More Bite: Vortex Venom Series

Vortex Optics might be the biggest name in the very crowded optics space. Vortex has something for every niche, from riflescopes to rangefinders, binoculars, and more. They operate under the “Good, Better, Best” mantra when developing their optics lineup. With this idea guiding their product development, Vortex has something to offer for nearly everybody’s budget. With the release of the Venom 5-25X56 in 2021 Vortex had a long-range optic that nestled between the very popular Strike Eagle 5-25 and the entry-level Diamondback Tactical FFP.

Furthermore, Vortex updated the Strike Eagle line with an FFP 1-8 offering and a smaller, 3-18 version of its long-range scope. For the new year, Vortex eyed the Venom line to fill the ranks of missing options.

Mid-Range Madness: 3-15X44

While the 5-25 is a great optic, for certain applications its size and weight may be a disadvantage. The scope is long (15.25”) and heavy (35 oz.). On light-weight precision rifles, AR platforms or other mid-range builds, a smaller and less obtrusive optic would fit the bill. That’s where the Venom 3-15X44 comes into play. It measures 13.25” and bears a weight of 28.8oz. Its slimmer size compared to its larger brethren makes it perfect for more specialized roles. Throw in the price, the optic is already a winner. The street price is $449.99.

The rest of the feature set is the same as the 5-25. The maintube is 34mm giving the optic 124 minutes of elevation, a parallax that goes down to 10 yards, RevStop Zero System for quick and easy return-to-zero function, and the inclusion of a throw lever for fast magnification transitions. The reticle options are also the same, either the EBR-7C in MOA or MRAD (with the proper corresponding turret).

UP-AND-CLOSE: 1-6X24

Low Powered Variable Optics (LPVO) are all the rage. As optics quality has increased, the use of LPVO optics on AR-15s, compact bolt actions, and others, has skyrocketed. LPVOs have become a bit of Vortex’s specialty, with options in the Crossfire, Strike Eagle, Viper PST, and Razor line. However, there was one bracket that was missing—a bridge between the very basic Crossfire and the medium-priced Strike Eagle. That’s where the Venom 1-6X24 SFP comes into play.

For starters, the street price is $299.99. That’s an outstanding value. The optic measures at 10.3” and weighs in at 19.5 oz. It is a 30mm maintube and features 6 illumination settings on the left-side dial with off positions in between. The windage and elevation turrets are capped. The idea is to sight in and verify zero and then forget it. For shooting at varying distances, the optic is equipped with the AR-BDC3 reticle. This is a bullet-drop-compensating reticle (BDC) optimized for the 223/5.56mm cartridge. With this reticle, the user can be confident in ringing steel out to 650 yards.

Final Thought

I honestly don’t have any negatives on this. The 3-15 and 1-6 will be excellent options at their given price point. Some will argue that these optics will eat into the sales of the Strike Eagle or Diamondback Tactical line, but I argue more options are better. Vortex believes in their Good, Better, Best” thinking in providing an option for everybody. Their sales reflect that. The new Venom optics are available now.