Rifle Scopes Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

[Rem5R]

Hide Members,

I am just looking for personal experiences, good or bad, with the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 rifle scope. I am looking to purchase a scope for one of my AR rifles.

Please let me know your experiences with the piece of glass stated above.

Thanks
Rem5R

 

[SRSDriver]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I shot one (SFP) in a competition on my buddies rifle. Night stage, illumination was nice, mrad reticle was easy enough to figure out under pressure on a setup that was new (as in I'd never shot) that second.

I'm an FFP snob, so I've put one of the 2.5-10 FFP's on order with Scott at liberty optics. I think Vortex is a good value overall.

 

[chainring]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I had one briefly, and felt like I would want somewhat higher quality glass next time around. By all accounts, the new 2.5-10x32 PST IS an improvement - not as similar as it sounds. I'm going to try one of them, also from Scott.

 

[LRRPF52]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I love mine, and I used to only buy Leupold, USO, NF, and compete with S&B or Hensoldt. Is the Vortex glass in the same category as Hensoldt or S&B? Nope, but it isn't that much different from NF in the field when I jump from one gun to the next.

When you combine the turret quality, zero stop, construction, reticle options, tracking, and warranty, they can't be beat for the price.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Viper PST 2.5-10x44 MRAD:</span>

I like the 2.5-10x44 PST better than my 5-15x44 HS Tactical:

 

[powereng]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I hate to be "that guy", but after my 4-16x50 Viper PST had to go back to Vortex 3 times in 1 month due to various quality issues I asked for my money back. Yes, their customer service is excellent, but the scope spent more time in the mail then it did on my rifle.

 

[Rem5R]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Powereng,

Don't worry about being "that guy". That is exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. I know your experiences are with a different scope model of the same brand than the one I have listed, but I want to hear what you have to say.

It is still a toss up between the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 or the Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40. I will be purchasing one or the other soon, and I am looking for peoples experiences.

Thanks
Rem5R

 

[Jester308]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Ive heard a number of bad experiences with 4-16 model PST.

My 2.5-10x44 has been sent back and is getting looked after at the moment, There was something funky happening with the Illum reticle switching off under recoil. CS has been awesome so far, no complaints there. Im jumping on the FFP 2.5-10x32 waiting list aswell. They sound like theyre a good little package.

JJ

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rem5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Powereng,

It is still a toss up between the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 or the Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40. I will be purchasing one or the other soon, and I am looking for peoples experiences.

Thanks
Rem5R </div></div>

I have the PST 2.5-10x44 and briefly had the standard version of the VX-R 3-9. Take a long, hard look at the SWFA SS 3-9x42 before you buy either one. Unless you really need illumination, it is on the whole a better scope (IMHO). The glass is better than the PST about equal to the VX-R, the construction ruggedness is much better, and first focal plane is just a really nice thing once you get used to it.

Between the Leupold and Vortex I'd probably go Vortex, but you could just about flip a coin.

 

[Rprecision]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I have nothing bad to say for mine except for a lack of paralax adjustment.

That said, for shooting inside 100 yards I dont need a side focus, just turn the power down a bit. on 10X outside of 100 yards I dont notice any problems hitting what I need too.

THe scope offers value, I dont know if I could say the glass is on par with higher end scopes, to my eye its not. Nor can you get any of its features in a scope scope costing $599

 

[mobius38]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Is the Leupold 3-9x40 VX-R Patrol FFP or SFP? I had a Vortex 2.5-10 and really missed a paralax option. Will be putting one of the new 2.5-10x32 on the top of my new AR.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I set up one of my shooting buddies with a 2.5-10 for his armalite 10t last year. Our shooting spot goes out to 800. We mostly shoot steel. He hasn't complained once about the scope.

In my opinion it's a good buy. We get very positive feed back from the entire PST line.

 

[flounderv2]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Vortex is a great company. the 2.5-10x44 is an awesome scope and Ive had zero issues. Light gathering capbility is great on it.

As far as Powereng's statement goes. there was a known QC issue with the 4-16 models when they came out and through mid part of last year. Vortex is fully aware of it and they stepped up their game on it and i havent heard of any issues since.

 

[bohem]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Mine is great, it makes a pretty much perfect DMR scope. The light capture on it is very good and I'm happy with mine, especially at the price point.

 

[supersniper]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I've had no problem with mine. Just wish it was available in FFP back then. Would not hesitate to buy another one.

 

[mavrick]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: supersniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had no problem with mine. Just wish it was available in FFP back then. Would not hesitate to buy another one.
</div></div>

I feel the same way I just might end up with the FFP model when it all said and done.

Dustin

 

[Genin]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I don't have any experience with that particular model, but since others mentioned the PST 4-16 I figured I'd give my .02. In my experience it has good glass, excellent features, and most importantly holds zero and tracks perfectly. It's a solid scope with an amazing warranty. I can see bullet strikes on my target (white target, red bullseye) at 300 yards without issue. Helps me not have to switch between scope and spotting scope. I highly recommend the Vortex PST line to anyone. The FFP is the tits as well.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rprecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have nothing bad to say for mine except for a lack of paralax adjustment.</div></div>

That was my primary complaint with this scope when I owned it. The mechanical aspects of the scope are quite good (like the rest of the PST line), and combination of weight and size make it quite appropriate for a number of different applications. But the optical performance just wasn't good enough to where I felt comfortable using the scope at a variety of distances. While I'm no optics expert, it seems like its fixed parallax/focus contributed to this problem. Maybe I was asking too much of it for its modest price point? I don't know.

 

[limamike56]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Mixed reviews for me on Vortex. I have had three Vortex PST Scopes, (2) 2.5-10x44's and a 1-4x24. I had several problems with one 2.5-10x 44. It was a PIA to deal with Vortex until Doug at Camera Land got involved and then problems were quickly resolved.

Just bought a Nightforce 2.5-10 scope last week. Very happy with the Nightforce.

 

[LRRPF52]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

I love the NF product as well, but Vortex CS is the one to beat right now. I know guys on internationally winning F-Class teams who all had NF optics on their rifles, and couldn't get CS.

While I miss the side focus, having broken SF on a Schmidt & Bender PM II, how badly do I really miss SF when I think about reliability?

The 2.5-10x44 PST glass I have is no Leupold Mk IV, but the Leupold Mk IV's turrets suck compared to the PST. I have to have positive click value to my turrets, and I won't buy any scopes that don't have matching turrets to the reticle.

Of the 3 Viper/PST/HS scopes I have purchased, running them through high and extreme low temps over the past few years, they continue to track and perform like day 1. One of the most common warranty-related failure points across the rifle optics industry is Side Focus breaking.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRRPF52</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While I miss the side focus, having broken SF on a Schmidt & Bender PM II, how badly do I really miss SF when I think about reliability?</div></div>

You know, you bring up an excellent point! I missed SF on my rimfire trainer because I was punching paper at a variety of distances near and (relatively) far. Had this same scope been on a hunting rifle, the slight optical drawbacks may have been inconsequential, but the improved reliability and simplicity of operation would certainly be welcome.

Thanks for snapping me out of my excessively narrow thinking.

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Just bought this scope to put on my kids .22 rifle.


Not even sure how the guy above can compare this to a nightforce that costs a grand more.

For the money hard to beat the vortex. Paid 581 shipped.

 

[Rem5R]

Re: Experiences with Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Well I have decided to go with the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 with the MRAD turrets and reticle. I hope I have made a good choice since I have never had one of these in my hands. I will be making my order soon.

Thanks
Rem5R