Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50
When I was contacted by Marchwood Ltd about their new Vortex Optics scope range I thought yes another cheap far eastern optic. Uncharitable yes, but there is so much of this type of glass around and though not knocking it, it does seem a bit similar. However, what came out of box #1 was a pleasant surprise.
They supplied two scopes; a 3-9x40 and the up market 6.5-20x50 Vortex Viper, which is what I am kicking off with. The build looks good and puts me in mind of Burris and Nikon with an understated but professional feel. Unsurrpisngly and though a US company the Viper is made in the Philippines, but I have seen some good glass come out of that area before now.
The build goes for a one-piece, 30mm body tube in semi matte black finish. The spec is more aimed at the varminter or longer range shooter with its high top and bottom ends. Turrets are capped, target-types with a lift to zero function. On the left of the saddle is a side-focus drum and at the rear a fast-focus eyepiece. We are told the optics are fully multi-coated and offer 95% light transmission.
See me
Unusual and potentially useful is the magnification ring. Called the View Mag it shows a deep, knurled drum with a large, red-tipped pointer that sits back over the bell. The actual magnification numbers are on a raised flange so it’s possible to see what mag you have selected without having to disturb your head position too much.
Click values are ¼ MOA @ 100-yards with 48-clicks per turn (12”) and five, full rotations (60”), this applies to both windage and elevation. The elevation turret is divided into 12 segments, which are sub-divided into four. The fixed section (barrel) shows a vertical reference line with five horizontal stadia coming off numbered 0 – 4 to show you where you are in elevation.
On the windage drum the markings differ with 0 – 6 in either direction though the barrel is the same. This is logical and most helpful when winding in a correction. A nice touch is the fact that the left movement numbers all show a – mark so you know where you are. Once zeroed both turret drums can be lifted against a spring to disconnect them from the drive and turned to a 0 point, then lowered to re-engage.
Cross purposes
The Viper is also available in a 6.5-20x44 version and both offer the choice of four reticules - dead hold BDC, V-Plex wide (open Dual-X), target dot (thin lines with central dot) and Mil Dot (four, round dots per arm). The BDC (which is what I had) consists of a Dual-X style with three vertical dots on the 6 o’clock inner arm and two either side of the 3-9 o’clock axis. The idea is simple with the measurement between each being a known distance at different ranges. However, being a 2nd focal plane system these values only hold true when the magnification is at maximum (x20).
Vortex give the following dot/distance values at 100-yards measured from the 6 o’clock centre cross hair; 1st – 1.5 MOA, 2nd - 4.5 MOA, 3rd – 7.5 MOA, bottom of inner post 11 MOA. The horizontal shows the distance between the two dots at 3.6 MOA and the inner line end to end at 7.2 MOA, so pretty much two Mil Dots. Plus they give recommended values for rifles of different calibres/powers at different zero points, which includes 22 Long Rifle. However, these are advisory and the only real way to see what is happening with your particular load is to shoot the distances in real time and note the drops!
Though they do look workable; for example at 200-yards the 1st dot will measure 3 MOA (@ x20 mag), which as a drop figure for many calibres from a 100-yard zero is certainly in the ball park. Likewise the horizontal will allow the application of windage if required.
In use
I set the Viper up on a Savage Model 11 BTH in 22-250 Rem. To be honest it worked well, offering a clear and crisp sight picture. Side focus was a bit off in terms of markings on the drum, but to be honest I have yet to find a scope where these notations match up exactly. I tend to ignore what they say and just get the target in focus, which is what it’s really there for…
The ability to view the magnification set, though not essential, is potentially useful too. If I have one niggle with the BDC reticule it’s the thickness of the stadia, as at 100-yards it’s not easy to set it precisely on a fine aim point. The Savage is capable of ½” at this distance and no way could I replicate that performance with the BDC cross. So I would say have a look at what is on offer first before committing to any particular style! I’d lean towards the Mil Dot initially…
The BDC subtensions are certainly a boon though, as not only do they offer aim off marks they also allow you to measure height and width, given you can work it out… Which as a hunter I do find useful.
Overall this is not a bad scope; well made and presented with decent optics and ability. The price is good, as is the guarantee, as it’s covered and not the purchaser for accidental damage as well as parts failure, which is good.
For: Well built design with some useful features
Against: Check reticule options before purchase
Verdict: Well worth a look given quality and price
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Name | Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 |
| 2nd focal plane | Y |
| Reticule | BDC |
| Eye relief | 3.1 – 3.3” |
| Body tube | 30mm |
| Length | 14.4” |
| Weight | 21.6 oz |
| Click values | ¼ MOA @100 yards |
| Clicks per turn | 48 |
| Full revolutions | 5 |
| Side focus | Y |
| Price | £449.00 |
All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates
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