Optics for the RAR, Leupold or Vortex

S

SARuger

New member
I have three RAR's, 30-06, 243, 223, that need new optics. I started out with Hawke Optics on the three and I'm having issues keeping zero on all three. The 30-06 killed the Hawke in three rounds and I paid a lot of money for that scope, $250. Lesson learned.

I prefer Vortex, I own a couple with no issues. Leupold speaks for its self. I know there are other good scopes between my price ranges but I'm focusing on those two. Is a $350 rifle worthy of a $320 scope? I know the shot of a lifetime is priceless, I just struggle with the money spent.

All three guns will shoot sub MOA at 100yds(from a lead sled) and are well worth putting good optics on but I wonder if I should spend $500 for three Vortex or $1000 for three Leupold?

I'm a single dad so yes money is an issue.

I'm looking at the following scopes for each rifle;

30-06, Vortex Crossfire 3-9x40 dead hold BDC $149, Leupold VX-1 long range duplex $249

243 and 223, Vortex Crossfire 4-12x44 dead hold BDC $169 each, I will need two, Leupold VX-1 4-12x40 long range duplex, $319 each, I will need two.

For me its easier to pick a firearm than it is to pick a optic or a holster, and I wish I knew why I get hung up on it.
 
If it's between the Leupold VX1 and the bottom of the barrel Vortex Crossfire. get the Leupolds.

If you step up to the Vortex Diamonback line, then it's a toss up and you should get whichever one tickles your fancy. Step up to the Viper line, and I would probably pick the Vortex over the VX1.

I've had a Leupold VX1 on my Tikka T3 Lite in .308 since I bought it over 10 years ago. It has held zero ever since. I don't buy anything in the Vortex line below the Viper, just because the Viper offers the features I like/want for a very good price.
 
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I own a couple of Vortex and Leupolds. My lowest model Leupold is a VX-II and its a really good scope even though its roughly 550-600 bucks. Since budget seems to be your concern, have you looked at Redfield? They are owned by Leupold now and are really good. I've got one of the Revenge models in 3-9x52. They still have the same warranty has Leupold also. I think I picked mine up on sale from Natchezss a couple years ago for around 180. Vortex are also really good scopes. I broke one of the Crossfires (my fault) a couple years ago and they replaced with no questions in about 2 weeks. If you go with Vortex, look for the Crossfire II. They better glass and are more durable the original version.
 
Vortex has upgradedvthe Diamondback line. The Crossfire doesn't seem to hold up to recoil, but would probably be fine on a .223. Leupold scopes get better with time in the price group of the Diamondback that would be a toss...
I own 5 Vortex scopes and haven't had any reason not to buy more.
 
MXsailor803, I keep seeing reviews on the Redfield Revolution that give it mixed ratings due to turret issues. I really want an American made scope this time around. Maybe its time to spend some money.

I have two Crossfire II that I am very pleased with and 3 Nikon's that I like as well(Omega and two Rimfire).
 
So maybe for the 30-06 get the VX1, and then get the Crossfire II for the .243 and .223. They have light recoils even though the rifles are light.
 
If you are looking at a decent scope in the $200 price range my 1st choice is the Burris FF-II. A close 2nd choice is the Redfield Revolution. A Leupold VX-1 is just about the same quality as the others, but will cost a bit more, I'd just pay $300 and get the VX-2 instead.

There are lots of other decent scopes in that price range including the Vortex as well as Nikon. But the FF-II, Revolution and VX-1 or VX-2 have design features that I prefer.

You can't just look through the glass, within the same price range all brands are about the same. Factors such as eye relief, reticle design, ergonomics, weight and length, and reputation for reliability are the deciding factor for me. Some scopes are designed so you get a clear view right up to the edge, others are only clear in the center or will have a large dark ring blocking part of the view.

I've made my recommendations based on all of the above. I think
vortex is a decent scope, it just has design features I don't care for.
 
I ordered two scopes today. A Redfield Revolution 4-12x40 for the .223 or the .243 and a Burris FF2 3-9x40 for the 30-06.

I sure hope those are good scopes. Midway had the Burris on sale for $138

I'm not sure what my third scope will be, probably either another Vortex or Redfield Revo
 
If you look around you can find Leupold VX1 scopes for less than $200. I don't personally like the Burris FFII because the whole eye piece rotates when you change the power. This makes using butler creek scope caps hard to use. It isn't a deal breaker on the scope, Burris is a decent.scopes for the money and $138 is a great deal.
 
I gave up on the Butler Creek covers, the first shot fired with my 30-06 took both covers out! The retaining rings flew out and the cover lenses fell out, both covers went in the trash at the range. That 30-06 has some kick because its so light. Not a rifle I'm going to shoot a lot at the range.
 
I've never had a issue with my turrets on my Redfield. I'm also not turning them all the time. I check zero from time to time with a particular load and forget it.
 
They make more than one scope cover, I don't use the see-thru covers. Never once had a problem with them and use them on most of my hunting rifles. My .30-06 weighs 7 lbs with scope, sling, and 5 rounds in the magazine.
 
Im giving the Redfield a try, I'm sure I will like it. Both of my deer rifles when I was a kid had Redfields on them.

I will get the solid covers next time. I'm not crazy about the see through type.

I looked through a few scopes locally today. Still deciding on the third scope. It won't be a Crossfire II. Still looking at Leupold, Burris, and Redfield
 
I own Leupolds (VarX-IIIs and better, Nikon Monarchs, Sightrons SIIIs, various Burris, Redfield, Weaver and Nitrex model scopes. Most of these cost $500.00 or more, except the older Redfields and Weavers. Quality usually equates to price, but not always. This last spring I purchased my first Vortex scope, a Diamondback HP 4-16 X 44mm for a new AR build in 6.5X6.8 SPC. I'm have done a lot of 300 yards shooting with this new rig and I'm impressed with this Diamondback scope. Best thing was the price - $289.00 shipped from Cameraland, NY. Ordered as an open box demo, but arrived in a factory sealed box.
 
I have to laugh at myself, I asked the question about Vortex v Leupold and which to purchase. After a few days researching and reading all of your replies I have purchased 3 scopes.

And none of them were Vortex or Leupold :o

I want to own a Leupold someday and I know I will, I just couldn't afford anything past the VX-1 price range right now. I had to put optics on 3 rifles so working between budget and quality was a struggle. I admit, if money were no object, Leupold would have been all 3 choices. The only Leupold in my price range besides the "Rifleman" series was the 3-9x40 VX1. I needed more power than that for the long range guns. Then I found that killer deal on the Burris for $138, I hope its worth the money.

Here is what I ended up buying;

For the .223- Nikon Prostaff 4-12x40 mil dot

For the .243- Redfield Revolution 4-12x40 V-plex

For the 30-06- Burris Full Field 2 3-9x40, ballistic plex

Thank You everyone for the awesome advice as usual. This is the best firearm forum on the www.
 
I got all 3 scopes in from Midway yesterday. I waited until almost dark, 8:40ish and looked through each scope. The Nikon pulls in the most light and is the clearest.

I like the look feel and weight of the Redfield. The Burris is "so-so"

I can't wait to mount them.
 
I love my Vortex Viper on 260 Tikka. I did go out and spend money on lower end SHV Nightforce that cost double the Vortex and I can't tell any difference in glass and turrets zer right back out on both so high dollar not always best. I topped my RAR 243 off with 4200 Elite Bushnell in 2.5 x10. I think it was $289.00 out the door at gun store. I have some Leupold but like the quick European focus on the Vortex better. Both are good scopes but to me Leupolds low end isn't any better than Vortex.
 
I got all three mounted tonight and bore-sighted. After shouldering and looking through the glass, my vote goes to Burris with the Revo second and the Nikon third.

All three scopes are better than the Hawke scopes I put on them originally.

I have the Vortex Crossfire 2 on my 17hmr and I like it just fine as well.

Now its time to go to the range and get them shooting before deer season gets here.
 
vortex diamond back is highly recommened over savage shooters.com. almost got 2 of them a few years back and the 3200s elites were discounted at natchez so i went that route.
 
Best for the money

If start recoending the following which have proven to be very good for the money and tested in my 300 win mag.

First suggestion is the SWAF Super sniper ..its about $300 but its amazing for a very good entry level scope...u can check out tiborasaurusrex video on scopes on youtube...

Second id suggest the nikon monarch series again moa is good just be aware that its not a ffp scope.

And the vortex viper are also decent for the money...i havent played with leopold but i hear theybsre great my friend has a vx3 and loves it
 
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