By Fred Rowland – SOFREP
The Vortex Venom 1-6×24 SFP riflescope is like the Swiss Army knife of optics—versatile, reliable, and ready for action in just about any scenario you throw at it. Whether you’re punching paper at the range or tracking a moving target in the field, this scope’s got you covered.
Key Features:
Magnification Range: 1-6x
With a 1-6x magnification, you’re equipped for everything from tight quarters to medium-range engagements. It’s that sweet spot for shooters who need flexibility without sacrificing performance and, in my opinion, the perfect optic range for an AR-15 in 5.56
Vortex Says, Zero at 200 Yards and Have Fun, So I Did. It Started the Day Completely White.
Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
The 24mm objective lens keeps things sharp and clear while maintaining a slim profile. It strikes a perfect balance, giving you the clarity you need without bogging you down with extra weight.
Second Focal Plane (SFP)
The reticle size stays constant as you dial through the magnification range, which is a plus if you like things simple and consistent. No matter the zoom, your reticle’s aiming points are right where you expect them to be.
Illuminated Reticle Showing Distance w/5mph Windage dots. Ranging scale at the Top.
Illuminated AR-BDC3 Reticle
When the light starts to fade, eleven levels of reticle illumination give you the flexibility to adjust for any lighting condition, making sure you’re still on target. It’s quick to acquire, especially in those tactical situations where every second counts. The BDC reticle adds an extra layer of utility, letting you make quick adjustments on the fly without fiddling with your turrets. Each mark is a lifeline when you need to take a shot at varying distances.
Turret Style: Capped
The capped turrets are low-profile and designed to stay put. No accidental adjustments here—your zero stays locked in.
Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA
1/2 MOA clicks give you the fine-tuning needed to get your shots exactly where they need to go.
Travel Per Rotation: 44 MOA
Each rotation offers a solid 44 MOA of adjustment, letting you make significant changes without fuss.
Max Elevation and Windage Adjustment: 140 MOA
With 140 MOA on both elevation and windage, this scope accommodates a wide range of shooting distances and conditions.
Length and Weight:
At just 10.9 inches and 14.8 ounces, it’s compact and lightweight, crafted from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube that’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof.
Considerations When Using the BDC Reticle:
Ammunition Variability:
BDC reticles are dialed in for specific calibers and loads. Switch up your ammo, and those neat little marks might not line up perfectly. Knowing your gear is key. In this case Vortex is recommending 60grain bullets and I’ve found it to be very much as advertised with Black Hill and AAC ammunition at different distances.
Practice and Verification:
Range time isn’t just for fun—it’s where you make sure your BDC reticle matches your actual shooting. This scope is made to be sighted in at 200 yards, so put in the work to verify your distances and bullet drops. Master this, and you’ll be making accurate shots without second-guessing your holdovers. Practice practice and practice some more, it helps because you never know when you’ll need it. Practice Ranging as well, this scope is setup for it and makes it easy so again, no second-guessing.
How To Range the Target with the Venom.
Pros:
Versatile magnification for both close and medium-range shooting.
High-quality glass for bright, clear images.
Durable construction built for tough environments.
Affordable price with top-tier features.
Cons:
Some might prefer an FFP scope for long-range precision where the reticle scales with magnification.
Capped turrets may not be ideal for those who need frequent turret adjustments in the field.
My Final Take:
300yds Below the Red Line was Unsupported Shooting. Above the Line Was Supported Shooting in the Video. This One Also Used to be All White.
While at the range another shooter had a fancy range finder and I asked him to range the 300 yard gong to see how far it really was. Then I used the Venom’s reticle to range the gong myself for comparison. Full disclosure, I had to read the manual to make sure I got it right, it’s been a while for me…. I ranged it at approx 300yds, the laser range finder said 305yds, close enough for gov’t work. But it’s really the scope, it makes everything easy.
The Vortex Venom 1-6×24 SFP is the go-to for anyone needing a do-it-all optic that doesn’t skimp on performance. It’s rugged, reliable, and delivers crystal-clear optics—making it a top pick for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical operators alike.
Garfield Out.
About the Author:
Fred “Garfield” Rowlands is a 21+ year Navy veteran who spent his career in strange and diverse places like Diego Garcia, Wintering Over in Antarctica, the Southern Border, and Burbank CA. Has spent over 30 years working in Military Physical Security, Law Enforcement, and Private Security, and has “more luck than a cat has lives” supposedly. He now resides in NW Florida with his wife and a Great Dane named Layla.
