Vortex Viper HS 4x16x50mm LR

[greginpa]

Hello, I took my new rifle and scope to the range today. I had to zero so I really couldn't test out the Vortex Viper HS 4x16x50mm LR. A couple of things stood out though. The eyebox is supposed to be improved. I still found it to be a little sensitive. Secondly, the side focus yardages do not match up with the the numbers printed on it. 100yds wasn't 100yds, it fell between 60 and 75 yds to focus at 100yds.

The BDC reticle looks pretty good, but might be a little thin for hunting. I won't know until I hunt with it. Good for shooting paper.

Clarity is pretty good, comparable to the Nikon Monarch I have. I did have a PST 6x24x50 I sold here. I do not think it is as clear as that was, but still very good. There is a little fuzziness out at the edges. Not bad, but there.

As for adjustments, I really couldn't play around with them since i was trying to zero. I didn't set the zero stop yet so I can't say anything about that. Next time...

 

[400bull]

I would be extremely interested in your thought on this. I need to put a new scope on my 300WSM that I use for hunting big game. The Vortex Viper seems to have all the components that I am looking for in a scope. I have been eying this scope now for a couple weeks and have all but dropped the coinage on it several times. I just cannot get over how fine the reticle is. Could you take a couple pictures through the scope right at dusk to show if the reticle disappears or not? I would also be interested in seeing how it does on dark backgrounds.

Thanks

400bull

 

[greginpa]

I looked at this last nite actually and the BDC hash marks disappear against a dark background. They did come back when I pointed it at my shed which is almost the color of an antelope. I feel this might be a problem. The reticle is definately thin maybe to thin. Or it maybe to dark to hunt. Just my opinion.

I'll try to take a picture.

G.

 

[greginpa]

My pics of the reticle didn't come out so good. In lowlight the BDC is hard to see with "my" eyes. Could be a problemin my opinion.


G.

 

[400bull]

I was running into the same situation when looking through the scope at the local sporting good store. Anytime that the reticle was looked at over a dark background (camaflage clothing) the reticle would be nearly impossible to see. This was in the middle of the day with all the store lights also. I have not been able to look through the scope during dusk hours but I can only imagen things would get worse. Maybe I will just continue may shearch for the right scope.

400bull

 

[greginpa]

Definately a problem. I was so hot for the scope I just bought it. Don't get me wrong it's pretty clear so it's not junk. I'm going to continue to check it out but I'll probably send it back due to the side focus yardages being off.

G.

 

[Dr. Vette]

I played with the one I have this afternoon. It's an overcast day, raining on and off. Once the rings arrive it's going on a 7mm Wby.

No problems seeing the reticle on a day like this while looking into the woods (only up to 150 yards or so) or at the house across the street. We were comparing it to my business partner's Swaro Z5 and were both very impressed by this scope. Hopefully we can compare them in low light soon but I would have no problems with the clarity of this scope. We both found it far better than the Bushnell 3200 or Nikon Monarch scopes we were also using today. Yes, the reticle is a bit finer in that it's not as heavy along the outer 2/3 of the lines as many duplex style reticles. However, it also doesn't block your view nearly as much as a Nikon BDC.

 

[Wisc_Hunter]

Reticle thickness is such a subjective topic and there will never be a reticle that is perfect for everyone. If you have trouble seeing the BDC, then get the Plex reticle. For me I prefer the slightly thiner reticle and have no problems seeing it in low light or on darker backgrounds. So far I'm very impressed with this scope and look forward to purchasing a 2.5-10x44 for another rifle of mine.

Happy Hunting gun)

 

[brentc]

Definately a problem. I was so hot for the scope I just bought it. Don't get me wrong it's pretty clear so it's not junk. I'm going to continue to check it out but I'll probably send it back due to the side focus yardages being off.

G.

What not just ignore the yardage marks and adjust the knob until your target comes into focus?

It's actually quite common for the yardage marks on the knob not to match the actual distance. This is why a lot of manufacturers quit trying to print numbers on the knobs. They figure people will just focus as necessary.

 

[davewilson]

what i'd like to have someone do is check and see if the turrets move the correct amount. put a target up at 100 yards, shoot one shot at your zero, crank it up 20 moa, shoot one, then crank it down 20. repeat this shooting one shot at each group until you have 2 groups, hopefully about 21" above each other. this will tell you if the scope repeats, how much it's actually moving, and if it's moving perfectly verticle.

 

[greginpa]

I'm going to do that on Monday. I've been working on some loads so I didn't do it yet. As for the thinness of the reticle I'm not changing my mind. At last light it is hard to see. Subjective or not. As for the side focus yardages being off, I paid the money for it and I want it to work. Maybe you all are different. Just my two cents.

G.

 

[greginpa]

I got to check the repeatability of this scope today and it worked flawlessly. I checked both the windage and elevation. Elevation is easy because of the CRS. Windage is like most other scopes. Worked great.

I like the brightness and clarity of this scope. I like the adjustments, they were accurate and positive.

I mentioned an issue I had with the side focus. The issue was actually with me. I didn't focus enough with the eyepiece. I've had more time to work with the scope since my first post so I realized my goof up. Side focus works great. Hey, I'm only human.lightbulb

As for the reticle that's up to you. I still think a Mulie at last light might be an issue. I won't know till next year though. The most I'll get to hunt with this rifle this year might be some woodchucks.

I think this scope has alot of features for the the price. I also think it is a quality piece comparable to some more expensive scopes.

Thanks

G
gun)