Both are decent scopes, though I'd go with the Burris because of the excellent track record the FFII has.
I ran a FFII 2-7x35 on a .45 Knight ML for yrs without any issues. I dropped my ML from a 20' treestand once....Yap just like a Timex.
The Viper probably has slightly better optics.
I have a shooting partner with a FFII. I have multiple Burris scopes but they are all Signature or Signature Select level. They are a noticable step up from the FFII. I own a Viper 2-7 and it compares favorably with my Burris scopes.
After one set of dealings with Burris customer service you could not give me a Burris. But I have owned a number of them.
Weight goes to the Vortex...
I have never seen a Burris scope Eye Relief that measured up to the claims made by Burris... Vortex numbers are at least honest.
I'm not sure what kind of experience you had with Burris Customer Service, but when I dealt with them they went above and beyond to make me happy. I was extremely impressed. I'm a big fan of the FFII's, but the Vipers do have slightly better glass.
Well off subject alittle, but I just sent in a black diamond 3-12x50 a couple days ago and hope I get the same result. After talking to Burris cs she assured me that it would either be fixed or replace by a new scope. Hope this works out well as I just purchased the scope used. Optics were clear but I had free play in the magnifcation adjustment
Btw. I have shoot a ffii 4-12 for several years and been happy with it. If any complaint it would be in low light. Tracking has always been perfect, only changed zero twice to accommodate new load. Has head zero great tho
I have one of each and I dont see enough difference to say one way or the other.Price would make that decision for you.
The reason I asked is b/c I just bought a 2x7 Viper for my daughter's S2 .243 youth. The Fullfield E1 3x9 just overwhelmed the small rifle. It is too late now to change b/c I just sold the E1 the Fullfield II 2x7 that was on my son's 30-30, and ordered another Viper 2x7. I've had no complaints with the three Burris scopes I've owned, I just think the Viper is better. I have no facts to back up my feeling other than the reticle seems more defined in the Vipers.
they're both from the same shop in the Philippines. the Viper has better eye relief. the glass looks the same to me. It probably is, literally, the same ... same coatings and everything. I can't back that up with quantifiable evidence, but I do have both scopes and I just can't tell any difference other than the eye relief.
IMO the Burris....with that said, I would go with Leupold...
Well, I started thinking about the Bushnell Elite 4200 that sits on my .270 so I sold the three Burris scopes I had and bought:
A Zeiss Conquest 3x9 for my 6.5x55
Took the VX2 3x9 off the 6.5x55 and put it on my 30-06(which had a Burris 3x9 on it)
Bought a Viper 2x7 for my son's 30-30(replaced a Fullfield 2x7)
And am ordering a Bushnell Elite 2x7 for my daughter's Vanguard S2 Youth .243(replacing the other Fullfield E1 3x9 I sold)
A 3x9 is just too large for her rifle and 7x is all the magnification she needs for deer and hogs. I really liked the Burris scopes but think the ones I have purchased are better scopes.