I’ve been checking out the Vortex Viper 12×50 binoculars for a few months now, using them from everything from checking out the random animals in the neighborhood, to spotting shot placement at the range.
Vortex Viper 12×50 HD Binoculars
Tag: Vortex
Vortex Optics: RANGER 1000 RANGEFINDER
I recently got my hands on a Ranger 1000 Rangefinder by Vortex Optics. I’ve played with these in the store and used similar range finders that friends have owned, but out of all of the rangefinders I’ve used, I keep going back to the Ranger 1000. The ergonomics are great, it’s very compact and light, and it’s accurate.
The ergonomics of the Ranger 1000 are great, and it allows for easy one handed operation, something that is great if you are also carrying a rifle when out hunting, etc. Along with the great ergonomics, the Ranger 1000 is also fully o-ring sealed, so it’s very water resistant.
Included with the rangefinder is a nice carrying case that will attach to a 2″ or smaller belt. The case has elastic on the sides, it pinches the rangefinder, so even if you forget to clip it closed, it’ll take some serious moving around for it to fall out of the case. It also has a belt clip directly on the side of the rangefinder, so you can simply clip it to your belt; the clip can be moved to either side of the range finder. Also included in the box is a lanyard, a field reference card and the required CR2 3v battery.
With everything in the case, the battery in the rangefinder and the lanyard attached, the whole package weighs in at 9oz and measures 3.5 in x 4.25 in x 2 in (L x W x D). So a pretty small and light weight package.
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Vortex Razor HD – 1-4×24
I recently got the opportunity to get my hands on a Vortex Razor HD 1-4×24 scope. This is pretty much one of the top of the line optics from Vortex, and I have to say I really like it. It’s a little on the heavy side at just over 20 ounces. Other than the weight, it is a great optic. The fit and finish is awesome, it feels very well put together, and everything just feels like quality. There are no loose turrets or anything like that.
The “precision-etched” reticle is on the first focal plane (FFP), this allows for reticle to remain in proportion for the entire magnification range. This is a little strange at 1x (you cant see much of the reticle detail, but not that you need much more than an “X” at that magnification). But at the full magnification, the reticle and all of its detail is crystal clear. I’m a fan of FFP reticles, especially for longer range applications.
Here are all of the specs on the Optic from the Vortex website.
| Magnification | 1-4 x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 24 mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Field of View | 94.5-24.2 feet/100 yards |
| Tube Size | 30 mm |
| Turret Style | Tall Uncapped |
| Adjustment Graduation | 1/4 MOA |
| Travel per Rotation | 24 MOA |
| Max Elevation Adjustment | 200 MOA |
| Max Windage Adjustment | 200 MOA |
| Parallax Setting | 100 yards |
| Length | 10.3 inches |
| Weight | 20.2 ounces |
I would definitely recommend checking out one of these optics, the price point is on the high side, but if you need a great 3-gun optic, I would definitely suggest taking a look at them. You can pick one up on Amazon or at your favorite optics dealer.
AR-15 Build – Follow Up
I finally got my California bullet button and my Optics mounted and was able to hit the range with my new rifle.
Just for follow up, the rifle is a Coronado Arms lower, PSA lower parts kit, Bravo Company upper and bolt carrier group and a Vortex SPARC Red Dot.
Everything functioned flawlessly, there were no failures of any type and everything was accurate and held together amazingly.
I was able to get everything sighted in without issue, and in less than 10 rounds.
Over time I plan to get a lot more range time with the rifle, but from initial first impressions, and minimal use, it’s an amazing build, and I plan to build out a few more in similar fashion.
Check out the video review and some action shots below! And don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel!
Vortex Sparc Red Dot
I recently decided to get a Red Dot for my AR-15 build out, I opted to go with the Vortex Sparc Red Dot. I mostly decided to go with it after the review by Mac on the Military Arms Chanel. He does a good review and some durability tests. Check it out.
Some things to note, I’ve found that with red dots and holographic sights, the way my eye is, causes the dot to be a little misshapen and not clear. This is my eye, and not the optic. In the video below I discuss some of the details around that and show some pictures and video of the reticle. Check it out!
You can pick one of these optics up on Amazon for $199, http://l.santsys.com/14MwsXs