What is the best Vortex shotgun slug scope? Read on as we comprehensively cover the Best Vortex Shotgun Scopes
You have been looking for the perfect shotgun scope and evidently, you have narrowed your search to the Vortex brand. Vortex is a company based in the USA; that is well known for the production of optical equipment.
In this review, we discuss the best Vortex Shotgun Scopes but before that, there are a number of things you need to know and look out for when purchasing a Vortex and other shotgun scopes.
Factors to Consider for the Best Vortex Shotgun Scopes
Optical power- Vortex scopes are available in different magnifications to suit the different needs of hunters. The magnification level of a specific scope determines the level to which it can be useful to you.
High magnifications enable greater target resolution however, they are more difficult to use from unsupported positions, heavier, bigger, and more costly. Scopes with lower magnifications provide fast, sharper, and better target tracking.
Size- after deciding on the amount of magnification you require, it is good to decide on the size of an objective lens.
Reticles- there are different reticle patterns available on the market, some with complicated grid patterns and others with plain center dots. Some of the good reticle options include BDC, Mildot, and Duplex reticles.
Focal planes- this refers to the position of the reticle within the rifle scope. There are two distinct positions; the first focal plane (FFP) and the second focal plane (SFP).
The First focal plane reticles change size as you change the magnification, getting larger as you zoom in and smaller as you zoom out thus keeping their holdover points for windage and elevation accurate on all zoom levels.
On the other hand, second focal plane reticles do not change size with magnification change, hence more comfortable for multiple engagement distances. Their holdover points are only accurate at one magnification setting.
MOA or MRAD- are the two distinct measurement systems that are used for adjusting scopes.
Parallax- This occurs when the scope is incapable of focusing the target and the reticle on the identical optical plane and could lead to missed shots. The reticle appears to change position according to the target when the head is moved.
Durability- Vortex scopes are built with high-quality materials for durability and performance. They include waterproof and fog proof designs, which are suitable for use in all manner of weather.
The use of multicoated lenses increases light transmission and protects the lenses from getting scratches.
Price- Vortex products are reasonably priced considering their good quality performance. It is important to look for a scope that fits into your budget.
Best Vortex Shotgun Scopes-Our Top Picks
1) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
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Available in Different Sizes
- 1. 75-5×3
- 3.5-10×50
- 3-9×40
Diamondback SFP rifle scopes are best suited for big game, muzzleloader, and slug shotgun use.
These scopes provide incomparable image quality, build quality, and overall feel of the turrets and the fast-focus eyepiece.
The scopes offer a variety of configurations, has a customized dot design, and feature a Dead-Hold BDC and Vplex reticles that are perfect for any hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
Diamondback features Second focal plane (SFP) reticles located near the scope’s eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses.
The SFP reticles do not visually change in size with magnification change. The one-piece tube has a hard-anodized finish that offers shockproofing while increasing the scope’s durability and camouflage of the shooter’s position.
Features
- Shockproof and durable
- Multi-coated lenses provide clear and bright images from dawn to dusk
- Has customized dot design
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed for fog proof and waterproof performance Fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Metal on metal precision turrets enable zero resets after sight-in
- A precision glide erector system ensures accurate tracking and repeatability
Pros
- Multiuse-muzzleloader, slug shotgun, big game, predator, varmint, and long-range shooting
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright and crystal clear images
- Shockproof and durable
- Fog proof and waterproof performance
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II – 2 MOA Dot
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This Vortex Crossfire is ideal for rifles, shotguns, or rimfire.
It has 11 illumination settings that allow you to change the dot intensity when need be. 2 MOA dot is quick to acquire in close-quarters scenarios while remaining fine enough to promote pin-point accuracy at an extended range.
A good-looking skeletonized lower 1/3 co-witness mount is included and provides a rock-solid and lightweight platform for your red dot.
The scope has highly durable hard-coat anodization that provides a low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage the shooter, and O-ring seals to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating for reliable waterproof performance.
Features
- Has up to a 50, 000-hour battery life and night-vision compatibility at the lowest two setting
- 2 MOA Dot Reticle
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
- Increased light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- Unlimited eye relief allows rapid target acquisition
- Crossfire Red Dot incorporates elevation and windage dials with audible clicks
- Increased light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
Pros
- 50, 000-hour battery life
- Night-vision compatibility at the two lowest settings
- 1/3 co-witness mounts for versatility
- Unlimited eye relief for quick target acquisition
- Waterproof performance
- Parallax Free
Cons
- Fixed magnification
3) Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire
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The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire riflescope is one of the best Vortex shotgun scopes and is unbeaten in image quality, build quality, and overall feel of the turrets and the fast-focus eyepiece.
It is suitable for close-range use on rimfires, shotguns, and muzzleloaders.
The scope features the V-Plex reticle, which is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle meant for a wide range of hunting applications.
The one-piece tube scope has a hard-anodized finish that is highly shockproof and durable and helps camouflage the shooter’s position.
It is Argon purged and O-ring sealed to provide a long-lived fog proof and waterproof performance.
Features
- Shockproof and durable
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide clear and bright images all day long
- Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
- Reticle: V-Plex
- Exit Pupil: 5 – 17.5 mm
- A precision glide erector system ensures accurate tracking and repeatability
- Has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Field of View, Linear: 19.3 – 64.3 ft at 100 yds
- Metal on metal precision turrets allows zero reset after sight-in.
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticles are located near the scope’s eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses for clear images
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed for a Fog proof and waterproof performance
- Wide variety of hunting applications
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
- Ideal for close-range applications only
4) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
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The Venom Red Dot fits well on a rifle or shotgun giving you optimal flexibility. It is O-ring sealed and has an aluminum housing to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating thus giving you unaltered results in all environments.
The scope’s 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments are super sleek and allow easy target acquisition while the top-load system makes changing the CR1632 battery easy.
Vortex Venom features an auto-brightness mode that uses an ambient light sensor to control dot intensity according to the shooter’s preference.
The power and dot intensity controls are situated on the left side of the sight with a choice of 10 brightness levels.
Features
- Dustproof and waterproof
- High quality, fully multi-coated lenses offer a clean, wide field of view
- Parallax Free
- Objective Lens Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Magnification: 1 x
- Illumination Color: Red
- A 3 or 6 MOA dot provides a precise point of aim- getting shots down range and on target fast
- Auto brightness mode
- Picatinny attachment
Pros
- Rapid target acquisition and precise point of aim with 3 MOA
- Fully multi-coated lenses for clear images
- Parallax Free
- Unlimited eye relief
- Waterproof
- Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol application
Cons
- Water Resistant Mark up to 1m only
5) Vortex Optics Viper Red Dot Sight – 6 MOA Dot
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Viper Red Dot Sight has a super low profile which makes it perfect for handguns with cutout slides.
The Viper has low height allowing it to co-witness with iron sights and 6 MOA dot, which helps with easy target acquisition.
The scope has O-ring seals that prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating providing you with excellent results in all environments.
Features
- Power and illumination controls are easy to access and adjust
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- A fully multi-coated, ultra-clear lens offers a wide, unobstructed field of view
- Armortek coatings protect the lens from oil, dirt, and scratches
- Hard anodized finish- highly durable low-glare matte finish
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
Pros
- Super low-profile perfect for handguns and shotguns
- Fully multi-coated, ultra-clear lens
- Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle applications
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Unlimited Eye relief
- Parallax Free
Cons
- Fixed Magnification
- Water Resistant Mark up to 1m only
Conclusion
Vortex shotgun scopes are good quality, efficient, reliable, and can withstand even the harshest of environments.
Whether you are a first-time or a learning-in-progress shooter, these scopes ensure that you have an easy time in the field.
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