Poll: Vortex Viper or Hawke Sidewinder

[liltank]

Check out my review in my new "Gun Review" thread.

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by trailrider121

I have a Hawke 4.5-14x42 tactical sidewinder 30 and a vortex viper 6.5-20x44.

The vortex is lighter, has nice turrets that have good click to them. Glass is clear, overall a very good scope for the money.

Hawke scope is nice, a little on the heavy side. Turrets dont have a pronounce click to them. A little on the big side. Glass is clear from edge to edge. Has a few options like different color reticle.

I have taken them both out to 1000 yards and both preform flawless. Its really a toss up, but if I was looking at both I would lean towards the Vortex Viper. That's my view on the two brands.

I'm still patently curious about the sidewheel on the Hawk, does yours have it??... and on the reticle, your opinion? I have the Hawk ballistics calculator on my laptop. It's fun to play with but candidly, the G7 (on here) is light years better....

One good thing about the Hawk is their physical location (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to me. Problems are a short drive. That's it. Not that I'd anticipate a problem....

I may still get one. My Leupy's didn't get too PO'd in the gun safe when I parked the Viper beside them......

[trailrider121]

I have the sidewheel for it, never used it. I'll have to try it out soon. The parallax needs to be adjust for range and dont use the markings,they are off. The reticle is nice and has 1/2 mildot marks in it. I like the reticle, perfect and easy to read. Very clear from edge to edge out to 14 power. I think the quality goes to the viper, better fit and finish.

[sullivt]

I have the hawk Sidewinder and a viper PST... the viper definately edges out the Sidewinder with clarity. But I do not think you would be disappointed with either.

[bruce_ventura]

My observations at the the last two SHOT shows we're that the Hawke Sidewinders had much better glare performance and aberration than the Vortex Vipers. I was stunned how good they were.

I understand that Hawke has made design improvements in the Sidewinders during the last three years. The age of a given scope may be important. The performance of older scopes may not be as good as the newer ones.

I expect to get my hands on some Sidewinder scopes for test and eval later this week. I'll post whatever I learn.

[encore man]

i have a viper hs on a 300 wm love it . i cant comment on the side winder never had one before

[Muttt]

I own a Vortex Viper 6.5-20 x 50 PA and it is by far the best scope I have ever used. And, that includes Zeiss and Leupold. The tracking and turrets are top notch. The glass is superb. This is now my go to scope. You CAN'T buy a better scope for that money.

Stay away from any scope made in China