Vortex Venom Owners... A question for you

[WoodieSC]

I picked up a new Venom last night and was just messing with it. My plan is to put it on my 'new' Buckmark, so the smaller size than I expected will actually be a plus.

However, I've noted two things, even though I've read the instructions...

1. The red dot does not appear to dim or brighten using the UP/DOWN buttons (making sure it's in the manual mode, not auto);

2. The dot is actually a nice center dot, with small, blurry, elliptical red reflections at the 1:00 and 7:00 positions. This happens no matter where I look through my glasses, without glasses, close up or farther away.

Do any of you notice the same two issues, or either one of the above?

I'm finding them both irritating, and particularly #2, such that I'm planning on returning the optic. The question in my mind is whether I'll bother exchanging it or just consider the FF III, even though I read more negative reviews on the FF III than the Venom.

Anyone?

Thanks.

[Coastal Woodie]

Do you have issues with any other red dots being fuzzy looking? Or is it just the Vortex?

[WoodieSC]

Do you have issues with any other red dots being fuzzy looking? Or is it just the Vortex?

I have two Ultra-Dot red dot optics and a Vortex Strike Eagle 1x6x24 scope with the illuminated ring reticle, and all are sharp with no reflections or distortions, unless I have them on too high a setting and then they might have some flare, but it's uniform.

This is the first holographic red dot I've ever used so I don't know if that has anything tondo with it or if the unit is bad. That's what I'm trying to figure out.

Fwiw, I wear progressive lenses so I can tilt my head various directions to see if something like this has anything to do with focal length or eye correction. I played with that with very little impact.

[Carolina Counsel]

Do you have an astigmatism? That can cause a red dot to be blurry even if you wear corrective lenses.

[Coastal Woodie]

I have two Ultra-Dot red dot optics and a Vortex Strike Eagle 1x6x24 scope with the illuminated ring reticle, and all are sharp with no reflections or distortions, unless I have them on too high a setting and then they might have some flare, but it's uniform.

This is the first holographic red dot I've ever used so I don't know if that has anything tondo with it or if the unit is bad. That's what I'm trying to figure out.

Fwiw, I wear progressive lenses so I can tilt my head various directions to see if something like this has anything to do with focal length or eye correction. I played with that with very little impact.

I gotcha, just wasn't sure if what you were describing was due to an astigmatism. Some red dots are clearer than others if you have a bad astigmatism such as myself. For instance an Aimpoint is fuzzy for me but not terrible with a 2 moa dot but a larger dot on an Eotech is extremely blurry and smeared looking. Hope you get it figured out.

[WoodieSC]

Do you have an astigmatism? That can cause a red dot to be blurry even if you wear corrective lenses.

I do have some astigmatism, but as noted above do not have a problem with my other red dots. However, since they are the tube optics I'm wondering if it's the holo like CW is referencing with his problem with the Eotech vs the Aimpoint.

[FLS]

I've got one on a Ruger MK 3. No issues with the brightness adjustment. I do have an astigmatism, so, all dots are a little fuzzy, except the Leupold Prismatic which has adjustable ocular like a magnified optic. I turn them down as low as I can to minimize it.
I've been very pleased with the Venom, I'm going to put one on a Glock 17.

[LabLuvR]

I just bought a Viper which is almost the same except for 6 MOA, I like it a lot.

[WoodieSC]

I do have some astigmatism, but as noted above do not have a problem with my other red dots. However, since they are the tube optics I'm wondering if it's the holo like CW is referencing with his problem with the Eotech vs the Aimpoint.

CORRECTION - I just pulled out my 870, which I have set up with an Ultra-Dot optic. I've not had any of this "flaring" before as long as I keep the brightness down, but I just saw nearly the same 1:00 & 7:00 flaring that I see on the Venom. I then looked through it from the right side, using my left eye, and the flaring changes to 11:00 & 5:00. So, I've been thinking I needed to get a new eyeglass prescription and this seems to confirm it.

I'd guess my astigmatism has changed enough to warrant new lenses. Like my wife says, "Getting old ain't for wimps".

I've got one on a Ruger MK 3. No issues with the brightness adjustment. I do have an astigmatism, so, all dots are a little fuzzy, except the Leupold Prismatic which has adjustable ocular like a magnified optic. I turn them down as low as I can to minimize it.
I've been very pleased with the Venom, I'm going to put one on a Glock 17.

Didn't walt4dun recently say his experimenting showed that only the RMR(?) held up to 9mm and heavier? Let us know how the Venom holds up on the G17.

Thanks for everyone's comments.

[FLS]

A friend I shoot with is using one on an FN 9mm with no issues. I would like a Delta Point , but the Venoms price point and performance has changed my mind.

[WoodieSC]

A friend I shoot with is using one on an FN 9mm with no issues. I would like a Delta Point , but the Venoms price point and performance has changed my mind.

That's great to hear. How are you going to mount it?

[FLS]

https://outerimpact.com/shop/red-dot...-glock-pistol/

If I like the Venomon the Glock and it holds up I will send slide off to be machined for sight.

[WoodieSC]

https://outerimpact.com/shop/red-dot...-glock-pistol/

If I like the Venomon the Glock and it holds up I will send slide off to be machined for sight.

Cool contraption. Someone was thinking.

[Carolina Counsel]

I do have some astigmatism, but as noted above do not have a problem with my other red dots. However, since they are the tube optics I'm wondering if it's the holo like CW is referencing with his problem with the Eotech vs the Aimpoint.

I think it is more apparent/interfering when it's just a single dot holo.