To make sure you are shooting at the right spot, or to keep your performance in check, a riflescope is quite necessary. That means you should not settle for just any riflescope and give some importance to your selection while choosing one.
But no need to get worried, because we have already done half of the work for you. We have handpicked the best two scopes available in the market.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In our Vortex Viper HS vs Leupold VX-3i comparison, you will find the fundamental differences between them, which will make the selection process even further convenient for you.
Other than that, we have also talked about the features and facilities of each of the items individually.
So, without any further delay, let’s start looking for the right one!
Vortex Viper HS vs Leupold VX-3i Comparison
1. Vortex Viper HS Review
As a hunter or a tactical shooter, you’d definitely want a rifle scope that has been manufactured for this purpose and contains all the features that you could possibly ask for. While such scopes are difficult to find, here’s one that includes all you are looking for. Find out more in our comprehensive review.
When it comes to accuracy, this item is not one to disappoint; rather, it will clearly exceed your expectations. For that, its barrel comes with a featured length of about 15.5 inches. As a result, this scope is absolutely ideal for precise holds at extended ranges.
For excellent color fidelity and resolution, the scope comes with lenses that fully multi-coated and contain extra low-dispersion. Furthermore, the Armortek coating coatings protect the lenses, and for improved light gathering capability, it contains XR coatings.
On the other hand, the product comes with exposed target-sized turrets, which are made for repeatable and precise clicks that are finger-adjustable. Moreover, it also includes a CRS zero stop, which, after dialing elevation corrections temporarily, enables a reliable return to zero capability.
For proper adjustment of the reticule to your eye, the scope contains a fast focus feature. Other than that, the product offers magnification versatility along with parallax removal and optimal image focus. For that, it comes with a 4x zoom and side focus parallax adjustment.
Are you concerned about the lenses getting fogged or the item becoming damaged by water? Well, stop fretting right away because this scope has taken care of that. It comes with an argon purge and an O-ring seal, which causes the product to be fog-proof and waterproof.
However, the reticule may fail to line up from time to time, which can be a major let-down for its users. On the other hand, the windage might not work as well, so you will have to consider a few things while using this particular rifle scope.
PROS
CONS
2. Leupold VX-3i Review
Finding rifle scopes that offer an ultra-lightweight construction along with unrivaled durability can be rather difficult. However, here’s one that disperses recoil energy to offer both of these aspects while offering a lot more that will only amaze you. Find out more about its facilities right here.
First of all, the product comes with a long-range precision target adjustment feature. This facility is activated by a ¼ MOA dial, which includes a revolution indicator, a zero stop, and three revolutions of travel. Moreover, it also offers elevation adjustment along with an increased range of windage.
The aforementioned facilities are provided by its 30mm main tube, which also makes sure to offer incredible strength. On the other hand, these adjustments are also available because of the 1/10th MIL click feature of the tool; so the scope has it all covered for you.
What makes this scope really ideal for extended ranges of shooting is its 3:1 zoom erector system, which is rather versatile. Furthermore, it offers side-focused parallax adjustment, allowing easy and fast parallax to focus on whichever shooting position you prefer.
The product comes with a front focal plane, which will provide the accuracy you will need in tactical situations. You can estimate the range given all magnification settings, thanks to its reticule that magnifies along with the image. This aspect makes it great for hunters and shooters.
To make sure that you can shoot in any condition whatsoever, the scope has been designed to be fog-proof and waterproof. Moreover, it also includes a twilight max light management system for more clarity and a throw lever that allows instant changes in magnification settings.
But due to the lightweight construction of the device, it might break apart pretty easily if you don’t handle it properly. On the other hand, if you are looking for a scope on a budget, then you will have to reconsider your choice as this is quite expensive.
PROS
CONS
Vortex Viper HS vs Leupold VX-3i Comparison
Both of the riflescopes mentioned in this article are commendable. They provide plenty of benefits combined with great performance, which will make you bound to like them.
However, you need to choose between these — unless of course, you’d like to have them both. And to make a choice, you will need to make yourself familiar with their essential differences.
Hence, in this section of the article, we will primarily focus on the differences that these products have, so you will get a better idea regarding which one would be more suitable for you.
SFP or FFP?
One of the major differences between the two riflescopes is their focal plans.
Vortex Viper HS comes with a second focal plane, whereas its counterpart comes with a front focal plane. This aspect gives Leupold VS-3i an upper hand because a lot of people tend to prefer front focal plane over its second version.
Length and Weight
There aren’t any significant differences between the lengths of the two — it only varies by an inch. Vortex Viper HS comes with a length of about 15.5 inches, whereas its counterpart offers a length of about 14.5 inches.
Despite the differences in length, there is practically no difference between the weights of the two. For instance, Leupold VX-3i weighs about 22.4oz, whereas its counterpart has a weight of 22.6oz.
Zoom Ratio
The zoom ratio plays a huge role in determining the performance of the riflescope, and so you should pay ample attention to it.
Vortex Viper HS comes with a zoom of 4x, while its counterpart offers a zoom ratio of 3:1. In this case, we can’t tell which one would be better than the other because it solely depends on your requirement in your field of work.
Durability
Both the riflescopes come with lightweight construction, which makes them more manageable and comfortable.
Hence, it’s quite difficult to tell as to which one would be more durable than the other. Although both of them are fog-proof and waterproof, you should still be a little cautious when handling the scopes because you wouldn’t want to break them.
Price
In terms of costs, Leupload VX-3i clearly has the upper hand over its counterpart because it comes at a reasonable price.
The difference in the price range of the two riflescopes can vary by 200-500 dollars, making a huge difference for some consumers. Hence, you should consider this if you want something within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary for rifle scopes to be waterproof?
Although the waterproof facility is not mandatory, it is still quite needed in the riflescope department. That is because you may have to use this item under conditions that may result in the splashing of water on it, and you wouldn’t want that to cause significant damage.
Do both the scopes contain a front focal plane?
Not really. Only the Leupold VX-3i contains a front focal plane, which is seen as an advantage. That is because FFP comes with certain benefits that SFP does not, which is why a lot of people would prefer the former over the latter.
Which is better, Vortex Viper HS or Leupold VX-3i?
To give an opinion regarding which riflescope would be better than the other is quite difficult. That is because both of them contain features that make them amazing in their own ways and also set them apart.
Hence, you should get familiar with their features and then decide for yourself as to which one would be better.
Which one should I go for if I am on a budget?
If you are on a budget and are looking for a riflescope that will be available at a more reasonable price, then you should go for Leupold VX-3i. You will find it within 800 dollars, which is much lower than the cost of its counterpart.
Which one is suitable for all weather conditions?
Both the riflescopes have been built to give their best performance no matter what the weather condition is. They have been designed to be fog-proof and waterproof, so you will be able to operate them properly no matter how cold or rainy it gets. But for more confidence, you can go for Leupold VX-3i.
Conclusion
While making a decision to purchase, just knowing the details is not enough — you will need to put ample thought into which one would be more suitable according to your requirements.
Hopefully, our Vortex Viper HS vs Leupold VX-3i comparison has made the task a little less puzzling, as you are now aware of what sets them apart.
So take your time, and make the right choice!
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Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API