Vortex Viper 3-9x40 bdc for a 308?

[Grizzlypeg]

My friend is just getting started in whitetail deer hunting and has asked me for recommendations for a scope. I see Vortex has a Viper 3-9x40 with bdc and that Al Flaherity has it on sale for $359.00. I'm thinking this is a good entry level scope for whitetail on the prairies, where shots are typically 50-250 yards (or at least almost all of mine have been, with the exception of one much closer!). I think he should avoid adjustable parallax and externally adjustable turrets, for the sake of simplicity.

What do you think?

 

[DavenK]

I have one of these on my M70 in 270win and, despite the fact I’m really not a huge fan of Vortex, it is a very reasonable price for a great scope (in its category anyway).

Pair it with a good set of rings and he’s gtg.

 

[mikeyb]

Vipers are great. I have the 3-9x40mm on a BAR and a 4-12x40mm on a Vanguard. Also a Viper HS 4-16x44mm on a Mark V. It's only a sample size of 3, but they are solid scopes. And I'm happy they are, I ended up getting really used to their BDC reticle (I know the subtensions are similar in others but I like the fine stadia). They just hit the sweet spot for me. And that's a good price.

I can't afford Razors on everything but Vipers and Strike Eagles are the business for me. Not a fan of the Chinese-made stuff though.

 

[sammer]

I've got 1 on my Tikka 308.
Think I got it for around $320 a few years ago when the discontinued them.
I can see my bullet holes easily at !00m on paper.
Have shot some pretty heavy loads and banged it around in the bush a fair bit and it still hold zero.
Mounted in Tally Extra low ultralights, just clears the barrel.

Sam

 

[Corfius]

It's a solid hunting scope for the price. Vortex warranty is awesome as well if you ever need it.

 

[DavenK]

It's a solid hunting scope for the price. Vortex warranty is awesome as well when you will need it.

Fixed it for ya

 

[thebuckhunter]

I have one on a weatherby vanguard2 in 300 wby. Works as it should and is still holding up after 300+ rounds. Enjoy!
-J

 

[Grizzlypeg]

So far so good, my friend is getting really good accuracy with it on his Tikka 308. Should be good for deer hunting season.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Just a follow up. We were at the range the other day and we decided to dial in 6 clicks, 1.5" of elevation to his scope. He fired a couple of shots, and they were both 1.5" to the right. So we dicked around with the windage adjustment and got it back on centre. Then we dialed in another 6 clicks of upward elevation, and it moved half of what I would have expected. Not sure what to think of this scope now. It sighted in quite well.

 

[medvedqc]

Just a follow up. We were at the range the other day and we decided to dial in 6 clicks, 1.5" of elevation to his scope. He fired a couple of shots, and they were both 1.5" to the right. So we dicked around with the windage adjustment and got it back on centre. Then we dialed in another 6 clicks of upward elevation, and it moved half of what I would have expected. Not sure what to think of this scope now. It sighted in quite well.

it is called chinese moa ... moving as they wish not as you want ...

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I'm half of the mind to tell him to rip off that scope and replace it. I doubt an 1.5" will make any difference on a deer at 100 yards though. Where we are going, its going to be shooting at a pretty short distance. I just didn't like seeing it move right when it was adjusted up. Makes me worry something is broken inside and some time it's going to shoot off by a foot and a half.

 

[bcsteve]

it is called chinese moa ... moving as they wish not as you want ...

Vortex Viper scopes are made in the Philippines.

If it stays zeroed I’d hunt with it and send it back after the season.