Finally had some time to do a bit more testing with the Vortex.
This review and testing is based on my limited knowledge of optics, optic testing, and ability as a shooter.
When I had first zeroed the rifle a few weeks ago, after reading what I saw in the scope after the first shot, I made an adjustment of 2 mils down and 2 mils right. Pretty much spot on in the little 3' Shoot-N-C target I was aiming for and after a slight tweak it was center punching it no problem. Right after which I had ran out of light and had to wait until the next range visit...
Fast forward to yesterday.
I switched up ammo from the Hornady Superformance Match 168gr A-Max rounds to Southwest Ammunition 175gr SMK Run-N-Gun loads. I rezeroed and began to perform some tests.
I took the elevation knob and twisted it all the way up and down several times before returning it to zero and then checked POA/POI. Spot on with no zero change.
I also performed the same test with the windage knob with the same results.
I did this to both the elevation and windage knobs a few times and never a hiccup.
I didn't have many Shoot-N-C targets left so I was unable to get the max use out of the elevation that I was looking for. I was only able to take it up to 7.6 mils. I'm a novice at testing/precision shooting and my abilities to read the reticle aren't the best but from my box test, the scope seems to track correctly.
I had randomly placed 5 targets on the board, read my reticle, made the adjustment, and fired.
First of the 5 was the zero which was a hair right of center. Tracking on up to the other 4 targets they were pretty much on with what I had read in the reticle. This is my first time doing a box test so the results, to me, were good.
After the box test I had the misfortune of getting caught in one of our great Illinois thunder storms, at which time I decided to switch over to shooting some steel targets set up at 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards that I had put up when I first got to the range.
After making the calculation and reading the wind I dialed in the scope for elevation and held for the wind.
My elevation adjustments:
.6 @ 200 Yards
1.5 @ 300 Yards
2.5 @ 400 Yards
3.6 @ 500 Yards
It tracked just fine and I was able to make first round hits on each of the targets I was shooting at.
After finally getting to spend more time with the scope I have drawn a few more conclusions.
The clicks could be a little more firm but they are satisfactory.
The glass in the scope is crisp and clear and passed my fog test (left scope out in the sun for a few hours, the popped it in the freezer for a while).
The illumination feature is completely useless in the daytime with bright sun. however works very well in the early morning and late evenings offering a good choice of levels to suit the eye. The illumination was left of 10 for a hair over a month before it died, so if you accidently leave it on (even on the highest setting) over night, it shouldn't be a problem.
The low light performance is pretty good. It would suit any need for the hunter as I've checked it out early in the mornings around the time I'd go coyote hunting and shot it late enough to the point I could no longer see my target and am very well satisfied with the ability to still clearly distinct targets when light is not on my side.
I would like to go back and re-box test it (to 14 mils) with pictures for everyone as well as test it back to back with other scopes in the same and a little high price range. If I get the chance, the first will be no problem but the other might have to wait a while.
For the price range of this scope, I must say, it is well worth it. Vortex's quality and customer support is spot on as is (from what I've heard) their warranty as well. So you get a good piece of glass that you can rely on, a good company that stands behind their product, and you didn't have to break the bank to do so.
If you are on a budget, give the PST line a look at, I think you'll enjoy it!
Here is a video of of it in action yesterday. Pretty drab but It'll have to do.
This review and testing is based on my limited knowledge of optics, optic testing, and ability as a shooter.
When I had first zeroed the rifle a few weeks ago, after reading what I saw in the scope after the first shot, I made an adjustment of 2 mils down and 2 mils right. Pretty much spot on in the little 3' Shoot-N-C target I was aiming for and after a slight tweak it was center punching it no problem. Right after which I had ran out of light and had to wait until the next range visit...
Fast forward to yesterday.
I switched up ammo from the Hornady Superformance Match 168gr A-Max rounds to Southwest Ammunition 175gr SMK Run-N-Gun loads. I rezeroed and began to perform some tests.
I took the elevation knob and twisted it all the way up and down several times before returning it to zero and then checked POA/POI. Spot on with no zero change.
I also performed the same test with the windage knob with the same results.
I did this to both the elevation and windage knobs a few times and never a hiccup.
I didn't have many Shoot-N-C targets left so I was unable to get the max use out of the elevation that I was looking for. I was only able to take it up to 7.6 mils. I'm a novice at testing/precision shooting and my abilities to read the reticle aren't the best but from my box test, the scope seems to track correctly.
I had randomly placed 5 targets on the board, read my reticle, made the adjustment, and fired.
First of the 5 was the zero which was a hair right of center. Tracking on up to the other 4 targets they were pretty much on with what I had read in the reticle. This is my first time doing a box test so the results, to me, were good.
After the box test I had the misfortune of getting caught in one of our great Illinois thunder storms, at which time I decided to switch over to shooting some steel targets set up at 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards that I had put up when I first got to the range.
After making the calculation and reading the wind I dialed in the scope for elevation and held for the wind.
My elevation adjustments:
.6 @ 200 Yards
1.5 @ 300 Yards
2.5 @ 400 Yards
3.6 @ 500 Yards
It tracked just fine and I was able to make first round hits on each of the targets I was shooting at.
After finally getting to spend more time with the scope I have drawn a few more conclusions.
The clicks could be a little more firm but they are satisfactory.
The glass in the scope is crisp and clear and passed my fog test (left scope out in the sun for a few hours, the popped it in the freezer for a while).
The illumination feature is completely useless in the daytime with bright sun. however works very well in the early morning and late evenings offering a good choice of levels to suit the eye. The illumination was left of 10 for a hair over a month before it died, so if you accidently leave it on (even on the highest setting) over night, it shouldn't be a problem.
The low light performance is pretty good. It would suit any need for the hunter as I've checked it out early in the mornings around the time I'd go coyote hunting and shot it late enough to the point I could no longer see my target and am very well satisfied with the ability to still clearly distinct targets when light is not on my side.
I would like to go back and re-box test it (to 14 mils) with pictures for everyone as well as test it back to back with other scopes in the same and a little high price range. If I get the chance, the first will be no problem but the other might have to wait a while.
For the price range of this scope, I must say, it is well worth it. Vortex's quality and customer support is spot on as is (from what I've heard) their warranty as well. So you get a good piece of glass that you can rely on, a good company that stands behind their product, and you didn't have to break the bank to do so.
If you are on a budget, give the PST line a look at, I think you'll enjoy it!
Here is a video of of it in action yesterday. Pretty drab but It'll have to do.
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