The Vortex® Viper® Riflescopes

®
Viper riflescopes are rugged performers built for strength and
durability with a single-piece tube of aircraft-grade aluminum.
Premium, fully multi-coated optics deliver the detail and
color differentiation needed for hunting in any environment.
Engineered and designed to perform where comparable
scopes fall short, the Viper delivers. No questions asked.

Fast Focus Eyepiece

MAG-Bar Elevation
Turret

Side Focus Dial

(Select Models)

Reticle Focus

Magnification
Adjustment Ring

Windage Turret

Objective
Lens

Dual Use: Shooting Tactical / Hunting — Please read entire manual before using your new optic.
US Patent 7,937,879

2 3
Reticle Options Riflescope Adjustments
The Focal Plane Reticle Focus
All riflescope reticles can be termed either first focal plane Your Viper riflescope uses a fast focus eyepiece designed to quickly
(FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) according to the internal and easily adjust the focus on the riflescope’s reticle.
location of the reticle within the scope. This model features a
To adjust the reticle focus:
second focal plane reticle design.
1. Look through the scope at a
Second Focal Plane Reticles blank white wall or up at the sky.
Second focal plane reticles are located near the eyepiece
behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses. This style 2. Turn the eyepiece focus knob in
of reticle does not visually change in size when you change or out until the reticle image is as
the magnification. The advantage of an SFP reticle is that it crisp as possible.
always maintains the same ideal visual appearance. TIP: Try to make this particular
adjustment quickly as your eye will
try to compensate for an out-of- Adjust the reticle focus
focus reticle.
Once this adjustment is complete, it will not be necessary to re-
focus every time you use the crossbow scope. However, because
your eyesight may change over time, you should re-check this
adjustment periodically.

Warning
Looking directly at the sun through a crossbow scope, or any
optical instrument, can cause severe and permanent damage to
your eyesight.

4 5
Windage and Elevation Adjustments Using the Side Focus
Your Viper riflescope features adjustable elevation and windage Parallax is a phenomenon that results when the target image
turret dials with audible clicks. Each audible click moves the does not quite fall on the same optical plane as the reticle within
bullet’s point-of-impact 1/4 of a minute of angle (MOA). 1/4 the scope. When the shooter’s eye is not precisely centered in
MOA closely corresponds to 1/16 inch at 25 yards, 1/8 inch at the eyepiece, there can be apparent movement of the target in
50 yards, 1/4 inch at 100 yards, and 1/2 inch at 200 yards. relation to the reticle, which can cause a small shift in the point
of aim. Parallax error is most problematic for precision shooters
Example
using high magnification.
It will take four (4) clicks to move the bullet’s point-of-impact
approximately one inch at 100 yards. Select Viper riflescopes (PA models) feature a side focus dial to
adjust for maximum image sharpness and eliminate parallax error.
To make turret adjustments: Elevation Turret Dial Models without the side focus adjustment and are factory-focused
1. Remove the outer turret covers. at a distance of 100 yards.

2. Turn the turret in the appropriate Setting the side focus:

direction: up/down or left/right as 1. Be sure the reticle is correctly
indicated by the arrows. focused (see Reticle Focus on page
3. Following the directional arrows, 5).
turn the dials in the direction you wish 2. Turn the side focus adjustment
the bullet’s point-of-impact to go to. dial until the target image is as sharp
TIP: After sight-in, you can re-align the Windage Turret Dial as possible. The yardage numbers
zero marks on the turret dials with the referenced on the dial should closely
reference dots if you wish (see Indexing Adjustment Dials with match the actual yardage to the Adjust the side focus dial
Zero Reset on page 12). Replace the outer covers when done. target.
3. Check for parallax error by moving your head back and forth
while looking through the scope. The focus is correct if there is
Variable Power Adjustments no apparent shift of the reticle on the target. If you notice any
shift, adjust the focus knob slightly until all shift is eliminated.
Rotate the indicator bar to the
desired magnification.

Magnification Magnification
Indicator Bar
Scale

6 7
Riflescope Mounting Eye Relief and Reticle Alignment
To get the best performance from your Viper riflescope, proper After installing the bottom ring halves on the mounting base,
mounting is essential. Although not difficult, the correct steps
place the riflescope on the bottom ring halves and loosely
must be followed. If you are unsure of your abilities, it would be
best to use the services of a qualified gunsmith. install the upper ring halves. Before tightening the scope ring
screws, adjust for maximum eye relief to avoid injury from
recoil:
1. Set the riflescope to the middle of its magnification range.
2. Slide the riflescope as far forward as possible in the rings.
3. While viewing through the riflescope in a normal shooting
position, slowly slide the riflescope back towards your face.
Pay attention to the field of view. Stop sliding the riflescope
back as soon as you see the full field of view.
4. Without disturbing the front-back placement, rotate the
Rings and Bases
riflescope until the vertical crosshair exactly matches the
Viper riflescopes are available with either a 30 mm or 1-inch tube
vertical axis of the rifle. Use of a reticle leveling tool, a weight
so select the ring size that matches the tube diameter of your
hung on a rope, flat feeler gauges, or a bubble level will help
riflescope. Be sure to select a base and matching rings appropriate
for your rifle and mount according to the manufacturer’s with this procedure.
instructions. Note: After aligning the reticle, tighten and torque the ring
Note: Vortex Optics recommends not exceeding 18 in/lbs (inch/ screws down. Vortex Optics recommends a torque setting of 15-
pounds) of torque on the ring screws. 18 in/lbs on the ring screws.
TIP: Select the lowest ring height that will provide complete
clearance between the riflescope and rifle in order to avoid contact Using bubble levels to square
with barrel, receiver, bolt handle or any other part of the rifle. A the riflescope to the base.
low mounting height will help assure proper cheek weld, aid in
establishing a solid shooting position, and promote fast target
acquisition.

8 9
Bore Sighting Final Range Sight-In
Initial bore sighting of the rifle and scope will save you money After you have bore sighted your rifle and scope, you should go
and time at the range. This initial sighting can be done in a to the range and do a final sight-in using the exact ammunition
number of ways. You may want to use a mechanical or laser you expect to use while shooting. Sight in and zero your
bore sighter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On riflescope at the preferred distance. 100 yards is the most
some rifles, bore sighting can be done visually by removing the common zero distance, although a 200-yard zero may be
bolt and sighting through the barrel. preferred for long range applications.
To visually bore sight a rifle: 1. Be sure the reticle is in focus (see Reticle Focus on page
5) and set the side focus adjustment (if present) to match the
1. Place the rifle solidly on a rest and remove the bolt.
distance being used for sight-in.
2. Sight through the bore at a target approximately 100 yards
2. Following all safe shooting practices, fire a three-shot group
away.
as precisely as possible.
3. Move the rifle and rest until the target is visually centered
3. If the shot group is not centered on the bullseye, adjust
inside the barrel.
the point-of-aim using the windage and elevation turrets (see
4. With the target centered in the bore, make windage and Windage and Elevation Adjustment on page 6).
elevation adjustments until the reticle crosshair is also
centered over the target. TIP: If the rifle is very solidly mounted and cannot be moved,
simply look through the scope and adjust the reticle until it is
centered on the fired group.
4. Carefully fire another three-shot group and see if the bullet
group is centered on the bullseye. If the bullet group is not
centered, repeat Step 3.
This procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary to
achieve a perfect zero.

Visually bore-sighting a rifle.

10 11
Indexing Adjustment Dials with Zero Reset Maintenance
Viper riflescopes feature windage and elevation dials that allow
Cleaning
you to re-index the zero indicator after sight-in without disturbing
your settings. Though not a required process, resetting the The fully waterproof and fogproof Viper riflescope requires very
windage and elevation dials allows you to quickly return to your little routine maintenance other than periodically cleaning the
original zero if temporary corrections are dialed in the field. exterior lenses. The exterior of the scope may be cleaned by
wiping with a soft, dry cloth.
Reset the windage and elevation dials in this way:
When cleaning the lenses, be sure to use products that are
1. Remove the outer cap. specifically designed for use on coated optical lenses such as
2. Pull the adjustment dial outward against the spring tension the Vortex Fog Free cleaning products or LensPen.
until it stops.
• Be sure to blow away any dust or grit on the lenses prior
3. With the dial pulled fully outwards, rotate the dial to align the to wiping the surfaces.
“0” with the etched indicator line on the scope.
• Use your breath, or a very small amount of water, to
4. Release the dial, allowing it to return to the normal inward
remove dried water spots. Isopropyl alcohol can help remove
position.
marks like fingerprints.
5. Replace the turret cap.
Lubrication
All components of the Viper riflescope are permanently
lubricated, so no additional lubricant should be applied.
Align the “0” with the Note: Other than removing the turret caps, do not attempt to
indicator line. disassemble any components of the scope. Disassembling the
scope may void the warranty.
Storage
If possible, avoid storing your scope in direct sunlight or any
very hot location for long periods of time.

12 13
Troubleshooting The VIP Warranty
Sighting-in Problems We build optics based on our commitment to your absolute
Many times, problems thought to be with the scope are actually satisfaction. That’s why Vortex products are unconditionally
mount problems. Be sure that the correct base and rings are being guaranteed and we make this Very Important Promise to you—a
used and are in the correct orientation. Be sure that the base screws Very Important Person.
and rings are tight. An insufficient windage or elevation adjustment Rest assured that in the event your Viper becomes damaged or
range may indicate problems with the rings, base, base alignment, defective, Vortex Optics will repair or replace the riflescope at no
base mount holes drilled in the rifle’s receiver, or barrel/receiver charge to you. If we cannot repair your riflescope, we will replace
alignment. it with a riflescope in perfect working order and in equal or better
Check for Correct Base and Ring Alignment physical condition. Call Vortex Optics at 800-426-0048 for
prompt, professional, and friendly service.
1. Roughly center the reticle by adjusting both windage and
elevation turrets to the mid point of their travel ranges.
Vortex Optics
2. Attach the bore sighter, or remove bolt and visually bore sight 2120 West Greenview Drive
the rifle. Middleton, WI 53562
3. Look through the scope. If the reticle appears way off center on [email protected]
the boresighter image or when compared to the visually centered
target when looking through rifle’s bore, there may be a problem
with the bases or rings being used. Confirm that correct base and Visit www.vortexoptics.com for more information. Canadian
rings are being used—and in the proper orientation. customers may visit www.vortexcanada.net for customer service
Tips for Solving Bullet Grouping Problems information.

• Maintain a good shooting technique and use a solid rest. Note: The VIP Warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate
damage or cosmetic damage that does not hinder the
• Check that all screws on rifle’s action are properly tightened. performance of the product.

• Be sure rifle barrel and action are clean and free of excessive oil
or copper fouling.

• Check that rings are correctly torqued per the manufacturer’s

instructions.

• Some rifles and ammunition don’t work well together—try

different ammunition and see if accuracy improves.

14 15
# RFL-VPR-15
© Vortex Optics USA