Well you know I couldn't pass this one up :) I held off on red dot sights for years, until similar with the eyes. I'm also very strong cross-eye dominant. You know I'm a fan of Vortex as a lower-cost entry, upper mid-level options.
The Viper is a solid choice, but I actually prefer the Venom model (I've got 3 of them on different weapons now). It has choice of either 6mm or 3mm dot, and is brighter. But most important for me, is that you can change the battery in the Venom without having to take the sight off the weapon and re-zero. The Venom is only slightly larger, not really noticeable unless both together.
You may like the larger 6mm dot for speed shooting, but I found the smaller 3mm much better for my type and certainly for longer distance where the dot size may cover the target. Either way, I'm sure you will be happy with it. It definitely reduced my group size significantly, and once used to it also allowed faster target acquisition. Looking forward to the after use posts!
I was hoping you saw this, I knew you had some Vortex products (this will be my first as I prefer Trijicon, NF, Kahles etc.
I understand what you're saying about the Venom, the need to remove the Viper to change batteries sucks ass. With the dot, 3mm is probably just a little too small for the fast target acquisition I require. Shooting on the move is difficult at the best or times so the larger dot will work, the 6mm and the 4mm for longer ranges although it's unlikely I'd change it in the middle of kinetic activity. I'm not worried about the larger size on the Venom, but have heard the clarity is slightly better on the Viper? Could you clarify?
I have shot using so many Vortex scopes and have found them to be good, one can't go past the lifetime replacement warranty either. I'm not against them, I just always went for the more expensive brands (after comparing in the field) because the jump up in cost seemed worth it. If I was buying a new scope for hunting or culling right now it'd be a Vortex scope.
Yes, definitely not even close to the same league as the Trijicon and a few others, but certainly some good bang for the buck. They both have multi-coated lenses, the Venom is considered the "newer, upgraded" model mainly due to the adjustable brightness and battery compartment I think. The Venom is also available in either 3 or 6mm dot size. I only looked thru a Viper a couple times, and not side by side so not really able to provide comparison on the clarity, but hard to think their upgraded model would be less on the Venom...
For me the battery replacement capability was a stage 1 dealbreaker, I instantly tossed any from consideration that couldn't replace without taking off the weapon. The Viper does use slightly more common batteries (at least up here), but I never had any problem getting the ones for the Venom.
Compelling arguments. I'm good at zeroing firearms...but I hate doing it to be honest...shh, don't tell anyone.
In truth, my mate had suggested the Viper, the guy who owns the store, so I discounted the Venom right away. It's worth a re-visit though based on your assessment, which I value and trust. It'll not be a problem to get either, my mate is a good one, he'll look after me...but I'm going to make him justify the Viper recommendation now.
As for batteries...I have batteries for everything, then back ups and back ups for the back ups. when Energiser run out of stock in their Australian warehouse the call me and ask for some of my stock. Lol. One is none and two is one right?
Too funny, yes two is one for sure. My wife gives me trouble about my batteries as well. There's two drawers devoted to them in my office, of course the rechargeable battery station(s), then the drawer in the bedroom, the shelf in the garage, the spot in the basement oh, and the drawer in the garage... good thing they have good shelf life!
I knew there was something I really liked about you... you're a battery slut like me!🤣
Got to have the power for all the stuff!
One must have stuff...and batteries.