What’s the difference between the Vortex Venom vs Viper?
I wanted to find out, so I bought both the venom and vortex red dot sights and hand-tested everything:
- Reticle
- Durability
- Battery life
- Field of view
- And so much more
By the end of this vortex venom vs viper comparison review, you’ll know which red dot sights are best for you.
Let’s get started!
Quick Comparison Table
| Features | Vortex Venom | Vortex Viper |
|---|---|---|
| MOA | 3 MOA | 6 MOA |
| Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Illuminated? | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 ounces | 0.4 pounds |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 5.1 x 2.9 inches | 4.5 x 5.4 x 2.3 inches |
Vortex Venom vs Viper Review
Both the Vortex Venom and Vortex Viper red dot sights offer pinpoint accuracy and compact, rugged durability to withstand the worst all-weather conditions.
The Venom is an excellent choice for hunting, with its smooth adjustments and auto mode making swift target acquisition a breeze. The Viper is another hunting optic but has an extraordinary battery life that can rival any other small red dot sight on the market.
Both of these sights promise excellent clarity and aiming performance with high-quality illumination controls for optimal brightness.
I’ll be covering clarity, efficiency, durability, and more to determine the best red dot sight.
Let’s get started!
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Vortex Venom’s glass clarity is made of high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses for a crystal clear wide field of view.
These lenses increase light transmission with several layers of an anti-reflective coating. This clarity makes it perfect for after-dark lighting conditions, as well as in the bright sunlight.
The aim of the Venom red dot sight certainly rivals the Burris Fastfire 3, which also promises pinpoint accuracy with its similar 3 MOA dot.
As for the reticle, the Vortex Venom red dot sight has a 3 MOA dot with 10 levels of brightness. My favorite features were the power and dot intensity controls, which are conveniently located on the left side of the sight. Thus, I could easily control the brightness level and keep my view clear.
For similar red dot sights with smooth, adjustable brightness levels, I recommend checking out the Sig Romeo 5.
The fully multi-coated lenses of the Vortex Viper offer an ultra-clear, wide-lens field of view. This optic also has ArmorTek coatings that protect the lens from oil, dirt, scratches, and other debris from ruining the glass clarity.
Its 6 MOA dot reticle is illuminated with easily accessible controls to adjust. I really liked the Viper’s low height because it allows swift target acquisition, though not as handy as the Venom’s auto mode. It made my aim much better, which improved my shooting speed.
Which isn’t surprising with Vortex optic products. I usually find the highest reticle quality in Vortex Red Dot Sights.
Although both of these optics have fantastic clarity and reticles, in a battle of the Vortex Venom vs Viper red dot sights I personally loved the power and dot intensity controls on the Venom. In addition, the ease of control over the illumination allowed me to choose how much brightness I needed for any lighting condition.
For more trusty target acquisition, I recommend checking out holographic sights like the EXPS 2 and 3.
Round 1 (Clarity and Accuracy) Champion: Vortex Venom red dot sight
Battery Life
The Venom red dot sights are powered by a CR1632 battery, which is easy to change without removing the red dot from the firearm.
I really liked this feature since I’ve had to waste time taking the optic off just to pop a new battery in the battery compartment. However, one downside is that the battery compartment is a tight fit.
In fact, I found myself having some trouble fitting it into the battery compartment. Of course, I was able to insert it every time, but just a heads up that it can be tricky.
The Vortex Viper red dot sight is powered by a CR2032 battery, which has a life of 150-30,000 hours. That’s right, this battery has this optic covered. As a result, I felt reassured that I wouldn’t need to bring my usual backup batteries during my testing.
Round 2 (Battery Life) Champion: Vortex Viper
Eye Relief & Eye Box
With the Venom’s unlimited eye relief and auto mode, I got the rapid target acquisition I was looking for in this optic.
In addition, it helped me to pick out my target quickly during my shooting without getting a cheek welt. The unlimited eye relief is just like my Vortex Sparc and Sparc 2.
The eye relief for the Vortex Viper is unlimited, which can be good and bad for different reasons.
Because of the low-profile build of this optic, I found myself reaching for the high-rise mount I mentioned. Although it can be versatile depending on which mount is used, it does come down to individual specifications.
I like versatility, but with the Vortex Viper red dot sight, it’s hit or miss. When I use a higher mount, I really like this optic’s eye relief. But I’m not as big a fan when I shoot with the Viper in its low-profile state.
Round 3 (Eye relief) Champion: Vortex Venom
Durability & Weight
The Venom red dot sight is built to last with its rugged, anodized finish and ArmorTek coating that protects the lens.
It’s waterproof, shockproof, and has an O-ring seal. This feature prevents moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the sight, making it suitable for any environment and weather conditions.
The excellent durability features of the Venom can easily go head-to-head against the rugged strength of the Vortex Sparc 2 or Vortex Strikefire 2.
Plus, it has a rubberized cover for easy and safe transport. I love how it’s compact and lightweight but super durable.
The Viper red dot sight is ready to roll with its rugged durability that can take on any weather condition.
It’s waterproof, shockproof, and has an O-ring seal. This feature prevents all kinds of moisture, dust, and other debris from ruining its performance.
Round 4 (Durability) Champion: Vortex Venom
Windage, Elevation & Brightness Knob
The Venom’s turrets adjust quickly and smoothly, which makes sighting a breeze.
I really like how fast I was able to zero. During my testing, I went through 15 rounds to zero at 25 yards. I was amazed at the accuracy and consistency of this red dot.
After 100 rounds, the zero was still holding. I can’t ask for any better than that!
It reminded me of the Holosun-HS510C, where I never had to re-zero during my shooting practice.
With the Vortex Venom vs Viper, though, I had some issues with the latter’s turrets unlocking the adjustments because they were blocked by the rear sights. I had to figure out how to loosen and tighten the screws from an angle, but I ended up having to remove my rear sights.
Unfortunately, the Viper’s turrets didn’t live up to my expectations. I think if the turret locks were relocated to the side or top of the optic, I wouldn’t have had to remove my rear sights.
Round 5 (Windage and Elevation) Champion: Vortex Venom
Mounting
The Venom comes with a simple Picatinny mount, but I recommend attaching this optic to the TandemKross Shadow Rail mount.
- Picatinny rail allows for more precise and customized placement of optics
- Relieved ejection port area minimizing failure to ejects
It turned out to be an excellent combination because the TandemKross Picatinny rail allows more precise placement of this red dot. In addition, just like my Sig Romeo 5 and Vortex Sparc, the Picatinny rail allows smoother aim and better eye relief.
Included with the Viper is a generic Weaver and Picatinny mount, but I recommend getting the AT3 Tactical Pro-Mount Red Dot Riser mount.
- CHOOSE YOUR MOUNT - .83" Riser for Absolute Cowitness, and 1.0" Riser for Lower 1/3 Cowitness
- CANTILEVER DESIGN - The angled, single-rail mount keeps the red dot forward for fast target acquisition
This mount will raise the Viper’s low-profile build to change the game and utilize that unlimited eye relief. In addition, the included mount will do the trick to take advantage of the Viper’s low profile, making this optic more versatile.
Round 6 (Mounting) Champion: Vortex Viper
Price
The Venom costs $230.09, which isn’t too shabby for more expensive optics.
But, on the other hand, it’s not bad for the money, so it makes an excellent choice for anyone on a budget.
An interesting comparison between a budget-friendly optic and a pricier optic is between the Burris Fastfire 3 versus Trijicon RMR, which are drastically different in price.
The Viper is priced at $249.00, which makes it a little more expensive than the Venom.
No products found.
However, it’s not by much, so both the Venom and Viper are pretty much on the same price level.
Round 7 (Price) Champion: Vortex Venom
Vortex Venom vs Vortex Viper: Which of These Red Dots is Better?
After comparing both the Venom and Viper in this match, I believe the Venom to be the better red dot.
Here are my top reasons why:
- Less pricey
- More durability
- Smoother elevation and windage adjustment
- 10 levels of easily adjustable brightness
With the Vortex Venom, I’m confident I’m getting the best reticle illumination, durability, and smooth tactical turrets for the price.
FAQ:
Does the Vortex Venom and Viper use the same mounting plate?
Yes, both the Vortex Venom and Viper come with a low rail mounting plate.
Does the Vortex Venom have Shake Awake?
No, the Venom does not “Shake Awake” when it is shaken.
Is Vortex Venom 3 MOA or 6 MOA better?
The Venom 3 MOA is better than the 6 MOA because it has much faster target acquisition and more precise, pinpoint aim.
Thank you for such a very good review on the Vortex Red Dot opticals. The information was presented in an excellent manner and I was able to decide which optic was best for me and my application.
Great ,easily understood comparison of venom and viper ! Thanks for the info !
You state they have the same mounting, Its not true!
The cutouts on a slide is different for each.
You cannot mount a venom on a viper cut. the viper is straight and slightly smaller, the venom is slightly larger and has a bow on front and rear of sight.
Hmmm… i have both a viper and venom, and they mount just fine on each others mounting plate.
Great review though! You’ve made up my mind!
Great optics here, the Venom is the winner in my view as well, principly because the Viper locking screws for windage and elevation are “inconvenient” to be kind. On an FNX45, the rear sights are in the way and the entire optic needs to be removed to unlock the adjustment screws, it has to come off again when zeroing is complete to re-tighten. The battery loads from the bottom as well, optic needs to come off to replace the battery. The battery does not stay in place while re-installing, a serious pain in the butt.
My next purchase will be the Venom for certain.
I compared them both as well and the Venom is the clear winner, not saying the Viper is bad because it a great optic also but the Venom is much easier to adjust and battery replacement is a breeze compared to the Viper. All my weapons have Vortex Optics from the UH1 Gen 1, UH1 Gen 2
3×magnifier, Venom & the Razor HD Gen lll. Plus they all have a No Questions Asked Replacement policy if they Fail! Who could ask for anything more.
I Highly recommend Vortex
Why? is this a typo/ ? The Venom 3 MOA is better than the 6 MOA ??
Good review. It helped me make up my mind. You might want to double check the weight and dimensions in the table at the top of the article.
Asking if a 3 MOA is better than 6 MOA is a loaded question…pun intended. I feel a 3 MOA is better on a rifle, but 6 MOA is better on a pistol. This entirely a personal choice. This is all really a moot point since the Venom is now discontinued.
Agreed. Venom on my AR10 – offset mount. Viper on my Glock 40.