Are you looking for the best shotgun scope? Keep reading to find out the best Vortex shotgun scope recommendations that are feature-packed to help you maximize your shooting experience.
Shotguns are highly accurate and versatile optics with the ability to take down small to large games. They are also used for home defense and competitive shooting. Adding a scope to a shotgun is advantageous as it boosts accuracy and ensures you never miss a shot, making your experience more pleasant.
Vortex carries one of the highly respectable names in the scope industry and produces some of the best shotgun scopes that upsurge accuracy. This article breaks down the best Vortex scopes that will deliver impeccably when paired with your shotgun. Here’s a profound review of the best Vortex shotgun scopes:
Best Vortex Shotgun Scopes
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm is rich in features, making it the perfect extra eye when using your shotgun. The scope is built like a rock, as its constitution comprises aircraft-grade aluminum. This rugged build makes it shockproof in addition to being waterproof and fogproof.
The scope’s durability is supported by a hard anodized finish that prevents corrosion giving it many years of lasting use.
The scope is a stunner when it comes to optical performance. It sports fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective compounds to enhance light transmission. As a result, clear and discernible views are yours, no matter the lighting condition. The images are also glare-free, making this scope the best for shotguns.
A zero-reset feature for the windage and elevation turret ensures hassle-free adjustments. The eye relief is generously placed at 3.9-4.7 inches providing clear views while simultaneously protecting your face from bruises caused by recoil.
Features
- Single-piece tube crafted from quality aluminum
- Fully multi-coated with anti-reflective properties
- Zero-reset turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- 9 to 4.7 inches of eye relief
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- V-Plex reticle on the second focal plane
Pros
- Lightweight
- Low-priced
- Clear and bright images
- Holds zero well
Cons
- No rings and lens cover
2) Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Rimfire Scope
The Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Riflescope is another popular option for shotgun owners. Like other Vortex optics, this scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to improve its durability. The body can withstand shock and recoil, ensuring you don’t lose your zero even after multiple rounds.
A matte finish helps conceals the shooter’s position. The scope has argon gas inside that prevents internal fogging of the lens. The unit is also waterproof and has impermeability features that ensure it is not a victim of dust and debris. The Precision glide erector system on the lens ensures smooth gliding of the components in all zoom ranges.
Fully multi-coated optics deliver maximum light transmission for enhanced contrast and color trueness.
In addition, the scope uses the V-Plex reticle, which is favorable for hunting applications. The fast-focus eyepiece ensures the reticle helps keep the reticle sharp, facilitating rapid target acquisition. This reticle is housed in the second focal plane, ensuring you maintain the same magnification of the reticle even when the zoom changes.
Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized matte finish
- V-Plex reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Argon purged for fogproofing
- Sealed for waterproof performance
- Precision glide erector system
Pros
- Excellent all-weather functionality
- Durable
- Good optics
Cons
- The eye relief could be better
3) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope is a high-performing shotgun scope that doesn’t take a toll on your pocket. This powerful riflescope brings to the table a versatile 4-12x magnification, offering dynamic flexibility when choosing your shooting location.
The scope is made to deliver in all environments as it is robustly crafted from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope will hold up well in harsh weather as it is 100% waterproof and fogproof. The finish is hard anodized with a matte detail to enhance durability and hide your position.
Besides, it comes with fully multi-coated lenses that deliver class-leading light transmission. This means the images reaching your eye are brighter and clearer.
A fast-focus eyepiece ensures the reticle stays in focus and helps you acquire your targets quickly. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps remove the guesswork and is perfect for shooting at a range where holdover estimation is a concern.
Another addition to the scope is the tactile windage and elevation knobs that facilitate seamless adjustments on the fly and easily reset to zero after sighting in.
Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Single-piece tube with an aircraft-grade aluminum constriction
- Hard anodized matte finish
- to 4.4 inches of eye relief
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Capped reset turrets
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Good quality
- Seamless adjustments
- Clear glass
Cons
- Focus issues
4) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Many hunters favor the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope as it is hinged with an array of features that lead to extraordinary performance. The scope is compatible with a shotgun, and both combine to give you an unforgettable experience.
The first impressive feature of the scope is the fully multi-coated lenses that gather plenty of light resulting in maximum contrast and color fidelity.
You can make precise windage and elevation change using the pop-up dials on the scope. The turrets are capped to guard against exterior harm.
Vortex is known to make its products with optimal durability, and this unit is no exception. Aircraft-grade aluminum is used in its construction. It is also sealed and has argon gas inside, letting you hunt without suffering from lens fogging. The rugged construction of the scope makes it shockproof for recoil and impact resistance.
The hard anodized finish prevents corrosion and adds to the scope’s durability.
In addition, it features a fast-focus eyepiece that helps to focus the reticle so that you take accurate shots in seconds.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Weatherproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Capped turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- The housing constitutes aircraft-grade aluminum
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Clear optics
- Price
- Compact
- Includes rings
Cons
- The turrets are mushy
5) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Riflescope
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Riflescope ticks all the boxes when it comes to versatility. Its zoom range makes it suitable for shotgun competitions and hunting.
As one of the best Vortex shotgun scopes, the Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm is made with durability in mind. It is built with tough aluminum that will withstand anything mother nature exposes it to. The rugged build makes the scope shockproof.
It is nitrogen purged to ensure the components are functioning well in all environments.
It also does well in all lighting conditions a sit boasts a fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion glass that gathers as much light as possible, leading to clear and bright views.
The reticle is illuminated to ensure visibility in dismal lighting, giving you an upper hand in target acquisition. The reticle has a tactical design allowing ballistic calculations. The reticle is found in the second focal plane and remains the same even with changes in magnification.
A fast-focus eyepiece helps in reticle focusing, which is essential for fast target acquisition.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Glass-etched reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- 5 inches of eye relief
- Matte anodized finish
Pros
- Remarkable glass quality
- Durable make
- Good reticle
- Budget-conscious
Cons
- No mount
6) Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Riflescope
Finally, we have the Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Riflescope. The scope’s 1.75-5x magnification is gentle for close to medium ranges, which is perfect for a shotgun.
This scope is well-designed for long-lasting use. It is made from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures long life. An addition of the hard anodized finish supports its exceptional durability, making it a worthy contender for the best Vortex shotgun scopes.
The icing on the cake is the waterproof and fogproof performance that ensures you continue your shootings even when the weather changes.
For a scope to qualify as good, it needs to have superb optical performance. The Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm has fully multi-coated optics for glitch-free clarity and resolution. The 32mm objective lens allows in plenty of light, contributing to its excellent image quality.
The scope uses an intuitive BDC reticle that allows fast execution with no frills and sophistication. The reticle helps you acquire your target quickly and accurately.
Another great addition is the Precision Glide Erector System, which supports fluid changes between zoom levels.
A fast-focus eyepiece is another bonus for the scope as well as the 3.5 inches of eye relief that protects your eye from recoil-related bruises. The turrets are capped for protection from harsh elements that could interfere with performance.
Features
- Precision glide erector system
- Hard anodized finish
- Capped turrets
- BDC reticle
- Weatherproof
- 32mm objective lens
- Gentle 1.75-5x zoom
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated t boost light transmission
- 5 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Sturdy
- Great value for money
- Low weight
- Finger adjustable turrets
Cons
- High parallax setting
How To Choose the Best Vortex Shotgun Scope
These factors are essential before buying the best Vortex shotgun scopes:
Durability
The scope’s durability is a priority before making a purchase decision. You don’t want a scope that will wear out days after buying it. Vortex scopes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum for unquestionable durability.
A shotgun kick can damage a poorly built scope and injure your eyes and face. Due to the recoil effect, shotgun scopes must be shock resistant.
Turrets
Ensure your scope has well-designed turrets that provide audible and tactile feedback, permitting changes without having to lock the turret. The turrets should also include a system that prevents accidental adjustments. Some models have locking systems, while some are capped for more protection.
Finish
Pursuing a game in the wilderness requires camouflage. Vortex scopes have a matte finish that will not give your position. A shiny scope exposes your shooting position and may spook the target.
Glass and Lens Coating
The glass and lens coating contribute to image quality. Vortex scopes have fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission leading to maximum brightness, sharpness, and clarity. Scratch-resistant coatings also increase the overall durability of the scope.
Magnification
Scopes can either have fixed or variable magnification. Those with fixed power have a set parallax that provides reliable performance. They are also smaller and best for beginners.
Variable scopes let you change the magnification depending on the range. They provide more options but are bulkier and trickier to use.
The best Vortex shotgun scopes should have a magnification ranging from 4-12x.
Also Read: 7 Best Shotgun Scopes
Best Vortex Shotgun Scope FAQs
Q: Is A Scope on A Shotgun Worth It?
A shotgun scope enables you to make the most of your gun. Scopes are advantageous when using slugs or a shotgun with a tight choke, which generally need more accurate aiming than shotguns.
A red dot sight might be an excellent option to improve your aim without using magnification if you don’t want to get too close to your target.
Q: Is Fixed or Variable Zoom Better?
A variable scope is ideal if you want to shoot at varying distances. However, many shooters, particularly newbies, prefer fixed riflescopes due to their ease of use. Such scopes are perfect for shooters who want to target at a specific distance.
Q: Is High Magnification Essential for a Shotgun Scope?
Given that shotguns are typically used for close-range shooting, a shotgun scope does not necessarily need a high magnification. In actuality, a magnification range of 2-7x or 3-9x suffices for most hunting applications. A higher magnification scope could be useful for specialized uses, like shooting slugs at longer distances.
Q: What Is the Best Range to Sight a Shotgun Scope?
The ideal range to sight your shotgun scope depends on the intended purpose of the shotgun and the type of ammo you want to use.
A typical distance to sight your shotgun scope for most hunting applications is 100 yards. However, you might want to sight your scope out at a longer range, such as 150 yards or more, if you are using slugs or other specialized ammunition.
Conclusion
You need a quality scope for a rewarding shooting or hunting experience. It is hard to go wrong with the models explained above, as they have everything you need to get the most out of your shotgun. We hope you find a model that meet your needs.