Where Are Vortex Scopes Made? (Verified By Vortex Optics)

Vortex is an American company, but where are Vortex scopes made? I wasn’t sure, so I dug into the issue and got the answers straight from the horse’s mouth in Barneveld, Wisconsin:

Vortex themselves.

More specifically Mike in customer service, who was more than happy to answer my questions.

According to Mike from Vortex Optics, Vortex produces riflescopes in the USA, Japan, the Philippines, and China. Let’s break it down by product line.

The research show Razor HD AMG Razor Viper Made in China, But the Good Made in China Conclusion FAQ Which Vortex scopes are made in USA? Which Vortex scopes are made in Japan? Where are Vortex Diamondback scopes made? Where are Vortex Viper scopes made?

Razor HD AMG

Vortex optics builds one scope in America, the Vortex Razor HD AMG (AMG meaning American Made Glass).

The Vortex Razor HD AMG is 6-24×50 first focal plane beast of a long-range riflescope that is machined from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum and then assembled with literal laser precision at the Vortex facility in Wisconsin.

Razor

The rest of the Razor line is made in Japan at a partner facility.

Razors are the top-line scope in the Vortex optics line-up, and Japan has a reputation for producing quality glass.

A reputation that is reflected in the final product. Leupold rifle scopes are also known for their high quality rifle scopes.

Viper

Viper riflescopes are a mid-level offering from Vortex.

These sleek and durable Vortex scopes come from a place not known for optics, the Philippines, along with the Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope.

Early on there were some quality control issues at the plant, so Vortex optics brought in supervisors and engineers from Japan to ensure that the products are built to standard.

A caveat to this is that the Viper red-dot, and most of the other Vortex red-dot sights, are not made in the Philippines but rather our next stop, China.

Made in China, But the Good Made in China

A product bearing the label “Made in China” can conjure mixed emotions in some people. With Vortex scopes, they should be good ones. Like the Philippines, Japanese engineers and optics experts supervise and staff the Vortex scopes production facilities in China to verify adherence to Vortex’s high standards.

The bulk of Vortex’s rifle scopes production occurs in China. This includes the Diamondback Tactical FFP (First Focal Plane), Strike Eagle, and Crossfire rifle scopes product lines. Asia seems to be the place for optics. In fact, Bushnell gets theirs from South Korea.

Speaking of Bushnell, I wrote a review on the Bushnell 1-4×24 AR Optics Riflescope.

Conclusion

So, they got fancy factories, but can I trust where Vortex scopes are made and to stand behind their optics if something goes wrong?

In short, yes. All of these Vortex scopes and the entire product catalog are backed up by the Vortex warranty “If you ever have a problem, no matter the cause we promise to take care of you.” They are a company that believes in their product, and from personal experience, it shows.

That said, what are your thoughts on Vortex Optics? Let me know in the comments below. Also, check out my Best Holographic Sights Guide.

FAQ

Which Vortex scopes are made in USA?

Out of all the Vortex scopes, the only one built in the USA is the Vortex Razor HD AMG 6-24×50.

Which Vortex scopes are made in Japan?

The Razor lineup (with the exception of the HD AMG) is produced in Japan.

Where are Vortex Diamondback scopes made?

The Diamondback 4-12×40 scope is built in the Philippines. All other Diamondback Vortex scopes are manufactured in China under the supervision of Japanese optics experts and engineers.

Where are Vortex Viper scopes made?

Viper scopes are built in the Philippines at the same factory as the Diamondback 4-12×40.