Rifle Scopes Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

#151
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

Just took it out for the first time today. Like others have said before me, this scope is amazing for the price. The glass is perfectly clear and I agree is on par with some $1000 scopes I have looked through. Focus is fast, and only took 3 rounds to get a new remington 700 sighted in. Easily got a .6 inch group at 100 yards right off the bat and the scope had a lot to do with it. Setting the zero stop was very quick, and the design is simple and works well.

Look forward to keep using it and I would no doubt recommend this scope to anyone looking for a budget scope. Especially with the sale going on. Jump on it!
 
#153
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crotalus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">PS. This might be a dumb question, but what is a zero stop? and what are the shims used for? </div></div>

Zero stop is used for the elevation turret. After zeroing your scope you can set the zero stop to a set range using shims on the evelation turret. For example: if you want your zero stop set @100 yards you just shim the turret so it cant go under your zero @100 yards. This allows you to dial your elevation for further distances (200,500,etc)and and when you want to return it to 100 yards you can just turn the dial back until it hits the stops. With out the zero stops you'd have to count the number of turns or remember exactly where your 100 zero is and either count the clicks or look at the turret.

Its is typically only found on higher end scopes. For example on a NF the zero stop feature will cost almost as much as this whole scope!
 
#156
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eclipse57</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have read the entire thread and gone to Mdway's website. I might have overlooked it in both places.

Can somebody that now has the scope tell me how many mil's per revolution?

TIA </div></div>

5 mils per rev
 
#157
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

Wow. I ordered on wedn and Friday after work have a box from midwayusa at my door! And I live in HAwaii! First impression is really nice. Clear glass. Maybe as clear as my NF NXS. Sharp edges with almost no blur or distortion. Thin cross hair but not to thin. Fit and finish is excellent. Turrets have positive click they feel a bit sticky compaired to my NF NXS. This scope has a lot of eye relieve. 4-5 inches! Damn hard to beat for $399! I'll try to snap some pics this weekend and have some kind of report once I mount it and get it out to the range
 
#158
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crotalus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">also, are there caps to cover the turrets? If not, whats to stop them from being jacked around in the field? </div></div>

My turrets are very positive with their clicks, and pretty stout on tension. I would not be afraid of taking my rifle to the field at all with this scope. Even if I got really crazy with the rifle and the turrets had moved, just a quick re-zero and you are good to go. No worries there.

DK
 
#159
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I just got back from the range from sighting in my .260 and 7mmRM. I started with the Vortex and everything worked as well as expected, which made zeroing a breeze. Turns out I won't need the zero stop shims as I only have 3.5 mils down anyway. That leaves me 20 mils up, so I have more than enough elevation for anything the .260 will be used for. I'm plenty happy with the knobs, clicks, markings, etc.
After zeroing the .260 I went to the 7mag with a SS 5-20HD and it was obvious immediately that the SS was a little brighter and sharper. It's not a huge difference, but it is noticeable. The crosshairs on the Vortex a little finer than the SS, but I like them. I turned the SS down to 15x to compare the field of view and they are very similar. I wouldn't say either is any more sensitive to eye position than the other, but with only one range trip it's hard to say.

Overall so far I'm happy with the Vortex. I've not seem a better value for $500, but am not blown away by it either. Keep in mind all of my opinion so far is based on a single trip to the range and only shooting 100 yards. I'll be using it at the Rayner's Sniper Challenge tomorrow, so we'll see what happens when I start cranking the knobs and shooting in different positions.
 
#160
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mscott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got back from the range from sighting in my .260 and 7mmRM. I started with the Vortex and everything worked as well as expected, which made zeroing a breeze. Turns out I won't need the zero stop shims as I only have 3.5 mils down anyway. That leaves me 20 mils up, so I have more than enough elevation for anything the .260 will be used for. I'm plenty happy with the knobs, clicks, markings, etc.
After zeroing the .260 I went to the 7mag with a SS 5-20HD and it was obvious immediately that the SS was a little brighter and sharper. It's not a huge difference, but it is noticeable. The crosshairs on the Vortex a little finer than the SS, but I like them. I turned the SS down to 15x to compare the field of view and they are very similar. I wouldn't say either is any more sensitive to eye position than the other, but with only one range trip it's hard to say.

Overall so far I'm happy with the Vortex. I've not seem a better value for $500, but am not blown away by it either. Keep in mind all of my opinion so far is based on a single trip to the range and only shooting 100 yards. I'll be using it at the Rayner's Sniper Challenge tomorrow, so we'll see what happens when I start cranking the knobs and shooting in different positions. </div></div>
The fact that it even compares to a 1300-1500 scope says a lot. Look forward to your next report.
 
#162
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I think you guys are gonna be pleasantly surprised with this one. I will be going back out today to give it a good run. I have no doubts that it will do exactly what I need it to do!!

DK
 
#163
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mscott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got back from the range from sighting in my .260 and 7mmRM. I started with the Vortex and everything worked as well as expected, which made zeroing a breeze. Turns out I won't need the zero stop shims as I only have 3.5 mils down anyway. That leaves me 20 mils up, so I have more than enough elevation for anything the .260 will be used for. I'm plenty happy with the knobs, clicks, markings, etc.
After zeroing the .260 I went to the 7mag with a SS 5-20HD and it was obvious immediately that the SS was a little brighter and sharper. It's not a huge difference, but it is noticeable. The crosshairs on the Vortex a little finer than the SS, but I like them. I turned the SS down to 15x to compare the field of view and they are very similar. I wouldn't say either is any more sensitive to eye position than the other, but with only one range trip it's hard to say.

Overall so far I'm happy with the Vortex. I've not seem a better value for $500, but am not blown away by it either. Keep in mind all of my opinion so far is based on a single trip to the range and only shooting 100 yards. I'll be using it at the Rayner's Sniper Challenge tomorrow, so we'll see what happens when I start cranking the knobs and shooting in different positions. </div></div>

Only having 3.5 mils down- how much MOA is built into your rail? This is the one thing that was making me hesitant to replace my SS scope (which has much more elevation), since I currently run a 40MOA NF base (I'd prefer to not replace).
 
#164
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SIG700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Only having 3.5 mils down- how much MOA is built into your rail? This is the one thing that was making me hesitant to replace my SS scope (which has much more elevation), since I currently run a 40MOA NF base (I'd prefer to not replace). </div></div>

20 minute EGW rail.
 
#166
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The glass is really clear, magnification range is very nice, side focus is nice and tight, turrets are super nice with a good bit of tension on the knobs and good solid clicks. The size of the scope is nice too. </div></div>

You've got a SWFA SS 16x, right?

How does this scope @ 15x compare optically to the SS 16X, in terms of clarity and brightness?
 
#167
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I got number 127 how about y'all? Just got the email about ship kits.

At first glance I thought I got a spotting scope based on the size of the box. Haven't mounted it yet was hoping to get my ss sold first.
 
#168
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bayou1535</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The wire reticle may have just changed my mind. </div></div>

Looking through Midways site, they list the Mueller scope for half the price of the Vortex, yet it comes with an etched reticule. It seems like the folks at Vortex could follow suit in their product line..
 
#169
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

mscott,

Thanks for checking the reticle for me, thats what I wanted to hear. My 5-20ss is just thin enough to work for small dot shooting and I wanted this to be at least that thin or thinner.
 
#170
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scott123456789</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got number 127 how about y'all? Just got the email about ship kits.

At first glance I thought I got a spotting scope based on the size of the box. Haven't mounted it yet was hoping to get my ss sold first. </div></div>

where did you see the number?

mjohnson, not a bad idea but I don't think you can compare the glass on the mueller to the vortex.
 
#171
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The glass is really clear, magnification range is very nice, side focus is nice and tight, turrets are super nice with a good bit of tension on the knobs and good solid clicks. The size of the scope is nice too. </div></div>

You've got a SWFA SS 16x, right?

How does this scope @ 15x compare optically to the SS 16X, in terms of clarity and brightness? </div></div>

To be very honest, the glass seems to be fairly close to my Nightforce, and quite a bit better than the 16XSS scopes that I have had. This thing is really clear for a $400 scope.

DK
 
#172
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

This new Vortex is really bright and clear. I am impressed with it so far. As soon as I can get another media disc, I will be posting some pics to go along with the reports.

DK
 
#173
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

Heads up to those shopping for Butler Creek Caps. The Dimensions on Midways site at the bottom of the page for this scope show INCORRECT objective diameter. It shows a dia. of 2.26 which would translate to a #40 obj. cap, but that size is wrong. I purchased a set of Butler Creeks locally yesterday and the eye piece one (#14 eye) fits nicely. Am going to return my objective cap and will re-post with correct size. Looks to be 2.0" but I am using my daughters school ruler, don't have calipers or mic at home right now.

Edit: Just returned from the gun show where I swapped the incorrect cap for a #33 OBJ, which fits nice and snug.
 
#174
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I understand that at least one user here has reported 23.5 mils total adjustment.

Are others also experiencing ~20mils up adjustment range on a 20MOA base?

 
#175
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RUTGERS95</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scott123456789</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got number 127 how about y'all? Just got the email about ship kits.

At first glance I thought I got a spotting scope based on the size of the box. Haven't mounted it yet was hoping to get my ss sold first. </div></div>

where did you see the number?

mjohnson, not a bad idea but I don't think you can compare the glass on the mueller to the vortex. </div></div>

serial number on the bottom. I assumed they started 001.
 
#176
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AZ Gun Plumber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I purchased a set of Butler Creeks locally yesterday and the eye piece one (#14 eye) fits nicely.
Edit: Just returned from the gun show where I swapped the incorrect cap for a #33 OBJ, which fits nice and snug. </div></div>

#33 Objective and #14 Eye... Thanks for the info!!

DK
 
#178
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LVdubbin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im thinking of getting one of these for my MWS. Or should I hold off for PST? </div></div>

I am not sure exactly what you are wanting that is different in the PST vs the HS. I was wanting a PST myself, but I bought this one instead. For the money, you will be very hard pressed to find another scope with these features and quality. IMHO...

DK
 
#179
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scott123456789</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RUTGERS95</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scott123456789</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got number 127 how about y'all? Just got the email about ship kits.

At first glance I thought I got a spotting scope based on the size of the box. Haven't mounted it yet was hoping to get my ss sold first. </div></div>

where did you see the number?

mjohnson, not a bad idea but I don't think you can compare the glass on the mueller to the vortex. </div></div>

serial number on the bottom. I assumed they started 001. </div></div>

I have #36
 
#181
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I ran around with this thing all day at the Rayner's Sniper Challenge and still feel good about the purchase. We had a lot of odd shooting positions and I didn't have any toubles getting into the scope and finding targets. We had targets from 30 yards out to 1,010 yards. I encouraged several others to check it out and everyone seemed to like it and agree that it's a great value at $400.

I did a table top comparasin with a Leupold MK4 6.5-20 and Sightron SIII 6-24 with both of them set at 15x. I'd say for glass quality it is too close to call between the MK4 and Vortex, but the Sightron topped them both. That's not just my opinion as a few others checked them out as well. Having owned a couple of 16x Super Snipers, the Vortex is the obvious choice for glass quality.

I can see my 4.5-14 Buckmaster on another rifle being replaced pretty soon with another Vortex
cool.gif
 
#183
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I might have to pull the trigger on one of these. I would love to run my Noveske SPR in Woody's DM match later this month but I think the 1.25-4 VXR Patrol it currently wears would put me at a disadvantage. After buying the SPR my fun money is a little limited and this looks like a good piece of gear for a good price.
 
#186
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ffhogue</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ordered 2 last night. only thing I'm bummed about is I just received my HS LR in 4-16x50 and paid 599! I could have happily settled for this... </div></div>

Did they extend the sale?
 
#188
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

Had a chance to handle unit # 12 the other day, which belongs to a buddy (he does lurk here now and then). The glass is good, and the turrets feel exactly like the PST's i've seen so that's good. Overall, I like it.

I'm glad they changed the ergonomics of the magnification ring, it is noticeably easier to turn than my other HS scope, which basically needs a cat-tail to be at all useable.

the thing that gripes me a bit is that even though it is "mil dot", the diagram showed one that was the old USMC football style, and this is not what unit #12 had. Not a big deal, just an FYI that the midway pictures are not accurate. Not a big surprise, considering it's midway and that's how they roll.

I am going to order one of these to try it out, it's a lot of scope for the buck.
 
#191
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

The reason I ask is maybe the PST uses better quality parts or something of the like thats hidden beneath the surface. I dont know for sure but I highly doubt the illumination is a $500 feature, right?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LVdubbin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im thinking of getting one of these for my MWS. Or should I hold off for PST? </div></div>

I am not sure exactly what you are wanting that is different in the PST vs the HS. I was wanting a PST myself, but I bought this one instead. For the money, you will be very hard pressed to find another scope with these features and quality. IMHO...

DK </div></div>
 
#192
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

The FFP costs quite a bit the illumination as well. My understanding was that the glass is the same. You get a larger zoom range. I believe the PST uses the same type turrents and zero stops.


You are getting very close to the PST quality for the $400. Unless you need the 24x I would say there is no question the midway version is a better buy. Now if you want FFP which certainly has its place then yeah the PST would be preferred.
 
#194
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty sure the PST uses an etched reticle while the HS uses a wire reticle. </div></div>

Correct, although Vortex has claimed no durability issues related to wire reticle use
 
#197
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

#166

Arrived today. The glass is shockingly clear. Much clearer than the Viper 6.5-20x44 I had on my rifle before (love that scope, this one is just clearer). The turrets are super solid. Clicks are very definite and normally audible. I'm very impressed.

Mounted this afternoon and I'll zero and go out to 500 on Saturday.

Will post results and perhaps some pics.
 
#200
Re: Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 Mil-Dot

I put one of these on backorder at midway, I IM'ed sport optics but apparently this is a midway exclusive. Woulda preferred not to deal with midway but oh well.... We'll see how she compares with a SS, MK4 and NF. I don't expect the world for $400 bucks though.
 
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