If you are one of those people who love bird watching, hunting, observing wildlife, or outdoor sports, you might have heard the name Vortex. Yes, Vortex is an American brand of optical equipment which is famous for making quality binoculars, spotting scopes, weapon sights, etc. within a reasonable price range.
As Vortex has manufactured a variety of optical products since 2002, people tend to have a great curiosity to know about the manufacturing place of vortex scopes.
So, where are vortex scopes made?
Well, if you are also curious to know about the answer to this question, then this article is specially designed for you.
The Origin of Vortex Scopes
The owners of Vortex are known to be associated with the optics business since 1986 and it all started with Margie and Dan Hamilton in south-central Wisconsin. They started making their optical products over there. But with time, things started to grow and flourish and they had to expand their business overseas.
Not all the varieties of rifle scopes are made in the U.S. now. Depending on the product line, Vortex scopes are made in different parts of the world. So, if you want to know about the manufacturing country of vortex optics, you have to be specific with the model number.
Though the origin of Vortex products is the U.S. However, scopes are now being manufactured in countries like the Philippines, China, and Japan also.
Manufacturing Places of Vortex Scopes
There are different models of Vortex optics and they are made in different countries depending on the product line. As update versions keep coming every year, you might be surprised to know where they usually get manufactured.
Let’s talk about different Vortex scopes manufacturing places one by one.
#1. Vortex Copperhead Series
If someone wants to start their Vortex scopes journey as a beginner, then these copperheads’ scopes are there as this is known as an entry-level series. When your budget is tight, go for this series, and no wonder they are made in China!
#2. Vortex Strike Eagle Series
This short-range model of AR scopes is specially made to focus low range magnification. Though it was first offered to connect with higher range magnification just like 4-20, it didn’t work out. This Eagle series is also made in China.
#3. Vortex Crossfire I and II Scopes
This series of Crossfire I couldn’t last long due to some manufacturing issues and was replaced by its successor Crossfire II series. And the later one is considered to be the most popular one for an entry-level budget. These models are also manufactured in China.
#4. Vortex Diamondback and Tactical Series
Compared to the Crossfire II series, this Diamondback scopes provides more features and improved glass quality. However, when it comes to Diamondback Tactical series, they are designed to go for long-range tactical shootings. Both these versions are made in China.
#5. Vortex Viper Series
This one is a step up in terms of quality from its previous version which comes with a 1-inch tube, following a 3X erector. Viper is a popular series since 2011 and unlike previous models, this one is manufactured in the Philippines.
#6. Vortex Viper HS and HS LR Series
Viper HS is designed for those who are looking for powered mid-range scopes with a 30 mm tube that comes with capped turrets. Offering you a better quality glass, this series is a successor to its previous one without any doubt.
Similarly, Viper HS LR is made with the intention to provide enough support to the shooters and hunters of long-range. Here you will also find 30 mm of the tube along with turrets, but this time it’s exposed.
This series also comes with FFP and SFP configurations. Both these models are made in the Philippines.
#7. Vortex Viper HST Series
HST stands for hunting, shooting, tactical, and this series is specially designed for multipurpose long-range shootings. Again, you have another series with a 30 mm tube and exposed turrets.
Currently, you will only find the SFP configuration available. Just like other Viper ones, this one is also made in the Philippines
#8. Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 Series
This series of scopes usually offer better quality optics compared to the previous generation. PST gen 2 is specially designed for tactical shootings with precision and this series is an upgraded version of the PST 1 series based on customers’ choice.
You will enjoy a mixed variation of SFP and FFP models in this series and it is also manufactured in the Philippines.
#9. Vortex Golden Eagle HD
The more you go ahead in the product line, the more you discover things are getting fine-tuned to make your shooting experience bliss. This Golden Eagle series comes with bench rest for long-range and F class shooting. You will be amazed by its magnificent power range of 15X-60X with an objective of 52 mm.
This special series is manufactured in Japan and that’s pretty much conceivable when you think of its quality.
#10. Vortex Razor HD and HD LH
If you talk about this HD series, then it is obvious that this series is exclusively made for long-range shooting. There is an FFP scope that comes with a power range of 5-20X50 and also a 35 mm tube.
On the other hand, the Razor HD LH series is known to be the flagship model currently available by Vortex. And the only available configuration you will find for this one is 3-15X42, which is designed as a top-tier model for long-range hunting. Both of these models are made in Japan as expected.
If you own a Springfield then this is your best bet. This is one of the finest scopes for Springfield 30-06.
#11. Vortex Razor HD Gen II and II E
So, these two series are the next generation upgrades of their previous one. In Gen II, you will find better optics, 34 mm tube, specially made for AR platform for long-range needs. And gen II E is a top-tier model for medium-range shooting for AR platforms as well. These models are also manufactured in Japan.
#12. Vortex Razor HD AMD
Last but not the least, the best tier model that Vortex is offering currently is known as Razor HD AMD. It comes with configuration support of 6-24X50 along with a 30 mm tube and FFP version.
This is undoubtedly the best pick for long-range hunting and tactical shooting. The lenses are manufactured in Japan and then assembled in the U.S.
Final Words
Vortex optics are famous all around the world for their quality service and affordable price range.
Though the founders started their journey in the US, now the whole business is spread in different parts of the world. From China, Philippines, Japan to the US, now Vortex scopes are made in all those countries.
So finally, we hope this article could meet your curiosity to know where Vortex scopes are made!