Rifle Scopes Viper 5-25x50 HD

MikeMiller said:

Received a new Vortex Viper 5-25x50 FFP scope a few days ago withMIL type reticule

I am truly impressed by this scope:
The optics are outstanding
The 10mils per turn are great and clicks very distinct and secure
The reticule is easy to use and not over done like some. No screen door effect with complicated background
The size and weight of this scope are perfect for either an SPR, hunting or DMR rifle

I heard one complaint of eye box so I went through my normal set up on my rifle. Getting perfect placement of scope front to back for best eye relief
Set reticle for sharpest image on highest power
Then adjust focus for distance

I found the eye box good in size and easy to use. I found nothing wrong in this area at all

Ran the tall target test and adjustments were accurate and repeatable

I am very impressed by this scope and just super happy it’s in the price point it is.

I will use this scope a bunch and report back but so far I like it a lot

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MikeMiller said:

Yes I have the 5-25x56. This one sees better

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MikeMiller said:

Yes I have the 5-25x50. This one sees better

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Coffee_and_Pipes said:

Thanks for posting this. I’m looking to buy a couple of new scopes, but I’m on a tight budget. I was thinking about the old Viper PST II 5-25x, but I’ll have to give these some consideration.

The other scope I’ve been considering is a Burris XTR iii 5-30x. Have you had a chance to use one of those, and if so, how did it compare?

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FuhQ said:

I have both, and have shot them side-by-side. The Burris XTR-3 5.5-30x glass is definitely a step up over the Viper HD. However, the Viper HD, in my opinion, has better glass than the PST II 5-25x50. The Viper HD also has a significantly better elevation turret over the PST II.

I don't think it's fair to compare the Viper HD to the XTR-III, as they're just not quite in the same class (arguable by some). My small sample size of 1 each of these scopes, shows that the XTR-III is noticeably better in several ways, like glass quality, no CA, better reticle (SCR2 MIL), heavier duty, 34mm tube, more elevation and windage adjustment, etc...

However, the Viper HD is very lightweight for what it is, but also very sturdy for its weight class. The elevation turret is great, and it locks and unlocks smoothly. The windage turret is capped, and the turret is very lackluster at best (I've discussed this with Scott @ Vortex the other day when we were discussing my Razor G3 that I had sent in for issues). The glass is very nice for it's price, but is not quite as sharp, and image isn't quite as clear as my XTR-III, but for the average price of around $799-999 that you see the 5-25x50 FFP model going for, it's a great scope in that price range. Keep in mind the XTR-III only recently went through a price drop, it was typically always a $1,500+ scope, and it competes very well in that $1,000-2,000 range.

What my final thoughts are, the Viper HD can be had for around $799, and for that price, you will have a hard time beating it for a lightweight hunting/target scope with a good elevation turret, and sharp glass with good lens coatings. If you are not adverse to spending $1,200 on a scope, then the XTR-III 5.5-30x56 SCR2 MIL is the way to go, IMO. If you step up to the $2,000-3000 range, you get into LOTS of excellent options that are almost just a "take your pick, they're all pretty good", and they're more or less separated based on magnification ranges, and reticle options.

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