Vortex Optics VIPER HS 4-16X44 LR RIFLESCOPE User Manual

HS LR

RIFLESCOP E

rIFLESCOPE mANUA L

Second Focal Plane Reticle

HS LR

RIFLESCOPE

HS LR

RIFLESCOPE

The Vortex® Viper® HS LR™ Riflescopes

The Vortex®Viper®HS LR™ riflescopes are intended for dedicated

long range hunters. Using a specially designed uncapped, rapid travel

elevation turret with our CRS zero stop, this riflescope accommodates

the unique needs of hunters who prefer to “dial in” elevation

adjustments for long range shots.

The Viper HS LR series riflescopes also provide an ideal platform for

the optional Vortex TMT custom turret caps. Visit our website,
www.vortexoptics.com, for more information on the TMT caps.

Fast Focus
Eyepiece

MagView

Elevation
Adjustment Knob

Side Focus Knob

Dual Use: Shooting Tactical / Hunting
US Patent 7,937,879

Reticle Focus

Magnification
Adjustment Ring

Windage
Adjustment Knob

3 2

Objective
Lens

HS LR

RIFLESCOPE

RETICLE OPTIONS

The Focal Plane

All riflescope reticles can be termed either first focal plane (FFP) or

second focal plane (SFP), depending upon their internal location

within the riflescope. This model features the second focal plane

design.

SECOND FOCAL PLANE RETICLES

Second focal plane (SFP) reticles are located near the scope’s

eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses. This

style of reticle does not visually change in size when you change

the magnification. The advantage of an SFP reticle is that it always

maintains the same appearance. Listed reticle subtensions used

for estimating range, holdover, and wind drift correction are only

accurate at one particular magnification.

RIFLESCOPE ADJUSTMENTS

Reticle Focus

The Viper HS LR riflescope uses a fast focus eyepiece designed to

quickly and easily adjust the focus on the riflescope’s reticle.

To adjust the reticle focus:

1. Look through the riflescope

at a blank white wall or up at

the sky.

2. Turn the eyepiece focus knob

in or out until the reticle image

is as crisp as possible.

Note: Try to make this particular adjustment quickly, as the eye will

try to compensate for an out-of-focus reticle.

Once this adjustment is complete, it will not be necessary to re-focus

every time you use the riflescope. However, because your eyesight may

change over time, you should re-check this adjustment periodically.

Warning

Looking directly at the sun through a riflescope, or any optical instrument,

can cause severe and permanent damage to your eyesight.

Adjust the reticle focus

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Windage and Elevation Adjustments

The Vortex Viper HS LR riflescope incorporates precision finger

adjustable elevation and windage dials with audible clicks.

To make adjustments:

Elevation Knob

1. Turn the adjustment knob in the

appropriate direction: Up/Down or

Left/Right as indicated by the arrows.

2. Following the directional arrows, turn

the knobs in the direction you wish the

bullet’s point-of-impact to go to.

Note: After sight-in, you can re-align the

zero marks on the turret knobs with the

Windage Knob

reference dots if you wish (see Indexing Adjustment Dials with Zero
Reset on page 15). Replace outer covers when done.

MOA ADJUSTMENTS

The Viper HS LR riflescopes use finger adjustable elevation and windage

turrets with scales measured in minutes of angle (MOA). MOAs are

a unit of arc measurement which equals 1.05 inch for each 100 yards.

Examples: 2.1 inches @ 200 yards, 3.15 inches @ 300 yards, etc.

The tactical-style elevation turret is designed to provide a high travel

range along with rapid adjustment ability. Each click will provide

½

MOA of reticle movement (approximately ½-inch @ 100 yards).

Turret Rotation

Vortex Viper HS LR riflescopes incorporate Vortex’s patented Radius

Bar to visually assist in keeping track of turret rotations. The Radius Bar

provides a quick visual reference that allows the shooter to confirm:

• Knob orientation is correct and has

Radius Bar

not shifted as a result of accidental

contact.

• Knob orientation is at the zero point

when using the CRS feature.

• By watching the position of the bar

while making elevation adjustments, the

shooter is able to quickly track full, half

and quarter rotations.

To get these benefits from the Radius Bar, the “0” mark on the turret must
be indexed with the zero reference line on turret post (see Setting the CRS
Stop and Indexing Elevation Knob on page 14).

Variable Power Adjustments

To change the magnification, turn the magnification ring to the desired

level. The Vortex fiber optic

magnification indicator will

provide a low light reference

for magnification level.

The windage turret uses a standard design with an external cap. Each

click will provide

¼ MOA of reticle movement (approximately ¼-inch

@ 100 yards).

Magnification
Scale

MagView
Indicator

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Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS)

Viper HS LR riflescope elevation turrets incorporate the unique CRS

rotation stop feature. After the rifle is sighted in, the design of the

CRS allows a shooter to quickly and easily return to an original zero

point when using the elevation turret to dial-in temporary bullet drop

corrections.

The CRS feature is particularly useful when dialing large multi-revolution

elevation corrections. Without this feature, the shooter must pay very

careful attention when dialing these large corrections. If the shooter loses

track of the number of revolutions, the original zero point may become

lost when returning the adjustment.

with the CRS allow the elevation dial to be quickly spun back to original

zero without having to carefully count revolutions or clicks.

Once the CRS shims are installed after sight-in, the elevation dial will

stop turning shortly past the original zero point when being returned

(turning clockwise direction) from a temporary elevation adjustment.

The shooter can then turn the elevation knob a partial turn in a counter-

clockwise direction until the zero reference and radius bar are correctly

aligned—achieving the original zero point.

See CRS shim installation
in the Bore Sighting and
Final Range Sight-in sections

on pages 12–13 for more

information.

Viper HS LR riflescopes equipped

CRS Shims

Using the Side Focus

Viper HS LR riflescopes use a side focus adjustment which provides

maximum image sharpness and eliminates parallax error.

Setting the side focus:

1. Be sure the reticle is correctly
focused (see Reticle Focus on page 5).

2. Turn the side focus knob until the

target image is as sharp as possible.

The yardage numbers referenced on

knob should closely match the actual

yardage to the 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 no apparent shift of

the reticle on the target. If you notice any shift, adjust the focus knob

slightly until all shift is eliminated.

Parallax is a phenomenon that results when the target image

does not quite fall on the same optical plane as the reticle

within the scope. When the shooter’s eye is not precisely

centered in the eyepiece, there can be apparent movement of

the target in relation to the reticle, which can cause a small

shift in the point of aim. Parallax error is most problematic

for precision shooters using high magnification.

Adjust the side focus knob

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RIFLESCOPE MOUNTING

To get the best performance from your Viper HS LR riflescope, proper

mounting is essential. Although not difficult, the correct steps must be

followed. If you are unsure of your abilities, it would be best to use the

services of a qualified gunsmith.

Rings and Bases

Mount an appropriate base and matching rings to your rifle according

to the manufacturer’s instructions. The Vortex Viper HS LR riflescopes

require 30 mm rings.

Use the lowest ring height that will provide complete clearance of scope

and rifle—avoiding any contact with barrel, receiver, bolt handle or any

other part of the rifle. A low mounting height will help assure proper

cheek weld, aid in establishing a solid shooting position, and promote fast

target acquisition.

Eye Relief and Reticle Alignment

After installing the bottom ring halves on the mounting base, place the

riflescope on the bottom ring halves and loosely 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 riflescope

until the vertical crosshair exactly matches the vertical axis of the

rifle. Use of a reticle leveling tool, a weight hung on a rope, flat feeler

gauges, or a bubble level will help with this procedure.

After aligning the reticle, tighten and torque the ring screws down per the

manufacturer’s instructions.

Using bubble levels to
square the riflescope to
the base.

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Bore Sighting

Initial bore sighting of the riflescope will save time and money at the range.

This can be done in a number of ways. A mechanical or laser bore sighter

can be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On some rifles,

bore sighting can be done by removing the bolt and sighting through the

barrel.

To visually bore sight a rifle:

• Place the rifle solidly on a rest and remove the bolt.

• Sight through the bore at a target approximately 100 yards away.

• Move the rifle and rest until the target is visually centered inside the

barrel.

• With the target centered in the bore, make windage and elevation

adjustments until the reticle crosshair is also centered over the target.

Final Range Sight-In and CRS Stop-Set

After the riflescope has been bore-sighted, final sight-in and CRS stop-set

should be done at the range. Sight in and zero the riflescope at the preferred

distance using the exact ammunition expected to be used while shooting.

100 yards is the most common zero distance, although a 200 yard zero may

be preferred for long range applications.

Be sure the reticle is in focus (see Reticle Focus on page 5) and set the

side focus adjustment to match the distance being used for sight-in:

1. Following all safe shooting practices, fire a three-shot group as

precisely as possible.

2. Next, adjust the reticle to match the approximate center of the shot
group (see Windage and Elevation Adjustments on page 6).

Note: 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.

3. Carefully fire another three-shot group and see if the bullet group is

centered on the bullseye.

This procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve a

perfect zero.

Visually bore-sighting a rifle.

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RIFLESCOPE

SETTING THE CRS STOP AND INDEXING ELEVATION KNOB

After obtaining a satisfactory zero, the CRS stop can be set using the

following technique:

1. Loosen the three turret cap retaining screws on the elevation turret.

Gently pull the turret cap straight up and off of the turret post—being

careful not to rotate the turret post.

2. Slide the CRS shims on the center section of the turret post below

the V-grooved part.

Place CRS shims in this groove.

Alternate shim installation
direction 180 degrees with
each shim.

4. Align the turret cap so the “0” mark on the cap matches up with the

“0” reference line on the turret post. Again, be sure not to rotate the

actual turret mechanism in the process.

5. Re-tighten the retaining screws, but do not overtighten. Use of

thumb and forefinger on the short end of the hex wrench will provide

sufficient force.

Indexing Windage Dial with Zero Reset

Viper HS LR riflescopes feature a windage dial that will allow you to

re-index the zero indicator after sight-in without disturbing your settings.

This allows you to quickly return to your original zero if temporary windage

corrections are used in the field. Index the windage dial in this way:

1. Remove the outer cap and pull the adjustment dial outward against

the spring tension until it stops.

2. With the dial pulled fully outwards,

rotate the dial to reposition the zero mark

on the index line.

Grasp turret dial and pull outward. Then,
rotate dial until the etched zero mark aligns
with the indicator line on scope body.

Remove the outer
cap and expose the
turret dial.

Use as many shims as necessary
to completely fill up the space.
Do not try to force in a last shim
once the clearance is very close.

3. After filling the center gap on the post with shims, replace the

elevation cap.

3. Release the dial,

allowing it to return to the

normal inward position.

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RIFLESCOPE

USING THE CRS ZERO STOP

Once the CRS shims are installed, the elevation dial will stop turning

shortly past the original zero point when being returned (turning clockwise

direction) from a temporary elevation adjustment.

Point at which the
knob stops turning.

Turn the elevation knob a partial turn in a counter-clockwise direction

until the Radius Bar is correctly aligned with scope axis and zero marks

match. This setting will match the original zero point.

Correct alignment
for zero point.

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning

The fully waterproof and fogproof Viper HS LR riflescope requires very

little routine maintenance other than periodically cleaning the exterior

lenses. The exterior of the scope may be cleaned by wiping with a soft, dry

cloth.

When cleaning the lenses, be sure to use products, such as the Vortex Fog

Free cleaning products or LensPen, that are specifically designed for use on

coated optical lenses.

• Be sure to blow away any dust or grit on the lenses prior to wiping the

surfaces.

• Using your breath, or a very small amount of water or pure alcohol, can

help remove stubborn things like dried water spots.

Lubrication

All components of the Viper HS LR riflescopes are permanently lubricated,

so no additional lubricant should be applied.

Note: Other than removing the turret caps, do not attempt to disassemble

any components of the riflescope. Disassembling of riflescope may void

warranty.

If re-zeroing at a future time, be sure to remove all CRS shims before

sight-in.

Storage

If possible, avoid exposing your Vortex riflescope to direct sunlight or any

very hot location for long periods of time.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Sighting-in Problems

Many times, problems thought to be with the scope are actually mount

problems. Be sure that correct base and rings are being used in the correct

orientation, and that the base screws and rings are tight. Insufficient windage

or elevation adjustment range may indicate problems with rings, base, base

alignment, base mount holes drilled in the rifle’s receiver, or barrel/receiver

alignment.

CHECK FOR CORRECT BASE AND RING ALIGNMENT

• Roughly center the reticle by adjusting both windage and elevation

turrets to the mid point of their travel ranges.

• Attach bore sighter, or remove bolt and visually boresight rifle.

• Look through the scope. If the reticle appears way off center on 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 rings are being used—and in the

proper orientation.

Tips for Solving Bullet Grouping Problems

• Maintain a good shooting technique and use a solid rest.

• Check that all screws on rifle’s action are properly tightened.

• 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.

THE VIP WARRANTY

We build optics based on our commitment to your absolute satisfaction.

That’s why Vortex products are unconditionally guaranteed and we make

this Very Important Promise to you—a Very Important Person.

Rest assured that in the event your Viper HS LR riflescope becomes

damaged or defective, Vortex Optics will repair

or replace the riflescope at no charge to you.

Call Vortex Optics at 800-426-0048 for prompt,

professional, and friendly service.

Vortex Optics

2120 West Greenview Drive

Middleton, WI 53562

[e-mail]

Visit www.vortexoptics.com for more information. Canadian customers
may visit www.vortexcanada.net for customer service information.

Note: The VIP warranty does not cover theft, loss, or deliberate damage

to the product.

Vortex Optics believes strongly in responsible, ethical hunting and a

word should be said about long range shooting at game. Although

riflescopes, like the Vortex HS LR series, can make long distance shots

much easier, there are still many other variables, such as wind, affecting

every shot. It is important for hunters shooting at long distances to learn

their personal effective range, particularly in windy conditions, and to not

shoot beyond those distances at game. Please be responsible—the keys

are knowing your rifle, ammunition and your own abilities!

Unlimited

Unconditional

Lifetime Warranty

1918

RIFLESCOP E

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