vortex scope

First thing I would do is try another scope on the rifle to determine if it was the scope or the rifle. If it turns out another scope solves the problem then Vortex shouldn't have any problem with repairing/replacing the defective scope. I've had two Vortex scopes, both Diamondbacks, and both functioned as they should. For a budget scope the glass is very clear and has a sharp image. Even the high end scope makers can have problem once in a while.

Nikon is a good starting scope, the Burris are very good and honestly better scope and better deal then the Nikon right now. I never liked vortex, leupold would be high yup there to. And welcome to THE Joel.

.I have an Burris 3x9 on my father's old 742 Remington

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You have a 3-9X scope. There is no such thing as a 3X9 scope.

If you're hitting high and left consistently then you should try adjusting the scope down and to the right. Something just doesn't sound right. All scopes within the same price range are going to be pretty much equal as to the glass and construction quality. A $200 Vortex is as good as a $200 Nikon, Leupold or Burris scope. It comes down to which features you like best on different models.

Then moved to 100 yards the first round was good the next two moved up and left...

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It isn't unusual for a scope to need a shot or 2 fired through the rifle before the adjustment actually moves in the scope. Especially with budget scopes like this. Many people will tap on the scope turrets with the handle of a screw driver or something similar after making an adjustment to help ensure the cross hairs actually move. That would explain why the point of impact moved after adjustment. It seems that your scope is consistently hitting high and left. Usually if there is something wrong with the scope it throws bullet all over the place. There may be something wrong with the scope, but there is simply not enough info here to say.

I have a couple of Vortex scopes on a couple of rifles and the scopes are fine for their price point. Now scopes do go bad and when they do you will experience jumping, wild shots, etc. But, if this is a new rifle, the problems you are experiencing could be due to bad bedding or a bad barrel.

It takes time to sort these things out.

JMRs being a stickler for terminology
Most of the time as scopes "power" range is denoted with - so a 3x-9x (which i have seen scopes marked), becomes a 3-9x? with the ? mark following the X being what ever you objective diameter is (its kinda a stupid way to list scopes now that i think about it that X is just a place holder right? i mean its not like its a 3-9 TIMES 40 scope....I know microscopes are the occular magnification times the objective lens)

Ive used a few of the Vortex DBs and they have all been solid if uninspiring scopes, but as with every mass produced item, there WILL be fails.

A 50yd zero will likely yield a higher and wider print at 100yds. The Ruger American while accurate, is also a fairly light, jumpy rifle which can spread groups quickly, even for the experienced.

Wow that's a heavy bullet lol. I like the 742s but they tend to get the shark teeth then its time for them to go. Many I had and shot would shoot 1 moa

It might even be the difference between clean cold bore and a fouled bore. Most rifles I've owned shoot better a little bit dirty.

Can't say it it's the scope without messing with it my self, but this close to season are mind will do some funny things.

stillquietvoice said:

It might even be the difference between clean cold bore and a fouled bore. Most rifles I've owned shoot better a little bit dirty.

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Ive noticed that too. It would be nice if i could leave my guns dirty here, as I really only have 1 sighted shot with a couple of guns i really like, the next ones are a few inches out.

JoelHightower said:

Thanks for the replys...guys. I should have some more information after next weekend from the Smith...then I will take it for a test run and report what was found...if it's not the scope I like my crow well done. Good night.

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Night Joel....Oh have your smith check all the bits on the rifle as well, action screw torque, which is pretty hight (60 if i remember correctly), and barrel contact.

JoelHightower said:

The slope was mounted and bore sighted by professionals...

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Professionals as in employees at a locally owned gun dealer or employees at a big box chain store?

JoelHightower said:

But I'm thinking you get what you pay for and I will never purchase another vortex their service rep was a cocky piece of poop.

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I’ve seen the exact same sentiment expressed too many times to count and to be blunt I think it’s incredibly shortsighted and dumb. I love Weatherby, CZ and Leupold customer service. I also have had at least one bad encounter with customer service at all three companies. The remedy each time was incredibly easy, I called back and spoke to another rep or asked to speak with a supervisor during the initial encounter. Voila, situation remedied. Every member of this forum working for a non family owned business with more than just a few employees has had or currently has a co-worker or supervisor that was a ****** lord. To never do business again with a company because of one bad apple is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Speaking of Vortex, from 2014 to 2016 I worked the gun counter part-time at the largest gun and optics dealer in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. As such I frequently dealt with customer service at Vortex. Vortex customer service has an excellent reputation. Truth be told that reputation is based on having nice friendly employees and by the fact Vortex honors their warranty with no fuss or muss. It is not based on their employees having an encyclopedic knowledge of optics because they don’t. The most knowledgeable customer service reps I’ve dealt with are at Leupold. One day though when I called Vortex for a customer with a defective scope I spoke with a young, cocky jerk who thought he knew everything but in reality knew nothing. I ended the phone call, immediately called Vortex back, talked to someone and things were taken care of. The only complaint I have with Vortex customer service is how often it has to be utilized. I’m not a fan of their scopes but do like their mini red dots. I also have much respect for Vortex as a company because their business model is very good and successful and is not based on screwing the customer.

JoelHightower said:

I guess my thoughts on this was I should have purchased a Nikon to start with. Any thoughts on this?

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My thoughts - I’ve never met a Nikon which didn’t induce headaches, so good luck with that.

Then moved to 100 yards the first round was good the next two moved up and left.

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“Why?” Is it doing that is the question and it could have multiple answers, thus the “run around”.

How much is POI changing from POA?

If the rifle is allowed to fully cool, does it do the same thing again?

If you have the scope mounted to something that cannot move can you align the reticle with something move it up say 20 clicks, right 20 clicks, down 20 clicks and left 20 clicks and it is back aligned with the original aim point?

How are you doing your testing?

If the change is small there might not be a “problem”. Unfortunately it’s not all that uncommon for rifles to change point of impact from point of aim as the barrel warms up. The barrel may be the culprit and not the aiming device.

If the rifle is allowed to cool and it repeats “good, high right, high right” you know it’s not the aiming system and is the rifle. First thing I’d check is barrel contact with the stock.

When I am testing for other things I try and remove myself as a variable as much as possible. That way even small changes, I could cause, in results are mitigated.

Allows for easily repeatable results and quickly. A good rest goes a long way.



If you are drawing conclusions from 5 shots, two last year and 3 this year, I would say you are too focused on drawing conclusions of a “bad scope” at this point. However, I suggest buying a Nikon anyway, even if it doesn’t cure your problem, I have found lessons that cost me money are the ones the best remembered.

FWIW a bore sight, even done by someone you pay to do it, is to just get you on paper.

Things to check before coming to a conclusion:

1. Action screw torque specs
2. Is the barrel free floated
3. If using a picatinny rail on top of receiver make sure they are torqued to manufacturer specs and blue loctited.
4. Check to make sure there is no contact from the bell of the objective on the scope to the rifle
5. Check torque specs on the scope rings to picatinny rail or receiver rail
6. Check torque specs on the scope rings to scope.
7. If all these things check out, check yourself out of the shooting chair and let someone else shoot a group and look at the results.