A real hunters scope! - Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane

I got my new Viper HS Scope around the holidays (2011). I make my living in the outdoors and my optics come with me every where. If they are not tough and clear they don't make it. I have the Vortex Razor spotting scope and love It. When it came time for a new scope for my elk riffle, I wanted try a Vortex scope and see how it compared. I have had this scope for a few months. I have not used it extensively in all conditions but I have put a lot of rounds down range and I am very impressed.



Quick highlights:

An unbeatable warranty that I can hunt with.

Very sharp image, even in low light.

I love the resettable 0 turrets, so handy!

Solid, strong very well built

B.D.C. ( bullet Drop Compensation ) Reticle

Cons:

Slightly heavier than my old Weaver. But so much better!



More details:

I am not a bench-rest shooter. I am a hunter. I hunt rugged country though-out Wyoming. Some of the areas I hunt may be over 20 mile on foot or horse into the wilderness. I demand a scope that will not let me down. I have had other scopes fog up after hunting all day in the snow. When you are in the back country, you don't run back to the truck to switch out gear. Equipment failure can ruin a hunt.

I believe this Vortex Viper is up to the challenge of fall hunting in the Rockies. I really like a scope that has a minimum zoom of 2.5x-3x I find this very useful for hunting elk in dark timber, when quick target acquisition in low light might make the difference between a full freezer and empty bellies. With the 10x maximum zoom, I feel comfortable taking those longer shots. The 44mm Objective lens on the Viper lets in a ton of light. This scope may extend my shooting by an extra 30 minutes in the morning and evening. The clear sharp image and the B.D.C reticle have added 150 yards to my shooting range. Other features that I think will be very useful are the windage marking on the reticIe. It can be used to accuracy estimate range. Very useful in hunting situations. I really love how these turrets adjust. They are easy to use and then once you are sighted in, you can reset the markers to your own personal zero.

I know there are many good scopes out there. The biggest reason I love this scope is the support I get form Vortex! The life time unconditional warranty unbeatable! Period! Every time I have had a question about a product, Vortex has been friendly and helpful. Add on top of that this scope is the same price or less than other comparable scopes and Vortex is a US based company. It makes this scope a winner! I highly recommend this scope! Happy hunting and shooting!









Pros: Great value,

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.