Vortex Venom Review [6 MOA]

In this Vortex Venom review guide, let's check out its specs and see if its worth the money to buy this optic for handguns or for offset backup.

Let's check it out

Overall Impression

The Vortex Venom is a great entry level optic for the price before you jump into something more expensive. 

The window size is very slim, and the lens hood almost felt invisible when aiming with both eyes open. With the right grip and good handgun draw presentation, this red dot sight is fast to acquire.

The optic footprint is Docter/Noblex.

It will not fit on popular RMSc, RMS, RMRcc or RMR plates.

Pros:

• Offers 6 MOA size for shooters with astigmatism
• Very slim lens frame for reduced view obstruction
• Top battery loading access 
• Ships with a M1913 picatinny rail mount for long guns

Cons:

Core Specs

• Magnification - 1X
• Reticle - 6 MOA or 3 MOA
• Adjustment - 1 MOA / Click
• Footprint - Docter/Noblex mounting standard
• Brightness settings - 10 DL&2 NV (Features Lockout Mode)
• Lens Coating - ArmorTek
• Construction - 6061 T6 housing + Anodized
• Submersion - IP67
• Body Dimension -1.6" X 0.98" X 0.95"
• Window Size - 0.58" X 0.77"
• Weight - 1 oz
• Battery - CR1632
• Battery Life - Up to 3000 hours

Unboxing

You get:

• Vortex Venom red dot sight
• Manual
• Rubber lens cover
• 2 screw sets
• Cleaning cloth
• Red dot sight mount
• 1 CR2032 battery
• Allen key

Vortex Venom Review - First Impression

The Vortex venom red dot sight is small and lightweight! The lens hood is very thin and it definitely doesn't look like its designed for hard duty use. For the price this is what users can expect.

The Good

• The battery access door is located on the top for easy access, and sight removal isn't required for battery swap.
• Right out of the box, it looks and feel very solid and tight tolerance.

The Bad

• It's solid quality for range use, but NOT for hard duty use.

Core Features

Window Size

I know what you're already thinking!

• How big is the sight window?

• Can I find my dot easily?

• Is this sight going to making sight acquisition even harder than regular size pistol red dots?

The window size is similar to a Leupold DeltaPoint with enlarged width dimension : 0.58" X 0.77"

Very noticeable bluish lens tint. Not a big deal if using it outdoor with enough light

The Vortex Venom red dot lens hood is super slim, and when aiming with both eyes open while focused on the target plane, all you see is a bright dot without really noticing the lens frame around the dot.

Above is the best we can replicate with a camera what your eyes will see, but seeing it with your eyes make a big difference.

Shooters with good pistol draw presentations can pick up the dot fairly easily and shoot from one stage to another fast.

Venom's most noticeable feature is the reduced lens frame view obstruction.

Reticle

The Vortex Venom red dot sight offers 3 MOA dot or the 6 MOA dot.

The large 6 MOA is recommended for pistol use for competition, range use, plinking and even for defensive use.

The bigger the dot, the fast you can pick it up and much less starburst for shooters with astigmatism

If you're new to red dot sights, please check out our beginner red dot sight guide. Everything from A - Z covered

When I mounted this on the FN 509 LS Edge, I was blown away how fast the target acquisition is.

The pistol's grip angle matters a lot than most people realize.

Try a different size grip panel tonight and see the difference yourself!

It perfectly aligns the dot when you bring it up in front of your eyes, and consistent draw presentation even you're cross eye dominant help a lot.

If you still can't find the dot, please check out couple tips we've listed to help you find the dot on pistol easier.

Battery Life

It takes a CR1632 battery to power the sight, and it lasts about 3000 hours.

The user can change the battery from the top just like the Trijicon SRO. 

Most quality optics with a lot of thoughts put behind the design will feature things like this to optimize performance and user experience, and the Vortex Venom definitely has that.

Construction

Show Me Other Red Dots For Shotguns

The body of the Vortex Venom is a much more streamlined version of the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro minus the lens hood protection.

The body is made of 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum, and it's durable for normal use and can be used on shotguns.

As far as holding zero goes, the sight holds zero and has tight tolerance when mounting on guns.

Overall it's a good quality construction. 

On the bottom, there are mounting lug cutouts to secure the optic offered by various optic plates

Adjustment

1 MOA / Click is all you get with this red dot sight. 

It provides plenty of adjustment click range (130 MOA for elevation and 100 MOA for windage) for what it is designed for - CQB

The elevation and windage adjustment knobs are recessed to prevent accidental adjustment.

The turret directions reference the point of aim down range instead of reticle point of aim. If you want to know which way to dial the turret, we have a full guide on our website you can check out.

The only down side is that the click adjustment doesn't give noticeable feedback, so you really have to pay attention when you dial them.

Mounting Footprint

The footprint of the Vortex Venom shares compatibility with Docter/Noblex standard optics

Most optic ready pistols come with mounting plates for the Vortex Venom, and there are aftermarket mounts available to go on carbines, shotguns and PCCs.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a budget-friendly mini red dot with great customer service and warranty, Vortex has got you covered.

However, if you want an optic that you can trust with your life, the Vortex Venom is not the best choice. Nonetheless, Vortex is currently developing more durable options to inspire other manufacturers to enhance their products.