This is the last Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 review you’ll ever have to read.
The reason?
I actually bought the scope out of my own pocket money and hand/torture-tested the heck out of it. Including:
Zeroing, glass quality, tracking, durability, accuracy and so much more.
So if you’re wondering if the Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 is for you, then you’ll love this review.
Let’s dive in!
Here’s My Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 Review
I’m a huge fan of Vortex.
As a result, I’ve tried nearly every single scope Vortex offers: the Strike Eagle series, Crossfire vs. Diamondback and even did an in-depth review between the HST and PST.
The Viper HST is different from all the lines.
To be more specific, it’s much more versatile. In fact, it can be used for hunting, target shooting, to even long range tactical shooting.
It’s that good. But is it worth the money?
Let’s find out…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Glass clarity is arguably the most fundamental ingredient in a good rifle scope. After all, if everything else works on your piece but you can’t see anything through the glass, then what’s the point?
The Viper HS-T not only has a clear and bright image, but the glass also features a fully multi-coated lens for enhanced light gathering capability.
The multiple lens coatings also provide extra-low light dispersion, which improves the resolution and color fidelity in your sight.
Viper HS-T comes equipped with the VMR-1 reticle. A “no-frills” hashmark based reticle with second focal plane.
The VMR-1 is most effective when used for moving targets leads and wind. However, this effectiveness does vary between magnification settings.
Overall this is a simple, easy to use reticle that gives accurate holds at extended ranges.
There is no illumination with the Viper HS-T, however, it does have a reflective quality to it that enhances its visibility.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
You get 4 inches of eye relief with the Viper HS-T. This is more than enough to handle the recoil of most guns.
The eye box is also sufficient for most shooting applications.
Durability & Weight
The solid construction of the Viper HS-T is evident as soon as you pick it up.
It has a dense, sturdy feel in your hands that indicates quality.
This may be due to the fact that it is constructed from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum which gives it added strength and rigidity.
The hard-anodized aluminum protects the surface of the scope from scratches and dents. And its low-glare matte black finish helps to camouflage your position from whatever is in your sight.
The Viper HS-T is shockproof and the lens is guarded by an Armortek protective coating.
The entire scope is o-ring sealed and argon purged to ensure waterproof and fog-proof performance.
It weighs in at 20.8 ounces (1.3lbs) which might sound a bit heavy to some, but this is actually considered pretty light for a scope of this size.
As with all Vortex optics, the Viper is covered by the VIP lifetime warranty. So you can always have the option to send it in for repair or replacement. No questions asked and no receipt required.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The large tactical style turrets on Viper HS-T 4 utilize a precision-force spring system. This makes adjusting your settings easy and repeatable.
Once you have dialed in your temporary elevation setting the CRS Zero Stop can be used to return to zero.
The turrets feature a Radius Bar Fiberoptic turret rotation indicator. This provides a visible and tactile point of reference for your turret rotations.
You get an adjustment range of 75 MOA with each click equaling ¼ MOA.
Magnification & Parallax
Magnification on the Viper HS-T is 4-16x. This is great for targets 800yds out or closer.
The side focus parallax adjustment ranges from 50yds to infinity.
Is the Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 for You?
If you’re looking for a solid multipurpose rifle scope that will serve you well in hunting, target shooting and possibly some tactical situations, then get a Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44.
(Speaking of hunting, if you do short-range hunting with 22 LR, then you might want to check out my in-depth BSA Sweet 17 review).
However, keep in mind that the VIP warranty never runs out, not even if the scope is sold or given to someone else. So if the price is a bit out of your comfort zone, you might consider picking up a used one. You can save money and still have the peace of mind that if something ever went wrong with your Viper HS-T you will be able to contact the company to have it fixed.
There are similar products on the market that can be purchased for less money. But if you are a Vortex fan and like the security of the VIP warranty, the Viper HS-T 4-16x is a great choice:
- The Viper HS-T 4-16x44 is one of multiple configurations in the Viper HS-T (Hunting & Shooting Tactical) line. VMR-1 Reticle (MOA) is perfect for accurate holds at extended ranges.
- Incorporating our premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses brings excellent resolution and color fidelity. The XR coatings provide enhanced light gathering capability while Armortek...
- The exposed target-style turrets are constructed for precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks. A CRS Zero Stop allows for reliable return to zero capability after dialing temporary elevation...
Here’s a quick recap of the top features:
- Light wieght
- Highly durable
- 4 inch eye relief
- Lifetime warranty
- Simple & easy to use reticle
- Versatile across multiple applications
- Great glass clarity with fully multi coated lens
Now I’d like to hear from you:
Have you ever used a Vortex HS-T 4-16×44 riflescope? If so, what are your thoughts on it?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below. Also, if you need a close-range red dot sight, check out my Aimpoint PRO vs. T1 red dot review.
Was just wondering how difficult it is to be able to properly use a second focal plane scope at say 500 yards and shorter distances. I an new to this gameand looking for a scope that does long distance and hunt also. i have a 6.5 creed and a 6.5 Grendel AR-15. How does one site his scope in, and at what distance? 200 yards with hold over and adjust for 100 and 300 yards? Thanks
Hey Shorty,
A second-focal plane riflescope will not be difficult to use at longer range shooting, so long as you’re aware of the reticle subtension magnification (or the point on the magnification dial at which the reticle is calibrated).
In fact:
With a second focal plane, you’ll be able to execute accurate holdovers using your reticle.
For example:
The Viper HS-T 4-16×44 subtension magnification is 14x. If you wanted to use your reticle for hold-overs at distance, you would need to be on 14x.
(A first focal plane will allow you to run the optic at any magnification).
With respect to zero distance, this is very much situational.
For the most part, I zero my hunting rifles at 100 or 200 yards, depending on where I’m hunting, or what rifle I’m running.
For example, if I were to head west to hunt antelope and mule-deer, I would zero at 200 to increase my maximum point-blank range, preventing me from needing to use excessive hold-over for 200-300 yards, where I’d typically find myself shooting.
If I were to head north and hunt bear or deer in the heavy timber of Minnesota, I would use a 100 yard zero, as the likelihood of encountering a more distant shot would be slim, and the higher likelihood is that I’d be shooting under 100 – a safe bet.
Here’s a great video explaining how to sight in a riflescope.
I hope this helps!