Elite 4200 6-20x 40mm Versus Vortex Viper 6-20x 50mm

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woodguru

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Comparing the two sizes everything is similar except the bell size, the Viper is about $440 at guidegear, the Elite is $499. I've had many Elites in 6-24x and 8-32x and think they are a great scope, never a Vortex except an ED glass 20-60x spotting scope that is fantastic. Both of these scopes claim a 95% light gathering performance, this will be used at night.

I'm leaning toward trying the Viper, it's for an R-15 .204 so I don't mind a higher mount needed for the 50mm Viper.

One feature that caught my eye is the zero return function, I was wondering if Viper owners find that useful or not.

I'm starting to get that Christmas feel about this thing.
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Had the viper and it was just okay, anything past 10 or 12 power started to get fuzzy around the edges and eye relief changed. I think they are overrated.
Never owned a 4200.
 
Originally Posted By: bumpHad the viper and it was just okay, anything past 10 or 12 power started to get fuzzy around the edges and eye relief changed. I think they are overrated.
Never owned a 4200.

I've have the 4200's in 6-24x and 8-32x and they are clear and bright out to their highest ranges. Surprising to hear that about the Viper, I might have expected that on their lower end models.

Thanks for the input.
 
Originally Posted By: bumpHad the viper and it was just okay, anything past 10 or 12 power started to get fuzzy around the edges and eye relief changed. I think they are overrated.
Never owned a 4200.

+1
 
I have two 4200 8-32x and can't believe how bright and clear they are on their highest power... better than my vortex on 24 power.... which ticks me off, because i have more money in the vortex than in the bushnells. Steel target shot splashes were more vivid at 600-900 yds with the bushnell than the vortex.... and I have two of these high dollar vortexs, and my buddy has three...Viper HS LR 6-24x50 FFP XLR (MOA) Reticle and the bushnell is still sharper at those distancess. if the bushnells had click adjust turrets for range changing shots, then i'd never change from the 4200.
 
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The standard Viper is not a good scope. Vortex riflescope quality begins at the Viper PST and higher. None of the rest are worth owning.
 
Originally Posted By: pahntr760The standard Viper is not a good scope. Vortex riflescope quality begins at the Viper PST and higher. None of the rest are worth owning.

That's exactly why I was asking, different scope models and sizes can be entirely different. One size/model difference might be made entirely differently.

One thing I've noticed is that the price jumps from a 6-20x to a 6-24x, makes me think there is something being done differently enough to warrant a couple of hundred difference. They may not be the same scope at all.
 
After owning/trying 3 Vipers including a PST recently I'll never own another. The glass is terrible on the higher magnifications.
 
Don't own and never have owned the high magnification scopes being discussed. Around five or six years ago though I bought an Elite 4200(3-9) and two Vipers(3-9 and 2-7). Didn't keep the Vipers long. Still have the Bushnell on a .270.
 
My dad used to have a 4200 and a 6500. I recall them having very good glass for the money.

I don't know what to think about Vortex stuff anymore. The Vortex stuff I have, once had, or I've spent time behind, seems to be all over the map and their stuff has turned into a luck of the draw, maybe you get a good one, maybe you don't. I'm starting to think their best attribute is their warranty.
 
Originally Posted By: dan brothersI have two 4200 8-32x and can't believe how bright and clear they are on their highest power... better than my vortex on 24 power.... which ticks me off, because i have more money in the vortex than in the bushnells. Steel target shot splashes were more vivid at 600-900 yds with the bushnell than the vortex.... and I have two of these high dollar vortexs, and my buddy has three...Viper HS LR 6-24x50 FFP XLR (MOA) Reticle and the bushnell is still sharper at those distancess. if the bushnells had click adjust turrets for range changing shots, then i'd never change from the 4200.

Thanks for that input...

I'm thinking the Elite 6500 30mm tactical line gets you there with the range changing, I could be wrong. I'm looking at the 4.5-30x. I saw where one of the tactical models is made in the Nightforce plant. The 4.5-30x may be made different than the 6-24x as there is a price jump.
 
I saw on another thread where someone suggested the Athion, looking at those in the higher Midas grade there is a 4.5-27 with three types of mil dot type ranging reticles (and lighted), it looks like a heck of a scope, and has a full on no questions asked warranty that includes damages of your fault.

I think I'm going to try the 27x one. It's about $300 less than an Elite 6500 5-30x
 
I own a Viper HS 4x16x44, a Viper 6.5x20x44 and a viper 3x9x40 and they're "just OK" scopes. I've also owned a couple of Elite 4200's in 3x9x40 and IMO the 4200's had better glass. I'll probably hang on to the Vortex products I currently own, but I can't see purchasing any more since comparable Leo, Burris, Redfield seem to have better glass...at least to my eyes.
 
Vortex has great customer service, that said, I will never buy another scope in their Viper line. The glass is horrible. I have one of their Viper HS-T scopes and I get a clear, crisper image when I look through my shower door. I have compared my Viper to several different brands of scopes and to me the clarity of the Vortex Viper is lacking especially at higher magnification. I understand the Vortex Razor line has some nice glass but that costs a bunch more.
 


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