Shotguns—you either love them, tolerate them or would rather bump your shins into trailer hitches than spend any time shooting them. Okay, maybe that is extreme, but you get my point. Shotguns serve several purposes, including hunting, self-defense and competition, so why not make them a little more enjoyable to shoot?
One of the biggest drawbacks to shotguns is their sights—or, in many cases, the lack thereof. While most people just point their shotgun in the general direction of the target and hope for the best, you stand a much better chance of hitting something if you actually aim. The first thing you need to do is determine what you are going to be shooting, the load and the type of ammunition. Now, if only there were something that made the whole process a lot more fun and easy.
Enter the new Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot, a groundbreaking optic designed to enhance shotgun performance, particularly for competitive shooters and hunters. Its innovative features address common challenges associated with mounting red-dot optics on shotguns, offering a seamless and enhanced shooting experience.
INTEGRATED UNIVERSAL MOUNTING SYSTEM
One of the standout features of the Vortex Viper is its integrated universal mounting system. Traditionally, attaching a red dot to a shotgun required additional plates or rails, often resulting in a cumbersome setup that altered the shooter’s natural cheek weld. The Viper eliminates this issue with a mount that attaches directly to drilled and tapped shotgun receivers, positioning the optic low on the receiver. This design ensures a more natural shooting posture and maintains consistent eye alignment. The mounting system is compatible with a wide range of popular shotgun models, including those from Remington, Mossberg, Beretta and Benelli, making it a versatile choice for many shooters. You can check the Vortex website for the full list of compatible shotguns.
I dug out my Beretta 1301 Competition shotgun to mount the Viper. A quick scan of the provided QR code showed which screws I needed to mount the optic to this specific shotgun. A few minutes later, the Viper was atop the Beretta, and I was checking out the multiple reticle options available, offering a wide range of sighting systems tailored to different shooting styles.
ENCLOSED ALUMINUM HOUSING
Durability is paramount in any shooting accessory, and the Viper excels in this regard with its rugged 6061 aluminum enclosed housing. This construction protects the optic from debris, moisture and impact, ensuring reliable performance in various environmental conditions. The enclosed design prevents elements like mud, rain and dust from obstructing the shooter’s view—an essential feature for those engaging in dynamic shooting scenarios or hunting in tough terrain. Competition shotguns endure significant abuse, and the Viper is built to withstand the harshest match conditions.
OPTICAL PERFORMANCE AND RETICLE OPTIONS
The Vortex Viper offers exceptional optical clarity, featuring fully multi-coated lenses that provide a wide, unobstructed field of view. This clarity is crucial for rapid target acquisition, allowing shooters to quickly identify and engage targets. The optic is available in two configurations: a single three-MOA dot reticle and a multi-reticle system. The multi-reticle version includes seven distinct options, such as a three-MOA dot, 32-MOA circle and 65-MOA circle, enabling shooters to select the reticle that best suits their needs. This versatility makes the Viper adaptable to various shooting disciplines, from precision slug shooting to fast-paced wing shooting or running a competition course with multiple target types.
USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES
- Large Viewing Window. For fast target acquisition and a large field of view.
- Aspherical Lens. For distortion-free sight picture and truer colors.
- Motion Activation with 10-Minute Auto-Shutoff. Automatically activates with motion while auto-shutoff saves battery life.
- Top Buttons. For quick adjustments.
- Parallax Free. All red-dot and holographic sights exhibit a small amount of parallax, but this is negligible in real-world performance.
- Unlimited Eye Relief. Non-critical eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
- Side Load Battery. Easy battery changes without having to re-zero your optic.
- Waterproof, Fogproof and Shockproof. Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, and the highest levels of recoil and impact.
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
Field testing of the Viper has demonstrated its resilience and reliability. In rigorous evaluations involving high-recoil shotgun loads, the optic maintained its zero and the mounting system remained secure.
Shooters have praised the Viper for its ability to withstand the punishing recoil of heavy turkey loads, with no shift in the point of aim even after extensive firing sessions. The optic’s low-profile design also minimizes snagging and maintains the shotgun’s balance, which is essential for both hunting and competitive shooting scenarios.
VERSATILITY BEYOND SHOTGUNS
While the Viper is designed specifically for shotguns, its versatility extends to other firearms. Its low-profile and durable construction make it an excellent choice for carbines and lever-action rifles. The optic’s design facilitates quick target acquisition and maintains a natural shooting stance across various platforms, making it a valuable addition to any shooter’s arsenal.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot sets a new standard for shotgun optics, combining durability, versatility, and user-friendly features in a compact package. Its innovative mounting system and enclosed design address longstanding challenges faced by shotgun enthusiasts, providing a reliable and efficient solution for both hunters and competitive shooters. With its exceptional performance and thoughtful engineering, the Viper is poised to become an indispensable tool for those looking to enhance their shooting experience.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Mounting Footprint: For drilled and tapped shotgun receivers.
- Dot Size: Three-MOA
- Dot Color: Bright red
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Runtime: 50,000 hours
- Magnification: 1X
- Reticle: Three-MOA dot
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Graduation: One MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Parallax Free
- Length: 86 inches
- Weight: 14 ounces
Check out the new Viper and the full range of optics available from Vortex at vortexoptics.com.
Article from the March/April 2025 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
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