Vortex copperhead is an entry-level line of scopes from the company with only two variants. Being a ‘dealer-exclusive’ scope, it has been met with some skepticism for availability in the future. But it’s still selling well.
Here we will learn more about such issues and why it is an amazing entry-level scope.
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Vortex Optics Copperhead 4-12x44
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Pros
- Long eye relief
- Deadhold BDC reticle is very detailed
- Impressive glass quality
- Excellent recoil resistance and comprehensive warranty
Cons
- Limited low light performance
- Clarity compromise at high magnification
Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44 Specs
Eye Relief: 4 inches
Adjustment Options (Parallax, windage, elevation): W/E - 60 MOA (¼ MOA clicks). Parallax set to 100 yards
Type of Reticle: Deadhold BDC
Image of Reticle
Magnification: 4-12 x
Focal Plane: SFP
Objective Lens: 44 mm
Field of View: 24.7 - 8.4 feet at 100 yards
Pros
The Vortex Copperhead is an amazing entry-level scope. It has attracted a lot of attention due to the value it delivers at a low price. Let’s take a look at some good features it has to offer.
Impressive Glass Quality and Low Light Performance
The Copperhead scopes deliver far better image quality than is expected from such a scope. The scope is crystal clear at most magnification levels and offers crisp and clean images. Moving a step further, Vortex has also made sure that this scope performs well in low light conditions. Which it certainly does. The scope lacks diopter adjustment but that’s something you don’t expect at this price.
Deadhold BDC Reticle is Very Detailed
This scope comes with a BDC reticle with dots for elevation as well as windage. While windage dots are something that won’t be used, the elevation dots are very helpful for hitting targets at a distance beyond 100 yards and up to 500 yards with this scope.
The reticle is simple and basic, but pretty useful. Nothing fancy and straight to the point.
Long Eye Relief
Eye relief has been a concern with many riflescopes. Most models, whether high or low priced, struggle with maintaining good eye relief. Which can be a slight deterrent in some situations. The Copperhead 4-12x features a 4-inch eye relief which is very comfortable for the user and also allows the scope to be used as a makeshift scout scope if the distance is relevant to the magnification.
Excellent Recoil Resistance and Comprehensive Warranty
The scope delivers exceptional resistance to recoil and shocks. You may be shooting a .17HMR mounted with this scope and instantly switch it over to a .450 Bushmaster the next minute. To find no change in performance.
Apart from all this, the comprehensive VIP warranty offered by Vortex is a boon for its customers.
Cons
The Copperhead 4-12x is a good scope but not perfect for its class. It has a few drawbacks that should be considered before buying. Since they may change the shooting experience in some situations.
Clarity Compromise at High Magnification
An issue that has been found with some of these scopes is the creation of a slight haze on magnifications above 10x. Although the haze doesn’t hamper the performance to a considerable extent, it is something worth keeping in mind. Plus if you receive a scope with this issue- contact the Vortex warranty department and they’ll get it sorted for you.
Limited Low Light Performance
Might sound a bit unusual for a scope with a 44 mm objective lens. But the low light performance of this scope is not up to the mark for low light conditions. Especially when you are looking to hit a target at a far-out range.
Best Uses For the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44
The Vortex Copperhead 4-12x was designed to be a comprehensive hunting riflescope. It is offered in two variants and this is the one with higher magnification. The scope features a BDC reticle with windage and elevation holdovers. Useful for tracking targets.
With its 4-12x magnifying power, the scope can reach out to distances above 500 yards. Which is generally not the distance most people hunt at. Especially with a non-illuminated scope and a plain BDC reticle.
With that said, the use of this scope can also be extended to applications like practice and plinking. This scope has a rugged body and good resistance to recoil. It can be your practice scope for most of your rifles and will help you hone your basic shooting skills.
The eye relief is generous and makes it a useful option for scouting. Maintaining peripheral awareness and tracking targets at short or medium range.
The clarity of this scope is very good for an old pair of eyes and many senior shooters have praised vortex scopes in general for this quality.
This scope is certainly not for tactical or competition use, and also a bit limited for low light shooting. But for everything else in its range, the Copperhead 4-12x is an absolute winner.
Is the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44 Compatible With Any Rifle?
This scope is compatible with most hunting rifles. Mount it on a Remington 700 or an AR-15. It will perform the same. It is a simplistic design with no frills. Plus, as already mentioned, the recoil handling is amazing and helps mounting it on heavy caliber rifles as well.
However, do not try to mount it on SBR’s or other compact setups or conversion kits. Since the scope measures 13.5 inches in length and that’s either close or more than many pistol rifles with short barrels.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44?
The scope does not come with any mount or hardware. So you’ll have to manage all of it by yourself. The size of the mount will depend upon your rifle. But a medium profile mount will suffice with most rifles. Choosing between a single piece mount and rings is not tough here because the scope doesn’t weigh that much.
Make sure that you tighten the mounts to the torque specifications mentioned by the manufacturer or you may damage the scope. Always carry a quarter or a suitable tool to make adjustments for the turrets.
What Makes the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44 Stand Out From the Competition?
The Copperhead 4-12x is similar to many other SFP scopes on the market. But its price, optics quality, and the comprehensive warranty cover are what differentiates it from the competition.
Vortex has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality optics. The Crossfire series is known for the same and the Copperhead continues this legacy. Additionally, the scope is covered from defect and user damage, and the customer support and response duration of Vortex is simply the best in its class. There have been instances where customers have received warranty claimed scopes within 3-4 days of sending it.
Conclusion
The Vortex Copperhead is a rugged, reliable, and simple scope that features a BDC reticle to help with long-range shots. This scope is great for daylight hunting and practice. Low light usage is a bit limited. But the clarity under normal circ*mstances is impeccable. Plus all this is covered by a comprehensive warranty.
People Also Ask
Quench your thirst for some queries about the Copperhead 4-12x related to its performance, ergonomics, warranty, and other minor and major details. This will help you make a better decision regarding your purchase.
What Kind of Warranty Does the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44 Come With?
The Vortex Copperhead is covered by a VIP lifetime warranty. They’ll repair or replace your scope in the event of material or workmanship defects and damages from normal use. No questions asked and most causes covered.
How Much Does the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44 Weigh?
The Vortex Copperhead 4-12x44 weighs 15.8 ounces or close to 1 pound. That’s an ounce more than their famous crossfire version.
Can You Use Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44 in Low Light?
The Copperhead 4-12x44 will suffice in low light conditions but not to a good extent. The scope doesn’t perform very well in low light, especially in the later part of dusk.
How Long Does the Battery Last on the Vortex Copperhead 4-12X44?
The Vortex Copperhead 4-12x is a non-illuminated reticle scope and does not run on batteries. So the presence of a battery is out of the question.
