Vortex Copperhead Scope Discontinued

Has the Vortex Copperhead Scope Been Discontinued?

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In a relatively short amount of time, the Vortex line of rifle scopes has become one of the more popular brands, especially in the entry-level and mid-range cost scope market. The mid-range scope market is one of the most competitive ones, and Vortex has done an excellent job of meeting the needs of that market. Recently, I’ve seen a number of inquiries online asking if the Vortex Copperhead scope has been discontinued?

Vortex Copperhead Scope Discontinued

Before I answer that question, let’s first discuss the Copperhead of scopes. Vortex introduced the Copperhead series of rifle scopes at the 2016 SHOT show. According to Vortex folks I spoke with at that SHOT show, the Copperhead series was being designed and marketed as a special distributor-only model that was only available to a limited number of Vortex’s scope distributors.

The Copperhead series was designed to appeal to hunters who wanted a budget-friendly hunting scope that was less expensive than Vortex’s popular Crossfire II line of rifle scopes. The Copperhead was/is built on a 1-inch tube and was/is only available in two configurations:

These models are made in China based on specifications laid out by Vortex engineers and are only available with a 1-inch tube. Both models feature a fixed parallax that is factory-set at 100 yards. As mentioned above, the Copperhead series are only available with one reticle option, which is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle.

Vortex Copperhead Deadhold BDC Reticle

While there are other reticle options I like better, I do like the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC model as it offers something that you don’t typically see on BDC-based reticles: it features subtension BDC dots on the windage place (the horizontal line on the reticle) to adjust for windage changes. Now, let’s be honest here, most hunters aren’t going to use those windage adjustments, but they are nice to have available.

Although most hunters using rifle scopes in the 3-9 or 4-12 power ranges only use the actual duplex portion of the reticle for hunting and shooting purposes, the BDC option can really useful for extending your shooting range. However, you have to take the time to range test each BDC dot to figure out the distance based on caliber, bullet weight, etc. I run a BDC scope on one of my predator rifles (mostly for coyotes), and I can reach out to 400 yards or so using the BDC reticle option.

The 3-9 and 4-12 power ranges on the Copperhead models are really ideal for most hunters as those are the two most popular power magnification configurations and are versatile enough to meet most hunting needs.

Something worth noting is the size difference in the objective lens diameter between the two scope models. The 3-9 model features a 40mm objective lens, while the more powerful 4-12 model features a 44mm objective lens. This means that, potentially, depending on the scope ring manufacturer, the 4-12 model may require higher rings than the 3-9 model.

This also means that the more powerful 4-12 model also weighs one full ounce more than the 3-9 model. One ounce difference in weight doesn’t sound like much on paper, but it can feel like a lot more after lugging a rifle around all day on your shoulder.

Now, to be fair, the glass quality on the Copperhead series is fair, so it’s basically what you would expect on a Chinese-made scope that costs sub $150. That being said, I think the glass on the Copperhead series is certainly better than some other competitor scope models I’ve seen in the sub $150 price range.

Now, let’s get back to answering the question as to whether or not the Vortex Copperhead scope line being discontinued.

The answer is no, but the Copperhead models do seem to be more difficult to locate for sale in the market. This is due to the Copperhead scope series being built and marketed as a distributor special, where only certain Vortex distributors have access to sell the Copperhead scope models.

Here are some of the more common questions that I see and hard regarding the Vortex Copperhead line of scopes:

Where are Vortex Copperhead scopes made?

As I mentioned before, the Vortex Copperhead line of rifle scopes is manufactured in China and marked as being made in China. As I’ve said before on this website, I wouldn’t let the fact that it was made in China be an issue if were interested in one, as very few rifle scopes are still actually “made in the USA”.

If they are being discontinued, what does that mean if I really like this scope model and wanted another one?

For starters, they are not being discontinued (at least not right now). To answer your question: if you are a fan of the Copperhead scope line, and wanted another one, then I’d suggest going ahead and grabbing up another one or two.

I have a Vortex Copperhead scope, so is it still covered under the warranty?

The answer is yes. One of the reasons that Vortex has become so successful in a relatively short period of time is because of its outstanding warranty. Vortex has one of the best warranties in the rifle scope industry and stands by that warranty. So, if you already have a Copperhead scope (or buy one later), it’s covered under the Vortex Lifetime warranty.

Besides the Copperhead scopes, is there another budget friendly Vortex series I should consider?

Aside from the Copperhead series, Vortex’s Crossfire II is another budget friendly line of scopes that I would definitely look at. Those can be found here.

Is there somewhere I can see a Vortex Copperhead scope review?

I haven’t done a formal review of the Copperhead scopes on this site yet, but there are plenty of places online that have. Just Google “Vortex copperhead scope review”, and you should get what you need.

Are the Vortex Copperhead scopes any good?

I think the Vortex Copperhead scopes are a good option as an entry-level scope that won’t break the bank.

Aside from a few small differences, the Vortex Copperhead series is basically just the same as the Vortex Crossfire II series of scopes. The Copperhead uses the same glass as the Crossfire II and basically has the same internal components.

The biggest difference between the two is the Crossfire II series has a larger number of models within the scope series and offers higher magnification ranges compared to the Copperhead. In addition, the Crossfire 2 models are also available in one inch and 30mm tubes, while the Copperhead models are only available in a 1 inch tube option.

As I come across additional questions related to the Copperhead scopes, I’ll update this FAQ section.