While some guns deserve iron sights: the majority of rifles, shotguns (and even a number of handguns) benefit from the use of optics. There is a red dot or scope for every application. With every base covered, how do manufacturers keep pushing the market forward? Well, usually by making their optics lighter, tougher, more power-efficient or more versatile. Enter the Vortex Venom.
Before we get too deep in the conversation, let’s cover the tech specs as provided by Vortex.
- Magnification: 1x
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 130 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parralax Free
- Length: 1.9″
- Weight 1.1 oz
- 10 Brightness Settings
- 14 Hour Auto-Shutoff
- Up To 30,000 Hour Battery Life On Lowest Setting
Equally at home on a rifle, subgun, shotgun or handgun, the Venom fits the bill for versatility. I’ve used it on my ultra-light AR build, a Zenith Z-5P (HK Mp5-K clone) and in an upcoming article covering Battle Werx‘ Glock slide mods. Weighing in at 1.1 oz (the QR riser mount is 2.7 oz), this RDS (red dot sight) adds so little weight, it’s just about virtually unnoticeable.
The aluminum body houses the top-load and o-ring sealed battery compartment. This allows for easy battery replacement without breaking your zero. The glass has multiple anti-glare coatings and provides a larger-than-expected window through which to acquire your target. Despite mounting the Venom on multiple platforms and zeroing it on each, this little dot has tracked well and held zero despite the abuse I’ve thrown at it. You can’t ask more from an optic that weighs about as much as three rounds of .223.
Shooting with the Venom thus far has been a pain-free experience. Mounting was easy, the controls are simple and the whole package feels well-built. The 10 brightness levels provide enough juice so the dot is visible even in bright sunlight, ensuring the dot is, and remains, easy for the eye to pick up. Shooting with the Venom is as fast as it ought to be and it performs as reliably as you would hope.
While I still have big plans to use the Vortex Venom in upcoming articles, I’ve had enough time with it (on enough platforms) to say that this RDS holds up its end of the bargain: providing a fast shooting optic in a durable, light-weight package. While the MSRP is $329.99, street price is commonly 2/3 that amount.
Check it out!
