mm BDC (SFP.) It has the the stove pipe reticle for average ammunition out to 500 yards and the rifle is, as advertised, 1 MOA in my experience. It was meant as a hunting rifle but I have not hunted with it. So, I really wanted adjustable cheek rise and realized that what I really wanted was the Mossberg MVP Long Range 308 (Thunder Ranch with Kuiu Camo.) That one comes without optic and I wanted to go a step up and have first focal plane. And what my budget could afford is the Diamondback Tactical 6x-24x/50 mm FFP. And that has worked well on that rifle with a particular round that I cannot get so easy now, the Federal Nontypical Whitetail .308 Win 180 gr. It shoots half an inch and less at 100 yards. I had that zeroed at 100 yards and then decided to center at 25-300 yards. The danger zone is 5.5 inches in the 8 inch pie plate of a whitetail deer (my intended target) on public hunting land. Land that is much like I hear Wisconsin is. Heavily forested. Lucky to get a shot as far as 70 yards, more likely 40 yards and less. As described, I may make a turn or crest a small hill (far north Texas) and there is 140 pounds of jerky and butterfly steaks and osso buco right there at 30 yards. No time to get pretty and settled with my tripod and dial scope like Tom Berenger or Billy Zane or Mark Wahlberg. Shoulder and shoot. So, basically, set and forget. Which I could do with the Crossfire II. Most of the hunting I can do here is like that and the 24x won't get used much unless I get on some cleared land. Or win a state lottery for drawn hunts to go to the Cap Rock Canyon WMA near Amarillo. The description page for that from TPWD is to expect snow and ice. And to expect shots around 200 yards. Even then, I could use the 25 - 300 yard zero and hold or dial for wind. Because the targets are bigger, too. West is where most of the mule deer are, except that the lottery draw is for whitetail, mostly, though you can buy a tag for mule deer and blacktail. I cannot see spending more than what it took to get the Diamondback Tactical and with prices like that, you do not have to spend as much or more than the rifle cost.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

I wish I had more cash in my pocket this past wkend in Bristol, TN a flea market stand had 8 boxes of that ammo & 2vbx of 168 gr Sierra match bthp $20 each ! Only had a 20= 1bx

[@theworkshopmechanicchannel3296]

In the past 12 months I’ve bought 3 rifle scopes. I looked at the vortex but decided to go with the Leupold because it’s all designed and manufactured in the USA

[@LongRanger1]

Modest, buy for life, mount well, got it! Thanks, your info is priceless, in between the car references. You guys are my go-to’s.

[@milleroctober1996]

After listening to this I got a 4x12 Bushnell ar scope. Love it for coyote. But hearing about the strike eagle looking at the 1x8

[@johnfordham8133]

P.s the 308 is a fine realistic cartridge for us old military types that still shoot a lot. Past a point we call in an air strike!

[@traceyevans2757]

It’s a great cartridge for the majority of hunters tbh

[@cwolf8841]

@JOe DeLeon or artillery

[@aceinyourfacebcm259]

Make it simple for every 100yds it’ll cost a 100 dollars. 200yds 200 dollars scope, 500 yards 500 dollar scope and so on basically.

[@jctedsap]

One of my favorite and most used scopes is a Simmons I bought from a liquidator. It’s a 3X9X44 Presidential Model. I stumbled on it for $100.00 .

[@jctedsap]

I hit post too soon. That Simmons scope originally retailed at $259.00 . I mounted it on a Marlin Model 60 22lr semiautomatic rifle. That combo has spelled death to hundreds of ground squirrels. Most of the time I would leave it at 6 power and shoot it offhand. Though quite often I would brace against the body of my van or van/open door. Originally I was told it was too much scope for that rifle but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Since then most of my scopes are Vortex.

[@scotteger6271]

I personally feel that spending a little more on a scope is a plateau that you have to mentally get over. I felt the same way with rifles…kept buying lower priced “budget” type rifles and finally spent some money on Tikka T3x’s and Browning XBolts…haven’t looked back and although I don’t love spending $1000 on a rifle it’s not as mentally impossible as it was before I did it. I put Viper HS scopes on my XBolts and it’s an awesome combination. After owning the Vipers I can see their value and it is also not as mentally difficult to spend the money on quality scopes, just like how it was with the rifles. I also notice I’m happier overall with my rifle/scope combos and I’m not left wanting the “next” new/better/whatever rifle.

[@coryr1948]

I bought the hog hunter because of the mag and v plex. I dont know how to use moa or mrad. What I do understand is MPBR and thats good enough for me. Thanks for the scope guys.

[@larrydecker881]

I have a Diamondback tactical 4-12x40, great optic but the lack of parallax adjustment gives me FOMO. This Philippines built piece is very nice and I wish Vortex would do more podcast about these entry level optics.

[@chrishouse9286]

I have the same scope just put it on a cva Cascade 300 prc hope I works out plan on hunting more and little long range shooting...fingers crossed..

[@longstar550]

I would say skip the diamond back. Id take a crossfire over one. Eye box seriously needs to be updated on the diamond back to recommend it. Chances of getting kissed by the scope if way to high on a diamond back, and that will discurage a new shooter.

[@AltonRowell-gb1lb]

A lot of good advice. But I really like the vortex viper. That is a really nice scope. A Browning 6.5 creedmoor He'll canon with that vortex would be great.

[@6spdkeg]

what's a sub 1000$ scope with a parallax adjustment you'd consider for a do it all from 22LR to 308 for hunting in Arizona? I'm not going to hunt a lot, don't need a dedicated scope on the 18" 308, but will plink and have huge ranges out here in AZ.

[@jjsemperfi]

I shot my cow elk last year at 490 yards with my PST Gen II 5-25. Love that Scope however I didn’t enjoy carrying it 6 miles wearing snow shoes. Looking at an HS to lose some weight.

[@pim1234]

Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski and Schmidt & Bender, those are the top scopes

[@lcbulldawgs03able]

As someone who is being taught all about ballistics, hunting and everything in between; I refer to this podcast to make sure I’m understanding things to the point they are protrude. I am getting ready to buy my first rifle scope and I feel like optics is a whole other subject to take in. Y’all gentlemen comparing optics to cars is so greatly appreciated, for him to put it into that kind of prospective that makes sense to me makes it much easier to understand! Thank you boys!! Much love ❤️

[@VortexNation]

That is so awesome to hear thank you so much!!

[@ActinOut]

Interestingly. I watched this episode today. Just so happened that the 2nd day of the Western Hunting Expo was today. After hearing the comments in this episode about Vortex (the guys in this video) wanting to focus on matching the consumer with the best match rifle scope, not the most expensive... I decided to go to the expo and speak directly with the guys from Vortex about my needs with a planned gun purchase and the circumstances I'm getting the gun for. First, I'll say that I didn't see any of these guys at the booth, which is ok; however, I know I'm not a good match for the gen 2 scopes, and my hunch from the video was that the guys in the video would not recommend much above a tactical diamond back, so I was suprised to be strongly encouraged to consider the gen 2 high end scopes that ran over $2k. While doing so, he emphasized all the features of the larger more technical turrets over the other "lower end" scopes. I listened but tuned some him out because I knew I didn't need that. Not even sure I need a viper. I went to the expo hoping it would save me some of the online "opinion research" and get real practical advice they alluded to here. Probably would have been better if I could have spoke with one of these guys, though I did reference this video when I first started talking. Maybe some training might be in order. Not sure if the guys in this video are still at Vortex now a few years later, but I would have really enjoyed that conversation. Maybe I'll need to make a phone call to Vortex to get my clarifications.

[@DEVUNK88]

I would tell the guy in VA that wants to elk hunt in WY to get a scope that he will be able to maximize on his 200 yard range. Meaning he is going to spend most of his practice at 200yds so when he get out to WY he prolly isnt going to feel comfortable taking 500-100 yd shots even if he has the glass to do it because thats not what he practiced Give him a scope that will make him deadly accurate at the 200yds and also a reasonable distance beyond that you might expect Elk hunting in WY

[@salgarcia3032]

This is kinda interesting. Most over kill for the average guy looking for a scope. Too advanced for me. Come on 15 to 64 that’s crazy. Hope you could do one us average Joes . Don’t need any of that pro stuff.

[@luloadventure]

Podcast to compare Vortex Optics to PRS competion. (Entry Level/Expert level) Thanks for this interesting Podcast.

[@Hubbahubba480]

Review on 223 WSSM

[@NCsurfer607]

Can you put an vortex hog hunter 2 on an muzzled loader for deer ?

[@daveharo2501]

Great show guys keep up the good work 👏

[@arsa5690]

Its not the quality of the glass, its the tracking, cheap scopes or even the midrange price scopes have poor tracking. Especially vortex!

[@J_pearce01]

Scope recommendation for Bergara B14 Wilderness Ridge chambered in 7mm rem mag? Leaning towards the diamondback right now

[@VortexNation]

Thanks for reaching out John! The Diamondback would be a great choice, but there are definitely other options as well. What are you primarily going to use this rifle for? Did you have a price range in mind for an optic?

[@J_pearce01]

@@VortexNation I graduate from nursing school in May so I’m kind of planning ahead. But I plan on bringing this rifle on an elk hunt in Colorado during the 2023 season. I live in Louisiana so it would be nice to be able to use it for tree stand whitetail hunting down here. Budget I’m thinking sub $500 if that’s a doable.

[@VortexNation]

@@J_pearce01 Right on! If you did want to take a step up, the Viper HS 2.5-10x44 would be a great choice and fall right at $499.99. Otherwise the Diamondback 4-12x40 would be a great option as well!

[@rjstewart]

The statement about optical quality is so true but it reminds me of trying out the 2-7 Crossfire Scout Scope vs a Cabela’s fixed 4x pistol scope. The cheaper Cabela’s scope was way better for my application.

[@I_am_archie]

I'm looking for a vortex for my 7mm08. Having trouble deciding what I want to put on it.

[@satajetrp9132]

Bushnell or Leopold

[@satajetrp9132]

For starter's keep the Chinese Scopes off your weapon....Sorry Vortex's but your warranty is great but your Scopes aren't American made...with the exception of the 1 that's 1000.00

[@SnipeU696]

Un-popular opinion, a person can shoot 1000+ yards with iron sights. just saying. Love the show.

[@Anschutz270]

Not unpopular at all. There's entire rifle competitions where that is the case. Palma for example. .308 with 155gr bullets and open sights.

[@rgochina]

Your opinion is solid, but true to Young and good eyes. Wen you be 50+ probably scopes will be your best friend. Time is cruel 😜

[@SnipeU696]

@@rgochina I'm just going to learn from my elders.

[@toddneptune8944]

Vortex I Am a farmer and own a ar 15 which i use for fun shooting target /ground hogs ect . and home defense. i currently have a older vortex red /green dot scope . I am starting to have a predator problem coyotes , bob cats bear ect This involves me going out at night and protecting calves , chickens and other animals . also i am going to start predator hunting and using a green /red light . I Need to keep quick target accusation at short range but would like to shoot 300 yrds max .can you suggest a scope ?

[@VortexNation]

Hey Todd! Thanks for reaching out. It sounds like an LPVO would be what you're looking for! It would give you the benefit of a Red Dot being that it goes down to a true 1x, but will allow you to increase the magnification for more versatility and longer shots. Check out the Strike Eagle 1-6x24 for your setup. vortexoptics.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-6x24-ar-bdc3.html

[@Daniel_Callie]

Gentleman, y’all are talking so deep in the weeds I can’t get to the answer of the question your title assets to answer.

[@Bodhi1satva]

Great explanation that all new shooters should seriously listen to regarding FFP vs SFP optics. You lost me as soon as you call the .308 antiquated. How many new calibers will last half as long and still be viable?

[@danielboggan2479]

That was a joke. These guys are big advocates of the 308

[@katashi222]

.308 rules to a mile and more!!!

[@leifhoklin2681]

@@katashi222 Now you’re overstating your case.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

@@katashi222 ummm isn’t that the Crudmore?

[@katashi222]

@@dr.froghopper6711 wtf are you talking froggy!!!

[@hungryyeti2548]

Listening to these round table discussions between young fellers half my age I thought I could learn nothing , my apologies I was wrong I considered myself after all these years a expert( not quite a expert ) , I enjoy the hell outta your channel. Thnx young whippersnappers.

[@stanwean4078]

Jl

[@aidenbechtold9168]

Qing oopo91000000

[@kelmmane]

😊😂😅

[@Critical-Defense]

On the contrary, I’d argue you know less now than you’ve ever known in your life. Technology, manufacturing, ballistics, and glass have all had advancements in the last 5-10 years that outpaced the last 50+ years. We are in an age of constantly changing advancement that won’t stop until the Rapture. I remember life without the Internet and smart phones and grew up with both of them as they became prominent. Luckily I had an interest in technology and made a career of it so I’ve kept myself in the loop. Both smart phones and the Internet have both progressed firearms farther in their time than the advancements since the 1911.

[@psubond]

Everyone on the planrt can teach us something. The difficult for us old timers is keeping our ears open and listening. What we have going for us though is we have experience to filter out nonsense. Everything i have heard thus far from these guys is good

[@greghart6310]

But, but we need 50x magnification to see our misses in ultra clear illuminated HD! (kidding)

[@jamessammann9183]

Spoting scope

[@ditzydoo4378]

I own two Vortex 2x7 Crossfires on two of my AR uppers. They were $139 new and are very good scopes. But the yardstick by which all others are judged is a US made Leupold 3x9-40mm VX which can be had for under $199 dollars new, guaranteed forever regardless of who owns it. If it fails due to Workmanship, or Material issues, Leupold will repair, or replace it at no cost. No receipt of purchase needed.. ever... This is your basic benchmark for anyone starting out.

[@ronws2007]

And Vortex has a warranty like that. And now, the new scopes compete with Vortex.

[@ryanmg02]

Leupold hasn't been the benchmark for affordable scopes for a while.

[@ditzydoo4378]

@@ryanmg02 They do make rather high-end scopes. But their entry level is very affordable. What most fail to appreciate is that one can by a Leupold second-hand and it's still covered by the same 100% no questions asked guaranty any new scope made today has.

[@ryanmg02]

@@ditzydoo4378 yeah I was a trained Leupold, vortex, Nikon, Zeiss, and Steiner. Sales tech. Took all the training so I could but their stuff at discounts. And because it was fun.

[@Assontwohorses]

"Optic Shaming", First world problems. lol

[@markjames8268]

This actually resonated with me, for years I heard the old tropes about buy once or spend 2 or 3 or 4 times the rifle price. But a few years ago I became involved in emergency management, took some classes and learned a few things. First thing you must do is assess , Number 1 what are you doing, what style, how far, how accurate are you, then look at budget, I will use an example I have used before you are buying little 11 year old Billie his first Deer Rifle, He has never really hunted he is an average shot ( can keep the bullet close to center), You live in Alabama and are shooting pine woods or maybe a field edge 200 yards if you are lucky, 1st rifle sub $400 (Ruger, savage axis pick one) in .243. The rifle comes with a cheap sub $100 scope. Do you really need to run out and buy little Billie a expensive scope. NO, he will be fine with a sub $100 dollar scope that's basically set and forget, thousands of southern hunters use cheap scopes for years set it and double check it at the start of dear season (aka minute of deer). Yes I have seen this exact situation, I have also seen the Gun Mag nut that bought a 7mm rem mag and a $1500 scope to hunt in the woods of South Georgia, I think his longest shot was 218 yards. I still have a beater truck gun with a cheap Simmons scope on it and it still hits what I aim at. Now I am not bashing high end optics, they definitely have a place and I use them in the right place, But I don't need a Ferrari to go to the hardware store, my 20 year old truck does just fine and I didn't even cry when they put the lumber in the bed and bent my wheel well, just shook my head and drove home.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Little Billie should have open sights on his first rifle. Imo.

[@Critical-Defense]

@@russellkeeling4387 little Billie needs to learn how to use a scope. It’s much harder to learn how to use a scope, irons are idiot proof.

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@Critical-Defense So what if little Billie can't afford a scope but still wants to go hunting?

[@Critical-Defense]

@@russellkeeling4387 I’d say Little Billie should check the most recent prices of scopes and skip a few school lunches to buy one. A decent scope for Little Billie that will stand up to heavy recoil can be purchased for $50-$100 on Amazon, and it will actually be clear glass with a decent reticle and will hold zero. It may be made in China but if he’s hurting for money that bad he’s not in any position to complain. Even cheaper, a Tasco would work without issue for around $25. If Little Billie doesn’t have $25 for a scope he has no business buying a rifle or ammo in the first place.

[@Critical-Defense]

@@russellkeeling4387 also, in this example from the original comment Little Billie’s rifle came with a scope included.

[@elmashingon6136]

The "quit being poor" comment had me dying, that's so true! From an outsider's standpoint looking to get into PRS and or hunting.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Three things I want from a hunting scope , low light capability , tough scope that stays on zero once set , life time warranty !

[@VortexNation]

We got what you need ;)

[@Billyrobthornton]

I agree with him but will add a gloss finish as an option for those of us who like traditional timer and high gloss bluing

[@chadwallace3598]

@@VortexNation what model would you say is best for a heavier recoil rifle for holding zero? Let’s say 338 wm for elk. Because I’ve seen where the diamondbacks for example are notorious for not holding zero.

[@chadwallace3598]

Nothing?

[@ejw4326]

@@VortexNation Which one is that?

[@Dream-season]

I’m eternally grateful for this podcast… it’s the best thing going right now on the Internet

[@davidwilson4313]

I killed my first deer with a Lyman Alaskan, 2 3/4 power, with 4 minute dot. 55 years later I would happily use the same scope if I still had it. Never mistake marketing for reality.

[@philswann]

Bunch of smart, articulate guys around this table. I'm not even in the market for a scope right now, but if I was it'd be a Vortex, just because they were smart enough to hire these guys and fund this podcast. So much of this wasn't even "Vortex specific". Just broad optics guidance. Love it.

[@scotteger6271]

The Viper HS is like an Audi S4…has some performance to keep you happy but has four doors and AWD that make it practical…along with a comfortable and quiet interior to make commuting effortless…to bring it back to hunting, the HS has a good zoom range and really useable low end magnification which gathers a lot of light. It also has a zoom ring that moves smoothly and is visible from the shooter’s perspective. The turrets are positive and both tactile & audible, as well as tool less zero resettable. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t cost a fortune. It has become my go-to for hunting scopes.

[@boba_chan717]

Gohkbk

[@Paul-q3m7k]

I have one in 2.5 x10x44 on my 35 Whelen . I love it

The level of knowledge, articulate presentation and great vocabulary of you three chaps makes these discussions eminently watchable and enjoyable. Your humour and chemistry reminds me of Top Gear before Clarkson, Hammond & May left. I really enjoy your honesty and great analogies. Regarding the “you might think you need more than you actually do” argument, as a motorcyclist and former instructor, I saw the FOMO gene causing many people to fall into the ‘gear’ trap of needing ‘the best’. Typically a person would pass their test and buy a 250-400cc bike and expect to be burning up the road. They’d find themselves being overtaken by bigger bikes and feeling less than confident in the corners. “It’s the bike, it’s not fast enough, big enough or ‘race bred’ enough, I need better” was always the first rationale. Ego wouldn’t let them as it they just needed more time in the saddle and to hone their skills by putting on the miles and practicing. These guys would literally ride for 2-3 hours tops, once per week on a Sunday afternoon. Nowhere near enough to become familiar with their bike. Inevitably they start researching the next (better) bike, and end up dropping a load of dosh 💰 on a 600cc sport bike. Now they are a bit more intimidated by the extra weight and power, plus the new slippery tyres which need ‘scrubbing in’. They ride almost bolt upright, scared to drop their new heady investment and end up slower. Now when the 750cc bike overtakes them they blame the bike again, and end up upgrading with several hundred miles under their belt on the 600. This cycle repeats until they own a 1300cc top spec superbike which weighs double what their 250 weighed, has 3-4 times the power and scares the living shit out of them even at legal speeds. At this point one of three things will happen. They either; 1) Overcook a corner, get target fixation and crash, potentially killing or disabling themselves. 2) Decide biking isn’t for them as it’s not rewarding and even the best bikes don’t make them ride like they’d wanted to. 3) Admit that it’s THEM that’s the problem, sell their Hayabusa and buy a ratty old 250cc bike for a few hundred quid, and learn to ride it well, or get some advanced training.

[@jerryconrad2737]

Love that you guys keep it real. Some of the best firearm/scope information available out here. That is another good reason to support your products as well. Well done and thanks.

[@aitornavarro6597]

I use a Leupold VX-R 4-12×40. Oh, wait... Wrong channel!!!! 😆

[@mattivirta]

newer not have matter what brand you use. no important, only important have 1: how much cost. 2: optic guality.

[@wormwoodfive398]

US quality ... save a few bucks for ammo too

[@540isilver]

i did just fine with cheap scopes all my life. but now that i can afford the razor hdii i love it!

[@williamfeldner9356]

Vortex. Made in China

[@alanwinge8775]

I used to hunt deer with a fixed 4x and it worked at the distance I shot at. I think it was better for a less expensive scope because it is simpler.

[@russellkeeling4387]

In 2018 I shot my elk with a .444 Marlin that has a 4 power scope on it. It was a 266 yard shot. I like fixed power scopes but they can be hard to find.

[@darionvacher9841]

I have an SWFA 10x on my 308 precision rifle, and it works very well.

[@MrSoonermadman]

I just watched…. Stayed to the end. As a scope “noob” I have no idea what scope I need on my rifle. This helped a little, but still clear as mud. You guys are awesome.

[@zmbombr]

As I struggled to keep up with my riding posse I learned how to finesse the clapped out '80s 250 two-stroke. Everyone else made their state of the art 450s climb hills and navigate single track with easy. My buddy rode up and said remember, it's the Archer that hits the bullseye not the arrow.

[@jamesfarmer63]

Here's my situation, i live in NE,GA, but my daughter is moving me and my wife to Vermillion SD, and i have a 338Lapua magnum,and i plan to hunt a Bull ELK, and mule deer, and prong horn too! As well as Large Black Bear 🐻, and one day plan to go on a life time Brown Bear 🐻 hunt in Alaska,, I've got stage 4 colon cancer so these hunts are on my bucket 🪣 list, i can live a lot longer but i will be on my chemotherapy the rest of my life, so do you have any advice for me on the scope i need?? It Will go on my MDT,LSS XL savage 338Lapua Magnum?

[@dustinmclean7899]

This is something I wish I had watched years ago when first starting off. Great podcast. Thank you for all you guys do.

[@mortgagebuzz5762]

That is so funny I had no idea everyone thought 6-24 was a good thing. Every elk and deer for me has been at about 4x and every now and again at 6x. So a 3-9 is great. I want illumination with very good control I want it MOA and good glass and coatings the end. I think nitrogen purging helps so I like it with binoculars.

[@baobo67]

Exactly MB. Bought a Bushnel 3 - 9 about 6 years ago and got the lens coating waterproof etc etc and very happy. I,m usually around 6 x depending on conditions. 24x is spotting scope power. Recommended my model to a friend buying one now but all their models have changed so have no idea what they are like. Mine was made in Japan and the optics are terrific.Cheers

[@newerest1]

god i love this podcast. vortex please keep making this stuff

[@kitbruttig1995]

I enjoy all of your pod casts, but I wish you would do a specific pod cast on low power deer and elk scopes in 1x4, 1x6, 2x7 3x9. I hunt in Eastern Texas where many shots are under 40 yards generally not farther than 150 yards Clear optics, wide field of view, lighter weight (under a pound), simplicity of use in the field are all top considerations.

[@kmtphx]

Great podcast. I wish you would have split it into two podcasts: Choosing the Right Hunting Riflescope and Choosing the Right Target Riflescope. Thanks! Appreciate it. Will check my tires.

[@VortexNation]

Thanks for the feedback and for tuning in! We can probably do more on those topics in the future!

[@VortexNation]

For hunting specifically, you may enjoy this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqPMqWOhga51hrM

[@jamessammann9183]

I got few strike eagles 5 to 25...enjoy them got a 22x lht it was the worst scope I have ever looked threw sent it back ..right scope mKes a difference

[@DD-mg9rf]

Yesterday I picked a Tikka T3X roughtech in 308 topped it with a Vortex Viper 4-16x44 … How did I do?

[@901pics]

I just got a Leopold VX HD5 3-15-44 for my new Tikka T3x lite compact in 308

[@coyotiess]

I have a VORTEX CROSSFIRE 6-18x44 I am Impressed by it I mean like WOW!

[@TerryPullen]

My use case is 22lr, 25 to 150 yards, target shooting with occasional varmint removal. I purchased a 4x12 Dimondback Tactical two weeks ago. It is my first scope so my experience is limited. Target acquisition is excellent, I use it mostly at 6 to 8 power it is very bright even after sundown. I feel like it may be a little more then I need but I am very happy with it. Thank you Vortex!

[@justaregularguy3827]

im 19-20 years old i have an ar10 i built from parts and a ffp athlon argos btr gen 1 6-24x50 i got it a while back and i learned practiced and handloaded and practiced with my load 178gr bthp round and at 1000-1200 and less i hit it more times than any of the other guys at peacemaker west virginia and my rifle cost me 1018$ total with some QOL upgrades i made its less than most bolt guns

[@David_Vander_Vliet]

I just bought a couple of those scopes, and I honestly like those more than I like my Leupold scopes!

[@AllNighterHeider]

You guys touched on lots of very important principles from business to personal development. Very well done gents. And for the listeners, i highly recommend 2X speed so you can listen to twice as many shows.

[@kevinbillow4185]

I only go 1.5x speed. Any faster and Jim's voice turns chipmunky

[@ron8566]

Great round table discussion. I am twisting in the wind trying to figure out exactly what I need for precision 22 LR shooting at 50 and 100 yards. Mostly bench test stuff for now. I hope I can call you to talk about this.

[@jamesfarmer63]

Ive got the 338 Lapua with a 24 inch barrel bolt action and bipod , but i want to get a burris 3 illimator wich has a range finder my shooting with this rifel is long range, but i also plan to use in in the Alaskan bush and valleys for brown in Alaska do you think this scope is ideal for either?? Is has as i said a range finder and i can put in the ammunition information and program my evaluation and windage and if i'm aiming with the cross hairs on a target is will put a dot to where i should shoot. It also has low to high magnification so what do you think?? & yes it cost $1200 but I'm going to save to get it.

[@danielsullivan5287]

Watching this and hearing them talk about how I probably don’t need a Razor and knowing full well I’m probably about to buy a razor

[@DustinSilva]

which gun are you planning on putting it on? what do you plan to use it for? how often will you shoot it?

[@tommyofthehillpeople]

Driving to Wisconsin at the moment with 2 nearly bald tires. I have quality rings though so i should make it to my destination ok. I think i heard that right. Right? Good show guys.

[@fauxurfancy]

Lol

[@doubleutubefan5]

CRS Firearms? Is that you?

[@garybonz]

I prefer the "keep it simple stupid" method. Use the same model optic on similar cal. rifles so when you switch you can jump right in without re-booting.

[@pauldeahl3980]

For hunting the low magnification is more important that upper magnification because if you happen upon a critter at close range, you want a large field of view so you can find the animal in your scope quickly. For hunting you first want a flat shooting caliber. Then realize that an ethical hunting distance is MAX 300 to 400 yards. So you pick a magnification range applicable to that Max distance with as low a magnification as possible. If you’re out there shooting at game at 800 yards that’s just target shooting on live game. A true hunter will stalk within a reasonable distance based on their shooting skill level or ambush. For hunting you don’t need a 1st focal range. You won’t have time to range an animal and adjust your scope. Instead you sight your gun for max point blank range and then when you aim on an animal you simply put the crosshairs on it and know that your going to hit the vitals as long as you compensate, if necessary, for windage. So all that means is a second focal plane with a simple duplex reticle. For hunting, illumination is a personal preference. If you can convince the game warden you shot that animal within the legal hours of hunting, or if your hunting in the woods with lots of shadow, then yeah, illumination could be for you. For hunting, parallax adjustment is not something you need to be adjusting in the heat of the moment. Knowing the above can get you a really decent scope for less than $500. What drives up the cost of a scope is 1st focal plane, high magnification, illumination, and side focus ( parallax). I’ve laid out reasons that you don’t need those 4 features for hunting and now you can spend money on the optics quality and not the bells and whistles not needed for hunting. Ringing steel is a totally different approach and I’m not getting into that subject.

[@ronaldlollis8895]

I absolutely agree with you on this, I’ve got “low end/bargain/decent” high mag/illuminated scopes on a couple of rifles, a mid level on a crossbow and some mid to upper mid level glass on a variety of other items. I have found that most illuminating scopes leave much to be desired because if it is dark enough to really need it, it’s likely too dark to be shooting at animals(other than predators and hogs, that’s a different subject) and most illuminated reticle, even on the lowest of low, provides too much light and eye washes, screwing up your natural night vision. Bushnell had the best idea with the Firefly dot on the crosshairs, but you had to shine a flashlight on it to charge it for a few minutes. Tritium would have been ideal for it. I like a very fine crosshair for my target shooting, total washout in low light. I’ve used milspecs, milrads and moa’s, up to 4moa red dots(I prefer a 2), but getting older my eyesight sux now. Two of the best scopes I’ve ever had are a 3x9-40 I bought at JC Penny’s (go figure) that I kept on a pre-64 Mod70-‘06 for years and years and a Brunton 3x9-40 I scored from SG with a great Victorinox folder bonus that skins deer superbly. It’s on a Marlin60 and I still marvel at it’s optic quality for so little duck I spent to get it. The Simmons ATEC series and the Bushnell BDC and Prime lines are probably the best low cost/quality received bargains out there. I’ve got a bargain basement high mag/illuminated A/O on a single shot ‘06, while the glass quality/coatings could be better on high magnification, above 14x, it’s “stoopid accurate” and tracks flawlessly. I know I got lucky with “that one”, and I could probably go to a mid/upper line, say a PST Tac, a Leupold, a Nikon Black, maybe a Weaver or Burris, but since what I have on it hits dead on way out with it’s pet load, quite frankly I’m reluctant to touch it for fear of messing it up. I’ll leave it be until I absolutely have to. And right now, it’s just too danged expensive to shoot.

[@robbio121]

I plan on using my AR10 for hunt

[@toddboone333]

I can’t tell a difference between Vortex’s Philippines glass and their Japanese glass. If you put the average shooter behind a Viper PST and the Razor, they’ll be able to see that the Razor is more tin walled in its construction. But the glass is really similar. I think the Viper has better glass at around half the cost or maybe more, depending on which Razor you buy.

[@joehunt4506]

I opted to put the 6x24x50 Diamondback Tactical FFP, with Burris Signature rings on my .300 Win Mag

[@MrJtin69]

I grew up with irons and grew to love vortex scopes before finding this podcast i truly love your range finders also such professionals

[@jacobivy2854]

I went with the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 on my Tikka T3x Tactical with 24” SS heavy profile barrel in 6.5cm as nowhere near me (multiple Vortex dealers) could get me a Strike Eagle 5-25x56 or knew when one would come in. This is my first venture into PRS style shooting, and for the price, this has been an amazing scope. I will be upgrading to either the Strike Eagle or maybe even a Razor before long if I still enjoy the hobby and drop a Tikka .338 LM into a MDT chassis.

[@indianajets]

Speaking of over scoping. I have a crossfire II 3-12X56 on my Marlin 1894CST 357MAG .. now, here's why. With my age, double Astigmatisms, and glasses with bifocals, the extra zoom actually helps me not bounce in and out of my bifocals. Yes, it looks a bit overkill, but it works perfectly for me.

[@johnfordham8133]

For such a young guy you have it nailed. Training always wins out with a good attitude. It should always be fun. I enjoyed your video.

[@paoemantega8793]

I appreciate this content but would prefer shorter intro. Thank you.

[@eribertoacedo9505]

Good show lots of information on types of scopes, I have an Enfield 7.62 / 51 NATO 308 have a Simmons Pro 50 scope, Bob at Be-Square made a scope mount for my rifle good combo, very content with this set up! thank you Bob at B-Square! and this program!

[@jimhudson937]

You guys seem candid enough, so answer me this. Why is there no 1-10x in the Viper lineup? I have the Viper PST 1-6 which I love. It’s on an AR15 platform. But I need more magnification for my AR10 platform. I’d purchase the Viper 1-10 (if it existed). Is my only choice the high priced Razor 1-10?

[@marcusnovenson5508]

So I don’t need a $2500 rifle scope to shoot a deer at 300 yards in Florida

[@EagleRun23]

Does anyone want to recommend me a scope? I listened to this entire podcast and still don't know. AR-10 Very nice bolt and barrel 18" in 6.5 Creedmoor. I want to shoot 100+ and learn long-range shooting out to 200? 300? More?. budget $600? I am thinking Diamondback 6-24 FFP

[@VortexNation]

You are spot on, my friend - if you are looking to get into long-range shooting at that price point the Diamondback Tactical FFP 6-24x50 would be the perfect option.

[@satajetrp9132]

Check out the new Bushnell line (American made)...just put 1 on my 7mm...500.00 blessing

[@dgambrel9241]

A 4-16 sfp will cover 80% of what people need. 3-9 was perfect for 30 years before the Internet. I have ffp, but I like sfp for most things, but I don’t compete.

[@Pipewelder417]

You shouldn’t been scared of second focal plan, because if you need to use your hold overs chances are your on max power any was.

[@JG54206]

Couldn’t have said it any better myself. Most of the time you want to use your specialized reticle for a long distance holdover you will probably be on a long distance (I.e. higher) magnification. Using it at the lower powers; especially really low like 1x-3x you probably won’t really need to use the reticle’s holdovers. If you were really worried about it then just put some rounds on paper and test it out.

[@wisconsinoutdoorsman4782]

Love the viper pst gen 2 2-10x. Perfect for an AR10 in wisconsin. Illumination makes low end usable and high end is crystal clear. I'm planning on getting a razor at some point but I'm very happy with my viper. If you're curious as to what AR10 I have been lucky enough to see a Sig 716 G2 patrol stroll into my local ma and pa gun shop. Tagged my first buck (8pt) with that rifle using iron sights. Now with my viper I am looking forward to next open season.

[@frankarchibald732]

I'm from Wisconsin too. But it's hard to find long range 😕 but where did you find it. And what do they sell for?

[@wisconsinoutdoorsman4782]

@@frankarchibald732 private property is unfortunately the only place that you'll find long range near me (western Wisconsin farmland) otherwise Eau Claire has a range that goes out to 600 yards but extensive membership requirements are to be met to have access to the range. 10x power is all you'll ever need while Wisconsin whitetail hunting which is why I opted for the viper pst gen 2, 2-10 First Focal Plane. I now hunt with a Savage 110 scout chambered in .308 with the Burris 2-7x scout. It's a much lighter rifle compared to my Sig piston driven AR10.

[@frankarchibald732]

@@wisconsinoutdoorsman4782 oh ok. Thanks for the info.

[@ronws2007]

52:40 I believe the word is logarithmic. And I just keep watching this particular podcast because you guys are so smart. I think you think the way that I think, which may be a way of complimenting myself. Over-scoping, indeed. My MVP, which I have hunted with, is now heavier with a Venom on it. Which could be okay if I am just varminting, i.e., sitting at the edge of a farm field and picking off varmints. But your hunting rifle has to have some considerations. If you are on foot the entire way, especially on a back country hunt, which most elk and moose and even bear hunts are, you have to consider the weight of everything versus what you need it to do. Like Mark's A-Bolt in .300 WSM. Probably weighed about 7 pounds empty when he got it. I imagine, finished out, he was 9 pounds something, which is fine for a big and strong guy like him hiking around wherever it was (Brit Can? Queen Victoria's Island? Or Washington state?) Even on my Diamondback tactical, at the 100 yard indoor range, I can dial no more than 10 power to get any resolution, so, I might adjust a smidge the fast focus on the ocular. But there is clarity and I can see shots, which is good, because sometimes, the 100 yard monitor is not working so well. I went back and forth between my Diamondback Tactical 6-24/50 mm and my Crossfire II 3-9/40 Dead Hold. The Crossfire II is accurate enough. I zeroed at 100 yards with about 1 MOA. Mostly me, not the rifle. But I put the Diamondback Tactical back on. For some reason, I do better with that scope and had the smallest group at 1/4 MOA and the largest at 3/4 MOA with a hot barrel. But if I was to get a .450 BM or .350 Legend, I know that is a rifle that will shine best to 300 yards or less and there would never be a need for any other scope than the Crossfire II Straight Wall BDC. Either use the holds or zero for a PBR of 150 yards. I know that Elmer Keith wrote of shooting 600 yards with a .35 Whelen but that was a special circumstance and more often than not, it was a rump shot and did not bring the animal down. So, my added thought is not just the performance but, like you guys are saying the durability. A scope with caps does not get accidental turret twists. So, I have scope slickers and I also have a rifle slicker. And the weight consideration. Also, scopes have more range than one might think. For example, not that I would hunt an animal at 1,000 yards, but the Diamondback Tactical and the Venom will go to 1,000 yards with a zero MOA rail. And you could dial all of your elevation and then hold an additional 80 MOA of reticle. Not that you would need to but it is capable.

[@VortexNation]

You are spot on, my friend! There are always trade-offs to heavier/lighter rigs, capped/exposed turrets, etc. At the end of the day you need to dive into what the setup will be used for primarily and go with something that will give you the best advantage.

[@edwardperdue3362]

Pretty p PS to p

[@stephenchenier5005]

Have you looked through the vortex HD gen 2 4.5-27??

[@ronws2007]

@@stephenchenier5005 I think you meant the Razor HD Gen 2. I have not looked through one but i see that they now have the EBR-7C, updated from the EBR-2C. And it is a good magnification range. And good glass. I just don't the budget or need to spend 2800 on a scope. Not that I wouldn't. The Venom 5x-25x/ 56 mm is more than enough for me at a really low price for what that scope does. It costs me about 500 for the Venom. And does everything I need. As I said in my previous post, I could go 1,000 yards on a 0 MOA rail. However, if I planned to shoot past 500 yards regularly, I would put on a 20 MOA rail and get some of my elevation back on the turret. But I will say this. Being so impressed with the quality of Vortex, the price of a Razor HD would be money well spent. If you can afford it, even for a hunting rifle, then get it. And "over-scoped" be damned. Use the scope that makes you comfortable and accurate. That is why I use the Diamondback Tactical over my latest hunting rifle for public land and hiking, which is very much like a back country hunt. Plenty of people have killed more deer than me with the Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC SFP scope. I just like the EBR-2C and 7C reticles and first focal plane. Ranging in reticle is a breeze. And that is something I have to do in the thick forests of public land. My laser range finder dings of a near by leaf. But ranging in reticle, I can get shots between the trees to about 70 yards ish.

[@scotteger6271]

@@ronws2007 when your budget allows maybe check out the Viper HS scopes. I bought a lot of Crossfire II’s and regular Diamondback scopes until I put two Viper HS scopes on my XBolts. I have Diamondbacks on other rifles but those two XBolts are my go-to hunting rifles and the Viper HS scopes make me enjoy them more than I have other rifles. The Viper HS scopes can be had for decent prices if you shop around a little.

[@Wordenofthenorth]

Fantastic conversation, very helpful, thanks guys!

[@johnnyb2799]

What a great video! I’ve shot sooo many varmints at ranges from 50 to 500 yards with a duplex reticle, albeit on a tuned rifle with tuned hand loads. Some of the best times shooting in my life. Did I mention it wasn’t a $1,000 scope either. Great job guys!

[@JoshSmith-vj3yb]

350 legend with a 2-7x32 is perfect for a "shotgun" setup. It's works awesome for shots on the run but 100-150yds shot is no problem.

[@jarjarlol]

Buy once cry once

[@brandontanner97]

Rinse and repeat.

[@rossauce12]

Sounds like they are trying to get you to cry twice

[@Sqwan2]

This was an amazing podcast. Unfortunately I still don't know how to chose the right scope now. As the podcast was 1:20:00 I hoped to get a few more details. I also looked up what you have to offer, but I have no clue what it means to me and how to compare it. If I had to buy a scope right know I probably would buy a Zeiss 3-12x56 because where I come from, everyone is using it.

[@scotteger6271]

I’m confident that if you call Vortex customer service they can help you pick a scope that specifically meets your exact needs.

[@Dieseldoctor6.7]

I loved the Nikon Prostaff BDC scopes but they stopped making them so now I'm here.

[@doomguy584]

I have 2 of them 😁

[@jfphotography69]

I hunt state lands. I used to use a Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x50 on my Browning BLR 308 lever action, did not take me long to realize it was too much scope for the woods that I was hunting, replaced it with a Bushnell Elite 3200 2x7x32 "no illuminated red dot, just an old fashion cross, more than enough scope for the woods. The furthest shot for a clean kill in the woods for me would be 100-150 yards, most kills have been less than 100 yards. Especially if you are hunting inside woodlands with heavy brush, where a deer can just show up at crossbow/bow range or closer, too much magnification on the low end means you have a good chance of not acquiring the subject in time. I also do photography, and the longer the phocal length of the lens, it makes it more difficult to acquire the subject. You want to be able to acquire the subject first and then zoom in if you have to.

[@Joeatsaco69]

Great vid. My 1st Vortex was a Diamondback Tactical for my 6.5Cre. It’s a longer range hunting rifle. Then I wanted a Vortex for my 7mmMag. So I got the StrikeEagle for my 7mmMag. I like the addition of the zero stop. My GF has a Copperhead 2 with a second focus plane. Now we want to stretch our to 1000. I found that her scope max MOA is like 475 for her 6.5. I also found that my MOA for the strike eagle to 1000 is 27MOA but it has 42MOA of adjustment in the dial plus another 38MOA in the reticle. I now have the scope to get out there. My 6.5 also has the MOA on the dial to get out to 1000 plus what’s in the reticle. The Diamondback tactical is great but no zero stop. Is a great scope. My 7mm with my Strike eagle with zero stop exceeds my needs. So in a long winded way. Buy 1 level up from what you need. 1st focus plane is now a must. Zero stop is now a new must. Buy once cry once is my new rule.

[@ThrowingItAway]

I love my Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 FFP on my 22-250 Tikka. I'm not shooting out to long range, bagging game isn't my goal, I just want to hit steel and other targets. The feature set on this scope is almost impossible to beat for the price and I don't think I would get more value out of something more expensive. Dialing in is easy with exposed turrets, and hold over is the same at any zoom level thanks to being FFP.

[@jeffzimmers1114]

So, I didn’t hear about scopes that will hold zero with a 300 win mag. I’ve only been able to hold zero with a 3x9 leupold. Q: Does quality/reliability and cost go hand in hand? Q: Does anyone have reliability with vortex?

[@bi7235]

Yup.