Vortex Venom vs Viper
Having sound knowledge about optics can add advantage to your weapon and be that winning factor during a life-and-death situation. Your weapon is your best friend in any self-defense situation. One such optic debate is the vortex venom vs viper!
And a reliable optic is an additional ally that raises the chances of survival due to accuracy, quick target acquisition, and NV functions if needed. Let’s go through the many pros, cons, and implications of the red dot!
Why should you trust me?
Always ask yourself, why do you need an optic for your weapon? Reliability and accuracy. And when it comes to defending yourself, your weapon is your best buddy!
So this is exactly what we did, test the best scope out of Vortex venom and vortex viper. And the findings were truly surprising.
Checking out build quality, targeting, accuracy, features, clarity, etc were some of the areas we tested the sight.
We did a thorough assessment of both the sights on the firing range and different conditions to test their metal. And we found Vortex venom to be the winner!
For a more detailed analysis, read below!
Vortex Venom vs Viper Red Dot Sights Comparison
Dimensions: the Venom is larger than the Viper.
FOV: the Viper has a larger FOV than the Venom.
Battery Model: Venom uses a CR 1632 and the Venom uses a CR 2032.
Battery replacement features: The Venom’s battery compartment is located on top while the Viper’s is located underneath which requires the removal of the optic from the weapon.
Quick Comparison Table
Property | Vortex Venom | Vortex Viper |
Material: | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Coating Type: | Multi-Coated | Multi-Coated |
Battery Model: | CR 1632 | CR 2032 |
Battery (High Settings): | 150 hours | 150 hours |
Battery (Lowest Setting): | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
Auto Brightness: | Yes (auto mode) | Yes (auto mode) |
Night Vision: | 10 Level Setting and Auto Mode | Adjustable Illumination Controls |
Dot Size: | 3 MOA | 6 MOA |
Waterproofing: | Bright Red Dot | Bright Red Dot |
Parallax Error: | None | None |
Magnification: | 1x | 1x |
What They Have in Common
Battery life, brightness settings, mounting footprint, light source, waterproofing, and housing material are common in both optic sights.
The Most Notable Difference between Vortex Venom vs Viper
If you want to identify both the venom and viper the size of the optics itself as the venom red dot sight is larger. Also, the battery type of both the viper and venom is very different.
Vortex Venom vs Viper Review
Venom red dot sight and vortex viper are red dot sights that have almost similar features but even with such similarities both have dominant differences that make them unique in their way. For example, battery compartment styles, windage adjustment, and auto brightness features are very different in both sights.
If you carefully study both optics then you can efficiently make use of both sights on the right firearm.
Vortex Venom vs Viper: Body and Window Size
The body of both sights is made from aluminum material. This makes them highly durable. The build quality is amazing and ensures that the product is a long-lasting selection on your list.
The window sizes on both the red dot sights are different. The viper has a window size of 0.6723 inches while the venom window size is 0.6547 inches. Making viper more dominant in terms of FOV.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
If you want clarity then both of the optics deliver excellent clarity and target acquisition when using them. They also have amazing FOV giving you an advantage in various situations.
If we talk about the reticle options, the venom comes with 3 MOA and 6 MOA reticle options while the viper only comes in 3 MOA. If you want precision shooting on various platforms then venom takes the lead here.
Battery Life, Location, and Size
The battery life is similar in both the optics surprisingly. Although, the battery model is different in both red dot sights.
If you are changing the battery for the venom then it has a top-loaded battery compartment which makes it easier to replace the battery.
While the viper has a bottom load battery compartment location and thus it has a very slow battery replacement process.
Eye Relief While Comparing the Vortex Viper and Vortex Venom
The vortex venom as well as the vortex viper give unlimited eye relief to the shooter. If you love to have an accurate shooting experience and precision is what you prefer then venom is your best choice.
You will hit the bull’s eye due to the 3 MOA reticle. That offers excellent accuracy for the firearm owner.
Weapon Choice vs. Shooting Distance
For both small and large firearms, the venom is a top-class winner as it has a 3 MOA and 6 MOA reticle that provides unmatched shooting precision. So, if you plan to take these optics on a shooting range then 3 MOA offers an advantage.
It all depends on the shooting distance and what weapon you may choose as per the capabilities. So, 3 MOA and 6 MOA play a major part in this.
Durability & Weight of the Red Dots
Both of the red dot sights are highly durable and rugged. The built quality is amazing for both the optics. You can have waterproofing in both optics.
The venom weighs approximately 1.1 Oz while the viper weighs 1.03 Oz. Making viper a much lighter optic if you love lightweight sights.
Windage, Elevation & Brightness Knob for Ease of Use
The vortex venom features a 1 MOA click adjustment setting. It has windage and elevation adjustment via knobs that are present on the side and top. The settings can be easily adjusted with a single click.
While the vortex viper has a very different windage adjustment and elevation. You have to loosen the adjustment lock screws to be able to adjust it. A 1 1/2 turn adjusts the setting by 1 MOA. Once you have adjusted the setting then retighten the screws to make the changes permanent.
Comparing the Dot Sizes
The venom has a much more versatile dot size as it facilitates the shooter with a 3 MOA and 6 MOA. The 3 MOA offers unmatched precision. While the viper can only have a 6 MOA setting.
Mounting Options
Both of the sights come with a low rail mount and allow easy Picatinny mount options when using in on a firearm.
If you are a handgun owner then you are in for a treat. They perform exceptionally well as handgun sight.
Price Comparison of Both the Sights
Both the viper red dot sight and venom red dot sight come with a starting price tag of $349.99 MRP.
User Reviews
Users crown the vortex venom as the winner. The top-loading battery feature allows easy replacement, the MOA options also make it triumph, and the dot intensity controls that allow a 10 brightness setting allows an added advantage for users.
Although, both are having to low mounting heights and can easily fit on a Picatinny mount rail with ease. Both also share the same bolt pattern so it’s easy to fit them on the weapon.
Vortex Venom vs Viper: Comparison
Let’s shed some light on the comparison of both the optic and seal the deal once and for all between the venom vs viper argument.
Among users, the vortex venom vs vortex viper argument is a very close one but due to minor differences in some of the features, the vortex venom takes the lead.
Looking very closely you can initially notice the major difference in the dimensions of both sights. The venom is much bigger than the viper. And it also is much heavier.
While you may see that both mini red dot sights have multiple anti reflective coatings that provide amazing FOV to the firearm user.
Similar Features of Viper and Venom
If we talk about the vortex venom vs viper similarities then they are alike in many aspects. Let us highlight some of the same features of both the venom red dot sights and the viper red dot sight.
- Battery life is the same for both sights.
- They have LED as a similar light source.
- Both of the red dot sights are waterproof.
- They are manufactured with 10-level brightness settings.
- The aluminum housing material for both the venom and viper red dot sight is the same.
Differentiation Between the Red dot sights
While both the vortex venom and viper share similarities. They have many differences that make them very different sights.
- They use different battery types.
- Reticle options are limited in Viper and more flexible in Venom.
- Elevation and windage adjustment is different for both the venom and viper red dot sight.
Brightness Adjustment Buttons and Automatic Brightness Feature
Both of the sights have a 10 brightness level setting and they can adapt to darkness with ease as the auto brightness feature bumps up the brightness to adjust the situation.
Body and Window Size
The venom is much larger than the viper in terms of size. But surprisingly, the vortex viper has a larger window size than the venom.
The dimensions of the venom are L= 1.9, W=1.11, and H=1.02 inches. While the viper has the following dimensions with L= 1.81, W=1.06, and H=1.02.
Battery Location and Size
When comparing the vortex venom vs viper, the battery size of both the sights is almost the same. The major difference is the replacement process of the battery in the compartments.
For the venom, you need to open the top lid and put in the battery without the need to remove the optic from the weapon.
While for the viper, the process is somewhat troublesome as you have to unmount the optic and then insert the battery at the bottom of the vortex viper.
In this specific comparison of vortex venom vs viper, venom wins with a huge lead!
Dot Size
If we are comparing the dot size in terms of accuracy, target acquisition, and operational advantage. Then the venom is the clear winner as it has a 3 MOA and 6 MOA reticle. The 3 MOA is an extremely accurate shooting assist.
The small dot allows you to shoot the target more accurately and with ease. So, if you are a gun owner then better opt for vortex venom for your weapon.
Vortex Venom vs Vortex Viper: Which of These Red Dots is Better?
Venom and Viper both are very tough contenders but venom has a better advantage in terms of operational and design features.
Best Usage of the Vortex Venom?
The vortex venom is a very versatile red dot sight. The 3 MOA is a small red dot sight and offers high precision for rifles. While the 6 MOA is an excellent choice for handguns among all red dots.
Vortex Viper is ideal for?
If you are looking for the best red dot for handguns then the vortex viper is an unmatched sight.
My Impressions and Take-aways on the Optics
The first impression of both sights is, viper looks like the winning optic. But as they say that appearances can be deceiving. The MOA options for the venom put it in a clear advantage over the other with ease.
Venom would be the choice for any firearm user at any time of the day!
The Concealed Carry Conundrum
There is no need to worry about concealed carry when using the vortex venom or the vortex viper. They both are easy to use even if you have holstered the weapon in a hidden stance or position.
The Pros of a Red Dot Sight
Red dot sights give you advantages that traditional sights do not give. You get better vision during the night, faster target acquisition, and accuracy, and they are very easy to use.
The Non-Traditional Mount – AR Pistols
Since both optics are suitable for pistols then there is no worry about whether it is a simple pistol or an AR pistol. You can expect the sights to easily fit the pistols.
You need to be aware of your needs when buying the sight. Then only you may be able to choose between the vortex venom and vortex viper.
FAQ
Do the Vortex Viper and Venom have the same footprint?
Yes, they share the same footprint, the standard doctor/noblex mounting standard is common for both sights.
Does Vortex Venom have Shake Awake?
No. It does not have a shake awake. You have to press the button to turn the light on.
Is Vortex Venom waterproof?
Vortex venom is waterproof as claimed by the manufacturer.
Does Vortex Venom have auto shut off?
It has a 14-hour auto shutdown that helps to maintain extended battery life.
Where is Vortex Venom made?
The company is located in Wisconsin, USA and it was established in 2004. It is famous for producing a variety of optics and sights.
What battery does the Vortex Venom use?
The Vortex Venom uses the CR1632 battery type.
How long does a Vortex Venom battery last?
The battery can last for 150 hours at the highest setting.
What battery does the Vortex Viper use?
It uses the CR2032 battery type.
How long does a Vortex Viper battery last?
It lasts for about 150 hours on the highest brightness settings.
Does Vortex have a lifetime warranty?
Yes. Vortex provides all its customers with a VIP warranty.
What’s better 3 MOA or 6 MOA?
3 MOA are better than 6 MOA. Because 3 MOA provides better accuracy and a better view of the target.
Are Vortex red dot sights any good?
Yes. Vortex red dot sights are one of the most affordable and durable sights on the market.
Which is better, Vortex or Leupold?
If you are on a budget then Vortex is fine. But if money is not an issue then definitely Leupold is the winner as it is also preferred by the army.
Are Vortex binoculars any good?
Vortex binoculars are the best low-budget binoculars on the market.
Conclusion
Choosing among the optics that are more than 80% the same in terms of features is challenging. In-depth research can crown the winner among both optics. You should always critically analyze the pros and cons of both the red dots.
Vortex optics offer advantages that no one can deny. Offers such as lifetime warranty, affordable prices, smaller red dot for accuracy, etc.
In the end, we can say with the above thorough analysis that Vortex venom is the undefeated champion of the whole debate! Let us know in the comments if you have any different opinions. We would love to read them.
If you have any questions regarding the Vortex Viper or Venom, then hit the comments section. We will be motivated to respond and enlighten you!
Dave Motl
My first deer at the age of 45 I joined the deer hunting fraternity a little late, but the desire to hunt has always been there. I love hunting, so I often have to deal with hunting equipment.