Vortex Viper Line: A Scope Test

Nothing is more frustrating than getting a new optic and struggling to get it adequately zeroed. Quite often, this is a combination of poor shooter skill and optical turrets that just don't work like they're supposed to.

Here's a test you can try. It is not a torture test of an optic but a function test to verify manufacturing quality and performance.

Being a fan of Vortex Optics for many reasons, I was excited to get my hands on the new Viper HD line of magnified optics. My first experience with them was at their Vortex Edge training facility in Barneveld, Wisconsin.

With a variety of bolt-action and semi-auto rifles, we shot to distances reaching 1100 yards. All the rifles had the new Viper HD optics zeroed and ready to go. They all performed flawlessly regarding turret movement and ballistic reticle holdovers. The high-definition (HD) glass was clear, with no inclusions visible to my eyes.

I can't think of a better way to showcase new optics than on the Vortex Edge training range. With known distances from 100 to 1100 yards, you can test optics turret movements and ballistic reticles for consistency of movement and holdover correctness.

Since the release of their first Razor 1-6 LPVO (Low Powered Variable Optic), Vortex's ability to make high-quality optics at reasonable prices has impressed me. My tour of their facility and a first-hand look at the Vortex culture gave me a greater understanding than I could imagine. However, I'll still need to find out how affordable they stay.

Wondering if my optics would perform like our early release samples, I mounted the Viper 2-10 x 42 on my 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle. The Dead-Hold ® BDC reticle and MOA adjustments were reasonable for a zero-to-400-yard hunting option. Additionally, the precise illuminated dot in the center of the crosshairs would enhance my low-light ability.

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I set up a bipod, rear bag, quality ammo, and a scope test target on the range. I wanted to test the turrets' movements more than anything. There's nothing worse than a scope that says it moves "X" per click for point of impact change… and doesn’t.

The target is a 1" point of aim with a 4" square around it. Small dots are at each corner of the square and every 2" along the sides. This is all designed to test the trueness of the turret movements and the scope's ability to return to zero.

My Viper HD 2 – 10 was marked .25 moa per click, so I knew I needed eight clicks for 2 minutes of movement at 100 yards. The hardest part of this test is the shooting. However, two additional components can ruin results: a gun that doesn't shoot well and ammunition that doesn't perform consistently.

Without all three components, how can anyone honestly and scientifically determine the quality of an optic’s mechanics? Undoubtedly, my rifle and ammo can outshoot me. I’m pretty good, but ten precise shots?  

After obtaining a good zero, I re-zeroed the turrets for elevation and windage. Vortex makes this easy by just lifting the spring-loaded turret and twisting it. Having the turrets at their home zero helps to make sure you can get back to the center if you feel like you've screwed up any of your movements.

I shot this test twice, and aside from some shots I called slightly off, the optic indeed tracks vertically and horizontally. My second run was better, but halfway through, I saw a mirage through the scope from my barrel and suppressor. My impacts were all good for my skill level, although they were about ½ inches high.

For an optic with an MSRP of $899, it's a great value and perfect for the budget-minded shooter. An internet search found this scope at Sport Optic for $599. That’s a lot of scope for the money.

I suppose that the old adage about having a scope that costs twice as much as your rifle doesn't hold water when it comes to the quality and value available today from companies like Vortex. ~ Chris

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Chris Cerino
Chris is a 28-year veteran of law enforcement. He has been a SWAT member, Federal Agent and more, but mostly he has always been a trainer. He trains internationally, competes regularly and works in the firearms industry in a wide variety of positions. Chris recently took the Producer of Training Content position at Gun Talk Media. His roles continue to grow each day at Gun Talk Media all while maintaining Double C Farms.

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