Vortex Viper PST

[stealthman]

I've seen a few reviews online of these scopes, but not much here, so I thought I would toss one in. Just sold my Swarovski Z5 to put some funds towards other things and bought a Vortex Viper PST 4-16X50 to replace it. It is the second focal plane model and has illuminated reticle. The reticle is the EBR-1 MOA. I'm almost sold on another for the reticle alone. It is very sharp and user friendly. It has hash marks in 2 MOA increments both vertical and horizontal making quick adjustments easy. Also has zero stop shims that you put in once it's sighted in to make sure you return to original zero after turning turrets. The turrets are very positive and have a good audible click when moved. The illumination is very subtle, but will show up on higher power during the day. It also has dead spots in between each increment of illumination so if you like your illumination at a 6 out of 10, you put in on 5 1/2 or 6 1/2 and it is off. One click toward 6 and it turns on, so you don't have to crank the wheel a bunch once you find out what you like. Clarity and brightness is less than the Swarovski, which I expected. It is very clear, but a little darker than I prefer at times when the sun isn't out. Still very acceptable and better than most of the popular scope brands. 30mm tube should have plenty of adjustment if needed. Vortex has a great warranty as well. I give it the thumbs up and will definitely buy another. Kind of makes me think of a poor man's Nightforce. Not at all in the NF arena, but a fantastic alternative when the funds aren't there.

 

[meat hunter]

Stealthman I agree with everything you said here about the Vortex Viper PST. Except for one thing. The PST is very much in the arena of the Nightforce. I had a NF and never did think it was all that. I got a PST and compared them side by side for about a month or two. Then I sold the Nightforce. Glass in the two scopes was equal. Especially in very low light. I would honestly give a slight edge to the PST in low light. Reticle was better in the PST. Especially the illumination adjustment. PST rheostat is externally adjustable as you said. You have to take the NF apart and use tiny tool to adjust intensity. This to me is totally unacceptable for a $1500 scope. Focusing the reticle on the PST took all of one minute. I never did get the reticle focused on my Nightforce even though I made several attempts.
Tracking in the two scopes was equal. Both tracked as they should in box tests.
As far as toughness is concerned I have no experience in that. I use my equipment but I do not abuse it so I cannot say if the Vortex could take a shot from an AK or get dropped onto a rock pile and keep working. On that note I will say that even if it (Vortex) did fail from someone being stupid that Vortex would replace it no questions asked.

 

[tron]

I just got the same scope two weeks ago except first focal plane. I am also very impressed with it so far,it was money well spent. Haven't shot it a lot,100 yds the farthest so far,but shot dime size groups.

 

[bfr4570]

Iv got 2 but FFP. One has been on a 300 WSM for a few months still holding up. When you go to do the Zero stop. Dont over load the washers. I got both of mine going 5 clicks apast zero.