MTC Viper 3-12x44

[Davestate]

Bought myself one of these recently to see what the 'new kid on the block' is like. It arrived in a box the size of an 8-32 Elite 4200 which was a bit of a shock as I wasn't expecting a telescope:eek: Upon opening said crate I was pleasantly surprised to see that the excess housed all the extra goodies that are included in the price; sunshade, 30mm mounts & big side-wheel to name a few.:cool:

A quick glance at the ret had me in awe at all the aiming points, and unlike some rets from other manufacturers, the spacing seemed more purposeful without washing out the sight picture with dozens of lines - very impressive.:)

The first outing was a lamping trip, (a few weeks back when much of the Country was under heavy fog), a quick zero in my garden range then out on the hunt. Unfortunately, due to the poor weather visibility was down to 50yds at best, less than 30yds for most of the time so any sign of Roger would have been a miracle, but under lamplight, the Viper performed extremely well. Again, very impressive.:)

Earlier today was my first chance to get to the club, were I could get some real target practice in. I was truly amazed at the fact that the scope actually snaps in to focus while adjusting the parallax. I have only come across this on much higher mag scopes, never before on 12x! The multi aiming points are spot on, giving a true mark to aim at over all airgun ranges.

As for the optics: - simply stunning for this price!:cool: certainly better than a Bushnell 3200 but not quite up to 4200 quality, almost but not quite – hardly surprising given the price difference.

Build quality is top notch, although the ally flip-ups were marked when I received the scope. As they are included, I have no gripe with this.:D
The Viper seems to be bombproof; the weight alone backs this up and is the only fault I can give the scope. Stick it on a light rifle and you will soon forget about it, but you will notice on an already heavy rifle, unless you like sore arms.:D


Overall impressions:-

Price – buttons! Waaay too cheap for a scope with so many features included in the give-away price to start with.

Features - too many, and the turrets which are lockable are ace. The side-wheel and zoom ring are a tad tight, but I expect these to ease off over time. I forgot to mention the illuminated ret, a feature I've never gone for in a scope before as I have never seen the need for it. This one looks good at night, and that's all I can say about it...:D

Optics - superb, you simply will not find better in this price range. If I were selling the scopes, I would guarantee this.:cool:

[baxterbasics]

Don`t sit on the fence,do you like this scope or not??:rolleyes:





:D :D

[Spanner.]

Dave

Did you use the mounts supplied? Are they OK.

[Davestate]

Yup, on an HW100 & a Falcon, no zero shift and fitted a treat. Wouldn't use them on a springer though.:)

[Pod]

Got mine a couple of weks ago. The ret is absolutely superb; as is the illumination. But I have had a few problems getting a zero. The click values seem inconsistent. One click will move it a tiny amount, another the same and then the next click and the POI moves 4 or 5mm at 30 yards. I'm just hoping that once its all settled in and zeroed that the zero holds.

The Viper also seems to be very sensitive to head position - with a just over 25 yard parallax setting, the error that can be acheived at 45 is quite substantial.

I'll stick with it and see how it works out as the ret is too good to give up, but if it doesn't work out I'll go back to a Lightstream :( .

[MattLin]

Mine is my first expensive optic. - Expensive being over £100, I'm a student :rolleyes:

I've found the optics superb - Nice and bright, Similar to my Simmons WTC.
The reticle has been useful to, the aim points all seem to work well for .177 hold over.


The extras were nice, as mentioned by Dave the covers were marked but its no big deal to me. The sunshades in use and pretty good and the side wheel is nice and solid. The mounts were rubbish on a springer though, due to the lack of an arrestor pin - But what do you expect?

The build quality feels great, one of the only scopes I've ever held I'd trust to be able to club someone with and still shoot straight.
Its held up with 1000 shots through the Prosport too. - Which brings me to a question, Davestate, why would you not use one on a springer?

I love the scope, no gripes with it so far, and unless something at about the same price takes my fancy beforehand, I'll be putting one on my next gun.

[Davestate]

It's the mounts that I wouldn't use on a springer.

[MattLin]

Oh well, I certainly wouldn't recommend that either.
Since, hypothetically, they could become so loose the whole scope slips backwards and ****s you in the face upon firing.
I certainly didn't happen to me, its all hypothetical. :o :rolleyes:

[Gary C]

Mounts are OK no a springer if the rail is wide enough..

But as I said before the mounts cost us about a fiver a set. They are designed to help the guys trading up that want to use a scope but have maxed out and can't afford 30mm mounts just yet.

We advise trading up the mounts to good quality asap.

(We were advised by a few people not to put free mounts in but I still think it's a good idea if it helps a few less well off)

Thanks for the review Dave. High praise indeed from a scope snob;)

[Davestate]

Just telling it how I find, Gary.:cool:

And the mounts are good for a PCP, no need to upgrade imo.:)

[baz]

The mounts are fine on a springer if you drill a hole in one and tap it for a grubscrew (get someone else to do it if you aint got the tools) then sit mount over AA or HW recoil stud hole and adjust grubscrew to sit in hole

It the mount wont tighten enough remove around 1mm from the fixed side

My 3-12x44 has been on two springers, one FAC, no problems

If you dont feel confident to do the mods I described buy a set of Sportsmatch off JSR, lets face it the mounts were free anyway IMO especially considering the price of such excellent optics

Baz

[R. P. McMurphy]

Had another look at these in last Saturday,was very impressed and will be getting one for sure!

[Maverick]

Just stuck one of these babies on my BTAS HFT400 and it look the dog danglies.

Cracking Scope can't wait to zero it. :D

[Maverick]

Just stuck one of these babies on my BTAS HFT400 and it look the dog danglies.

Cracking Scope can't wait to zero it. :D

And now another for my MFR :eek:


Dam you Gary and Sammie :p

[Snapshot]

Finally got round to mounting my 3-12x44 on my MFR and it's a perfect fit using Theoben's 30mm mounts. Must get down the tunnel to get it zeroed.

Jonathan

[dunganick]

can someone comment on the optics at high mag. And anyone out there used one in low light along side say a leupold or a bushnell

cheers,

NICK

[Gary C]

can someone comment on the optics at high mag. And anyone out there used one in low light along side say a leupold or a bushnell

cheers,

NICK

One of the Mods on here lives close to you and has a couple on his riflles. he has Leups and Bushnells - perhaps pay Baz a visit

[blackscale]

I have just bought one, then shot a friendly at Ford!!
Did well even though i was worried using a new scope for a comp!
My personal opinions are, Flip ups were showing ally on edges and will obviously get worse, answer buy butlers!, Not over keen on big "military" style turrets, but getting used to them!, The mounts may be cheap? But they are actually good quality, more than that the actual male "Grip" that goes in the dovetail is one of the best i have seen fits my protarget better than any other mount...and i have tried a few "Very fine dovetail groove".
The optics are very good, not quite as good as a lightstream, but they take some beating!
The ret although quite busy is really useful if you aim off a mill dot or two, it is easy to correlate with the hold over or under because of the long stadia's!
In all a really nice scope for HFT or anything come to that, like it so much
I have ordered the fixed 10x!! Lovely scope!:D

[blue]

I am truly amazed:eek:

I saw one of these at a friend's house Monday. He has it on a AA410

When I saw it I did think it looked a bit OTT and funky...but.

I have just been testing a 30mm 4200 and optically, there was very little in it at all (this was not a head to head view) from what I can see.
The reticule is excellent and that suprised me as I hate Christmas tree type reticules, but this was knife endge sharp and looked etched (is it?)

The turret system is a very good idea.

The FOV is far wider than the 4200 and the eye relief is slightly longer (easier to mount).

The only reservation I had was the weight (not bad for a 30mm scope, but still too heavy for my taste) and the finish, this one was a titanium looking colour.
Certainly not enough to detract from the advantages.

I amazed at the glass quality for the money and the build is damned good.

For HMR it looks perfect and will also be a consideration for the .17 Rem in the higher mag version.

Mark, the guy who has it is extremely chuffed and says that the low light performance is excellent.

[baz]

Blue, they are good, all of them, although I havent tried the biggest one yet

baz

[frostbear]

I'm really taken by this scope - seems like a great optic sold by great folk. I'm in the process of returning a dodgy Hawke Nite Eye 3-9x50IR to Uttings, and rather than take a replacement I'd like to upgrade to this model. I bought a Sportsmatch Dampa mount for mounting on my HW90K, but imagine I'd need to swap this for a 30mm Sportsmatch Dampa. Is there such a thing? No sign on Sportsmatcg website.

I'd really like opinions on whether there are any drawbacks to using this on the HW90? It must be about the same weight as the Hawke, and I had no bother with that on the HW90. The 90 seems to have a rep as a scope-buster, but as most big retailers sell their combos with two-piece mounts, surely this must be a bit exaggerated? I'd like Gary C's opinion as I don't want to be bothering him much post-purchase!;) :D

[Gary C]

I'm really taken by this scope - seems like a great optic sold by great folk. I'm in the process of returning a dodgy Hawke Nite Eye 3-9x50IR to Uttings, and rather than take a replacement I'd like to upgrade to this model. I bought a Sportsmatch Dampa mount for mounting on my HW90K, but imagine I'd need to swap this for a 30mm Sportsmatch Dampa. Is there such a thing? No sign on Sportsmatcg website.

I'd really like opinions on whether there are any drawbacks to using this on the HW90? It must be about the same weight as the Hawke, and I had no bother with that on the HW90. The 90 seems to have a rep as a scope-buster, but as most big retailers sell their combos with two-piece mounts, surely this must be a bit exaggerated? I'd like Gary C's opinion as I don't want to be bothering him much post-purchase!;) :D

Try it
If it breaks we replace
We replace, analyse and upgrade
You get a stronger scope and our thanks
We haven't had enough fails to make any sense happily

[frostbear]

Try it
If it breaks we replace
We replace, analyse and upgrade
You get a stronger scope and our thanks
We haven't had enough fails to make any sense happily

Thanks for the prompt reply Gary. Any advice/feedback received on Dampa mounts?

[Gary C]

Sorry mate
I woul dbe bull****ting - someone like Pieman or Buddy will tell you

[frostbear]

Sorry mate
I woul dbe bull****ting - someone like Pieman or Buddy will tell you

I like yer style mate!

Man's telescopic sight purveyor's answer!:D

[Nickpan]

I've been selling (http://www.getairgun.co.uk)MTC scopes for a couple of months now...can't believe how quickly they are going! I'm about to place my third order. All the praise is well deserved, I was my first Viper customer. I've since learnt of some of the manufacturing details (apparently an optics pixie is being held hostage, under orders to make a market leading scope), and it's technically better than I had imagined.
I'm selling more Vipers than airguns!

Now, if only Gary and Sammie (Posh and Becks of the airgun fraternity) would invent a pcp. I have heard that the Daystate pixie is missing...

[frostbear]

Gary, bought one of your scopes:)

You have an e-mail

[Charlts]

After reading all the good reports and trying a few out, I had only 1 choice for a do all scope when purchasing a .177 gun.

Managed to get one second hand on here at a good price (thanks Craig.25). Now if only posting a parcel was as fast as sending an email!!!

Will report my finding once I've had chance to test it but I'm sure I'll just be repeating other peoples findings.

I'm confident I won't need to but where would I stand from a warranty point of view - if required? Is Gary.C looking in, can he shed some light on the subject?

Ryan

[Gary C]

After reading all the good reports and trying a few out, I had only 1 choice for a do all scope when purchasing a .177 gun.

Managed to get one second hand on here at a good price (thanks Craig.25). Now if only posting a parcel was as fast as sending an email!!!

Will report my finding once I've had chance to test it but I'm sure I'll just be repeating other peoples findings.

I'm confident I won't need to but where would I stand from a warranty point of view - if required? Is Gary.C looking in, can he shed some light on the subject?

Ryan

We'll give you as new mate - just drop sammie a change of warranty mail

[georgey]

can someone comment on the optics at high mag. And anyone out there used one in low light along side say a leupold or a bushnell

cheers,

NICK

Hi m8, I do 50% of my hunting in low light. I am so impressed by these scopes I have just purchased another one. I compared my 4-16x50 viper with my m8's 6-24x56 Optima which is an excellent scope in it's own rights with Jap optics, and it is easily as good as this. The MTC scope gets full marks from me in all departments i.e. value for money, looks, ease of use, low light capability, optical quality the list goes on for the money the MTC range is superb.;)

[Charlts]

We'll give you as new mate - just drop sammie a change of warranty mail

Thanks Gary, i'll send sammie an email when I'm at work tomorrow. Since it arrived yesterday i've been using it the whole time! Well chuffed with every aspect of it so far.

Ryan

[dodgey]

hi all just got me one of these as part of a kit second hand [4months old used once ]i must say at first i agreed with pepperdog about finish being poor but the finish on mine is first class as are the optics and the ret best scope i,ve used and trust me i,ve used some so anyone thinking of getting one i can highly reccomend these i have a real leupold m1 and the optics are identical i have compared them !! ps gary where do i stand with warranty on this not that i suspect i will ever have to claim as the scope looks bombproof ! regards dave

[Cyber_Prelude]

I really want to get the 3-12x44 Viper and will do as soon as funds allow (maybe next month hehe) But I have heard alot of people complaining about the size of the turrets?? Would I be best off waiting for the Mamba and are the optics and reticule as good on the mamba as they are on the Viper??

[Gary C]

I really want to get the 3-12x44 Viper and will do as soon as funds allow (maybe next month hehe) But I have heard alot of people complaining about the size of the turrets?? Would I be best off waiting for the Mamba and are the optics and reticule as good on the mamba as they are on the Viper??

same optics
ret choice is on the website
Turrets are ultra low on the mamba or lockable target on the Viper. Which is best? your choice

[Cyber_Prelude]

Cheers for the instant reply! I am not sure what the ret is called on the Viper. I know the mamba has the german 4a ret and the SCB but Im not sure what these rets look like?

The price of the mamba seems alot lower than the viper especially as you say the optics are the same!

Might get myself one of the mamba's then :D

[jabtas]

Are you there Gary ????

I am in the market for new scope at the moment, but am seriously thinking of waiting for the mambe range.

Will the 3-1444 mamba have adjustable or fixed PX, not sure from the website

[Gary C]

Hi chaps

The mamba scopes are side P/A

[jabtas]

Thanks for that info gary

Looks like I can now happily wait for a bit

[Darren Petts]

same optics
ret choice is on the website
Turrets are ultra low on the mamba or lockable target on the Viper. Which is best? your choice


Gary
Is "ultra low" finger friendly or a screwdriver/coin jobbie? Not a biggie either way TBH but I may indulge myself of one when they arrive. Also any plans for a fixed 10x version of this as the fixed mag Viper has a bigger DOF that the variable IMO.

[hagar]

Do you hunt with the viper i like the ill ret at first light and dusk do you know if
its will go with my Merlin cobra night vis. how is the parx.

[Gary C]

Gary
Is "ultra low" finger friendly or a screwdriver/coin jobbie? Not a biggie either way TBH but I may indulge myself of one when they arrive. Also any plans for a fixed 10x version of this as the fixed mag Viper has a bigger DOF that the variable IMO.

Hi Darren
Finger friendly under turret covers. No plans for fixed mag yet, but may do later

[Gary C]

Do you hunt with the viper i like the ill ret at first light and dusk do you know if
its will go with my Merlin cobra night vis. how is the parx.

Check with Baldie on here mate

[Marky610]

Do you hunt with the viper i like the ill ret at first light and dusk do you know if
its will go with my Merlin cobra night vis. how is the parx.

I use one and it works a treat mate ;)

[Baldie]

Do you hunt with the viper i like the ill ret at first light and dusk do you know if
its will go with my Merlin cobra night vis. how is the parx.

Check with Baldie on here mate

I use one and it works a treat mate ;)

As above.

4-16x50 and 6-24x56 checked and on 'The List' of recommended scopes to use with 'add-on' systems. :)

[Cyber_Prelude]

what about the 3-12x44 as this is the one I am wanting to get?? :confused:

[crazywabbit]

Just got my MTC 3-12X44 - WOW! what a difference! :)

Many thanks for the advise Gary and thanks again to Sammie. Top rate service!

{add edit} I had a total noob moment >> get this when you slacken off the turrets the sleeves can also slacken and as result can spin this is a feature and allows you to reset points to your current Zero. Phew i thought i had broken it with delicate little stubby spade like fingers LOL {end edit}

cheers :)

[Free Range]

Gary,
Do you know when the Mamba's are coming, been waiting for Nickpan to get his pet shop paws on one for me for months now?
Mark

[Gary C]

Mambas...

We have been promised 50 of each size and ret despatched on 27th July. original promise was June 1st.

These will have the new mounts

[Free Range]

Thanks
3-12x44 SCB with my name on it please, (a Wiltshire lad myself originally so could pretend to visit the aged ones when really just coming for the scope!) Either way, one for me please if you would.:)

[Gary C]

Gary,
Do you know when the Mamba's are coming, been waiting for Nickpan to get his pet shop paws on one for me for months now?
Mark

Nick has nothing on order mate.
As we have only 50 of each coming in best give him a prod

[jabtas]

A quick question re mounts for 3-12x44

Could I get away with a set of medium mountys for this scope, as I have foolishly stripped a thread from the clamp when removing my old scope to fit my new Viper

And as I will have to get a new set, I just wondered wheter medium would fit

[Charlts]

A quick question re mounts for 3-12x44

Could I get away with a set of medium mountys for this scope, as I have foolishly stripped a thread from the clamp when removing my old scope to fit my new Viper

And as I will have to get a new set, I just wondered wheter medium would fit

I'd have thought so, I use mine on low mounts. :)

Ryan