Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black Review

My first impression of Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black entered my world promising a blend of clarity, toughness, and affordability. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless scopes come and go, each vying for a spot on my trusted rifles. Viridian, a name more commonly associated with laser sights, stepping into the scope market piqued my interest.

My need for a reliable, versatile scope stemmed from an upcoming hog hunt on a friend’s ranch. The terrain is varied, requiring shots at both close and extended ranges, pushing my existing optic to its limits. I craved a scope with adjustable parallax to truly dial in those longer shots. While higher-end scopes with premium glass exist, I wanted to see what Viridian could deliver at a budget-friendly price point.

Unboxing the Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The matte black finish exudes a tactical aesthetic. The turrets have a tactile click, which is reassuring, and the zoom ring operates smoothly.

Compared to my aging Bushnell Banner and a friend’s Leupold VX-Freedom, the Viridian falls somewhere in between in terms of initial perceived quality. The Bushnell feels noticeably cheaper, while the Leupold has a smoother finish and refined adjustments. I chose the Viridian primarily for its magnification range, adjustable objective (AO), and the promise of robust construction at its attractive price.

My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and intrigue. The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black has the potential to be a serious contender in the budget scope arena, but only real-world testing would reveal its true mettle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black was the local shooting range. I mounted it on my trusty AR-15 chambered in 6.5 Grendel. The weather was mild with a slight crosswind, providing a realistic testing environment.

Right off the bat, the adjustable objective (AO) proved invaluable for fine-tuning focus at different distances. The image clarity was surprisingly good for a scope in this price range, especially between 4x and 12x magnification. I did, however, notice a slight darkening and loss of clarity at the highest magnification of 16x.

There was a minor adjustment period getting used to the R6 reticle. I appreciated its clean design, but found the subtensions a bit thick for precise target acquisition at longer ranges. After about an hour, I was consistently hitting steel targets out to 300 yards.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black has proven to be a surprisingly reliable performer. I’ve taken it on multiple range trips and, most importantly, successfully used it during my hog hunt. It withstood the jostling in the back of my UTV and the occasional brush with branches without losing zero.

I intentionally exposed the scope to some light rain and humidity to test its fog-proof claims. To my satisfaction, it held up admirably, showing no signs of internal fogging. Cleaning the lenses is straightforward. A simple lens cloth kept the glass clear from dust and smudges.

Compared to my previous scope, the Viridian provides significantly better clarity and magnification range. While it doesn’t match the optical performance of higher-end scopes, it far exceeds my expectations for its price. The ruggedness and reliability have been a pleasant surprise.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black

Specifications

• Magnification: 4-16x. This versatile range allows for both close-quarters and longer-range engagements.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. The large objective lens gathers ample light, resulting in a bright image even in low-light conditions.
• Reticle: R6. The Viridian’s R6 reticle is a duplex-style reticle with stadia lines on the lower vertical post for holdover.
• Adjustable Objective (AO): Yes. The adjustable objective allows for parallax correction, ensuring a sharp image at any distance.
• Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated. Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission and reduce glare, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
• Windage and Elevation Adjustments: Tactile turrets. The tactile clicks provide audible and tactile feedback for precise adjustments.
• Eye Relief: Not specified by manufacturer. Expect around 3-4 inches, typical for scopes in this range.
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch. One-inch tubes are common and offer a wide variety of mounting options.
• Construction: Waterproof/Shockproof/Fog Proof. This robust construction ensures reliable performance in harsh environments.
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime. Viridian’s limited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the scope’s performance and usability. The magnification range and AO allow for versatility in different shooting scenarios, while the lens coatings and large objective lens ensure a bright and clear image. The tactile turrets enable precise adjustments, and the rugged construction ensures reliable performance in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black performs its job admirably, providing a clear and reliable sight picture. Accuracy is excellent, especially when the parallax is properly adjusted using the AO. The scope maintains zero well, even after repeated use and moderate impacts.

The primary strength of this scope is its value for money. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and durability at an affordable price. The main weakness is the image clarity at the highest magnification (16x), where it becomes slightly blurry.

Overall, the Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black meets expectations for a scope in its price range. It may not be a top-tier optic, but it provides a solid and reliable performance for most hunting and shooting applications.

Design & Ergonomics

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black boasts a solid and functional design. The matte black finish gives it a tactical look, and the scope feels well-built and durable. The weight is reasonable, not adding excessive burden to the rifle.

The scope is generally user-friendly. The turrets are easy to adjust, and the zoom ring operates smoothly. The AO adjustment is also straightforward. There is a slight learning curve to effectively utilizing the R6 reticle for holdover, but it’s manageable with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black appears to be built to last. The waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction inspire confidence in its ability to withstand harsh conditions. With proper care, this scope should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple. A lens cloth is sufficient for cleaning the lenses. Occasional wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth will keep it looking its best.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black ships without any included accessories beyond basic lens caps. Customization options are limited to mounting rings and scope levels.

Since the scope has a standard 1-inch tube, it’s compatible with a wide variety of readily available mounting rings from various brands, such as Weaver, Leupold, and Warne. The R6 reticle itself is not interchangeable.

Pros and Cons of Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black

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Who Should Buy Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black?

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black is perfect for budget-conscious hunters, recreational shooters, and those new to optics who need a versatile and reliable scope. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from basic iron sights or a low-quality scope.

Those who should skip this product are competitive shooters who demand the absolute best optical clarity and precision, or hunters who frequently engage targets at extreme distances in low-light conditions. These individuals would be better served by a higher-end optic with premium glass.

A must-have accessory would be a set of quality scope rings that match your rifle’s mounting system. A bubble level is also highly recommended for ensuring proper scope alignment and maximizing accuracy.

Conclusion on Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black

The Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black is a surprisingly capable optic that punches well above its weight class. While it’s not without its minor flaws, it offers an exceptional value proposition. Viridian has delivered a scope that is tough, bright, and clear enough for most practical hunting and shooting applications.

The price is absolutely justified. For under $70, you get a scope with adjustable parallax, a versatile magnification range, and a durable construction. This is significantly less than comparable scopes from other brands.

I would personally recommend the Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black to anyone looking for a budget-friendly optic that doesn’t compromise on essential features and reliability. Give it a try. You might be surprised at how well it performs. Upgrade your shooting game today with the Viridian Rifle Scope 4-16×50 AO R6 Black!

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