Rifle Scopes Mark 4 vs Viper PST

[thewolf]

Hey guys,

I am thinking about getting a remington 700 sps tac 308. I want to pick up a bolt gun to play around with, nothing to serious. It will be a real “budget” build so I have been planning on buying a scope first and then the rifle and upgrades as money allows.

I also have a nice varmint ar15 with an older accupoint 1-4X24. Whichever scope I get I was thinking about slapping it on that rifle for some time until the 700 rifle would be complete.

Anyways I have been looking around and narrowed it down to three choices within my $900 max range.

Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x50mm (30mm) M1 TMR
Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP W/ EBR-1 MRAD
Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x40mm (30mm) Target Mid dot

The nicer Mark 4 and PST are really stretching the budget and leave nothing for rings and a base. While the lower Mark 4 is a little over 200 cheaper but has the target turrets. The PST is real nice with FFP and Zero stop. Although would I actually need them for basic at the range shooting

What do you guys think? Other suggestions?

Priced same Mark 4 M1 vs PST with all the extras or go for the cheaper Mark 4 target and have $200+ in my pocket.

Thanks!

 

[Boomholzer]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

The Weaver tactical (FFP) has been well recieved. 3-15x and 4-20x

The Bushnell tactical 3-12x44 (FFP) is also in the price range. Better optical quality and tactile knobs over the PST.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

Buy a scope that has matching reticle/turrets. Until recently, with the M-5 turrets, Leupold scopes have had MOA turrets and Mil reticles. A stupid move on Leupold's part. They've finally came into the 12st century.

I believe the PST will be in your price range and give you matching turret/reticles.

It is just easier to use one system of measurement MIL/MIL or MOA/MOA.

With the Leupold scopes you listed, they have MOA turrets and MIL reticles. I still use an older Mark 4 with a TMR reticle and MOA turrets, but my newer scopes are MIL/MIL.

 

[mateofeo85]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

If you're trying to work with a budget and a "play around" gun, for $700 you can get the SFP Viper PST 4-16. It's the same glass quality as the FFP but obviously without the ranging at any magnification. The SFP gives you ranging multipliers for 4, 5.3, 8, & 16x settings.

Save yourself another $200 for rail and rings and get the SFP, I love mine, and for what you want to do, it shouldn't disappoint.

 

[uncledog57]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

+1 on the PST. I think you should go 2nd focal plane as well. It will do everything you need it to do and save you a couple of bucks! Also if you go Vortex your backed by the best warranty in the industry. The only two things they won't cover is theft and loss. Pretty hard to beat that kind of CS.

 

[flynlow3]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

^ I have dealt with Leupold CS on a few different occasions. I am not affliated with them in any way but they treated me extremely well. The gold label scopes come with a lifetime warranty no matter who owns it now or who has owned it in the past. It is covered. They also told me that as long as I didnt use the scope as a chalking block for my vehicle that it was covered. I can see where a company has to draw a line and say if your going to be stupid about things, we are not going to help you. I shoot everything from leupold, Nightforce, vortex, Schmidt and bender, Swift Preimer, Burris, and US Optics.

I think Leupolds CS is up to par or at least in my book.

 

[HPLLC]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

I would buy the Viper if you don't need a feature only offered by Leupold.

Since Leupold went to asia for parts, the resale value is no where near the retail and that is just plain screwing the customer. Obviously they are now selling a Viper PST value optic for twice the Viper price.

 

[sgtlmj]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

Look at the Viper HS 5-15x44. It's exclusive to Midway and is on sale for $399 until the end of the month.

 

[BCP]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

The vortex 5-15 that midway is selling is a very good deal. For a target rifle on a budget I would definitely consider it.

 

[FALex]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Griffin Armament</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Since Leupold went to asia for parts, the resale value is no where near the retail and that is just plain screwing the customer. Obviously they are now selling a Viper PST value optic for twice the Viper price. </div></div>

When did they start going to Asia for parts? Not surprising, but it still sucks. I own a decent 3-9 Leupold on my .17 Hummer. It actually came on the .17 when I purchased the rifle. For a regular, "run-of-the-mill" scope, it has pretty clear glass. On that note, anyone know where Leupold's glass comes from? Do they manufacture it themselves or is it also out of an Asiatic country?

 

[gamehawker]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtlmj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look at the Viper HS 5-15x44. It's exclusive to Midway and is on sale for $399 until the end of the month. </div></div>

It's an awesome deal. But it is in Mils instead of MOA. I would buy it but I have always used MOA.

 

[shootist~]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

Dig up the recent reviews on the Weaver Tactical 3.5-15 EDMR as well.

 

[kl3309]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

If you're planning to actually use the scope's full magnification range, you may not want to buy a Leupold. The higher-power Leupolds' eye-relief will change by around 1.5" from the lowest magnification setting to the highest. The Mark 4 4-14 goes from 5.3" to 3.7" from low to high. Try maintaining a consistent stock weld with that!

 

[thewolf]

Re: Mark 4 vs Viper PST

Sorry I’m a little slow to replay but thanks for all the replays and help!

As you can see from my posts count, I am a new member and I must say I didn’t expect such great advice. I didn’t even think about matching reticle/turret or customer service. Plus no one told me to use the search box hahah. +1 snipershide

Well I kind of feel like I am cheating by going for the cheaper Viper HS 5-15 from midway. But from what you guys suggested this would probably fits my needs the best, especially as I am just getting my feet wet. Sure I would like FFP, illuminated reticle, Horus reticle, and a bottle opener but from your posts It seems that I should focus more on the basic features that I would actually use starting out. I guess, get good with the basics then move up.

At $399 its real tempting, excluding the backorder till 6/30. Comparing the closest vortex model the midway version is $150 less (midway prices) with a loss of only 1 power each way and 1/10 mill adjustment. Plus it leaves me with plenty extra cash so I don’t have to skimp on a base and rails. Would be nice if it wasn’t a wire reticle but then again I am not setting off tannerite next to the scope.

I am not exactly sure the difference in quality between the HS and PST series but I assume it’s pretty close. My understanding is the HS is built off the PST for the “hunting world” with the turrets capped (except the LR versions) with less adjustment for hunters who zero and leave it. So would it be safe to say it’s same quality glass and construction just in a slightly different size for the midway version?

Thanks.