Vortex Venom 1-6x24 SFP – AR-BDC3 (VEN-1601)

A low-power variable built specifically around the AR-15, and priced so you can actually put one on a working rifle. The illuminated AR-BDC3 reticle is "specifically tuned to the ballistic performance of common 5.56 loads out of an AR-15," with holds calibrated out to 650 yards. A throw lever and sunshade come in the box — parts you'd otherwise buy separately. 30mm tube, 19.5 ounces. Vortex SKU VEN-1601, UPC 843829136006.

The AR-BDC3 Reticle

This is a purpose-built reticle, not a generic one relabeled. At 1x the 16.625 MOA broken outer circle works like a red dot — both eyes open, put the circle on the target, shoot. Crank to 6x and the 1 MOA center dot plus the BDC ladder gives you precision and holds out to 650 yards, tuned to what 5.56 actually does out of a carbine. It's illuminated and glass etched, so the reticle is still there if the battery dies.

True 1x Matters

The whole point of an LPVO is that it works at contact distance and at range. At 1x you get 126 feet of field of view at 100 yards — wide enough for genuine both-eyes-open shooting — and 20.2 feet at 6x when you need to reach out.

What Comes With It

Vortex includes the accessories most people buy anyway: a throw lever (so you can go 1x to 6x with a slap rather than a fumble), a sunshade, lens covers, a lens cloth, the CR2032 battery, and a 2mm hex wrench. On a scope in this class, that's real money not spent.

Build

• XD Optical System, fully multi-coated, with ArmorTek exterior lens coating.
• Single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum, low-glare matte black anodize.
• Capped turrets with 1/4 MOA clicks — and a genuinely large 140 MOA of elevation and windage travel.
• Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed — waterproof, fogproof, shockproof.
• Fast-focus eyepiece.

Specifications

What's in the Box

• Venom 1-6x24
• Throw lever
• Sunshade
• Lens covers
• Lens cloth
• CR2032 battery
• 2mm hex wrench

Frequently Asked Questions

What cartridge is the AR-BDC3 built around?
Vortex tuned it to common 5.56 loads out of an AR-15, with holds calibrated out to 650 yards.

Is the reticle illuminated?
Yes, and it's glass etched — so it remains usable if the battery dies.

Does a throw lever come with it?
Yes, along with a sunshade.

Second focal plane — is that a problem?
For an LPVO, no — SFP keeps the reticle visible and usable at 1x, which is where these scopes earn their keep. The BDC holds are calibrated for a specific magnification; check the reticle manual.