338 dge and Vortex Viper opinions please?

[snake]

Recently had a .338 Edge done and would like a scope that can get me out to 700-800 yards efficently. Does anyone have any comments or feedback on the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm scopes? Can they take the recoil and muzzle brake blasts?

Gun is 30" 9.3 twist Broughton barrel,Rem 700 standard long action,custom Ewallace muzzle brake. about a 15 pound gun without scope and rings. Using Leopuld 20moa 1 piece base and Burris extreme 30mm rings. Is this $400 scope really a good bang for the buck?

 

[davewilson]

i just tested that scope yesterday for the second time. it's a good scope for the money but not up to par with the rest of your gun. mine prints about 23" verticle movement when i crank the turrets 20 MOA. i'm guessing you want to save some money and the optics is not the place to do it. at least get a Sightron or of course, a Nightforce. it's the only way to extract the full accuracy potential from that gun.

 

[Tulie]

For the bucks, I think the scope is very good. I have 2 of them but facts are they aren't really a top notch target type scope, good for the bucks but not top notch. My concern would be eye relief, there really isn't much for anything that will recoil. I have one with the MD and one BDC. Both are clear, track right on and focus fine but that eye relief would worry me.

 

[BIG MO]

My buddies 13lb 338 lapua with muzzle brake kicks less than a sporter weight 270. The Vortex would hold up just fine. I have two of the scopes you are considering. Eye relief is nothing to brag about, but on a mild recoil rifle you would likely be satisfied.

On my 7mag and 270wsm these scopes get me past 1000yds with standard bases. Plenty of elevation adjustment, I like the turrents, and Vortex does custom turrents for $70. I got mine for $249 from Cameraland.

 

[davewilson]

Tulie; Both are clear, track right on

may i ask you how you determined they track right on? mine doesn't move the amount that it's supposed to.

 

[elkstalker300]

I have one on a 338-378 and dont have a problem with the eye relief, but since hunting season I have retired it to my 300rum and am patiently waiting for my PST for my 338

 

[Tulie]

Tulie; Both are clear, track right on

may i ask you how you determined they track right on? mine doesn't move the amount that it's supposed to.

Box test and have one on a 600 yard F class rifle. Both are spot on. If yours isn't tracking, send it back.

 

[Tulie]

I have one on a 338-378 and dont have a problem with the eye relief, but since hunting season I have retired it to my 300rum and am patiently waiting for my PST for my 338

I know I tend to crawl the stock a little but on my 1000 yard 300 RUM I was not comfortable with the eye relief. It has less than 3.5" according to specs and the best I could figure that's right where my 50 mm objective is, the 44 mm objective seemed to be just a tad less and the way I shoot I want slightly more than that. I've got a PST on the way one of these days and it will go on the RUM. The 44 mm sits on the previously mentioned 600 yard setup and the 50 mm sits on a tactical setup and for these applications and on these rifle they work great. As was said to start with, you bet there are much better scopes but at this price these are mighty tough to beat.

 

[snake]

thanks for the feedback guys. It does kick light like a .243 to .308 at most. very tollerable with 300gr pills. I don't think the eye relief will be much of a problem but its always something to think about when scope shopping.

Would Medium height rings be just right? I have plenty of high rings but this 44mm might want a shorter ring?

 

[Tulie]

thanks for the feedback guys. It does kick light like a .243 to .308 at most. very tollerable with 300gr pills. I don't think the eye relief will be much of a problem but its always something to think about when scope shopping.

Would Medium height rings be just right? I have plenty of high rings but this 44mm might want a shorter ring?

With no more recoil than that it will be a non issue. I use Leupold PRW or whatever their lettering is in the medium height for both the 44 and 50 mm objectives and they have fit well on a Ruger 77 and Rem 700 with both having varmint weight barrels on them.

 

[snake]

This scope was ordered and should be here today along with the vortex bubble leveler. Sunshade was on back order for the 44mm. Hope to punch some holes soon with my edge. All i've done is got some loads done and chrony figures to test pressures with. really not getting anything really accoplished without the scope on yet.

I'll do a follow up this weekend when i get some groups i'll post em' along with my review on this particular Viper.gun)

 

[trueblue]

The 338 EDGE deserves a Nightforce NXS at least, period!

 

[highridge1]

A zeiss has better glass than a night force and doesn't weigh 2 lbs.!

 

[snake]

The 338 EDGE deserves a Nightforce NXS at least, period!

The tax money is going twards just that!!! but...for another big gun

When im done playing with the .338 Edge combo,i'll move the Vortex on my .223