New Release: The Vortex Viper HD
At this point, Vortex Optics is a household name in the outdoor space. Vortex is conquering the sports optics industry from riflescopes and rangefinders to binoculars and spotting scopes. They’ve even added a golf line to their portfolio in the form of golf-specific rangefinders and apparel. Even with its success, Vortex does not rest on its laurels. They continuously update and push the envelope to offer feature-rich and affordable optics.
In recent memory, Vortex has released new micro red dot sights (MRDS), expanded the Venom and Strike Eagle series, and introduced a weapon-mounted laser rangefinder with ballistic software. However, one area that was in desperate need of a refresh was their Viper line of hunting riflescopes (note, this is different than the Viper PST series). The newly minted Viper HD line replaces several Viper scope series (Viper, Viper HS-T, Viper HS FFP, Viper HS, and Viper HS-LR) with one streamlined series with various magnification ranges and reticle choices.
The New Viper
Vortex cements its target market with an opening tagline: “Take your place at the top of the food chain.” This clearly defines the Viper HD as a premium option to adorn your hunting rifle. What’s better, Vortex is delivering the Viper HD in a few different magnification ranges and reticles.
First is the low-powered 2-10x42 in the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. At less than 20 oz. this is a perfect option for eastern deer hunters whose likely ranges are well within a few hundred yards. Here in Ohio, we are limited to straight-wall rifle cartridges, severely capping our effective ranges. The 2-10 is plenty of magnification for many deer hunting scenarios while maintaining a wide field of view at the low end. The reticle is simple and can be calibrated for any caliber. Pricing is $599.99.
Next is the most versatile, the 3-15x44. Offered in the Dead-Hold BDC, VMR-3 MOA, and VMR-3 MRAD, this scope will be the most balanced offering for hunters who want one rifle and optic to handle almost any situation. At 22.5 oz., it’s light enough for western mountain hunting but offers a 30mm maintube and side parallax adjustment. Vortex describes the VMR-3 reticle as, “Designed to maximize long-distance shooting and ranging abilities, the VMR-3 reticle can be used to effectively determine ranges, holdovers, windage corrections, and moving target leads. The fine center crosshair subtensions on the VMR-3 reticle were carefully chosen to provide the optimum balance between precision aiming and low-light visibility.” Price ranges from $699.99-749.00 depending on reticle choice.
Finally, we have the 5-25x50. This is the long-range master of the group. It’s a bit heavy at 25 oz. but that is often the sacrifice for higher magnification. Additionally, this optic can be had with the VMR-3 reticle in a second-focal plane configuration or with the new VMR-4 set in the first focal plane (in either MOA or MRAD). Vortex describes the VMR-4 as ultra-precision laser etching on the glass reticle ensuring that specifications are kept to the tightest tolerances possible. The fine center crosshair subtensions on the VMR-4 reticle were carefully chosen to provide the optimum balance between precision aiming and low-light visibility. Includes windage reference dots on drop lines.” This is the most expensive optic in the group with pricing ranging from $899-999.99.
Now for the standard features across the line. They all utilize Vortex’s HD Optical System, which delivers “exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration and provides outstanding color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness and light transmission.” Furthermore, the optics have illuminated reticles and 30mm maintubes. On the 3-15 and 5-25 models, Vortex has added the RevStop Zero System and exposed locking elevation turrets.
Final Thoughts
The Viper HD fills a missing void in Vortex’s lineup. Yes, the older Viper lines were there, but their sales had stagnated, and their features were dated compared to competitors. The optics industry is highly competitive with each manufacturer trying to box out the other. Vortex is one of the biggest names, but they maintain relevancy by continuously updating and innovating their product lineups. The Viper HD will be hitting dealer shelves soon.
