Viper Vortex LR vs Nighforce SHV

[Charles S]

Viper Vortex 4-16X50 mm HS LR FFP MOA reticle vs Nightforce SHV 4-14X50 F1 30 MOA

I am looking for a new scope for an ongoing rifle build. The title says it all.

Build Remington 700 blueprinted action with a Proof Research barrel (1:9 twist) in an AG Composites stock.

Caliber 280 AI

Build weight ~7#

The primary purpose is a long range hunting rifle (defined as shots of no more than 450 yards in field conditions) that is easy to carry and easy to hunt with. The secondary purpose is ringing steel and punching paper to 1000 plus yards.

Scope budget ~$1500

I am currently using two Viper Long Range scopes, the 4-16X50 and the 6-24X50 on a 308 and a 6.5 Creedmoor. I am happy with them, but the Nightforce has caught my eye. The only real downside of the nightforce is the weight (30 oz). I am not happy about that and I really don’t need the illuminated reticle (at least I never have felt the need for it).

I would appreciate everyone’s thoughts: Am I missing any other good options in that price range?

I would prefer to stick with a MOA setup. Not that I cannot do Mil Rad, but I prefer to stick with MOA. I want first focal plane for this rifle. I really don’t want an objective bigger than 50.

Thank everyone for your thoughts.

 

[farmerboy78]

You can also find the gen 1 razor in your price range that has a transferable warranty. Check GB and ebay

 

[Charles S]

You can also find the gen 1 razor in your price range that has a transferable warranty. Check GB and ebay

Thank you for the advice. I just looked on Gunbroker there is one. The price is great, but it is Mil-dot. I can use Mil-dot, I just prefer MOA. All of my other stuff is MOA. There is one on Ebay that is MOA, but it is more than $1500. I will keep looking.

I am concerned about the weight. The Razor Gen I is 35 oz. That is a lot to me.

Has anyone compared the Vortex Viper HD LR/PST vs Razor Gen I vs. Nightforce SHV?

I have shot with the NSX and have shot the Gen II Razor HD. The Gen II Razor HD is amazing glass, but I don't want to spend 2500 on the scope, nor do I wound a 45 oz scope on a 7 pound rifle.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[farmerboy78]

I can compare the 6-24 ffp pst to the gen 1 razor. I pulled my pst off my 6.5-06 and replaced it with the razor gen1. Just the scope and ring change added right at 2 lbs to my overall weight.

 

[Charles S]

I can compare the 6-24 ffp pst to the gen 1 razor. I pulled my pst off my 6.5-06 and replaced it with the razor gen1. Just the scope and ring change added right at 2 lbs to my overall weight.

Thank you! On some builds that would not be too much, but on this 280 AI that is too much weight. I hate to put a scope that heavy on a 7# rifle that I am trying to make a light weight long range rifle. I appreciate your help.

Farmerboy78

How much difference in glass?

I am really leaning to the Nightforce SHV at this point.

 

[farmerboy78]

There was a difference, easier to see mirage

 

[Charles S]

There was a difference, easier to see mirage

Thank you farmerboy78. I really wish I could look through one prior to purchase and it really is not perfect, for me, for my intended aplication, but I really am leaning that way. I wish it were not as heavy and I really have no need for the illuminated reticle.

I guess I will be ordering a SHV F1.

Thank you all for your input.