When it comes to finding a scope that offers a balance of quality, performance, and value, the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 stands out from a lot of the cheaper options as a good scope, but is that reputation deserved? That’s the question I’m going to try to answer today. The 6.5-20×50 is part of the well-known and beloved Viper Series, which has been highlighted in countless outlets for being top-tier optics. This scope is primarily designed for shooters who need to cover more distance to touch their targets. In this review, I’m going to dig into the details of this scope, including its features, performance, and real-world usability.
My First Impressions
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The moment I took the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 out of the box, I noticed the sleek matte finish. This is a standard finish for most scopes in this class, and it works well while blending with just about any other kit you need. The feel of the scope is robust and solid, without being clumsy. I have a feeling this thing is going to hold up well, no matter what I throw at it.
The smoothness of the magnification ring, as I cycled through the 6.5-20x range, was impressive. It moved easily and seemed perfect for making precise adjustments in the field. The turrets too, felt well-designed with a tactile response to each click, indicating a level of precision that I was eager to test out.
The Mil-dot reticle on my model was clear, with crisp markings that promised easy-range estimations and holdovers. It doesn’t have illumination, which is a bit of a concern, but not a deal-breaker, and there is really nice light transmission, thanks to the large 50mm objective lens.
As I mounted the Vortex Viper onto my rifle, the process was straightforward with no hitches. So far, my initial impressions of the Viper 6.5-20×50 are positive and optimistic. It’s a simple, no-nonsense approach that I’m excited to get out into the field.
If you are interested to read more of my articles you can check our Redfield scope 3-9×40 review or Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 review.
Optics Quality
The quality of the optics is everything with a scope, and the Viper 6.5-20×50 did not disappoint. The glass quality is excellent, delivering clear and sharp images across the entire magnification range. This is particularly impressive since you get up to 20x magnification on this beast.
The multi-coated lenses transmit light beautifully, even in murky or dusky conditions. The coating technology helps cut reflections, so you see more of the light that hits the objective lens. The result is brighter images, which is a significant advantage, especially during dawn or dusk when light is scarce.
The colors are great, as well, there’s no noticeable chromatic aberration, even at high zoom. The scope provides a flat and clear field of view with good edge-to-edge clarity, which is handy if you’re watching a far-off target and it begins moving.
Finally, I really enjoyed the addition of the fast-focus eyepiece. This helps with quick and easy reticle focusing, making it simpler to get on target swiftly.
Reticle Performance
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 offers two reticle options: the Mil-dot and the BDC reticle. I chose the Mil-dot for my tests, which is a classic choice for more utilitarian range estimations and holdovers. The Mil-dot is crisp and the subtensions were perfectly accurate, making precision shooting much easier.
The reticle is in the second focal plane, so it will stay the same size no matter what zoom level you’re at. This is critical for a scope that can go from 6.5x to 20x, as you won’t want your reticle becoming a giant blob in the middle of your picture. 
Initially, I was concerned about the lack of reticle illumination, but that turned out not to be as significant of an issue as I anticipated. That said, in lower light, particularly at early dawn or late dusk, that illumination would have made aiming easier at times.
During the range tests, the reticle proved to be highly functional and was instrumental in accurate distance shooting. The BDC reticle option, although not tested, is designed for those who prefer a more straightforward approach to compensating for bullet drop over distance. It’s a great option for hunters or shooters who want to get on target quickly without the need for complex calculations. If you want to learn more about scopes, check my full reviews on rifle scopes under $1000.
Turrets & Adjustments
One of the first things I do with any scope once I get it mounted, is get it zeroed. Zeroing the Viper 6.5-20×50 is simple, and the turrets track accurately. I appreciated how quick and straightforward it was to get it to where I needed it, and adjusting afterward was equally trouble-free. As I engaged targets at varying distances, the turrets held their settings reliably, giving me the confidence to focus on my shots rather than worrying about the scope losing its zero.
For specific adjustments, the windage and elevation adjustments were precise and predictable. I was able to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift effectively, which was crucial during my long-distance shooting tests. The tactile feel of the turrets gave me a clear sense of the adjustments I was making without ever taking my eye off the target. The parallax was also smooth, helping keep a sharp focus on every shot.
Build Quality
As I mentioned earlier, you can tell immediately upon picking up this scope that it’s built for quality and longevity. It’s housed in a single-piece tube of aircraft aluminum, which I discovered is a solid construction choice that enhances its durability and alignment. It’s also argon purged to prevent fogging and O-ring-sealed for waterproofing, which came in handy during a light drizzle during my testing.
The lens coatings appeared to be durable as well, showing no signs of wear even after some rigorous use during my field tests. The lenses remained clear and unscratched even after some purposefully rough handling and dropping. Overall, the build quality reflects Vortex’s commitment to a product that can stand up to serious shooters and hunters.
Real-Life Testing: A Day in the Field
Taking the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 out into the field was something I looked forward to, and it didn’t disappoint. My day began early, with the sun only barely above the horizon. This was the perfect time to test the scope’s ability to handle low-light conditions. With such a generous objective lens and state-of-the-art lens coatings, however, every image was clear and bright as I scanned for targets.
I made sure to engage targets at numerous distances both near, mid-range, and long distance, so that I could work through the entire magnification range and see how it did when transitioning between zoom levels and distances. The scope performed admirably and transitioned seamlessly from one target to another, no matter where they were.
The Mil-dot reticle proved to be invaluable for range estimation and holdovers. I was able to make quick and accurate adjustments to get on target. At one point, light rain began to fall. This was an opportune moment to test the scope’s waterproof claim, and it held up well with no internal fogging or water intrusion observed.
After spending a day in the field with the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50, it proved itself to be a solid performer, making it a worthy companion for any serious hunter or long-distance shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optical Clarity: The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 boasts exceptional optical clarity, with sharp, bright images across the entire magnification range.
- Turret Performance: The turrets are precise with tactile and audible feedback, which are useful for making on-the-fly adjustments in the field.
- Build Quality: The robust construction using aircraft-grade aluminum, along with the waterproof and fog-proof features, ensures that this scope can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Two Reticle Options: With the choice between a Mil-dot and a BDC reticle, you have the flexibility to choose a reticle that matches your shooting or hunting preferences.
Cons
- No Reticle Illumination: The lack of reticle illumination can be a limiting factor in low-light conditions, although the excellent light transmission properties of the scope do mitigate this to an extent.
- Weight: Weighing 21.6 ounces, it’s on the heavier side, which might be a concern for those looking to keep their rig lightweight, especially during extended field outings.
Who Should Buy This Scope?
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 is a scope that’s designed for those who are serious about long-distance shooting. Whether you are a hunter seeking a reliable scope to take on extended outings or a competitive shooter whose record relies on precision and consistency, this scope is up to the task.
The Vortex Viper would also appeal to those who value a well-constructed, durable scope that can withstand the elements. Its waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant features ensure it’s capable of performing in diverse environmental conditions.
On the other hand, if you are mostly engaged in close to mid-range shooting, or if you are on a tight budget, there might be other options that would better suit your needs. This scope is geared towards those who require a higher magnification range and can make the optics investment likely to help them achieve more precise long-range shots.
The Final Word
The Vortex name has come to be known as a sign of precision, reliability, and durability, and the Viper 6.5-20×50 is a perfect representation of that, and worthy of consideration by anyone looking for a variable, long-range scope. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone who simply appreciates a quality optic, the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 is a worthy investment that I believe will not disappoint.
You can also check the 6 best Vortex scopes or Vortex Strikefire 2 red dot.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.