If you’ve been on the lookout for a new red dot sight, you’ll probably have come across Vortex. Vortex is an American, Veteran owned company based out of Middleton, WI.
They’ve been producing high-quality products since then 1986, and in this guide, we’ll take a look at [amazon link=”B00S2P2J90″ title =”the Vortex Venom”] and [amazon link=”B00S2P2LXO” title =”the Vortex Viper”] and see which one comes out on top.
Vortex Venom vs Viper
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Vortex Venom Review
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”4.8″ numeric=”yes”]
[amazon link=”B00S2P2J90″ title =”The Vortex Venom 6 MOA”] is a high-quality, fully multi-coated lense that offers a clean, wide field of view. The sight is 3 MOA, which means it will give you a precise point of aim and not cover up too much your target.
Included with the sight are a mounting bracket, some screws, an Allen key, and a screwdriver, so you have all the equipment you need to fix the sight properly. A plastic cover is also included, which will protect the sight when you’re not using it.
If you’re having any problems attaching the sight to your firearm, you can check out the instruction manual that’s included with the sight so you can make sure you can attach the sight correctly. You can use the sight in a variety of different conditions; it has ten different brightness settings to choose from.
[amazon link=”B00S2P2J90″ title =”Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight”]
[amazon box=”B00S2P2J90″]
On the left-hand side of the sight, you’ll see an up and down arrow that allows you to adjust the brightness level of the sight. If you keep your finger held down on the downward arrow, the dot itself will switch off after a few seconds of your finger being on the downward arrow. [amazon link=”B00S2P2J90″ title =”Venom has also built in an auto-brightness mode”] that uses an ambient light sensor to control the intensity of the dot; this is a great feature as you won’t constantly have to change the brightness level manually if you go and shoot in different conditions.
On the back of the sight you’ll see verticle adjustments for the red dot, and on the right-hand side of the sight, you’ll see similar adjustments that you can make if you need to adjust the sight for particular windage. When you use the sight, you’ll notice that the glass is very clear, this gives you great visibility and helps to improve the accuracy of your shot.
There really isn’t anything not to like with the Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight, the only thing we noticed that took some time to get used to was the adjustment settings for the windage and the verticle settings on the back of the sight.
These issues can easily be resolved by carefully reading the instruction manual. Apart from that, the sight is easy to use, it works well and comes highly recommended if you’re looking for a new red dot sight.
Pros and Cons
✔ Clear glass sight makes for an accurate shot.
✔ Windage and Elevation dials allow you to adjust the sight to exactly how you want it.
✔ 10 brightness level settings, so you can use the sight in a variety of different weather and lighting conditions.
✔ The 3 MOA reticle doesn’t cover too much of the target, which makes it easier for a clear shot.
✔ A full instruction manual is included with the sight so you have full guidance on how to use and set up the sight.
✗ The windage and elevation dials can take some time to get used to.
✗ Battery sometimes doesn’t last as long as advertised.
Vortex Viper Review
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”4.8″ numeric=”yes”]
Differing slightly from the Vortex Venom is [amazon link=”B00S2P2LXO” title =”the Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight.”] The Viper’s low height allows it to co-align with iron sights to give you a clear, accurate shot. The sight features a 6 MOA red dot, which is easy to pick up and gets you on target fast.
The sight has a 14-hour auto shut off on the battery, so if you do forget to turn the sight off after you use it, it will switch off automatically after 14 hours.
[amazon link=”B00S2P2LXO” title =”Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight”]
[amazon box=”B00S2P2LXO”]
If you’re using the Viper on its lowest setting then the battery should last around 30,000 hours before it needs replacing, if kept on its highest setting, you’ll get 150 hours of battery life from the sight. As with most Vortex sights, the Viper comes with a protective cover to keep the sight secure and safe when you’re not using it.
Vortex also includes a cleaning cloth with the sight so you can keep the sight clean as and when you need to. Also included with the sight are all the tools you need to be able to attach the sight to your firearm, such as an Allen key, screwdriver, and screws.
Although the sight is primarily designed for pistols, the mounting stand that comes with the sight allows you to attach the larger firearms such as shotguns or AR’s. As with most Vortex sights, the Viper lens is highly-durable with a low-glare matte finish so you won’t get any reflection or glare from the sun in your eyes if you’re using the Viper in bright conditions.
Included with the Viper is a full instruction manual so you can always look up the best way to set up the sight or make any adjustments to it.
Pros and Cons
✔ Lots of accessories included with the sight, so you can set up the sight exactly how you want it.
✔ The sight is compatible with most pistols and a variety of other large weapons.
✔ Good battery life and an auto-shutoff feature so you have peace of mind should you forget to turn the sight off after use.
✔ The Low-glare finish on the sight will prevent you from getting sun or light glare in your eyes as you use the sight.
✗ The protective cover can be a little tight around the sight when you place it on.
✗ The battery sometimes doesn’t last as long as advertised (it can be a little difficult to tell how long the battery will last when you’re changing the brightness on the sight)
Comparing the Two: Which Sight Is Better?
As you can see, both Vortex sights are high-quality products that will fit well onto any pistol you’re using. Any quality red dot sight is easy to use, easy to attach, and should improve the accuracy of your shot.
There’s plenty of resources available out there to give you more information about the different sight systems that are available on different red dot sights, and what you should look out for.
Both of these Vortex sights encompass everything you should look out for in a high-quality red dot sight.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the features of both sights and how they compare.
Vortex Venom Battery Life
The batteries on both sights last a good amount of time. On the highest brightness settings on both sights, you’ll get around 30,000 hours of continuous battery life, while on the highest brightness setting, expect around 150 hours of battery life. The easiest way to preserve battery life with both sights is to switch them off each time you finish using them.
Both sights will switch off if they are left inactive for a period of 14 hours, this ensures that the battery life of each sight will be preserved and won’t go flat should you forget to switch off the sight after use. The length of time the battery lasts on both sites is very impressive; Vortex really ensures that the customer is taken care of and that you get value for money.
By not having to replace the battery, often, you’re safe in the knowledge that you can use the sight for long periods of time before having to think about replacing the battery.
Brightness Settings
You can adjust the level of brightness on both sights by pressing the up/down arrows located on the left-hand side of each sight. Both sights have ten different brightness levels, giving you a good measure of control over the conditions you choose to shoot in and the accuracy of your shot.
As mentioned above, the brightness levels you choose will also determine how long the battery of the sight will last.
Again Vortex has done a great job of giving the user a high level of control over the brightness of the sight. With ten different settings to choose from, you have a great level of choice, and you can be confident that you’re able to use the sight in a variety of different weather conditions.
Accessories
Each sight comes with a host of different accessories, with both sights you’ll find Allen keys and screws that’ll allow you to attach a mounting stand to your firearm. Although both sights are primarily designed for pistols, the mounting stand allows the sights to be attached to larger firearms such as shotguns and ARs.
Vortex does a great job of including everything you need to get started with using their products straight away. Both sights are suitable for the beginner and the experienced shooter. If it’s your first time buying a red dot sight, then it may take some time to get used to how to configure it correctly and how to shoot with a red dot sight.
If you’re in need of professional help, you can always head down to your local gun store for proper advice on how you can get the most of the sight you decide to buy.
Other Things to Consider
The strength of the red dot on [amazon link=”B00S2P2LXO” title =”the Vortex Viper”] is stronger than the Venom. The MOA of the red dot on the Viper is 6, while on the Venom, it is 3. Still, though, both red dots are clearly visible, and if you get the windage and elevation settings correct, both red dots make for a clear, accurate shot.
Both sights are very lightweight as they’re both small in size, so they don’t weigh down your firearm at all, and you can move freely and easily with either sight attached to your gun.
Both sights are finished in matte black and will look stylish when attached to your firearm. As we’ve already mentioned, both these sights are suitable whether you’re a complete beginner to shooting and firearms, or you’re a seasoned pro.
Vortex Viper vs Venom: The Final Word
Both sights are high-quality, and it’s very difficult to separate the two. Most of the time, when we review sights, there’s a clear winner in which one is better. But in this case, it’s impossible to choose a winner. Both sights are easy to use, look good, durable, and fit a lot of different firearms.
What it goes to show is that Vortex produces the best sights on the market, and their sights are very difficult to beat on price. They’ve hit the sweet spot in producing high-quality red dot sights that don’t break the bank.
Whichever red dot sight you choose to go for out of [amazon link=”B00S2P2J90″ title =”the Vortex Venom”] or [amazon link=”B00S2P2LXO” title =”the Vortex Viper,”] you’ll be buying a high-quality product that will enhance your shooting experience!
[amazon table=”44879″]