Vortex Venom vs Viper

Hello, shooter! The fantastic Vortex Venom vs Viper comparison is finally here in 2024.

The Vortex Viper and Venom are well-made and moderately priced red dot sights. Each might be used with a pistol, shotgun, or rifle, but that doesn’t mean they’d perform the same way on every platform. Despite both Vortex products’ amazing performance, the race can only have one winner.

When it comes to choosing a red dot sight, Vortex Optics is a top brand to consider. Their Viper and Venom models are both popular choices for shooters, but what are the differences between them?

Which one is better?

In this article, I will compare the Vortex Viper vs. Venom red dot sights to help you decide which one is right for you. I’ve used both Vortex Venom and Viper on my SIG Sauer P320, Canik Tp9sfx, and CZ Shadow 2.

Overview: Vortex Viper and Vortex Venom

Vortex Viper

The Vortex Viper is a compact and lightweight red dot sight, measuring 1.8 x 1.03 x 1.0 inches and weighing only 1.03 ounces. It features a 6 MOA dot reticle, which is a bit smaller than the Venom’s. The Viper has a battery life of up to 150 hours and is powered by a CR2032 battery. It also has an adjustable brightness setting and is compatible with a wide range of firearms.

Dimensions and Features

• 1.8 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches
• Weighs 1.1 ounces
• 6 MOA dot reticle
• Battery life of up to 120 hours
• Powered by a CR2032 battery
• Adjustable brightness setting
• Compatible with a wide range of firearms

What It’s For

The Vortex Viper is best suited for shooters who require a lightweight and compact sight. It is ideal for use on handguns, shotguns, and rifles, and is a popular choice for competitive shooters, hunters, and tactical professionals.

Vortex Venom

The vortex optics venom red dot sights slightly larger red dot sight, measuring 1.9 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches and weighing 1.1 ounces. It features a 6 MOA dot reticle, which is slightly larger than the Viper’s. The Venom has a battery life of up to 150 hours and is also powered by a CR-1632 battery. It has an adjustable brightness setting and is compatible with a wide range of firearms.

Dimensions and Features

• 1.9 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches
• Weighs 1.1 ounces
• 6 MOA dot reticle
• Battery life of up to 150 hours
• Powered by a CR1632 battery
• Adjustable brightness setting
• Compatible with a wide range of firearms

What It’s For

The Vortex Venom is best suited for shooters who require a slightly larger sight. It is ideal for use on handguns, shotguns, and rifles, and is a popular choice for competitive shooters, hunters, and tactical professionals.

Comparison chart: Vortex Viper vs Venom Red Dot

	Vortex Venom	Vortex Viper
Magnification	1x	1x
Eye Relief	Unlimited	Unlimited
Dimension-LXWXH	1.9 x 1.1 x 1.0 inches	1.8 x 1.03 x 1.0 inches
Dot size (MOA)	3 MOA and 6 MOA	6 MOA
Window glass diameter	26.4 mm wide x 16 mm tall	24.1 mm wide x 18 mm tall
Battery compartment	TopNote: After changing batteries, there is no requirement to re-zero.	BottomNote: After changing batteries, you might need to re-zero.
Weight	1.1 ounces	1.03 ounces
Length	1.9”	1.81”
Width	1.11”	1.06”
Height (Top-of-window)	1.02”	1.02”
Night Vision	Yes(10-levels or automatic adjustment mode)	Yes(Adjustable illumination)
Automatic Brightness	Yes	No
Max Elevation	130 MOA	120 MOA
Max Windage	100 MOA	120 MOA

Features Vortex Venom vs Viper Red Dot

1. Glass clarity and Reticle

Venom: For a crystal-clear view, the glass clarity of the Vortex Venom is made of fully multi-coated lenses. The vortex venom provides a premium wide-field lens and a multi-layered anti-reflective coating on these lenses that enhances the transmission of light. Because of the clarity offered by the vortex optics, the vortex venom red dot sight is ideal for use in both direct light and low light environments. With ten brightness levels available for the Reticle of the Vortex Venom red dot sight, you won’t have trouble maintaining your ability to see clearly while adjusting the brightness level. That’s why my favorite functions are the power and dot intensity control systems on the left side of the vortex venom red dot sight. Additionally, to protect the venom red dot, vortex optics provide a lens cover known as “Armor Tek” that prevents scuff marks, dirt, and many other wreckages from reducing the clarity of glass.

Viper: The fully multi-coated lenses on the vortex viper red dot also provide clear vision. Similar to vortex venom, Viper also has a protective lens cover called “Armor Tek” that stops scrapes and other undesirable materials from impairing glass clarity. Even though the automatic mode of the Venom is more useful, we can’t deny that the low height of the Viper makes it easier to quickly acquire the target, which enhances both my aim and speed of shooting.

In comparing the Vortex Venom and Viper red dot sights, both of these optics have extremely good glass clarity and reticles. Still, I preferred Venom’s power and dot intensity control mechanism. I was also able to choose the level of brightness I needed for any lighting situation due to the illumination’s simplicity of control.

Winner

The winner is the Vortex Venom due to its superior clarity and pinpoint accuracy.

2. Brightness Adjustment

Venom: The luminosity can be adjusted in the vortex venom up to ten levels by pressing the “Up arrow” and “Down arrow.” Additionally, it has an automatic mode that modifies Venom’s brightness in response to ambient light. That’s interesting, and perhaps it is for competitive shooting in the daytime. I would suggest sticking with manual mode for strategic use. The illumination around you, not the illumination your target is in, determines how the Reticle will move. At night, a weapon-mounted light can blur a reticle, and the automatic configuration won’t respond accordingly because the light is in front of the optic. The dot may be difficult to see and require manual adjustments if you are aiming in a dark environment while in a bright environment or vice versa. There are two models of Venom, one with a 3 MOA reticle and the other with a 6 MOA reticle.

3 MOA for > Handguns

6 MOA for > Long guns

Viper: The Viper has a luminance adjustment setting up to 10 levels, just like vortex venom. However, it lacks an automatic mode, so you must manually adjust the brightness by the light source. The Viper only has a 6 MOA dot out of the box, which makes complete sense for an optic specifically for pistols.

Both the vortex products: vortex venom and vortex viper red dot, have ten-level brightness settings, but despite sharing the same total, their actual effects differ. Compared to the Viper, the Venom offers a much brighter red dot. Both are useful in bright light conditions, but the vortex venom can intensify the brightness.

Winner

Vortex Venom

3. Eye relief

Venom: With Venom’s nearly limitless eye relief and an automatic mode, I discovered the rapid sniper scopes I was searching for in this optic. I managed to aim and shoot without getting a cheek lining while quickly recognizing my target.

Viper: The unlimited eye relief offered by the vortex viper may or may not be beneficial, depending on the circumstances. I concluded that I kept reaching for the high-rise mount because of this optic’s low-profile design (which is perfect for cut-out slides and handguns). Its eye relief depends on the mount being used, but it can also be flexible based on the user’s preferences.

There is no doubt that both red dot sights offer limitless eye relief, but it depends on various factors, such as my preference for versatility and the vortex viper’s hit-or-miss performance. I enjoy the eye relief of this optic when I use a higher mount. But when I use the Viper in its limited configuration, I’m not as fond of it.

Winner

The winner is Vortex Venom red dot sight due to its automatic mode and unlimited eye relief.

4. Durability and weight

Venom: The vortex venom red dot sight is shock-proof and water-proof. It is, therefore, appropriate for any setting and climate. Additionally, it has a lens-protecting cover (the Armor Tek) that prevents oil, scuff marks, and unwanted material from impairing its features and functions. The Venom’s superior durability characteristics can compete with the “Vortex Sparc 2” or “Vortex Strikefire 2’s” difficult strength. I adore how it is small, light, and incredibly durable.

Viper: The vortex viper is equipped for action due to its difficult durability and ability to withstand any climate. Moreover, it is water-proof and shock-proof and has a lens-protecting cover, the same as Venom (the Armor Tek), which guards against any type of humidity, dirt, and other particles from diminishing the Viper’s performance.

	Venom	Viper
Waterproof	Yes	Yes
Shockproof	Yes	Yes
Lens Cover	Yes-Armor Tek	Yes-Armor Tek
Length	1.9”	1.81”
Width	1.11”	1.06”
Height (Top-of-Window)	1.02”	1.02”
Weight	1.1 (ounces)	1.03 (ounces)

Winner

Vortex Venom wins the battle.

5. Source of power

Venom: The battery type for the Vortex Venom is CR1632. Depending on the luminance configuration, the lifespan of this CR-1632 battery varies from 150 hours to 30,000 hours. The battery has a range that extends to 30,000 hours on low configurations and up to 150 hours on the highest configuration. Venom’s battery compartment does not particularly enlighten me because of how snugly it is packed.

Venom’s snug-fitting compartment has only ever caused me one issue during operation. The battery fell out of the optics while I was firing bullets, rendering them useless because the screw holding the battery compartment closed became open and free. I then had to search for the battery, which I eventually did.

vortex viper battery life: A CR2032 battery, with a lifespan of 150(on highest brightness configuration)–30,000(on low brightness configuration) hours, powers the Vortex Viper. An integrated battery compartment is present in the base of the optic on the viper. To switch out the battery, you must first unmount the optic, mount it again and zero it. The Venom is remarkably more practical, but this architecture slightly enlarges the optic.

	Battery Type	Battery life	Battery Placement	Battery size	Battery Cost
VENOM	CR-1632	150 TO 30,000 hours	Top	Small	Cheap
VIPER	CR-2032	150 to 30,000 hours	Bottom	Large	Expensive

Here, the cost of batteries is the distinguishing difference that has an impact on you. One of the key distinctions between the viper and the venom is where the batteries are placed. The venom’s top cover is detachable. As a result, battery replacement is simple and swift and doesn’t require taking the optic off.

Winner

Due to its simple battery placement, Vortex Venom wins in the end.

6. Windage and elevation

Venom: The turrets on the Venom move swiftly and smoothly, which simplifies sighting. I was delighted with how rapidly I could zero. I fired 20 rounds to zero at 25 yards during my test execution. The precision and consistency of this red dot astounded me. The zero was still holding after one hundred rounds. That is the best I can hope for! It brought to mind the Holosun 507C that I never had to re-zero while practicing shooting.

Maximum elevation adjustment for Venom: 130 MOA

Maximum windage adjustment for Venom: 100 MOA

Viper: The Viper has locking turrets, which is the only notable difference. You must first unlock the turrets, adjust, and then lock them again to make adjustments. This convenient little detail protects against unintentional adjustments.

Maximum Elevation Adjustment for Vipers: 120 MOA

Maximum Windage Adjustment for Vipers: 120 MOA

When comparing Venom and Viper, Venom lacks lockout functionality. Still, I encountered trouble with the Viper’s turrets trying to unlock the adjustments as the back sights obstructed them. I eventually had to take my rear sights off to figure out how to turn the screws from an angle. I had high hopes for the turrets of the Viper, but they fell short. I believe I wouldn’t have needed to remove my rear sights if the turret locks were placed on the top or side of the optic. Furthermore, both optics have 1 MOA of adjustment per keystroke, which is more than sufficient for a small red dot. 

Winner

Vortex Venom wins the battle.

7. Mounting

Venom: Although the Venom comes with a simple Picatinny mount, I suggest mounting this optic to the “TandemKross Shadow Rail mount.” Due to the “TandemKross Picatinny” rail’s ability to allow for a more accurate position of this red dot, it ended up being a great pairing.

Viper: I advise purchasing the “AT3 Tactical” Pro-Mount Red Dot Riser mount instead of the generic Weaver and Picatinny mount with the Viper. This mount will increase the Viper’s low-profile design to change the game and take advantage of the unlimited eye relief.

This optic will function properly with the included mount to benefit from the Viper’s low profile and increase its adaptability.

Winner

Vortex Venom wins the battle.

8. Price

Venom: For more expensive red dot sights, Venom’s price isn’t too bad. However, it is also not overpriced, making it a good option for those on a tight budget.

Viper: The vortex viper cost, making it slightly more costly than the vortex venom.

Although it’s not by much, the vortex venom and Viper are roughly at the same value.

Winner

Vortex Venom wins the battle because it is less expensive than Vortex Viper.

9. Weapon choice vs. shooting distance

Venom: Generally speaking, the Viper and Venom are better suited for pistols and rifles, respectively, because the two kinds of weapons are typically used at different ranges. The Venom might be a good choice if you shoot highly competitively with a handgun and are shooting from 50 yards and beyond.

Viper: The Viper might be a superior option, however, if you only use your rifle for home defense or for situations that typically take place within 25 yards.

In this case, it is critical to balance precision with flash detection and ranging, but individual preference also matters. Your best course of action, if both precision and quick target acquisition matter to you, is to choose the one that corresponds to the range at which you’ll be shooting, and then rehearse. Your goal will become more specific as you rehearse, and either one can be used to accomplish this successfully.

Winner

As I mentioned above, the weapons and shooting distance determine who wins.

Pros & Cons of Vortex Venom

Pros

• You can adjust the illumination by using two modes: automatic mode and manual mode.
• Two options are available to select from: 3 MOA and 6 MOA
• It is portable, light in weight, small, and simple to mount.
• In Venom, the turret adjustment is simple.
• When changing batteries, there is a need to unmount.
• It is less expensive than Viper
• Adaptable in all lighting circumstances.

Cons

• The battery cover that comes with Venom is not that good.
• The viewing window is a tiny bit smaller.
• The CR-1632 battery that Venom uses can be difficult to locate if it is damaged.
• Mount 1.3 mm above the viper

Pros & Cons of Vortex Viper

Pros

• Adjustments for windage and elevation are accurate.
• Compared to Venom, the viewing is marginally bigger.
• Mount at a height of 1.3 mm.

Cons

• There is only one choice, which is 6 MOA.
• Two lock screws need to be undone in order to adjust windage and elevation.
• It is a little bit heavier than venom after mounting.

Similarities Between Vortex Viper And Venom

Numerous similarities exist between the Viper and the Vortex Venom such as:

• The magnification which is 1x.
• Same mount: Weaver/Picatinny
• Both provide limitless eye relief
• Illumination setting up to 10 levels.
• Both are parallax-free
• Both have a multi-anti-reflective coating.
• They are Shock-proof and water-proof

Difference Between Vortex Venom And Viper

The following are the main distinctions between the Vortex Venom and Viper:

• The difference in the battery’s size and the battery’s placement.
• The adjustment of elevation and windage.
• The size of the body and window.
• The look and position of illumination setting buttons and automatics mode feature.

Conclusion and My Choice

As you can see from the information above, the vortex venom and viper are similar in terms of cost, weight, battery life, shockproof and waterproof capabilities, and the presence of lens covers. Each also includes useful add-ons and a warranty that is unconditional for life. Both provide a distinct, large field of view. Both provide a distinct, large field of view. Which one is best for you will depend on its dimensions, architecture, and most crucially, its capabilities. Despite the fact that a vortex viper is a great option for pistols and the vortex venom is a good choice for rifles, we believe the vortex venom is a better overall choice. It should be clear by now that I would choose and recommend you to avoid Viper.

FAQs

What is the difference between 3 and 6 MOA?

The main difference between 3 MOA and 6 MOA red dots is the size. The 3 MOA is a small red dot which offers a more precise and accurate aim on the target and also faster target acquisition than 6 MOA.

Are the mounting plates for the vortex venom and viper the same?

Yes, a low rail mounting plate is included with both the vortex venom and viper.

Does the vortex venom have a shake-awake feature?

The answer is No, vortex venom does not have an “instant on” or “shake awake feature (a feature that, upon motion detection, turns on the optics).

Does Venom’s footprint resemble that of the Vortex Viper’s?

Contrary to popular belief, the vortex venom vs viper footprint does not resemble the as their structure and measurements are entirely different.