Rifle Scopes Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

[elkkid3]

Question on optics, I am looking at the SWFA SS 3-9 or a Vortex Viper 6.5-20 what would you guys suggest. I really would like Mil-Mil but MOA-MOA is fine. I dont like the caped turrets on the viper is there some different turrets you can buy? The only thing holding me back from not having a 3-9 SS is the low max power and not having a parallax adj.

I have read reviews but could not find anything answering my questions.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[SkaerE]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

i was on the fence between the two as well. FWIW i went with the SS 3-9 based partially on Franks review. if he can barely see any parallax effect out to 800+yrds im probably not going to be bothered by it the couple hundred i shoot. also, mine is on my deer rifle... so 3-9 was about perfect.

i just mounted it today, will shoot tomorrow and let you know.

 

[elkkid3]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

Thanks will love to here what you have to say about it.

 

[saleen308]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

For hunting rifle I'd definetly go 3-9.

FWIW I have the Vortex Viper 6 1/2-20x50 on my precision rifle and a Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 on my deer rifle.


So what are you mounting this on and what will you be using it for?

 

[elkkid3]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...318#Post1434318

This is what I will be mounting it on, using it for paper and steel most but hunting also.

 

[Halvis]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

LOOK at the states the original posters are in, AZ and VA. Does anyone really think they both have the same scope needs?

 

[Joe Myles]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

The turrets on the vortex viper MOA and the reticle is MILS, but is is a well made scope and the glass is very, very nice. I don't have any experience with the SS yet. I got the vortex from scott at liberty optics, great guy to deal with.

 

[RobG]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

Its not really an apples to apples comparison. If hunting is in the mix, I would want less than 6.5 on the bottom end. I also would not want exposed turrets on a hunting scope.
Fos paper I would want more than 9 on the top end. I have no issue popping off the cap on my Viper to make elev adjustments. They are certainly not as cool looking as a big ass exposed turret but, they do the job fine.

 

[SkaerE]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

good scope. only shot to zero at 100 today but looked out to 300 w/no parallax that i could see. to be fair though, it was off a rucksack w/my fist as a rear bag so trying to observe parallax vs the rifle moving is a bit difficult.

FWIW, it took me a couple more shots than normal to zero since i wasnt used to the .1 MRAD but i like the idea for longer distances and for hold overs with the reticle.

i know my rifle can shoot .5'' groups, didnt happen today though. 1'' was about the best i got... which is fine for shooting deer but for paper only i would want more X.

i find a 4-16, 3-12, (or 3-17 ideally) , etc to be better for tight groups or long distance and still be able to hunt. but i think the SS was kept at 3-9 since it has no adjustment for parallax and parallax is more present at higher magnifications.

personally, i got the 3-9 cause its supposed to be rugged.

 

[skeetlee]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

dont own a super sniper but i do own a vortex and all i can say is that the vortex has very nice glass but the eye relief is a bit short, actually really short. I like mine, but i am not ready to sell the rest of the fleet to buy more vortex viper scopes. Good scope for the money!! Lee

 

[Roadwild17]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its not really an apples to apples comparison. If hunting is in the mix, I would want less than 6.5 on the bottom end. I also would not want exposed turrets on a hunting scope.
Fos paper I would want more than 9 on the top end. I have no issue popping off the cap on my Viper to make elev adjustments. They are certainly not as cool looking as a big ass exposed turret but, they do the job fine.</div></div>

+1000

 

[elkkid3]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

Thanks for everything you guys have to say. Still dont know what scope to get.

 

[limbhanga]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

I just bought a Vortex Viper and as far as a scope goes for hunting it's the best I have owned! I have the 4x12 and the and it's incredible in low light conditions. Can't say anything about the SS because I don't have one. You won't be disappointed with a vortex though.

 

[saleen308]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

If you think you will get the Vortex, call Scott at Liberty Optics. He has some great prices.

 

[hunter223]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: saleen308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you think you will get the Vortex, call Scott at Liberty Optics. He has some great prices. </div></div>

+1000000

 

[SWFA]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question on optics, I am looking at the SWFA SS 3-9 or a Vortex Viper 6.5-20 what would you guys suggest. <span style="color: #CC0000">I really would like Mil-Mil</span> but MOA-MOA is fine. <span style="color: #990000">I dont like the caped turrets on the viper </span>is there some different turrets you can buy? The only thing holding me back from not having a 3-9 SS is the low max power and not having a parallax adj.

I have read reviews but could not find anything answering my questions.

Thanks for all the help. </div></div>

You should not have any concerns about magnification or parallax. 9x is fine for upwards of 800 and even 1000. The SS 3-9 does not have parallax issues due to its lower magnification.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with having more magnification on hand. Keep in mind that heat wave distortion will keep you from using the higher magnifications at long distances a lot of the time.

Vortex makes nice stuff too; you will be fine no matter which way you go.

We have one of these Vipers that is about to be listed on www.SampleList.com for $299.95 if you decide to go that route.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-65-20x44-Viper-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P13285.aspx

It is a 100% nib display model. You'll have to call me quickly if you want it.

Brady
972-617-7056

 

[limbhanga]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: limbhanga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just bought a Vortex Viper and as far as a scope goes for hunting it's the best I have owned! I have the 4x12 and the and it's incredible in low light conditions. Can't say anything about the SS because I don't have one. You won't be disappointed with a vortex though. </div></div>
Oh and I got it from Scott at Liberty optics! Get a hold of him, he'll hook you up!

 

[elkkid3]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

The only think I might not like about the viper is eye relief at high magnifications, Have heard its really bad at 20 power.

 

[saleen308]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

It is a little close on the Viper 6.5-20x50 but, it is in no way a deal killer to me nor does it make me want something else.

IF you really want Mil/Mil get the SS

 

[glock63]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only think I might not like about the viper is eye relief at high magnifications, Have heard its really bad at 20 power. </div></div>

It is a bit shorter than I am used to. I put about 20 rounds through a Remington 300 ultra mag with no issues though.

 

[71firebird400]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

I've got a 338 Lapua that I'd like to run the Viper on, but am now concerned about the eye relief. Glock63/Saleen308, you guys think it will be ok? Or will I look like a fool leaving the rifle range with a black eye!? If no good, I'll step up to a 6.5-20x50 Mark 4.

 

[saleen308]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a 338 Lapua that I'd like to run the Viper on, but am now concerned about the eye relief. Glock63/Saleen308, you guys think it will be ok? Or will I look like a fool leaving the rifle range with a black eye!? If no good, I'll step up to a 6.5-20x50 Mark 4. </div></div>

The eye relief is a non issue. Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hile.

Viper has 3 1/8" to 3 5/16" ER
SS has 3 to 4 1/8" ER

IMO these two scopes are completely different and not a fair comparison against each other.

 

[elkkid3]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

They are completely different I just wanted the comparison of both because I might get one of them. I needed some info on both scopes.....

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Vortex Viper vs. SWFA SS

I have seen both and I use the Viper Vortex that I won at the Snipershide Bash on my 300WM hunting rig. The 6.5-20 is really too much for close in hunting. I hunt with it on 6.5x and wish I could go to 4x. There is a little fuzzyness around the edges at 6.5x, but it goes away as soon as you crank up the power. It is a very nice scope to use.

The ss 3-9 is an awesome scope. For hunting, I'd lean this route. I am thinking about getting one for my AR, since it's FFP. It is also made at the same place the Nightforce scopes are made, if that tells you anything. Looking through it and messing with the turrests, I like it a lot.
Each scope you're considering has different features and different uses. It depends on what your main purpose is with it to decide. Either way will be a good scope.