Long-range shooting is a thrilling challenge for any hunter or marksman. The experience is more enjoyable when you have a powerful scope that can quickly and easily zoom in on your distant targets.
You have a lot of options, but today we’re here to discuss one riflescope with our Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 review.
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Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44 Riflescope
Pros
Cons
Vortex Viper HS 4-16X44 Specs:
Eye Relief: 4 inches
Adjustment Options:
Parallax - 50 yards to infinity
Maximum Windage Adjustment - 50 MOA
Maximum Elevation Adjustment - 50 MOA
Type of Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC MOA Reticle
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 4x to 16x
Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Objective Lens: 44 mm
Field of View: linear, 7.4 to 27.4 feet at 100 yards
Pros
Vortex’s Viper HS 4-16X44 riflescope is a well-rated, popular piece for several reasons, including the sleek, professional appearance. Though there is a lot to praise about this riflescope, the top five features put this scope over the top.
Durable Design
The Viper HS is strong, sturdy, and resilient with a single-piece design. Since you don’t have to worry about detachable parts, losing crucial pieces is no concern. Plus, Vortex opted for an airplane-grade aluminum coated with ArmorTek to guard against scratches and stains.
Optics System
A clear image goes a long way when you shoot for accuracy, and the Viper HS features an impressive, advanced lens system to accomplish that. Vortex chose extra-low dispersion (XD) lenses for better resolution and color.
The company also applies a proprietary coating to increase light transmission and prevent unwanted reflections from the sun. Additionally, Vortex includes a four-inch sunshade with the Viper HS 4-16x44 riflescope.
Easy to Use
From installation to adjustments, this riflescope is extremely easy to operate. Even novices can look and feel like a professional because it’s intuitive and functional. You can even adjust the focus on the left side of the tube without breaking contact.
Weatherproof
Another benefit of the single tube design is weatherproofing the scope. Vortex employed o-rings to create airtight seals around the eyepiece and front lens to keep water out. Additionally, they use an argon gas purging to make the scope fog proof, and the black anodized finish essentially eliminates glare.
Low Maintenance
The Viper HS is easy to store because it’s one piece with a slender design. It’s also easy to keep clean with a quick wipe down, and thanks to the special coating, you don’t have to bother with scratches, either. This riflescope happens to come with a protective lens cap and a special lens cloth.
Tip: Avoid storing your riflescope in direct sunlight or extreme heat for long periods.
Cons
To be fair; it was extremely difficult to find any faults with this scope. We combed through pages of reviews, scrolled through some forum discussions, and tried it out ourselves. Finding complaints about this riflescope turned out to be challenging.
Thin Reticle
The reticle is a little on the thin side, which can impact its effectiveness in lower light conditions. Again, we didn’t notice an issue, but some users who reported problems with their eyesight cited some difficulty in low light.
Slightly Heavy
This con is admittedly a stretch, but we did find a few comments about the weight of the Viper HS 4-16X44. At 18.4 ounces, this riflescope is a little on the heavy side, and some users commented that it detracted from their experience. However, we didn’t feel it inhibited our experience, and it seems that most users agree.
Best Uses For the Vortex Viper HS 4-16X44
Different scopes function better in certain situations, and the VIper HS 4-16x44 is no different. If you’re wondering about the best uses for this riflescope, the short answer is long-range shooting. We know, that’s not enough information, you probably prefer a more detailed explanation, so let's take a look at some of it's best features.
Hunting
Long-range hunting is exciting and far more enjoyable when you have a good scope with adjustable magnification to accommodate longer distances. A long-range scope gives you more room to track prey. This Viper HS 4-16X44 captures targets fast and holds up to the elements to accommodate nearly any situation.
Competition
Marksmen will appreciate the impressive accuracy and ease of use for target shooting. It’s durable and easy to maintain without compromising on power or clarity of field, which makes this scope an excellent choice for target shooting.
Is the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 Hard to Use?
Aside from our personal feelings about how easy it is to use this riflescope, we found dozens of comments saying the same thing. One of the major selling points for the Viper HS 4 16X44 is its ease of use, namely in the adjustment systems.
Even maintenance is easy for the Vortex Viper HS. You get a lens cloth to use on the lens and eyepiece. Gently blow away dust or grit and wipe the lens clean. If you get dried water spots or mud on the lens, you can use a little water or pure alcohol to remove it.
Is the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 Compatible With Any Rifle?
It appears that the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 riflescope is compatible with any rifle. We searched for any evidence of incompatibility but found nothing to suggest that you can’t use the Viper HS with any rifle. Before making the purchase, you may want to check with your manufacturer or a rifle expert.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44?
Mounting a Viper HS 4 16x44 on your rifle is fast and easy. Simply mount a base and rings according to manufacturer instructions. The Viper HS requires 30mm rings. To customize your experience, you can re-center the reticle with the windage and elevation dials.
How to Align Eye Relief and the Reticle
Before you tighten the ring screws, you may want to align eye relief and the reticle. It only takes a few moments, but it can save you a lot of frustration.
- Set the magnification range to the middle setting.
- Slide your riflescope all the way forward in the rings.
- In your normal shooting position, look into the riflescope and slowly slide it back toward your face until the full view is visible and stop.
- Without shifting the scope forward or backward, rotate the riflescope until the vertical crosshairs and vertical access of the rifle match exactly.
- Tighten the ring screws to secure these settings.
What Makes the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 Stand Out From the Competition?
The Viper HS is one of the more durable models on the market, but it really stands out because of the advanced lens system and powerful magnification. By using extra-low dispersion glass, Vortex managed to increase resolution and color fidelity to give you sharp, clear images. Additionally, the proprietary lens coatings create an anti-reflective effect.
It’s fast and easy to make adjustments for a custom experience thanks to the MAG-view fiber optics and the fast-focus eyepiece. Even the internal design mechanisms work together to create an outstanding shooter experience.
Conclusion
Long-range shooters will appreciate the exceptional performance and durability of the Vortex Viper HS 4 16x44. With awesome magnification power and accuracy, this riflescope delivers crystal clear images and finds targets quickly, making it worth every penny.
People Also Ask
We realize that you may still have questions about the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 riflescope. There’s a lot to learn about the scope before you can make a decision. Let’s look at some of the common questions we stumbled across during our research.
What Kind of Warranty Does the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 Come With?
Vortex offers the Vortex VIP warranty on this scope. The company will repair or replace any damaged or defective scope, regardless of the way it happened. You don’t have to fill out a warranty card or keep the receipt. It is an unlimited lifetime warranty that’s fully transferable.
How Much Does the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 Weigh?
The Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 scope weighs 18.4 ounces. It’s 13.7 inches long, 4.25 inches wide, and 2.03 inches high.
Can You Use Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44 in Low Light?
Most people will have no issue using the Viper HS in low light. However, some people with vision problems may struggle due to the thinness of the reticle.
How Long Does the Battery Last on the Vortex Viper HS 4 16X44?
There is no battery on the Vortex Viper HS because there is no illumination on this riflescope.
