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Vector Optics Reviews/Discussion Thread (Page 1 of 4)
Posted: 5/16/2025 2:23:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: the-answer-is-42][Edited]
It seems comments and etc about Vector optics are kind of scattered all over the place. A bunch in the optics deals thread and some derailment of the LPVO thread on the first page here (that I helped with  ).Yes - more import optics which some will hate - but they seem to be getting good reviews. Right now for some reason Vector is running some crazy 30-40% off deals and their dots/scopes can be had for pennies on the dollar. I purchased half a dozen Vector optics on my own dime (in case anyone thinks I got free stuff to post this like the YT guys do)over the last few months to see what they were about after seeing the C_DOES (whos word i trust in scopes) review of the Continental line and some other scattered YT reviews from FocusTripp and etc on the Prism line. Heres some photos and thoughts of the optics I purchased so far: Vector Prisms - 1x (SCPS-M01) and 3x(SCPS-M03)   I've seen people rave about the PA prisms for years now so I wanted to finally try some. The Vortex models are all hundreds of dollars and so are the PA models - which even on sale are $189-199. Vector had these on Amazon and their website for $120 and $135 respectively. Pretty much a no brainer to try out. The glass is VERY good on these with virtually no chromatic or blurring. The reticles leave a little to be desired and are Eotech-esque but the illumination is great and daylight bright with the etched reticles. They are both using Aimpoint micro mounts which IMO is a detriment to the models with a short eye box - but this is the only issue I had with them. The 1x had a nice far eye box of about 6-7" for me but the 3x was tiny at 3" or so. At any rate I figured out that Prisms are not for me. I had a double-image issue witht he 1x when shooting with both eyes open and apparently thats just a thing with prisms since the 1X is not really 1X - it's more like 1.25X. YMMV but if you like Prisms these are an absolute bargain on sale right now. Another scope on sale is the Continental LPVO line and the 1-6 in this case which is from the C_DOES reviews I mentioned above (SCOC-44). The Continental is the Vector premium line using German glass.   I've been looking for a red-dot style LPVO and the 1-6 and 1-8 models from the Vector Continental line checked the boxes. I already have a Vortex Venom but it's LED lit, not daylight bright, and a little cluttered of a reticle to be a true red dot replacement-style LPVO. So far comparing the two - and the PA Nova - the Vector Continental is hands down the winner for this style of optic. The fiber dot is very bright and has 6 power settings. The crosshair reticle with drop substensions is a little thick but very clear and useable and doesnt get in the way. And to note you can shoot with those LPVO out of view using the BAC like an ACOG which is great for those 5-15yd distances (with obvious parallax issues, but not an issue up close). Everything in the C_DOES review is true on these models and again FOR THE PRICE they are currently at of sub-$300 I dont think they can be beat. The Vortex Venom goes hand in hand with it and is also very clear, but has been moved to more of a mid range role for me personally. The clicks are nice on the turrets and they are pop-up caps. The scope is a little long in length, but anyone who's seen the expensive Kahles models probably wouldnt care. Last but not least is a basic RDS (SCRD-12II). This was $55 from the Vector website and I'm using it on a .22LR build. With the sea of knockoff and cheap crap on Amazon in the sub-$75 range having something direct from the OEM is fantastic.   So far no complaints with this RDS; although it's a bit odd with the 1MOA clicks and exposed red dot turrets. I'm pretty sure no one is adjusting an RDS for elevation or windage ever so capped would have been better but for the price you cant complain. The RDS is built well and the housing/finish are not the cheap 'shiny black' version you see on all the knockoff optics for airsoft. It's a legit matte black anno and everything on the RDS seems to be built well. This one uses aimpoint micro mounts as well (seems many Vector optics do) which is great since we all probably have a bunch laying around. All in all I think for the price based off of what I have in hand - these are all very very good low to mid tier optics from a company thats trying to steal market share in the NA market from Holosun. I believe they are an OEM that owns the factory where all of this is made but thats what I vaguely remember reading online. Edit Revision: To add model numbers with links since theres so many; and spacing errors |
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Originally Posted By mikepiet: Been looking at that 1x prism as I can't find a prism with a reticle (circle dot) or for that matter, doesn't look like it came off a prop from Star Wars. It's showing $159 and might take a swing at one. The 1x prism is $120 and use code c_does for another 10% off https://vector2007.com/collections/prism-scope/products/704-tactical-paragon-4x24-micro-prism-scope |
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| @the-answer-is-42 Hows the glass compare to the PA 1-6? Thinking of getting one of these to replace my PA nova 1-6, as I dont really like the nova reticle (Id get this Vector with the non fiber reticle) |
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Originally Posted By alowerlevel: @the-answer-is-42 Hows the glass compare to the PA 1-6? Thinking of getting one of these to replace my PA nova 1-6, as I dont really like the nova reticle (Id get this Vector with the non fiber reticle) IMO the Venom and Continental 1-6 both have superior glass to the PA - and out of those two the Continental slightly edges out the Venom 1-6 with clarity, aberration, and FOV. I have not tested the lower-end S6 1-6 that was posted above but may pick one up. |
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They sent me the Frenzy mailbox RDS for review. It has an Acro footprint. It’s been pretty decent so far, but I haven’t abused it at all yet. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By the-answer-is-42: IMO the Venom and Continental 1-6 both have superior glass to the PA - and out of those two the Continental slightly edges out the Venom 1-6 with clarity, aberration, and FOV. I have not tested the lower-end S6 1-6 that was posted above but may pick one up. Appreciate it. Found a 20% off code (spin20%) so I think Im gonna have to give the 1-6 Continental a try. |
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Originally Posted By alowerlevel: The 1x prism is $120 and use code c_does for another 10% off https://vector2007.com/collections/prism-scope/products/704-tactical-paragon-4x24-micro-prism-scope Thanks! Picked up that 1x tonight. Will be interesting to see how it works with a couple 4x magnifiers I have here. |
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| I've put a hundred rounds through the Victoptics 1-6 Fiber dot S6 and seems to be holding zero no issues I've shot out to 175 yards from a front bag on steel targets 33, 55, 75, 105 and 175 yards. I just use the etched reticle as with all my optics I have a Strike Eagle and a PA SLX ACSS and this seems similar. Shot at 1x, 3x, and 6x to verify holding zero no problems so far for $85 with one piece mount and throw lever included not disappointed. |
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Also someone who derailed the "what LPVO" thread to rave about Vector. Like the OP, first bought the 1-8x and liked it so much I bought a 3x prism. Agree with everything the original poster said. The 1-8x has excellent glass and a daylight bright reticle if you get the Nova one. They are SFP, but I actually prefer that it a LPVO. And it comes with a cheap but functional mount. At the price and discounts they are offering you really can't go wrong. Also really liking the 3x prism. Again the glass is just outstanding. It feels a little strange to shoot the 3x with both eyes open, but I think it will be fine with a little practice. And yes, the short eye relief is a little bit of an issue when optic is mounted to an AR, particularly if you like to run your stock all the way out or nearly all the way out. Vector does offer a cheap offset mount that pretty much solves this problem. Given that the mount is something like $20, I do worry about it's long term durability, but I had no issues with my first outing. If I end up really liking the scope and shooting it a bunch I will probably upgrade to a better quality mount. Only other criticism is that the adjustments are 1 MOA. Honestly, for me it would be worth another $50 if Vector upgraded it to 1/2 MOA adjustments. But other than that, I think at the discounted price these are going for it's tough to pass up. And for the record, I've never posted a YouTube video, have no affiliation with Vector whatsoever and unfortunately have never gotten anything free from a gun company or optic company in my life (except maybe some Dillo Dust when I bought a LaRue upper). |
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I saw a review on the 1-6 a few weeks ago. Note: This isn't me. This another dude named Moondog  Cheapest German Schott glass LPVO is the Vector Continental 1-6x24 |
 The Best Fiber Optic LPVO - Vector Continental 1-6x24 With German Glass |
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Originally Posted By Moondog: I saw a review on the 1-6 a few weeks ago. Note: This isn't me. This another dude named Moondog  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxKobMOEqwI haden't seen this review before. Mirrors my experience so far as well. I'm hoping to post some thoughts after putting more rounds through it and bashing it around my safe
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Originally Posted By GrantS: I haven’t had a chance to shoot it but I picked up a continental 1.5-9 for my Winchester .338 mag. Figured that will give it a test to see if they’ll hold up to recoil. Thats definitely a question mark for me as well. Virtually all the reviews are on the 223/5.56 platforms and maybe I tihnk I saw a 300BO in a YT review? Not many larger calibers. |
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Well this is interesting, since I have great interest in things that are cheap but work well. All my optics meet that description. We do have one Vector in the battery. It's the RDS that the OP lists last. Can't say much, as it's on a rifle that does not get hard use, no dragging up mountains or low-crawling like the others. Got probably 100 rounds under it so far, as far as 200 yards, and it has held zero, has a nice crisp dot (2 MOA I think), works just fine. I don't like the exposed adjustment turrets, but they are witness marked, as is The Way. |
| I’m a sucker for a 2-12x with a good reticle, so I picked up a Continental with SCFF-69 reticle. It was ~$465 shipped with a 20% coupon code. We’ll see how it stacks up against my H6Xi 2-12x |
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Originally Posted By Luny421: I’m a sucker for a 2-12x with a good reticle, so I picked up a Continental with SCFF-69 reticle. It was ~$465 shipped with a 20% coupon code. We’ll see how it stacks up against my H6Xi 2-12x I have this in my cart right now but waffling on it vs my current Venom 3-15. Any chance you have experience with the Venom line (or strike eagle gen 2?) |
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Originally Posted By the-answer-is-42: I have this in my cart right now but waffling on it vs my current Venom 3-15. Any chance you have experience with the Venom line (or strike eagle gen 2?) In this magnification range, I currently have a 2-10x PST Gen 2, 3-15x PST Gen 2, and the 2-12x H6Xi. No experience with the Venom or SE2. I previously had a Trijicon 2-10x but sold it due to lack of parallax adjustment, and a Swampfox 2-12x that I sold because the turrets were trash. |
“Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No, but I do it anyway because it’s sterile and I like the taste.” -Patches O’Houlihan
2023/24 Arfcom FPL Champion
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Originally Posted By Luny421: In this magnification range, I currently have a 2-10x PST Gen 2, 3-15x PST Gen 2, and the 2-12x H6Xi. No experience with the Venom or SE2. I previously had a Trijicon 2-10x but sold it due to lack of parallax adjustment, and a Swampfox 2-12x that I sold because the turrets were trash. Thats a solid range of scopes either way. Def let us know how it compares. |
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Vector 3X Prism as an offset Prism So theres this semi-new thing where the guy on YT did an offset PA prism. I figured I would use the vector as a cheap experiment on trying it out. Ultimately the offset prism wasnt for me but the Vector 3X worked great in testing. As mentioned with the short eye relief I had to move the mount way back on the upper in essentially the last useable spot. What I did was use a Unity mount with their offset 30* arm and a micro adapter plate to use the RDS as primary and the prism as the offset. It's great that the Vector prism uses aimpoint micro mounts for this use case because almost every mount OEM makes an Aimpoint micro-compatible-offset option whereas they do NOT make PA-compatible or ACOG-compatible 30 or 45* mounts because, well, this is pretty niche of a setup. For those with astigmatism, having the Vector 1x Prism offset instead of an RDS could be a great solution for this wanting just the 1X on the side and not anything magnified since it uses the micro mounting standard. The Vector 1x Prism should have enough eye relief to mount it in a proper forward location for this usage as well if needed. Oh and I just remembered from looking at these pics that the Vector 3x prism comes with an included threaded killflash/ARD. Pics from my test setup:  
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Received my 1x prism today. Fit and finish look good. I'm no optics expert but eye relief seems to be pretty good as well. Couldn't check out illumination because they did not include a battery lol. Need to order some anyways so no biggie. Anyone know of some bikini lens covers that could work with these? |
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Originally Posted By the-answer-is-42: Vector 3X Prism as an offset Prism So theres this semi-new thing where the guy on YT did an offset PA prism. I figured I would use the vector as a cheap experiment on trying it out. Ultimately the offset prism wasnt for me but the Vector 3X worked great in testing. As mentioned with the short eye relief I had to move the mount way back on the upper in essentially the last useable spot. What I did was use a Unity mount with their offset 30* arm and a micro adapter plate to use the RDS as primary and the prism as the offset. It's great that the Vector prism uses aimpoint micro mounts for this use case because almost every mount OEM makes an Aimpoint micro-compatible-offset option whereas they do NOT make PA-compatible or ACOG-compatible 30 or 45* mounts because, well, this is pretty niche of a setup. For those with astigmatism, having the Vector 1x Prism offset instead of an RDS could be a great solution for this wanting just the 1X on the side and not anything magnified since it uses the micro mounting standard. The Vector 1x Prism should have enough eye relief to mount it in a proper forward location for this usage as well if needed. Oh and I just remembered from looking at these pics that the Vector 3x prism comes with an included threaded killflash/ARD. Pics from my test setup: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/226579/IMG_0050-3514170.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/226579/IMG_0049-3514169.jpg When you test that 3x, try it at lots of different ranges, both closer and farther, than the one you zero it at. It looks to me like your POI will diverge from your POA as you move away from your zeroed distance due to the prism not being directly over the bore. This can be a problem with any offset, but the close ranges that most people use them at helps minimize it. Most offset mounting positions also allow for easier manipulation of the rifle to get the sight closer to centered over the bore as well. Zeroing an optic involves choosing a point where the bullet's flight intersects the point of aim. When the optic is always centered over the bore, like with a top mount, the line of flight and the point of aim only diverge on the vertical plane. They stay on the same horizontal plane. That makes corrections easy because you only miss high or low. When the optic is not centered over the bore, the bullet's flight line and point of aim diverge in all planes, causing you to miss high, low, and side to side. Corrections can become quite unmanageable as distance from zero increases. Never underestimate how many shooters only shoot rifles from static positions, in bright light, at high contrast targets, at known, fixed distances. Nearly all optics work well in these circumstances. You don't learn much about an optic until you get it in low light, shooting at low contrast targets at varying, unknown distances, from awkward positions. That exposes an optic's limitations. |
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Originally Posted By cttb: Never underestimate how many shooters only shoot rifles from static positions, in bright light, at high contrast targets, at known, fixed distances. Nearly all optics work well in these circumstances. You don't learn much about an optic until you get it in low light, shooting at low contrast targets at varying, unknown distances, from awkward positions. That exposes an optic's limitations. This is SO fucking true. ACTUAL TRAINING as opposed to what so many do, which is more akin to plinking, will reveal all. Sure had for me. The offset higher power optic has merit. Stokes87 (a bonafide SME) has been a proponent of it, and it does seem to have merit. Height/centered over bore thing is not an issue if you're holding the rifle at the proper angle, although this is a separate discussion. |
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Originally Posted By JoeDevola: This is SO fucking true. ACTUAL TRAINING as opposed to what so many do, which is more akin to plinking, will reveal all. Sure had for me. The offset higher power optic has merit. Stokes87 (a bonafide SME) has been a proponent of it, and it does seem to have merit. Height/centered over bore thing is not an issue if you're holding the rifle at the proper angle, although this is a separate discussion. I'd like to see more data for prisms used in competition. They are rare now. |
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Originally Posted By PacNW5: I'd like to see more data for prisms used in competition. They are rare now. Originally Posted By PacNW5: Originally Posted By JoeDevola: This is SO fucking true. ACTUAL TRAINING as opposed to what so many do, which is more akin to plinking, will reveal all. Sure had for me. The offset higher power optic has merit. Stokes87 (a bonafide SME) has been a proponent of it, and it does seem to have merit. Height/centered over bore thing is not an issue if you're holding the rifle at the proper angle, although this is a separate discussion. I'd like to see more data for prisms used in competition. They are rare now. Yes, thay would be useful. Yes, I typed Stukas87 (fucking autocucumber), Jeff Gurwitch. I wish I had the extra cash to try one of these. I have a rifle with a RDS and a surprisingly accurate barrel that could benefit. I've wanted to get magnification on it, ever since seeing how effective my "poor man's ACOG" setup is (16" muddy w/ 2.5x ACSS). It becomes so obvious in field conditions. There I was yesterday, prone, shooting steel 2/3 IPSC with that rifle, at 250 yards, no problem at all. Why does that matter? With simple RDS ot would have been completely impossible: target is tan, is against background of tan & green foliage, in a shadow with low sun to the left....target was invisible with the naked eye, so RDS would have been a gamble at best. |
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Originally Posted By JoeDevola: Yes, thay would be useful. Yes, I typed Stukas87 (fucking autocucumber), Jeff Gurwitch. I wish I had the extra cash to try one of these. I have a rifle with a RDS and a surprisingly accurate barrel that could benefit. I've wanted to get magnification on it, ever since seeing how effective my "poor man's ACOG" setup is (16" muddy w/ 2.5x ACSS). It becomes so obvious in field conditions. There I was yesterday, prone, shooting steel 2/3 IPSC with that rifle, at 250 yards, no problem at all. Why does that matter? With simple RDS ot would have been completely impossible: target is tan, is against background of tan & green foliage, in a shadow with low sun to the left....target was invisible with the naked eye, so RDS would have been a gamble at best. This is true. Every red dot shooter that I've known has a story about a time when they could not hit medium range targets due to lighting conditions or low-contrast backgrounds. |
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Went on a little shopping spree this weekend for Memorial Day and hope to have more Vector stuff in to test with some other goodies. Side note; OpticsPlanet (I know, some dont like them) has very good prices on Vector scopes and sometimes less than their website. I grabbed more lower-end models, but am still debating on the 2-12 C_Does did a review of - or maybe the 3-18 in the same Continental line for the SPR. |
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Originally Posted By InvertedDeparture: @Luny421 How’s your Continental 2-12 so far? Interested in a better SPR scope; I like my Viper PST 3-15x a lot except for the weight and the lack of locking turrets. @InvertedDeparture No idea, still waiting for it to ship. I did receive the throw lever though 
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| With this thread and the Memorial day sale (plus the 20% code) I gave in and ordered two scopes with throw levers last night. I couldn't decide on the Continental 3-18x50 FFP or the Continental 2-12x44 FFP. So I eventually said why not both! I got an shipped email today, but it shows both throw levers and the 3-18x50 has shipped. I have one mount coming from PA, and then I have to decide what current/future? gun the scopes will end up on. |
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Originally Posted By bigmatt17073: With this thread and the Memorial day sale (plus the 20% code) I gave in and ordered two scopes with throw levers last night. I couldn't decide on the Continental 3-18x50 FFP or the Continental 2-12x44 FFP. So I eventually said why not both! I got an shipped email today, but it shows both throw levers and the 3-18x50 has shipped. I have one mount coming from PA, and then I have to decide what current/future? gun the scopes will end up on. Those are the exact two scopes I've been wanting to try on my SPR setup from their continental line so be sure to post thoughts once you get them. |
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I have the 1-6x and ran a couple 3 gun matches with it. The glass quality for the price is great. The fiber reticle is very similiar to the nova and it wouldn't suprise me if it's the same supplier. The scope really looks good at 1x. Dialing the scope up, it still looks great at 6x considering this scope competes with Burris and strikes eagles with its price point. However if I set it next to a Credo, the Credo clearly has better glass. There is a slight amount of chromatic aberration at 6x in bright lighting, can see it in my second picture below. I like the turret design and the clicks feel very solid. Didn't have an issues with the scope holding zero. One design choice is that the focal distance is set at around 100 yards. Meaning everything up to 100 yards is in focus. Once you stretch past like 250 things are slightly out of focus, not terribly so but noticeable to me. However this does make the low mag ranges look very good up close which is likely why they did it. To me the worst thing about the scope is the eye box. It's tight. Shooting a match I'd lose the sight picture pretty easily with any awkward positions or transitions. Tldr; Really good glass quality for the price, Good turrets, Bright illumination, however eye box is tight. Attached File Attached File |
Got my Continental 1-6 last week and finally got a chance to mess with it. Glass seems nice, turrets feel good and I like that they are locking vs capped. I got the non fiber optic version of this scope (SCOC-23T) because Im not the biggest fan of the Nova style reticle and dont need another daylight bright scope, but I like this reticle, its easy to see and use and while the the illumination isnt red dot bright, its easily daylight visible. Overall for the price Id buy another one
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Originally Posted By alowerlevel: Got my Continental 1-6 last week and finally got a chance to mess with it. Glass seems nice, turrets feel good and I like that they are locking vs capped. I got the non fiber optic version of this scope (SCOC-23T) because Im not the biggest fan of the Nova style reticle and dont need another daylight bright scope, but I like this reticle, its easy to see and use and while the the illumination isnt red dot bright, its easily daylight visible. Overall for the price Id buy another one https://i.imgur.com/gJulYnK.jpeg Was wondering how bright the LED models were so thats good to know. |
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Originally Posted By FoxValleyTacDriver: To me the worst thing about the scope is the eye box. It's tight. Shooting a match I'd lose the sight picture pretty easily with any awkward positions or transitions. After more use with my 1-6 I can mirror this as well. It's not bad by any means by above ~3x it starts to get very tight. I put my 1-6 on a riser this week and did some testing with a more heads-up positioning and 1x-3x was pretty good with no real issues especially if you use the BAC to aim and dont mind the slight shift but 6x was super unforgiving and probably made worse by the riser. |
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Originally Posted By the-answer-is-42: After more use with my 1-6 I can mirror this as well. It's not bad by any means by above ~3x it starts to get very tight. I put my 1-6 on a riser this week and did some testing with a more heads-up positioning and 1x-3x was pretty good with no real issues especially if you use the BAC to aim and dont mind the slight shift but 6x was super unforgiving and probably made worse by the riser. Same here, got mounted mine up and just playing around the house the eyebox is 100% the biggest downside to this scope. While its not horrible, its definitely tighter than any of my PA 1-6 scopes and my RT-6. |
Vector Optics Reviews/Discussion Thread (Page 1 of 4)
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