Vortex Venom: Riflescope Line Adds 1-6x24 SFP, 3-15x44 FFP

As a writer, I am often the fortunate recipient of invitations to prelaunch product events. One of my favorites is run by the team at Vortex. So on a brisk December day, I made my way to Wisconsin to get a look at what was new on the plate for the folks at Vortex. My fellow writers and I grabbed a seat and the presentation began. While there were multiple items they shared, one specific optic stood out. The release date has now arrived, and I am now able to share with you the Vortex Venom 1-6×24 LPVO riflescope.

Vortex Venom Riflescopes

For those of you familiar with the Vortex lineup, the Venom family of scopes will fit below the current Strike Eagle lineup. The Venom 1-6×24 second focal plane delivers speed, reliability, and downrange accuracy in a hardworking LPVO built for entry-level carbine users. The scope combines true 1-6x magnification and an AR-BDC3 reticle for accurate short- to mid-range target engagements. Vortex has included an illuminated reticle that delivers fast and accurate close- to mid-range target engagements. Vortex also included a throw lever with the scope. The throw lever can be installed for quick and easy magnification adjustments.

The quality of the new Venom is what we expect for Vortex. The optic has the XD Optical system, fully multi-coated lenses, is fogproof, shockproof, waterproof, and has been nitrogen gas purged. As a final touch, Vortex includes flip caps, a 2mm custom tool, a CR2032 battery, and a lens cloth. All of this for a price point of less than $450.

While it is interesting to listen to engineers and staff talk about new products, I always like to get my hands on them. For the event, Vortex utilized its Edge Training Facility. The Vortex Edge Training Facility is one of the nicest training centers I have ever been in. It offers a huge variety of classes, and the staff is solid. We would also grab our jackets and hit the outdoor range, which is where I put the new Venom through its paces. The range was set up with steel at 50 to over 1,000 yards and everything in between.

Rounds Downrange Through the Venom 1-6×24 SFP

My first impressions of the optic were very positive. The glass is very clear with no distortion on the edges. Mechanically, the knobs were firm but not ridiculous. They provided good tactical feedback and were easy to run with gloves. The throw lever on the Venom 1-6 made jumping between magnifications a breeze. My partner and I began running back and forth between the 50-yard steel and the 300-yard targets. The AR-BDC3 reticle made easy work for us and the brass continued to fly.

The team at Vortex had zeroed the optic prior to our arrival but my curiosity was eating at me. I am a fanatic about the turrets on any optic being consistent and reliable. With that in mind, I fired five shots from the bench 100 yards and got a good grey group on steel. Then I cranked the freshly zeroed Venom down ten and shot another five-round string. The results were the same, a good, grey group. I then returned the optic to zero and fired yet another five-round group. These rounds impacted directly on top of the original five, which made me smile. It was both a fortunate and unfortunate moment when the Vortex team let us know it was time to get back to the shuttle. While it was standard December Wisconsin cold, I was thoroughly enjoying myself.

Final Shots

The optic world has exploded over the last several years with some good and not-so-good entries into the market. I have always been a fan of staying with the ones you know and trust. Optics are not an inexpensive item and rare is the day we can spend that kind of money and hope the optic is good. I have always been impressed with Vortex and its no-BS warranty speaks volumes to the company’s dedication to both its customers and quality. If you are looking for a new LPVO that is significantly more than the price would suggest, you need to look at the new Vortex Venom 1-6-24 SFP LPVO.

Vortex Venom Specs

Magnification: 1-6×24 SFP
Focal Plane: SFP
Reticle: AR-BDC3
Illumination: Red
Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
Linear Field of View at 100 yards: 126 feet – 20.2 feet
Max Travel Elevation: 140 MOA / Windage: 140 MOA
Tube Size: 30mm
Overall Length: 10.3 inches
Overall Weight: 19.5 ounces
MSRP $449

More Venom: 3-15×44 FFP

While the 1-6 comprises a do-it-all piece of glass, the 3-15×44 FFP brings a workhorse for engaging targets at greater distances. The 3-15x comes in MOA or MRAD with an EBR-7C reticle. The first focal plane optic maintains accuracy at all reticle subtensions.

The scope also comes with the REVSTOP Zero System. Built on a 34mm aluminum tube, this Venom includes capped windage and exposed elevation turrets. A throw-lever helps shooters dial in their magnification quickly and on the fly. Retail is $649.99.