Vortex Viper Vs Vortex Venom
Mini red dot sights have become the most popular add-ons for both handgun and rifle for quick acquisition of targets. These are simple optics that uses a red dot as the reticle. These do not offer any magnification and that is why they are not called scopes. The Viper and Venom are the two most popular models of mini red dots from Vortex.
Coming from the same manufacturer, both models are quite similar in appearance and functions. Both models are waterproof and shock-proof and can handle the recoil from the firearm. Both have the controls placed on the side for easy reach and convenience. Here is a detailed comparison of Viper and Venom sights to help you distinguish and choose between the two.
Vortex Viper Vs Vortex Venom-Specifications Comparison
Vortex Viper Vs Vortex Venom-Detailed Analysis
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Build Quality and Construction
Both Viper and Venom have the same build quality and functions. Both the sights are made out of a durable aluminum chassis. The Viper is smaller and has a low-profile compact design making it suitable for handguns and pistols. The red dot sight can be made to co-witness with the pistol sight to enhance its efficiency. The Viper especially suits the handguns which have slide cut-outs for mini-red dots.
Both the sights come in an anodized matte finish that is non-reflecting. The fully multi-coated ultra-clear lens with scratch resistance Armortek coating enhances light transmission and reduces the glare. The O-ring seals prevent the entry of moisture and dust.
The Venom also has brightness controls on the sides for easy operation. There are 10 brightness levels that can be set. There is also an auto-brightness mode to control dot intensity which uses an ambient light sensor.
Dot sizes
The Viper comes with 6 MOA dot size only, which makes it easy to be faster and convenient to pick up the target at closer range. This is why it is more suitable for close-range weapons like the pistol. The Venom is available in two dot sizes of 3 MOA and 6 MOA, which makes it ideal for use with rifles as well as handguns. Both the sights provide 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments.
Dimensions and Weight
In size and appearance, the Venom is slightly bigger than the Viper. The Viper is 1.81″ in length whereas the Venom is 1.9″ long. The Viper has a width of 1.06″ in contrast to the 1.11″ width of the Venom.
Vortex Viper has a lower profile height of 1.02″ at the front and 0.33″ at the rear. In comparison, Vortex Venom has a height: 1.02″ at the front and 0.41″ at the rear. Both have the same weight of 1.1 oz.
Battery
The battery and its placement is the major difference between the two sights. The Viper uses the CR 2032 battery which is quite popular and easily available. On the other hand, the Venom uses the CR 1632 battery which is not readily available. However, the Venom has the advantage of having convenient top-loading battery access. This lets the sight stay mounted while changing batteries. In the case of the Viper, you will need to un-mount the sight to change the battery. This makes it a bit inconvenient to use. Both the batteries have a life of 150 hours in the brightest mode and up to 30,000 hours in the low settings. There is also an automatic shut off feature that kicks in after 14 hours of continuous use.
- The Viper Red Dot Sight has a super low-profile making it perfect for use with cut-out slides. 1 MOA windage and...
- The Viper's low height allows it to co-witness with iron sights and the 6 MOA dot is easy to pick up and get you on...
- The fully multi-coated, ultra-clear lens offers a wide, unobstructed field of view while Armortek coatings protect your...
Warranty and Accessories
Both products are covered by the Vortex VIP Unlimited Lifetime Warranty which covers the product against defects. Both the sights come with similar standard accessories like a Picatinny mount, Torx wrench, lens cloth, protective cover, and battery.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
Both the Viper and the Venom are great sights and both are similar in construction and quality. The difference is not much about the performance but about the use. The Vortex Viper is especially suited for pistols with its compact size and low mount profile. The large dot size also helps in faster target acquisition. The Venom, on the other hand, has two dot sizes. The larger one can be used with pistols whereas the smaller one is used with rifles
If you require a mini red dot sight for pistol and handgun then Viper is the obvious choice. But if you have a rifle then buying the Vortex Venom makes more sense. The added advantage is that you get two dot sizes for different use. Whether you choose the Viper or the Venom, be assured of a great product that will serve you for a lifetime.
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Last update on 2024-11-22
