Vortex VIP Warranty: No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Coverage
Vortex VIP Warranty: No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Coverage
The worst part of owning a scope is it breaking. You see a once-in-a-lifetime buck in the distance, and you move towards the perfect shooting spot and decide to recreate a Bruce Lee flip and end up landing on the scope, breaking it. Apart from a bruised ego, the next thought you will have is, what do I do with my scope now that it is broken? If the scope is a Vortex, then you're in luck; you're covered under warranty.
Now, the flip isn't the best example of what you're likely to do to the scope, but it was an extreme example that will convey the point. Vortex prides itself on its Very Important Promise (VIP) warranty, which provides a no stress, no worry, no receipt warranty that will always work for you, the shooter. It is a lifetime that is fully transferable, and no receipt is needed. Make contact with either the retailer you purchased the optic from or Country Sports Wholesale (If in the UK) and get it sent off. Once the item is received, the warranty process will begin, and it usually only takes 3-5 business days.
If your Vortex product is ever damaged or found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you. If a repair isn’t possible, a replacement will be sent that’s in perfect working condition and equal to or better than the original - both physically and functionally. It doesn’t matter how the damage happened, whose fault it was, or where you bought the product. If something goes wrong, they've got you covered - no questions asked. That’s their promise. The VIP Warranty applies to all Vortex Optics riflescopes, prism scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, and monoculars.
This customer had lost all their scopes in a house fire, and Vortex replaced them all without a second thought. Well over £3500!!!.
This unit was destroyed in a house fire and covered under the VIP warranty.
This customer took a fall while hunting, the VIP warranty has his back.
This customer's car got washed away in a flood, and after sitting in the water for a month, the Vortex products were replaced under warranty. Get that from Temu.
These two belonged to an archery club that got ram-raided and set alight. Unconditional warranty means unconditional warranty.
When it comes to standing behind their products, Vortex absolutely nails it with their VIP Warranty. It's simple: no paperwork, no questions, no problem. It doesn’t matter if you’re the first owner or the fifth - if your gear breaks, they’ll fix or replace it. That kind of promise is rare these days, and Vortex backs it up like pros. What really makes the VIP Warranty shine is how easy it is to use. People rave about how fast and hassle-free the whole process is. Customers have damaged scopes repaired or completely replaced - no receipt, no drama. Some people even had 10+ year-old optics swapped out like it was no big deal. That kind of service builds serious loyalty. Vortex’s VIP Warranty isn’t just talk - it’s one of the best in the business. If you're investing in optics, knowing you’ve got this kind of backup is a huge win. Peace of mind like that is hard to beat.
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National Airsoft Festival 2025 – Our Weekend at Ground Zero Airsoft
National Airsoft Festival 2025 – Our Weekend at Ground Zero Airsoft
Recently, over the August bank holiday weekend, we had the chance to go to the National Airsoft Festival and see another part of the shooting sport and see their largest event of the year. It started for us on the Thursday with the journey from Torquay to the Field at Ground Zero Airsoft in Dorset. We unpacked and were promptly swamped with people asking for the newest vortex hats (the orange ones sold out almost immediately).
Getting the stall set up with Ade "Sweet cakes" Cross.
We got the stall laid out and set up. I then went for a wander around the site and had a look at some of the facilities. They had bars, food vendors, airsoft and optics stalls and best of all...us.
The saloon where the chronograph testing was.
The stall this year was in conjunction with Country Sports Wholesale, who had Chris helping us in the stall with product support for Vortex, offering a helping hand as well as warranty support and being a subject matter expert on Vortex and other goods.
Helping the first customers while still laying out all of our show goods.
The second day of events on the Friday held more excitement with all of the players taking their airsoft equipment to be chronographed and tested to be compliant with the site rules. This also meant that all the players who needed gear could come to our stall to get all the equipment they needed. It was pretty cool to see all the players' outfits and their airsoft weapons with the matching themes. I saw Vietnam War loadouts, WW1 and WW2 loadouts, Black Hawk Down (Delta Force), British Army, knights in shining armour (with M4's) and even a guy dressed up as Vector from Despicable Me who was very committed to the part.
Second day in the morning, already a few customers are coming to have a look.
Once everyone started getting up on the Friday and presumably once the hangovers started subsiding, the pace picked up a bit with everyone either queued up for the Chronograph or the bar or the stalls.
The path towards the camping of the festival.
Towards the main playing area and the bar. (A bit before the mad rush for the chronograph)
The second day was a really great day with all the players either just arriving and getting set up or the campers moving to the chrono and milling around the stalls and buying things, looking at the new products and just generally having a good time. We had a good time ourselves talking to all the players and seeing how excited everyone was, and talking about their set-ups and what they're hoping to do this weekend, although the guy that wanted to do a rendezook I think was missing a fighter jet or two. All said and done, after the second day, we stayed up till like 10:30 pm for everyone to get the bits they needed before the first day of events, and a lot of people took us up on this and made some good purchases for the day to come.
The Third day on the Saturday came with a buzz in the air as all the players were up ready for the game early, (although Ade setting off the car alarm did help them wake up) and all the players came down in all their gear ready to start the day and the weekends fun with the almost 3 thousand players that turned up to participate in this years festival. The only issue was, with all the extra foot traffic came the DUST. Although this year being dusty was a godsend compared to last year's flood but it certainly made the days interesting. It was a good day all around, with everyone having a great time with perfect weather.
A very literate bug must have been crawling around on the iPad.
The most important thing after a long day.
The last day came and everyone shuffled off to the main gathering area for the last start and their last opportunities to get some show specials before the mass exodus of everyone leaving to go and sleep in their own beds. People still came out bounding with energy for the final games in their teams and nobody let the hangovers stop them as just as many people came for the games on the last day of games compared the the first day of games (even though I had my doubts about a few), and a great time was had by all. And I do not doubt that next year will be an even bigger year for the National Airsoft Festival. Slowly, we drew down our stall and all of our goods and made our grand exit. We had a great time and hope to see you all again next year.
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Picatinny Rails & MOA Explained
Picatinny Rails & MOA Explained
When choosing a mounting system for your rifle, a picatinny rail is a surefire choice for reliability, compatibility and accuracy.
What is a Picatinny rail?
A picatinny rail is a standardised rail system used on firearms for mounting accessories like scopes, lights, lasers, and grips. It's characterised by its evenly spaced, rectangular slots and standardised dimensions, allowing for repeatable attachment of various accessories. Picatinny rails are known for their ability to allow mounted accessories to return to their original zeroing position after being removed and reattached, due to the precision and repeatability of the mounting system. Picatinny rails can be made from various materials, including steel and aluminium, with steel generally being more wear-resistant and aluminium lighter and more corrosion-resistant.
What is MOA?
In the context of rifle scopes, MOA stands for "minute of angle," an angle of angular measurement. It's used to describe the size of the reticle's adjustment increments in windage and elevation turrets. Essentially, 1 MOA represents the amount of angular movement that will change the point of impact on a target by approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. When you adjust the scope by 1 MOA, the bullet's point of impact will shift by approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. This relationship changes with distance; for example, at 200 yards, 1 MOA would shift the bullet's impact by approximately 2 inches.
How can a Picatinny rail have MOA?
A picatinny rail used to mount a rifle scope can sometimes have MOA built into the rail in the form of a downwards tilt, allowing you to use more of the internal adjustment of your scope. How it does this is when you are zeroing the rifle scope, you will need to adjust down in the scope's elevation adjustment in order to zero the rifle scope at whatever distance you choose (generally 100yds). This tilt effectively "shifts" the scope's elevation adjustment range with the effect of having more usable upward adjustment for dialling in the correct point of impact at longer ranges.
If we had a rifle with a 0 MOA base, and there was a laser going through the middle of the scope, and the middle of the rifle bore that went forever and let's say the rifle was zeroed at 100 yards, those 2 lasers would intersect at that 100 yard target. If we then changed to a 20MOA base, the scope's laser would be on target, and the rifle's laser would be hitting the target 20 inches high. This is essentially how a 20 MOA base works. Since you are now hitting 20 inches high, you can dial the scope back so that the rifle is zeroed at 100 yards again, and you have an extra 20 inches of elevation to work with. Another example, the Arken EP5 7-35x56 MOA has 110 MOA of internal adjustment. On a 0 MOA rail, you will have an equal amount of up and down adjustment (55 MOA up and 55 MOA down), as on a flat surface, you will be in the centre of the scope's elevation adjustment. Whereas, on a 20 MOA picatinny rail, you will need to adjust 20 MOA down when zeroing the scope to adjust for the tilt in the rail, giving you 75MOA of upwards adjustment and 35MOA of downwards adjustment after zeroing the scope.
When should you not use a Picatinny rail with MOA adjustment?
While a Picatinny rail with MOA built into it is generally advantageous for most forms of shooting, sometimes there are instances where using one can result in problems. If you have a rifle scope with a smaller amount of internal adjustment, you may run into an issue where you don't have enough adjustment to adjust for the cant in the rail to zero the scope, and you may need to set a zero for a further distance or use a 0 MOA picatinny rail. In some hunting applications, MOA picatinny rails aren't required due to the distances that are likely to be observed when taking a shot being generally shorter and not needing extra adjustment that cannot be provided by the scope alone. On thermal and night vision scopes, when zeroing, the reticle will be slightly off centre, so the crosshair/reticle sits where the bullet will hit. When adding a 10/20/30 MOA tilt to the rail, the reticle will need to sit higher and higher to zero at shorter distances. This could work well if you are shooting at longer ranges and you want to zero at longer ranges, in which the reticle will sit further towards to centre. However, for most shooting applications, e.g., Ratting, squirrel and foxes, where most of the shots are shorter distances, the reticle sitting higher could be an inconvenience.
Summary
While Picatinny rails with inbuilt MOA can be very advantageous for longer range shooting, Consideration must be taken when choosing the amount of MOA and the style of shooting undertaken to see if it is right for what you need. READ ARTICLE
Illuminated Rifle Scopes Explained: Do You Really Need One?
Illuminated Rifle Scopes Explained: Do You Really Need One?
If you've spent any time behind a rifle, you’ve probably heard people talk about illuminated scopes — and maybe you’ve wondered if it’s just a gimmick or something worth having. Spoiler alert: it’s not just for show. Illumination on rifle scopes can make a huge difference, especially in low light conditions or when you're trying to get a clean shot on a dark target. In this guide, we’ll break down what illumination really is, why it matters, and when it actually comes in handy — no jargon, just straight talk.
What is Illumination?
In a rifle scope, illumination refers to the internal lighting of the reticle (crosshairs or aiming point) to make it more visible in low-light or dark conditions.This extra light helps you see the reticle clearly against dark targets or backgrounds (e.g., dense forests, dawn/dusk conditions).
What does it do?
Put simply, illumination in a rifle scope makes the reticle (the crosshairs or dot you aim with) light up, so it's easier to see—especially in low light, against dark backgrounds, or in the shade. Without it, a black reticle can blend right into your target, like a deer in the woods at dusk. Illumination makes the reticle stand out, so you don’t lose your aiming point. That means faster, more accurate shots, especially in close-range or fast-moving situations. When lighting is bad—early morning, late evening, or inside buildings—there’s often not enough contrast to see a plain black reticle. That’s where illumination comes in, giving you a brighter, clearer sight picture when you need it most.
Do I need an illuminated sight?
Whether you need an illuminated scope depends on how, where, and when you shoot. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
You could benefit from illumination if:
Early Morning or Late Evening Stalking
Roe deer, red deer, and wild boar are most active at dawn and dusk — exactly when light is weakest. In the UK and across Europe, legal shooting hours often include these low-light periods. An illuminated reticle ensures you can place your shot cleanly even in the dimmest light.
Woodland and Forest Hunting
Much of UK and European hunting takes place in dense woodland. Whether you're in the Scottish Highlands, French forests, or German woodlands, thick cover and deep shade can make it hard to pick out your reticle against a dark animal. Illumination cuts through the shadows.
Wild Boar at Night or in Low Light
In countries like Germany, Poland, and France, wild boar are a popular target — often hunted in poor light or even at night (where legal). Illuminated scopes help you stay accurate when the boar blend into the undergrowth or emerge under moonlight.
Overcast, Foggy, or Rainy Conditions
Let’s be honest — UK and European weather isn’t always ideal. Grey skies, mist, and drizzle are common, and they reduce contrast. A lit reticle can be the difference between a clear shot and guessing where your crosshair is.
Dark-Coated Game in Shaded Areas
Roe deer, fallow deer, and sika often blend into shaded woodland or hedge lines. A black reticle can vanish against them. Illumination helps you stay locked on even when the background is busy or dark.
Shooting from High Seats or Ground Blinds
Many European hunters use raised hides or high seats, especially for driven hunts or quiet stalking. These setups are often placed under tree cover or in shadows — and that dim light can hide your reticle. Illumination brings it back into view.
Winter Hunts and Snow-Covered Fields
In the Alps, Scandinavia, or even parts of the UK during winter, snow can create glare or low-contrast environments. A glowing reticle ensures your aiming point doesn’t get lost in the whiteout.
When would you not need illumination?
There are going to be some times when illumination might not be required for a few reason whether it is too bright or just not wanted by the individual shooter but let's go over a few.
Daytime Hunting in Good Light
If you're stalking during the middle of the day, under clear skies or bright overcast conditions, there's usually enough ambient light and contrast to see a standard black reticle without any trouble.
Open Farmland or Moorland
In open fields, moors, or upland areas — like parts of England, Wales, or the Scottish Highlands — there’s often plenty of light and fewer visual obstructions. A high-contrast background makes a traditional reticle easy to spot without illumination.
Hunting Light-Coloured or Contrasting Game
Some game animals, like fallow deer with lighter coats or animals in front of grassy or clear backdrops, provide enough contrast for a non-illuminated reticle to stand out clearly.
Using a Bold or High-Contrast Reticle Design
Scopes with thick posts, duplex-style reticles, or high-visibility markings (like black-and-white contrast or etched glass) can be very easy to see in most daylight conditions, making illumination redundant.
Long-Range Precision Shooting
For long-range shots taken under controlled conditions — for example, in daylight from a hide or shooting bench — shooters often prefer a fine, non-illuminated reticle to avoid any visual distraction or glare.
Preserving Battery Life or Simplifying Setup
Some hunters choose to leave illumination off during the day to conserve battery life, avoid fiddling with brightness settings, or just to keep things simple.
A good example where illumination would be helpful is:
With illumination, it becomes easier to see:
When you need illumination, or don't need illumination.
In conclusion, illuminated rifle scopes can be a real asset for hunting across the UK and Europe, especially in those tricky low-light moments — at dawn, dusk, in the woods, or when game blends into dark backgrounds. Whether you're stalking roe deer in thick woodland or waiting on wild boar from a high seat at night, having a glowing reticle helps you stay on target when visibility drops.
But that doesn’t mean illumination is always needed. In broad daylight, open landscapes, or with the right reticle design, you might not miss it at all. For many hunters, it’s just a tool — one you use when the conditions call for it, and ignore when they don’t.
At the end of the day, it comes down to how and where you hunt. Understanding when illumination helps — and when it’s not worth bothering with — means you can make the most of your scope without overcomplicating things. Like any good bit of kit, it’s all about using it wisely.
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Vortex Riflescope Product Overview
Vortex Riflescope Product Overview
Vortex Optics has built its reputation on delivering riflescopes that balance performance, durability, and value across a wide range of shooting applications. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a dependable entry-level optic, a seasoned hunter seeking crystal-clear glass for early-morning shots, a tactical shooter demanding rapid target acquisition, or a precision competitor pushing the limits of long-range accuracy, Vortex offers a model line tailored to your needs. From the rugged affordability of the Crossfire II, through the refined hunting glass of the Diamondback series, to the versatile Venom and tactical-minded Strike Eagle, every scope is engineered to perform under real-world conditions. Stepping into the upper tiers, the Viper series blends advanced features with accessible pricing, the Golden Eagle HD caters to the most exacting competition shooters, and the Razor HD Gen III stands as the brand’s flagship, delivering elite-level optical clarity and precision for professionals and serious marksmen alike.
Crossfire II - Entry-Level Reliability and Value
The Crossfire II series delivers exceptional value for new shooters and budget-conscious hunters without cutting corners on durability. Available in a wide range of magnifications - from compact 1–4×24 models for fast handling, up to 6–24×50 AO for distance work - this line uses a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminium tube for strength and consistent alignment. Fully multi-coated optics ensure a bright, crisp image, while nitrogen purging and O-ring seals keep the scope waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Features like a fast-focus eyepiece, generous eye relief, resettable ¼ MOA capped turrets, and multiple reticle options (V-Plex or BDC) make it adaptable for a variety of shooting styles. Reviewers frequently praise its clarity and ruggedness at the price point, noting that while higher-end glass like the Diamondback offers more sharpness at extended ranges, the Crossfire II’s performance exceeds expectations for its class.
Diamondback & Diamondback HP - Affordable Optical Upgrade
Stepping up in image quality, the Diamondback line offers better glass, more precise mechanics, and a wider range of configurations - from versatile 1.75–5× models to high-magnification 6–24× options. Available in both SFP and FFP designs with 1″ or 30 mm tubes, and your choice of capped or exposed turrets, the Diamondback series caters to both hunters and target shooters. The Diamondback HP variant enhances performance further with XD extra-low dispersion glass, XR multi-coatings, and a side-focus/parallax adjustment for pinpoint long-range accuracy. This combination of optical quality, durability, and reasonable pricing makes it a favourite for those upgrading from entry-level scopes. Many shooters describe it as a “solid performer on a budget” that tracks and holds zero reliably, especially impressive for scopes under the £500 mark.
Venom - Affordable First Focal Plane Precision
The Venom line bridges the gap between mid-tier affordability and advanced FFP capability. Offered in configurations including 1–6×24 SFP, 3–15×44 FFP, and 5–25×56 FFP, these scopes use Vortex’s XD optical system, fully multi-coated lenses, and nitrogen-purged construction for bright, consistent performance in all weather. A standout feature is the RevStop™ Zero System, enabling fast and repeatable return-to-zero. Throw levers and advanced reticles like the EBR-7C (MOA or MRAD) enhance usability for both precision shooters and competition use. Widely regarded as “feature-packed at a great price,” the Venom delivers optical clarity and mechanical reliability well above its cost, even after extended field use and rigorous testing.
Strike Eagle - Tactical Versatility on a Budget
Positioned above the Diamondback and Crossfire in tactical capability, the Strike Eagle is built for shooters who need fast target acquisition and dependable tracking at varying ranges. Models range from close-quarters 1–6×24 and 1–8×24 LPVOs to mid- and long-range optics like the 3–18×44, 4–24×50, and 5–25×56 (FFP). All variants feature illuminated reticles - such as the AR-BDC3 or EBR-7C - robust one-piece aluminium tubes, waterproof/fogproof sealing, and scratch-resistant lens coatings. The 4–24×50 SFP version offers long-range capability in a relatively lightweight package, complete with a 30 mm tube and EBR-4 MOA reticle. Well-reviewed for its price-to-performance ratio, the Strike Eagle is a popular choice for AR platforms, 3-Gun competitions, hunting, and budget-conscious tactical setups.
Viper (PST Gen II & HD) - Professional Features, Mid-Tier Price
The Viper PST Gen II series is trusted by law enforcement, competition shooters, and dedicated long-range enthusiasts for delivering professional-grade features without a premium price tag. Available in multiple magnification ranges, these scopes feature first focal plane reticles, laser-etched turrets, RZR zero-stop, fiber-optic rotation indicators, XD glass, XR multi-coatings, and ArmorTek lens protection. Sealed and argon-purged, they withstand challenging field conditions while maintaining precise tracking and return-to-zero. Praised as a “great optic for a great price,” the Viper PST Gen II balances clarity, ruggedness, and adjustability for serious shooting on a mid-level budget.
Golden Eagle HD - Built for the Winner’s Circle
The Golden Eagle HD is purpose-engineered for F-Class and Bench Rest competitors who demand extreme precision. Its 15–60× magnification range, ultra-fine 1/8 MOA turret adjustments, and second focal plane reticles (accurate at 40×) give shooters the ability to call shots with surgical precision. The HD optical system incorporates APO index-matched lenses, XR Plus coatings, plasma coating technology, and ArmorTek protection. Despite its capabilities, the Golden Eagle HD remains surprisingly lightweight (around 29.5 oz) in a rugged 30 mm tube. Reviewers highlight its high-definition imagery and remarkable value for a scope in the elite competition category.
Razor HD Gen III - The Vortex Flagship
At the pinnacle of Vortex’s riflescope lineup, the Razor HD Gen III series delivers uncompromising performance for military, law enforcement, and elite competitive shooting. Available in configurations like the ultra-versatile 1–10×24 FFP and the long-range 6–36×56 FFP, these scopes feature premium glass, cutting-edge optical design, and precision mechanics. The 6–36×56 includes a massive 34 mm tube, locking turrets, ArmorTek lens coatings, and advanced reticles in MOA or MRAD. Users consistently praise the Razor HD Gen III for its exceptional clarity, edge-to-edge sharpness, superb light transmission, and rock-solid tracking. Whether on the competition line or in operational environments, this scope represents the ultimate in Vortex engineering.
From the budget-friendly dependability of the Crossfire II to the uncompromising performance of the Razor HD Gen III, Vortex Optics offers a riflescope for virtually every shooter, discipline, and budget. Each series is built with the company’s hallmark durability, backed by fully multi-coated optics, weatherproof construction, and a lifetime warranty that underscores their commitment to long-term performance. Whether you’re dialing for distant steel in competition, glassing for game at first light, or relying on rapid target engagement in the field, Vortex delivers a scope engineered for the task. The breadth of their lineup means there’s no need to compromise - only to choose the balance of features, price, and performance that best matches your shooting goals. READ ARTICLE
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