I have Vortex Viper and non-Viper products. IMO the money spent to get to the Viper level is worth it, and the money spent to get better than the Viper may well not be worth it until you spend twice the money you're talking here.

You need optical quality for long range work more than at other times, especially high-volume work.

I would get the Viper. This is a lifetime glass hopefully. It should outlast the rifle barrel.

I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill