{"id":3905,"date":"2022-05-13T19:43:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T19:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/?p=3905"},"modified":"2022-05-13T19:43:25","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T19:43:25","slug":"vortex-venom-vs-viper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/vortex-venom-vs-viper\/","title":{"rendered":"Vortex Venom vs. Viper"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shooters shopping for an affordable and reliable red dot optic often find themselves comparing the Vortex Venom vs Viper red dots. These two optics have many similarities and a few subtle differences. I\u2019ve owned and shot both, using them on my USPSA and Steel Challenge competition guns. <\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll look at the differences between the Vortex Venom and Viper red dots to help you make the right selection for your gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vortex Venom vs Viper: Specifications<\/span><\/h2>\n

When shopping for the best pistol red dot sights<\/a>, you’ll want to look at the specifications of each optic to see if it fits your needs. First we’ll break down the basic differences of the Vortex Venom vs Viper in a comparison chart. Disclaimer: This table contains affiliate links, meaning we receive commissions on purchases to help us pay for testing on the gear mentioned here on our blog.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/td>Vortex Venom<\/a><\/td>Vortex Viper<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\"\"<\/td>\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSRP<\/td>$349.99<\/td>$349.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MOA<\/td>3 MOA, 6 MOA<\/td>6 MOA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Battery<\/td>CR 1632<\/td>CR 2032<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Battery Life<\/td>Up to 150 hours on highest setting<\/td>Up to 150 hours on highest setting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mount<\/td>Weaver\/picatinny<\/td>Weaver\/picatinny<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Magnification<\/td>1x<\/td>1x<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dot Color<\/td>Bright red<\/td>Bright red<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eye relief<\/td>unlimited<\/td>unlimited<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adjustment graduation<\/td>1 MOA<\/td>1 MOA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max Elevation Adjustment<\/td>130 MOA<\/td>120 MOA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max Windage Adjustment<\/td>100 MOA<\/td>120 MOA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Parallax Setting<\/td>Parallax Free<\/td>Parallax Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waterproof<\/td>yes<\/td>yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shockproof<\/td>yes<\/td>yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>1.1 oz<\/td>1.03 oz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Length<\/td>1.9 inches<\/td>1.8 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Width<\/td>1.11 inches<\/td>1.06 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Height to top of window<\/td>1.02 inches<\/td>1.02 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Window glass dimensions<\/td>26.4 mm wide x 16 mm tall<\/td>24.1 mm wide x 18 mm tall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Overview of the Vortex Venom<\/h3>\n

\"a<\/p>\n

The Vortex Venom<\/a> comes in both 3 MOA and 6 MOA. If you’re looking to mount a red dot on a carbine, the 3 MOA Venom is the way to go. The smaller 3 MOA dot makes it easier to shoot targets at a longer distance. That’s because the the dot does not obscure as much of the target.<\/p>\n

I have the Venom mounted on my 9mm<\/a> Smith & Wesson M&P that I use in the Carry Optics division<\/a> of USPSA. It has been a reliable optic, performing well at local and state level matches.<\/p>\n

A big difference between the Venom and Viper is that the Venom’s battery tray is located on the top of the optic’s body. I like that I can switch out the battery without having to remove the entire optic from the gun.<\/p>\n

Overview of the Vortex Viper<\/h3>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

The Vortex Viper<\/a> has a bright red 6 MOA dot and a low mounting height, making it a great option for pistols with cutout slides.\u00a0 It is the very first red dot I owned, mounting it on my M&P mentioned above. I initially bought it because it was more affordable than the Venom at the time. I also knew of Vortex’s lifetime warranty in case I had any issues.<\/p>\n

The Viper ran well for a few months of matches. I was preparing to shoot my state’s USPSA sectional match when I started having issues. Two weeks before the state match, I was shooting a high round count local match when my dot started to flicker in and out. I would start out the stage with my dot working, but each shot would turn the dot on and off. Luckily, my suppressor height sights co-witnessed, and I was able to finish the match. I replaced the battery, but the issue still persisted. Once I reached out to Vortex, they quickly shipped out a Venom at my request in exchange for my malfunctioning Viper. I received it in plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming state match.<\/p>\n

While I had this issue with that particular Viper, I still ordered a Viper for the rimfire pistol I use in Steel Challenge<\/a>. It has held up through thousands of 22LR rounds<\/a> at matches and I like how sleek the body is and the size and shape of the window. The biggest downfall of the Viper is the location of the battery, which we’ll discuss in more depth later.<\/p>\n

Vortex Venom vs Viper: Comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Similarities<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Vortex Venom and Viper have many things in common:<\/p>\n