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Vortex Scopes are a great tool for hunting. They are compact, lightweight, and very versatile.
But the question is, “Where are they made?”
Vortex Scopes are manufactured in the USA. They are designed and built in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in America. Their team has over 100 years of combined experience in optics and precision engineering.
But everyone is interested to know more.
So, in this article, we will discuss further in detail all kinds of vortex scopes and where they are made.
Note: If you want to know a complete guide about scopes click HERE.
Where are Vortex Optics made or manufactured?
Vortex Optics makes scopes.
Vortex Rifle Scope
Where are Vortex scopes made?
The Copperhead
This series is made in China.
The Crossfire and Crossfire 2
These scopes are also made in China. They are very popular because of their affordable pricing.
Vortex Strike Eagle scopes
The Strike Eagle line is designed for short-range shooting.
Strike Eagle was originally produced by American Optical Corporation (AOC), then later acquired by Bushnell Outdoor Products.
However, the Strike Eagle line is now manufactured in China.
The Diamondbacks
These are the next step up from the Crossfires.
All the Diamondbacks are built on a 1″ tube and are made in China. You should know that Diamondbacks are aimed at the long-range shooter or tactical shooter who wants something more than a basic scope.
Vortex Viper scopes
A step up in quality than the Vortex Diamondback series. Vortex Viper scopes are built on a 30mm tube with a 4x erector. These scopes are made in the Philippines.
Note: If you want to know Where is Swift Scopes Made? Click HERE.
Vortex Viper HS scopes
The Viper HS series is a mid-range powered riflescope with easy use of the reticle. These scopes are made in the Philippines.
Vortex Viper HS LR
The Viper HS LR series is built for hunters who may be hunting and firing long-range. The Viper models are built-in a.30 caliber tube and feature exposed turrets (exterior). The HS LR series offers two models in an SFP configuration. The HS LR models are built in the Philippines.
Vortex Viper HST scopes
These scopes are made in the Philippines. They are designed for long-range shooting and hunting. They are also used by military forces around the world.
The Viper PST Gen 2
These scoped rifles are built on a 30mm barrel and offer a mix of fixed and adjustable sights. The Viper PST Gen2 features an exposed turret design. Moreover, the Viper PST Gen II comes equipped with a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 scope.
The Golden Eagle HD scope
It is built on a 30mm tube. It is specifically designed for long-distance bench rest and F class target shooting. It features an impressive power range from 15X to 60X with a 52mm lens. This scope is manufactured in Japan
A 35mm tube scope is built exclusively for long-distance shooting. It’s an f/p model and is also manufactured in Japan. A 34mm main tube scope is built for long-distance shooting on the AR platform. It’s an FFP model and is also manufactured by Japan.
Vortex Razor HD Gen II-e
It is a top-of-the-line tactical scope for the AR Platform. It is made in Japan.
The Vortex Razor HD AMG
It offers the best long-range shooting, hunting, and Tactical scope options in the Vortex line. This scope is built in the United States. However, the lenses are built in Japan and then assembled here.
Most Vortex riflescope models are made in China.
We understand that this could be a turn-off for some potential buyers. However, there are still a few American companies that make their scopes completely in America.
While scopes manufactured in China may not be of the highest quality, they do offer some advantages over those made in other countries. Scopes from China aren’t going to cost nearly as much as scopes from Japan or Germany, and they’re also going to be more durable than scopes from other countries.
Vortex makes great quality optics. Their warranty is very strong, and they stand behind their product.
Manufacturing Places of Vortex Scopes
There are different models of Vortex scopes and they are made in various countries based on the product line. You may be surprised to learn where they usually get manufactured as new versions keep coming every year.
Vortex Copperhead Series
Copperhead scopes are cheap and easy to use. These are entry-level scopes, but you can still get a lot out of them.
Vortex Strike Eagle Series
The eagle series of AR scopes is a short-range model. It focuses on low-range magnification, which was first offered to connect to higher-range magnification. However, this model doesn’t work well with high-range magnification. This Eagle series is made in China.
Vortex Crossfire I and II Scopes
This series of Crossfire I could not last long due to some production issues and be replaced by the successor Crossfire II series, and the latter one is considered to be more popular than the former one for an entry budget. These models are also produced in China.
Vortex Diamondback and Tactical Series
This Diamondback scope is designed to be used for long-range shooting. It has a magnification power of 20x. It also has a reticle system that allows you to aim precisely. It is made in China.
Vortex Viper Series
This model is more expensive than the previous one because it uses a larger diameter tube. It also comes with an erection aid.
Vortex Viper HS and HS LR Series
Vipers are high-quality scopes that come with capped turrets. These scopes are meant to be used by those who want to shoot longer distances.
They offer a better quality glass than the previous models. Viper HS LR is made for those who want to use a scope with a longer barrel. This model offers 30 mm of the tube, but the turret is now exposed.
This series is made in the Philippines.
Vortex Viper HST Series
HST stands for hunting, tactical, and this is a multipurpose long-ranging shooting series. You have another series with a30mm tube and exposed turrets. Currently, you will find the SFP configuration available. Just like other Viperones, this one is also made in the Philippines.
Vortex Viper PST Gen Series
This series of scopes offer better quality optics than the previous generation. It is specially designed for tactical shooting with precision. This series is an upgraded version based on customers’ choice and it is also manufactured by the Philippine company.
Vortex Golden Eagle HD
The more you go ahead in this product line, the more things get fine-tuned to make your shooting experience bliss. This golden eagle series comes with a bench rest. You will be amazed at its magnificent power range of 16X-60X with an objective of 52mm.
This special series is manufactured in China and that’s pretty much imaginable when you consider its quality.
Vortex Razor HD and HD LH
The Razor HD LH series is a high-end rifle for long-range shooting, but it’s not exclusive to Vortex. This model is made in Japan.
Vortex Razor HD Gen II and II E
The new upgraded versions of the rifle are more powerful than the old ones. The new rifles are designed for longer-range shooting.
Vortex Razor HD AMD
Last but not the least, this is the best tier model that vortex is offering currently. It comes with configuration supports of 6-24×50 along with a 30mm tube and f/fp version. This is undoubtedly, the best pick for long-range hunting and tactical shooting. Lenses are manufactured in Japan and then assembled in the USA.
History of the Vortex Scopes
Establishment of Vortex Optics
Daniel and Margie started an optics company after being involved in the optical industry for many years. They decided to start their own optics company because they wanted to make more money. Their new company was named Eagle Optics.
This part of the business advised offshore manufacturers on which features were popular among shoppers buying products from Wild Birds Unlimited’s 300 stores.
The success in re-selling optical equipment laid the foundation of their own brand in optics, while Margie managed the retail shop business.
Daniel along with some of the key staff worked on creating Vortex Optics, which they eventually did in 2003 by the name of Vortex Optics. The company also maintained close ties with Shelter Wing in the beginning.
Transition to other products
Vortex Optics is an optical equipment manufacturer that specializes in hunting and bird-watching products. Their products include riflescopes, spotting scopes, rangefinders, binoculars, etc. They also offer a lifetime warranty on most of their products.
Note: If you want to gain information about What AOEG Scope Means click HERE.
Production Facilities
The headquarters of Vortex Optics are still located in the state of Wisconsin in the United States, but employees in Wisconsin only manage design, marketing, sales, and supply chain operations.
The office was situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin until 2008 when the owner Dan C Hamilton transferred the headquarters to a business park in Barnesville, a small town in Iowa County in the State of Wisconsin.
Basically, this move was inspired by an expansion of rifle scopes, binoculars, and rangefinders in U.S. manufacturing operations.
The main transition after 2013
In 2013, Dan was eyeing an entire business park in the village’s business district. Today, he owns most of the land in the business park. He also owns the actual headquarters building and the manufacturing facility covering 280,000 square feet. The remaining area includes an indoor shooting range, a daycare center, and a combined preschool and daycare center spanning more than 12,000 square feet of space. The Barneveld offices house about 300 skilled workers.
The new factory allows for more room for employees to work. Wide-open office spaces allow for better communication among departments. Riflescopes are made here.
Manufacturing of binoculars is done by different companies in different countries. Binoculars are assembled in factories located in Asia. There are plans to manufacture binoculars in Europe, but they are not yet implemented. Da Ni El Hamilton travels to these factories to oversee the manufacturing process and maintain effective relationships with the manufacturers.
Note: If you want to know What a Cantilever Scope Mount click HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the Vortex scopes made in China any good?
The Vortex models that are produced by the Chinese are really their entry and budget-oriented models. They perform well. However, you need to keep in mind that you are getting what you pay for. Some of the China-made Vortex scopes may have sensitive eye relief.
Are the Vortex scope models made in the Philippines any good?
As the Vortex scope models that come out of the Philippines are a step above the Chinese-made ones, I’d say they’re a better quality scope.
If you had the budget, I’d suggest you go for one of the Philippine-made Vortex models instead of the Chinese ones.
Why choose Vortex Scopes?
Here are some reasons why you should choose Vortec Scopes:
- Vortex scopes have an anti-reflective coating on the lens.
- Vortex scoped rifles are built with quality parts that last.
- Vortex scoping is a proven technology that has been around since the 1950s.
Conclusion and Overview…
Vortex Optics is one of America’s leading sports optics companies. It was founded in 2002, making it one of the youngest optics companies to be successful.
The company was founded by two people who had worked together previously. Their previous experiences helped them to create a successful product.
Vortex manufactures many different types of devices. Most of them are binoculars, spotting scope, riflescope, rangefinder, or monocular. Some of them are made in Japan, some in China, and some in the Philippines.
Most of the affordable Vortex binoculars and riflescopes are made in China today.
Hope that you have a better insight into where Vortex Scopes are made.
If you want to know more information about scopes click HERE.
