Vortex Viper 6.5-20X50 Review – 2022 Guide

Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50

Vortex Viper 6.5 20X50 Specs

Eye relief: Between 3.1-3.3 inches.

Adjustment: 65 MOA elevation

Type of Retical: Mil-dot reticle that can be switched out with two other reticles

Reticle Image:

Magnification: Features a MAG-Bar with a magnification ring

Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)

Objective Lens: 50 mm

Field of View: Maximum field of view at 100 yards

Pros 

There are more pros than cons with the Vortex Viper 6.5 20X50. Here we will take a look at a few of it's best features.

Blur-Free Images

The Vortex Viper has XD lens element glass that provides high resolution and great brightness, resulting in a clean image. This image remains clear regardless of what setting the magnification is. The brightness aids with hunting both in the early morning and late evening. The lack of blurring in this scope makes it easy on the eyes.

Rapid Focusing

With a fast-focusing eyepiece, the Vortex Viper allows you to switch between adjustments without disrupting your image. Such focusing speeds prevent losing a clear sight of your target. As stated above, this also helps prevent strain on your eyes by not subjecting them to blurriness for an extended period of time. 

High Magnification Range

The Vortex Viper has a high magnification range of 6.5X to 20x. This is due to its MAG-Bar and magnification ring, which can be easily adjusted with your hands. You won’t have to pull your head away from the gun in order to accommodate the magnification settings. As well as the high range, the MAG-Bar and ring work almost instantaneously as you adjust it. 

Great Durability

The riflescope is made up of aircraft-grade aluminum. Because of this, the scope is durable and resistant to the elements of the weather, including fog, rain, and high winds. The construction of the scope aids in preventing a strong recoil or kickback from your rifle. The scope’s high durability comes in handy if you are navigating through rough terrain.

General Convenience

The Vortex Viper scope comes with many time-saving adjustments to it. Things that would generally cause frustration, such as waiting for your image to clear up or for the magnifier to respond, are now simple tasks. All of the Viper’s adjustment settings are located on the same side as well, to help you avoid any confusion. 

Cons

Even with a product as good as this one, there are always a few cons to keep an eye out for. Let's take a look at some features that we feel could use improvement.

No Turret-Locking

While it may seem like a small drawback, the absence of a locking system for the turrets can become an annoyance. Due to this absence, the turrets are likely to be subjected to being moved out of place. If this happens, you will have to take a quick moment to readjust the turrets. 

Not Suited For Close-Range Shooting

The Vortex Viper is well known for its long-range capacities but loses hype in the short-range. Since the minimum setting for the magnification is 6.5X, trying to shoot at a close range would be awkward at best. Even on the lowest setting, you will most likely end up not being able to see the entirety of your target.

There are, however, special lenses for this purpose that you can switch out if you are seeking to shoot at a close range. People who buy this scope should do so intending to use it for long-range shooting. 

Best Uses For the Vortex Viper 6.5 20X50

As we just touched on above, this scope is best for long-range shooting. We will dive a little more into its capabilities, and how it can suit your long-range shooting needs.

Long Range Hunting

The top-rated use for this scope tends to be its ability to allow hunters to shoot from afar. Many hunters, especially new ones, have issues with hitting a target from afar. No matter how good a hunter’s eyesight is, everyone can benefit from having a good magnifier.

The Vortex has a high magnification range that boasts almost crystal clear imagery despite the setting you select. With the maximum setting at 20X, it is hard to find a better scope for long-range hunting activities.

The yardage of both the parallax and focus range can range from 50 yards to infinity. The overall field of view for the Vortex Viper is set at 100 yards. This is very helpful in assisting with long-range targets. These targets can range from woodland animals to practice targets.

Is the Vortex Viper 6.5 20X50 Hard to Use?

In short, the answer is no. With its high magnification range, easily adjustable settings, and different mounting options, this scope is not hard to use. You may need to adapt to its weight for better accuracy, but with a little practice, this can be excellent scope for your needs.

Is the Vortex Viper 6.5 20X50 Compatible With Any Rifle?

The Vortex Viper scope does appear to be compatible with nearly every rifle. However, it is always best to check with your rifle manufacturer if this scope can work with your particular firearm.

Aside from this, you may need to purchase additional hardware to mount this to your firearm of choice.

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Vortex Viper 6.5 20X50?

If you are looking to mount your Vortex Viper, consider first the weight of the scope. At 2.3 pounds, the scope is a little heftier than the average scope. Depending on how heavy your personal rifle is, the weight can throw you off until you get used to it.

There are kinds of mounting options available for the Vortex scope, including either a ring mount or a rail mount. Though they are both suited for this scope, it is recommended that you start with a ring mount. Once you feel comfortable with this, you can switch to a rail mount if that is what you desire.

More Vortex Buyer Guides