This scope under performs compared to cheaper scopes - Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane

After three trips to the range I'm nothing but disappointed in this scope. I think it's solid, the adjustment screws work well and the picture is clear to the edges but the compliments stop there.

At 2.5x the low power setting should be good for deer close to the stand but at close range I can't get the target and the reticale to come into focus at the same time. The site picture seems dull compared to my Nikon Slug Hunter (it's no longer made but I think I paid $230 for it a few years ago). The Slug Hunter is 40mm and seems to amplify light at twilight. At 44mm I expected the Vortex to perform well in low light. In fact the scope picture seems darker than what I see with the unaided eye. Worst of all the cross hairs are fine and absolutely disappear in anything but full daylight if the target is dark (like a deer). Both my wife and I have to move the crosshairs off target to pick up the center then move them back on target and sort of guess where the center is at in relation to the target.

The bullet drop markings on the vertical site line are so fine and blend is so well with a darker target they are useless (I'm not exaggerating. They are absolutely useless).

Oh,lastly the product posting claims it ships with a pop-up cover for the objective lens. Mine didn't have the cover but did come with a 4" sun shield. It looks cool but is of no use to me. I need to spend another $20 for the cover.

I'm seriously thinking about returning it. My first and last Vortex.