Vortex Viper 6.5-20-Thoughts?

Walkalong said:

Thought so, the Meopro line seems to be a lot for the money.

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I agree!

I really like my MeoPro scopes and binoculars.

I’ve had a couple of these, and used them at the range for the last 2-3 years with no issues. I recently sold them in favor of PST Gen2s, but for the money I think well of them. Midway has them on sale for $300, last I looked, and I think you would struggle to find anything better in that price range and in that magnification range.

Over the last handful of years, I’ve probably acquired / used more than two dozen Vortex scopes. I’ve had only one hard failure - which was a Razor, incidentally.

I just picked up a Viper HST because it was the only decent scope I could find in any of my local stores.. Was wanting to look at a Athlon, SWFA or upper end Burris (and maybe some others) but will have to wait until I end up somewhere that stocks the "higher" end scopes. Looking for something to go 700 yards or more for my Tikka UPR.

Here's the 6.5-20x44 on my 527 Varmint. I like the scope pretty well. I've found it very similar in optical quality to the Sightron SII 6-24x42, Weaver V-24, Burris Fullfield 4.5-14 (both the E1 and FF II), and a few other scopes that used to sell in the $400 +/- range. If I were buying a 6.5-20 right now, I'd be inclined to try the Burris E1 because I've been very pleased with all of the other Burris scopes I have.

We have numerous vortex scopes all across their different models with no problems.

I have two of the Vortex PST 6.5x20x44 scopes for at least 6-7 years , One on a Colt AR HB with bipod I use for target purposes and instruction to newer shooters and the other on an OLD single shot 25-06 Savage Bull barrel for predator work . While the glass is not up to $600+ newer scopes (or $900+ older ones) the mechanical are great and have no problems with either one and think at sub $300 they are a great deal IMHO. Only problem I had with a Vortex was with illumination on a 1-8 Strike Eagle and found Vortex to be probably the industry leader, slightly better than Leupold the best USA leader in the Warranty repair , was sent a new scope l Amazon like quick !!!!!

I've had about a half-dozen Vortex scopes, predominantly Viper PST, but with one base model Viper on my wife's 7mm Browning, and a Diamondback 1.75-5 that lived on a 16" barrel .358Win AR, and got re-homed with that upper when a friend of mine bought it.
I also have 3 pairs of Diamondback binos of different sizes, and a Ranger 1000 rangefinder.
I have never had any issues with any of my Vortex products, apart from dead batteries on illuminators when I inadvertently left them on.
I have a friend who has had to warranty a Crossfire II VO when the reticle broke while riding on his M1A, and a rangefinder that couldn't get a return past about 650yds. Both were done quick and painlessly.

I'm a fan of their products, personally, though I've generally avoided their entry-level offerings. The low power Diamondback was mainly chosen for it's small size and weight. Otherwise I prefer to shop the Viper lines, predominantly.

I was of the impression that the entire Argos product line was made in China, no?

i’ve been avoiding them for that reason, because it seems silly to knowingly fund the PLA when I can get something of quality that’s made in the Philippines / Japan / US / Europe.

rbernie said:

I was of the impression that the entire Argos product line was made in China, no?

i’ve been avoiding them for that reason, because it seems silly to knowingly fund the PLA when I can get something of quality that’s made in the Philippines / Japan / US / Europe.

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All athlons below the Chronos are chinese made.

Axis II said:

Thinking about buying a Viper 30mm in 6.5-20 for my 223rem bolt gun for target and woodchuck shooting. Anyone use this scope? Would it be a good upgrade from a Crossfire 6-18 and do the turrets track true?

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I have had this one for about 6 years:
https://www.sportsmans.com/hunting-...65-20x-44mm-rifle-scope-mil-dot-moa/p/1296935
mounted on a Stag Model 6. It has been rock solid, although I don’t dial for distance, choosing to use the mil dots instead. Can’t beat it for Sportsman’s price.
The only knock on it is not a lot of eye relief, but for a .223, this is a non issue.

Axis II said:

What's your thoughts on the Argos? Looking to upgrade my 6-18 crossfire. I want to dabble in long range steel with my 223rem and varmint hunt with it.

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While I am happy with Burris FF E1 6.5-20x50mm for my current 100 yard 22LR testing, I am thinking about trying Viridian Serac 6-24x50 Side Focus, SFP Long Range Reticle 30mm for 200-300+ yard .223 testing - https://viridianweapontech.com/viridian-serac-rifle-scope-6-24x50-sf-sfp-reticle?avad=9441_b26495919

• Reticle: LRR
• Field of View Feet: 15.2-4.2
• Eye Relief: 3.35"-3.5"
• Parallax Setting: Side Focus Adjustable
• Focus Range: 25yds to ∞
• Main Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Objective Diameter: 50mm
• Magnification Rage: 6x-24x
• Length: 16.00”
• Weight: 24.68oz

While list price on website is $419, Amazon is currently selling for $150 - https://www.amazon.com/Viridian-Ser...JVQNB8&qid=1642984196&s=merchant-items&sr=1-6

LiveLife said:

Would you consider Burris FF E1 6.5-20x50mm with Ballistic Plex reticle? https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...20x-50mm-169-9-shipping.893341/#post-12061424

Still under $200 shipped with "Forever. No questions asked" warranty - https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/200341

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The main advantage the Viper has over the Burris is its 30 mm tube vs. the Burris 1” tube. This results in the Viper having more than twice the elevation and wind age adjustment available, Vortex 65 MOA Burris 30 MOA. If long range is desired, the Viper is the better option.

2ndtimer said:

The main advantage the Viper has over the Burris is its 30 mm tube vs. the Burris 1” tube.

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And why I am ordering the 30mm tube Viridian Serac 6-24x50.

LiveLife said:

And why I am ordering the 30mm tube Viridian Serac 6-24x50.

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Made in China. No thanks, but hope it works out for you.

2ndtimer said:

Made in China. No thanks, but hope it works out for you.

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I know ... Why I have been buying Korean Bushnells and Filipino Burris.

And likely Viridian is made in China but I ordered for the "Accurizing 22LR on the cheap" thread to test as there may be members tight on money and can't spent $400 on a scope.

Walkalong said:

At $150 it might be a good value, just depends on how well it works and what the glass is like.

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I am happy with my $109 Bushnell 6-18x50mm and if Viridian is better, than it would be worth the $150. We will see if it improves my 100 yard 22LR groups.

Walkalong said:

What $150 scope isn't? But I get it.

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Hey, I like cheap off name scopes as much as anyone. But I have been lucky to buy some surprisingly good scopes for less than $150 over the years: a 3-9x40 Nitrex for $100, another one for $70 both new, both made in Japan. A pair of Intensity 6.5-20x44’s, made in the Philippines for $125 each, a pair of Redfield Revolution 2-7x33’s made in USA for $125 each. The Bushnells I bought in that price range from Korea and China were not a good deal at any price. YMMV

https://cameralandny.com/shop/sight...aa-00163e90e196?variation=3072523&query=s-tac

To muddy the waters a bit more......very happy with the 3 S-tacs ive had, might buy another for my dads AR instead of the uso i was gonna get.