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1.) DParker - 08/17/2016
As some of you may recall (or not, it's been quite a while) I slapped a budget Konus Pro pistol scope (for its long eye relief) on the old Mosin-Nagant for use in deer/hog hunting. It actually worked quite well for some time, and is still holding the original zero after two seasons in the field, and a number of outings to the shooting range. However, in spite of its claimed ability to be able handle quite stout recoil, it quickly developed an issue where a coating from the inside of the tube came loose and created tiny black specks all over the inside of the eyepiece. The scope is still technically usable, but the specks are annoying as hell...so I've resolved to replace it. However, I'm still constraining myself to a relatively low-cost solution...not because I'm not willing to spend money on good optics, but because I'm wanting to stick with the spirit of the project that I made of the rifle as a cheap WWII relic hunting gun.

The problem is that decent scopes with long eye relief that are suitable for use on a rifle like the 91/30 are somewhat limited in number to begin with, and are almost all at least somewhat pricey...at least in terms of an optic for a 73 year-old Russian infantry rifle. But I found what I thought was a good deal on a [URL="https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Force-2-5-8x28-EER-Matte/dp/B0062OSZIM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471475432&sr=8-1&keywords=Nikon+Force+XR+2.5-8x28+EER+Matte+with+BDC"]Nikon XR 2.5-8x28 EER w/BDC reticle[/URL] @ $245.54.



Free 2-day Prime shipping even. But the cheap bastard in me prompted me to keep looking and, as a result, I discovered that Vortex has finally released a [URL="http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/crossfire-II-2-7x32-scout-scope"]2-7X32 scout scope as part of their Crossfire II line[/URL].



A bit of Googling turned up mostly positive reviews/comments on the scope, and it's just a hair over $100 less than the Nikon ($139 on Amazon, also with free shipping...though not 2-day Prime). I doubt anybody here has this particular model, but I know I've read other members in the past talking about Vortex optics that they own/have owned, so I thought I'd put out a feeler and see if anybody has any feedback on the general quality of their products.
2.) BULLZ-i - 08/17/2016
I JUST BOUGHT A VORTEX RIM FIRE 2-7X35 DIAMONDBACK FOR THAT KELTEC CMR30. I'M HAPPY AS CROOKEDEYE IN SHIZ

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BULLZ-i/media/14044948_1263471277019442_289492745_o.jpg.html][/URL]

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BULLZ-i/media/14060332_1263471690352734_1076971375_o.jpg.html][/URL]
3.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2016
Oh, so you're the one that's shooting up all the .22 ammo...
4.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2016
DP--

(And when I write "you" below, I mostly mean the generic "you" --as in whoever's reading--not necessarily you in particular. :wink)



How about the Nikon 2x20 instead?

I can't say I'm a big fan of the Nikon stuff I've looked through and had in my hands until you get to the upper reaches, although a lot of guys like the mid-upper range just fine. I'd say the same of Vortex, although their mid-range stuff often beats other mid-range stuff, I think. Or at least it seemed like that to me when I was paying more attention than I am now. Unless I'm mistaken, the warranty of each company for non-electronic optics is similar.

So, without looking through each piece and giving you my unvarnished opinion of what I see, I have to rely on specs and personal preference regarding what I suppose.

For that, I went to SWFA, one of the sites that you can usually find enough specs in chart form to make comparisons when you need to.

First, do you really want a variable scope on a scout rifle? Maybe not. But for a plinking rifle set up in a scout configuration, maybe so. But before you jump to judgment, think of this: the fixed power Nikon 2x20 is sleek, about 3/4 of the weight of the two other scopes in consideration, has a very nice "heavy duplex" reticle for rapid aiming, a larger field of view than the Vortex at its lowest power setting, and a much larger field of view than the 2.5 x 8 Nikon.

It appears equal to the Vortex in terms of elevation and windage adjustment range, and so superior to the Nikon variable that I might make a phone call or check a few other spec charts at a few other sites to see if there's not a misprint at SWFA. In other words, I wouldn't plunk down money for the Nikon variable unless I knew exactly what that number was if I were going to be spinning those adjustment knobs very much for any reason. If I'm reading what I think I'm looking at right, the fixed Nikon and the variable Vortex have 50% more adjustment range than the Nikon 2.5-8 has.

Now, of these three scopes, they all have different reticles and I like the fixed Nikon's "heavy duplex" the best. However, a case could be made for the semi-weird "post and wire plus BDC" reticle of the Nikon 2.5 x 8. Or, somebody could find it too busy, and not quite up to either a pure post or a pure "German" reticle, which are both quite nice for running shots. I have shot each of those a bit, and am "this close" to converting at least one scope over to a German, from a Duplex. However, Nikon's attempt on the 2.5 x 8 leaves me cold. I'd definitely take a look at it if you haven't already. Let me know if you need a barf bag.

All that said, the least attractive reticle for this scope might be the medium duplex that Vortex uses. I might find it too fine for a rifle scope meant for quick aim and rapid fire. Others might find it just great, and maybe what they're most used to. But if you like a traditional or fairly traditional crosshair, why not define it better for this type of scope, as Nikon does on their 2x20?

My choices, therefore:

If I were going by function and didn't need a variable, it would be the Nikon 2x20.

If I wanted a variable and liked the medium duplex, saving some money for ammo and appreciated clean lines in my scopes, I'd get the Vortex.

If I wanted a variable, didn't mind a scope that looks a little clunky, could put up with the odd reticle and the limited adjustment range, and had an extra hundred dollars in my pocket with nowhere else to go, I'd get the Nikon 2.5x8 and hope everything works out in the end.
5.) DParker - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=BULLZ-i;43208]I JUST BOUGHT A VORTEX RIM FIRE 2-7X35 DIAMONDBACK FOR THAT KELTEC CMR30. I'M HAPPY AS CROOKEDEYE IN SHIZ

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BULLZ-i/media/14044948_1263471277019442_289492745_o.jpg.html][/URL]

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BULLZ-i/media/14060332_1263471690352734_1076971375_o.jpg.html][/URL][/QUOTE]

Looks good. OK, so I'll mark you down in the "satisfied customer" column. Thanks.
6.) DParker - 08/18/2016
Swampy...you make a lot of good points with regard to scoping a scout rifle. However, the 91/30 is most definitely not a scout rifle (far too long and heavy), nor am I trying to turn it into one. The reason I need an extended eye relief scope for it is that the only solid scope mounting option available that didn't involve drilling and tapping the receiver or replacing the original bolt (neither are acceptable to me) puts the eyepiece of a scope about 12" or so from the shooter's eye, rendering conventional scopes unusable.

As such, the usual scout rifle considerations like rapid target acquisition don't apply. This is a gun that gets used for still hunting from a ground blind. The variety of locations I hunt with it means the possibility of shots ranging from 50-200 yds or so at targets the size of a deer or a hog, hence my desire for variable magnification.

I've been more than pleased with the performance of the Nikon Buckmaster that's topped my Savage .30-06 for the past 11 years, which is why I was leaning toward the XR initially. But if the Vortex will do the job for $100 less then that would make me happy too.

I agree with you 100% on the reticles. And the one in the Vortex certainly wouldn't be my choice if I were designing the thing, but it's not so bad that it takes the scope out of contention.
7.) BULLZ-i - 08/18/2016
[B].22 MAG[/B]
8.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2016
Right-o. I follow you on all that.

It is a lot nicer to look at a paper target or an animal's vitals through a 7x than a 2x at anything past football-tossing distance ("Over them mountains!") so if this is as much a hunting rifle as a plinking rifle I would be all in on a variable scope as well.

I could (and do) "put up with" the medium duplex reticle for hunting where deliberate shots are the norm, so I don't mean to sound too harsh about the one from Vortex. There would be nothing wrong with it for hunting standing game in semi-open terrain in decent light.

I don't think I'd like the 2.5-8 Nikon's reticle at all. It's just a mess. Get back on the schizo meds, clean it up, and then maybe we can talk.

The one thing I would check on the Vortex is the ER range. SWFA has it listed at 9.45 inches. Period. Full stop. (If I didn't miss something when taking notes.) That is probably a misprint. I think they've left off the max distance. Or at least I'd hope they did.

For comparison, I believe the Nikon variable is 9-30 inches.
9.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=BULLZ-i;43213][B].22 MAG[/B][/QUOTE]



What scope mount is that?
10.) DParker - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;43214]The one thing I would check on the Vortex is the ER range. SWFA has it listed at 9.45 inches. Period. Full stop. (If I didn't miss something when taking notes.) That is probably a misprint. I think they've left off the max distance. Or at least I'd hope they did.

For comparison, I believe the Nikon variable is 9-30 inches.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that was a red flag for me too when I read it on Vortex's site. But when I did my Googling of reviews and such I found multiple instances of people who had it mounted at eye relief distances of up to 14" with no loss of sight picture...so I suspect that the indicated 9.5" is a minimum, or close to it.
11.) BULLZ-i - 08/18/2016
BURRIS P.E.P.R.
12.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2016
Nice.

I like how you can get railed or smooth top rings in one kit.
13.) billy b - 08/18/2016
D.P, I have a hunting buddy & long time friend that is a Vortex rep, he can & will get you a deal on anything Vortex, if you want to talk to him let me know.
14.) Jon - 08/18/2016
I'm a big Vortex fan although I have not used their scopes as of yet. I used to be a staff shooter for them when I shot 3d tournaments every week, I have used almost every set of binos they sell and am more than a fan. they make quality stuff at a great price and stand behind their stuff 100%. I've broken 3 eye pieces on binos and had a new set within 5 days. Great folks for sure.
I'm not a fan of Nikon optics anymore, they seem to have gone south about 10 years ago, don't know what happened or what changed but the quality sure did.

DP, you said cheap....have you looked at Barska stuff?
15.) DParker - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=billy b;43219]D.P, I have a hunting buddy & long time friend that is a Vortex rep, he can & will get you a deal on anything Vortex, if you want to talk to him let me know.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, Billy...that's a very generous offer. It sounds like you know how to pick your friends. :-) The scope I'm looking at is already near the floor in terms of price, so maybe I'll hold off and take you up on that offer when I'm looking to get something that stands to put more of a dent in my wallet.

[QUOTE=Jon;43220]DP, you said cheap....have you looked at Barska stuff?[/QUOTE]

Well, I'd say I'm looking to spend as little as I can for something that's decent enough quality to stand up to several years in the field on a .30-caliber rifle. From what I've seen of Barska's stuff they have the "spend as little as I can" part nailed, but not the "enough quality" part.
16.) DParker - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;43210]Unless I'm mistaken, the warranty of each company for non-electronic optics is similar.[/QUOTE]

It would appear that Vortex wins that particular part of the competition, at least in theory.

[URL="http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty"]Vortex's unlimited and transferable life-time warranty on ALL optics[/URL]

[URL="https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en_US/SRO/Images/CPCAssets/shopping-help/pdf/Riflescope-Binocular-Fieldscope-Spotting-Scope_No_Electronic-warranty-sample.pdf"]Nikon's limited and non-transferable life-time warranty on non-electronic optics[/URL]
17.) BULLZ-i - 08/18/2016
MOST REPUTABLE SCOPE COMPANIES NOW HAVE A NO FAULT LIFETIME WARRANTY, IT'S THE CUSTOMER SERVICE HOOPS YOU WILL HAVE TO JUMP THROUGH (OR NOT) THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN THAT REGARD. THAT SAID, NEVER DEALT WITH NIKON, BUT HAVE HEARD SOME WAR STORIES.

VORTEX, HANDLED MY EYE CUPS ON MY BINO's WITHOUT QUESTION BUT WILL SAY IT TOOK CLOSE TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE THEY WERE RETURNED.

EVEYONES EYES ARE DIFFERENT BUT NIKONS CLARITY HAS WENT IN THE TOILET IF YOU ASK ME, THEY USED TO BE EXTREMELY CLEAR, AND NOW THEY ARE NOT UP TO PAR IN MY BOOK. I AM GETTING OLDER, BUT MY OTHER OPTICS SEEM TO BE FINE.
18.) DParker - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=BULLZ-i;43253]MOST REPUTABLE SCOPE COMPANIES NOW HAVE A NO FAULT LIFETIME WARRANTY, IT'S THE CUSTOMER SERVICE HOOPS YOU WILL HAVE TO JUMP THROUGH (OR NOT) THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN THAT REGARD. THAT SAID, NEVER DEALT WITH NIKON, BUT HAVE HEARD SOME WAR STORIES.

VORTEX, HANDLED MY EYE CUPS ON MY BINO's WITHOUT QUESTION BUT WILL SAY IT TOOK CLOSE TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE THEY WERE RETURNED.[/quote]

Yeah, it's all theory until you have to make use of it.

[QUOTE=BULLZ-i;43253]EVEYONES EYES ARE DIFFERENT BUT NIKONS CLARITY HAS WENT IN THE TOILET IF YOU ASK ME, THEY USED TO BE EXTREMELY CLEAR, AND NOW THEY ARE NOT UP TO PAR IN MY BOOK. I AM GETTING OLDER, BUT MY OTHER OPTICS SEEM TO BE FINE.[/QUOTE]

The Buckmaster on my .30-06 is about 11 years old, and that's the last Nikon optic I bought...so I can't speak to their current quality standards. But it's been an outstanding scope that has let me see well enough to tell the difference between go-ahead-and-shoot-me vs almost-but-not-quite-legal deer from 200+ yds on multiple occasions in all sorts of lighting conditions.
19.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;43249]It would appear that Vortex wins that particular part of the competition, at least in theory.

[URL="http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty"]Vortex's unlimited and transferable life-time warranty on ALL optics[/URL]

[URL="https://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en_US/SRO/Images/CPCAssets/shopping-help/pdf/Riflescope-Binocular-Fieldscope-Spotting-Scope_No_Electronic-warranty-sample.pdf"]Nikon's limited and non-transferable life-time warranty on non-electronic optics[/URL][/QUOTE]



Good catch. Could have sworn Nikon's was closer.
20.) Jon - 08/19/2016
Dan's experience with Vortex is 180* opposite of mine, as I stated earlier I have sent several pairs of binos back because I had broken the eye piece (hanging off my neck, hit the ladder each time.... yup, dumb ass) and had a new pair within 5 days of sending the broken pair back. Not sure why the drastic disparity between experiences?
I do agree 100% with his opinion on Nikon going down hill, I had some older Nikon optics and they were top notch but the newer ones absolutely suck.
21.) DParker - 08/19/2016
[QUOTE=Jon;43261]I do agree 100% with his opinion on Nikon going down hill, I had some older Nikon optics and they were top notch but the newer ones absolutely suck.[/QUOTE]

Well, that's disappointing...even more so than when a company's products are poor quality from the get-go. The Vortex is looking better and better.
22.) DParker - 08/26/2016
Well, I pulled the trigger on the Vortex. It should be in my grubby paws sometime early next week.
23.) billy b - 08/27/2016
You shoulda yelled at me, could have saved you some money:wink
24.) DParker - 08/27/2016
[QUOTE=billy b;43400]You shoulda yelled at me, could have saved you some money:wink[/QUOTE]

Yeah, and I really appreciate the offer. But like I said, the scope is already so inexpensive I'd rather take you up on that offer for something else. For instance, I have my eye on their Strikefire red dot and 3x magnifier on a flip mount. If I like the scout scope I'm likely to make a move on the other two.
25.) crookedeye - 08/27/2016
billy i have 50 bucks and an autograph baseball style cap..worn originaly by steve kinser. that i'm willing to trade..
26.) Swamp Fox - 08/28/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;43401]... For instance, I have my eye on their Strikefire red dot ...[/QUOTE]



The Strikefire II is at the top of my hypothetical list. If I had a turkey gun which needed a significant upgrade from, say, a TruGlo, but which was not a candidate for an Aimpoint such as one that I could imagine on any other firearm I might or might not still own, I could theoretically be talked into it, especially if the price were allegedly right.
27.) billy b - 08/28/2016
[QUOTE=crookedeye;43402]billy i have 50 bucks and an autograph baseball style cap..worn originaly by steve kinser. that i'm willing to trade..[/QUOTE]


What do you need, I could use 50 bucks, do you know who Steve Kinser is? I have raced against him at the Devils Bowl in Mesquite Tx. back in the 80's, he was always the man to beat
28.) Swamp Fox - 08/28/2016
LOL...My guess is he wants a seat in your best deer stand for three days...plus gas money...:wink
29.) OKY - 08/28/2016
[QUOTE=DParker;43401]Yeah, and I really appreciate the offer. But like I said, the scope is already so inexpensive I'd rather take you up on that offer for something else. For instance, I have my eye on their Strikefire red dot and 3x magnifier on a flip mount. If I like the scout scope I'm likely to make a move on the other two.[/QUOTE]

I have that setup on my AR. Decent for the money.
30.) Swamp Fox - 08/28/2016
Is there anything in particular you don't like about it, or think could be improved?
31.) OKY - 08/28/2016
The multiplier mount has a little play in it but isn't really an issue. Decent option compared to a LaRue mount. Lens covers could be better but it's not a combat optic. I have my doubts that the "sealed" buttons will hold up but so far, so good.
32.) crookedeye - 08/28/2016
....
33.) crookedeye - 08/28/2016
i like steve kinser but i bet he couldnt play 3rd base like i could...
34.) DParker - 08/28/2016
[QUOTE=OKY;43409]The multiplier mount has a little play in it but isn't really an issue. Decent option compared to a LaRue mount. Lens covers could be better but it's not a combat optic. I have my doubts that the "sealed" buttons will hold up but so far, so good.[/QUOTE]

I already have a 1.5x magnifier (which is what I'm looking to replace) in a LaRue QD pivot mount, so I could always use that mount (which is rock-solid) for the Vortex optic.
35.) crookedeye - 08/28/2016
[QUOTE=OKY;43409]The multiplier mount has a little play in it but isn't really an issue. Decent option compared to a LaRue mount. Lens covers could be better but it's not a combat optic. I have my doubts that the "sealed" buttons will hold up but so far, so good.[/QUOTE]

so you come on here talking dirty to everyone about multipliers and LaRue mounts like it was yesterday..:wave:
36.) crookedeye - 08/28/2016
kinser was to open wheel like Sr. was to nascar..
37.) billy b - 08/29/2016
I'm the only one that nos what you're talking about crookedeye:wink
38.) Swamp Fox - 08/29/2016
You say that like you think it's a good thing, Billy...:wink
39.) billy b - 08/29/2016
CrookedEyE is just repeating what he has read, heck he might have been reading my press clippings:grin:
40.) Swamp Fox - 08/29/2016
If you have any, you should post some pics from back in the day. We're tired of seeing you with big bucks and all that same-old-same-old. :wink



[url]http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/29/8822041/closed-cockpit-f1-concept-car-open-wheel-racing[/url]
41.) billy b - 08/29/2016
I don't have a bunch & everything I have has to be scanned & that's a problem with my puter plus it'll take a lot of digging to find them, I'll take under advisement:wink
42.) Swamp Fox - 08/29/2016
:tu:


You sound like me with the excuses, but I bet you have better pictures anyway...LOL
43.) BULLZ-i - 08/29/2016
AND... BETTER EXCUSES
44.) Swamp Fox - 08/29/2016
LOL...


No, pretty much the same excuses, but he probably knows more about scanning stuff than I do...So how lame is that? :wink
45.) Jon - 08/30/2016
Swampy, just to remind you....Billy is almost 70. Just sayin
46.) Swamp Fox - 08/30/2016
"I have a very particular lack of skills...But what I do have is two dollars and a Casio wristwatch..." :wink





47.) BULLZ-i - 08/30/2016
BILLY SCANNING? ONLY WHEN WALKING NEAR A PRICK LY PAIR PATCH
48.) billy b - 08/31/2016
I hate those cacti.
49.) Lonescout - 08/31/2016
I have the crossfire scope with the illuminated cross hairs on my 223.
I think I paid about $100 for it about 5 or 6 years ago.
Best scope that I've found for the money.
50.) DParker - 08/31/2016
[QUOTE=Lonescout;43501]I have the crossfire scope with the illuminated cross hairs on my 223.
I think I paid about $100 for it about 5 or 6 years ago.
Best scope that I've found for the money.[/QUOTE]

That's good to hear. Unfortunately they don't currently offer the illuminated reticle with the Scout version of the Crossfire II...which is a shame. Be that as it may, Amazon sent me a text this morning telling me that the FedEx man should be dropping it off at our front desk anytime now. :grin:
51.) bluecat - 08/31/2016
You'll be checking out chicks from the office building across the street. Don't say you won't.
52.) DParker - 08/31/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;43505]You'll be checking out chicks from the office building across the street. Don't say you won't.[/QUOTE]

53.) bluecat - 08/31/2016
You dog you!
54.) BULLZ-i - 08/31/2016
UMMM, HE SAID CHICKS
55.) DParker - 08/31/2016
Ignore the comb. He identifies as a chick.
56.) bluecat - 09/01/2016
"Scoping" out chicks...
57.) BULLZ-i - 09/01/2016
LBGT CHICKENS NOW? THIS WORLD IS GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET
58.) DParker - 09/01/2016
[QUOTE=BULLZ-i;43511]LBGT CHICKENS NOW? THIS WORLD IS GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET[/QUOTE]

I think KFC has the LBGT chicken basket on sale this week...though you might want to skip the fiinger lickin' part.
59.) bluecat - 09/01/2016
KFC still has the Hillary Special going right now.

You get two small breasts and two large thighs.


fyi, that will never not be funny.
60.) DParker - 09/01/2016
[QUOTE=bluecat;43513]KFC still has the Hillary Special going right now.

You get two small breasts and two large thighs.


fyi, that will never not be funny.[/QUOTE]

You forgot the left wings.

61.) bluecat - 09/01/2016
LOL, yes I believe I did.
62.) bluecat - 09/02/2016
You could also go with Progresso soup served with a liberal amount of nuts.