The only scope I have ever had fail was a Leica ER.Yes, I have NF, ZEISS, Swarovski and the LHT. Previously some Leuphold. Only scope that ever failed was a bushnell on a slug gun. i haven’t suffered the same issues you can google about,
The only scopes I've ever had stay kinda zeroed was a Leupold VX3i. it was always close but never dead on. Got a VX2 and the zero never changes on that one.
Last scopes I bought were Vortex DB (for a simple BDC) and Bushnell Banner. Love them older Bushnell Banner scopes, especially w the heavy circle reticles.
All that said- OP for $300 I'd run with the Viper. If it fails, send it in for refurbish, then sell it for $500 and get Meopta scope.