I have a friend who doesn't have a whole lot of cash but is looking for a high-powered scope for a prairie dog rifle. Camera Land has a couple of good deals right now, the Vortex Crossfire in 8-32x50 for $129 and the Viper 6.5-20 for $279. Clearly, the Viper is a better scope, but it costs over 2x more.
So, is the view and quality of the Viper worth the extra $$$? In the Crossfire, though the magnification range goes to 32x, I suspect it's actual usable maximium might be in the low 20's or so (?). If anyone can support, rebutt, or otherwise discuss that thought based on experience, please go for it.
For those of you who have the Viper, how does it look at 20 power--is it clear and truly functional at that maximum magnification?
Any thoughts or advice, preferably based on first-hand experience with these scopes, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
