Rifle Scopes Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

S

sigeye

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Minuteman
Aug 6, 2011
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0
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#1
Sorry guys, I'm sure this has been battled out back and forth forever and I apologize if I'm beating a dead horse but I did some searching and couldn't find any recent discussions regarding the Sightron S3 vs the Vortex Viper PST. Sounds like both scopes had some issues upon immediate release but I'm wondering where they both stand now that they've had time to work any kinks out.

I'm comparing the Sightron SIIISS 6-24x50mm LRMD/CM (SFP - no FFP available):
http://www.sightron.com/index.php?action=view_document&did=1201816362&cat_id=6&id=167

To the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50mm FFP:
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-6-24x50-ffp-riflescope-with-ebr-1-mrad-reticle

Both of these scopes are around the same pricing bracket and much more affordable then the Nightforce NXS I would love to own but can't reasonably afford. The scope will be mounted on a new Remington 700 SS 5R chambered in .308 WIN.

I've read nothing but good about the Sightron S3 I'm looking at and it seems like this is a solid choice. However, I'm sideways on it because it's only available in SFP and I would "prefer" FFP for the type of shooting I'll be doing with my rifle.

This led me to research the Vortex Viper PST in question because it IS available in FFP and has all the features I would like to have. However, in some past reviews it sure does seem like people don't think the glass is up to par of the Sightron and I've also read some negative comments on the turrets feel and accuracy as well as something about the reticle (etched) being off by a degree or so whenever the windage is adjusted.

So here's the deal, I'm sold on the Vortex if these issues have been addressed and corrected by the manufacturer because it is FFP like I want. However, if the optics are still questionable and the issues noted are still questionable then I probably shouldn't spend $900 on it.

Is the Sightron S3 much better in optics as well as turret feel and accuracy? I can't say that I've read much or any negative about Sightron. I'm sure it's out there but it seems very rare if that's the case. Again, I would be 100% sold on the Sightron but I really would like to spring for an FFP scope since I'm spending this kind of money.

Thoughts?
 
#2
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

I can't comment on the Vortex, but the turrets on my S3 6-24 LRMD/CM are very tactile. Can't really say much about the accuracy, as I haven't given it a grid test yet. It uses the same adjustment tracking mechanism that their bench scopes use, which have a very good reputation.
 
#3
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

My 6-24X50 SIII has glass on par or better than my 5-20X50 Super Sniper and equivelent NF. However all the scope have plenty good resolution to make the shot. It's up to you to decide glass vs. features, which is more important to you?

I have not looked through a PST so I can't comment on it.
 
#6
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

The SIII will have better glass than the PST, however, the PST has better features. Also you should compare the same scope types (SPF) and not the FFP. The SIII is more of a target/hunting scope compared to the PST (tactical/hunting).

John
 
#8
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

The Sightron glass is supposedly very good. I have two PST's, a 4-16 and 6-24. The 6-24 glass is pretty good, better than the 4-16. The Sightron cannot compare to the PST as far as features so its not a fair discussion. FFP vs. SFP, mil dot vs. EBR, illumination vs. non illuminated, zero stop. So its better (reportedly) glass or better features, your choice.
 
#10
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

Thanks for the input so far guys. I really feel that it's 50/50 between the two after doing a lot of research. I would very much like to put my hands on both and look through both.

There is a gun show in Austin, TX this weekend near me and I will be heading that way this Saturday in hopes that they'll have both scopes to look through. They may not, but no loss if so.
 
#11
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

I have the Sightron with the MOA-2 reticle, and I prefer it to the reticle in the PST which I find too thick (I like the floating dot), the glass is truly outstanding and the turrets feel very positive with no slack, it's not FFP but the reticle is "true" at 24x which suits me fine
 
#12
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

I have both and the glass is about the same. The problem that I have had with Vortex is that on two different scopes the turrets loosened up and the clicks have slop in them. I will be sending one of them back for sure. The Sightrons which have seen more use have stayed very positive in both windage and elevation changes.
 
#14
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

Sure does seem difficult to find negative feedback on Sightrons, but again the above posts mentions some negative feedback on Vortex. I'm just getting a little uncomfortable with the Vortex after reading negatives here and there, however, I really want FFP. If I was extremely patient, I could wait an eternity until I could afford the Nightforce I want and have both quality and FFP huh?
wink.gif
Just a hard pill to swallow coming in at more than twice the money.
 
#15
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sigeye</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sure does seem difficult to find negative feedback on Sightrons, but again the above posts mentions some negative feedback on Vortex. I'm just getting a little uncomfortable with the Vortex after reading negatives here and there, however, I really want FFP. If I was extremely patient, I could wait an eternity until I could afford the Nightforce I want and have both quality and FFP huh?
wink.gif
Just a hard pill to swallow coming in at more than twice the money.</div></div>


I know how you feel. I really wanted a FFP Sightron, but I didn't see it in the near future, so I just got the SFP LRMD/CM. NF was kinda outta the price range.
 
#16
Re: Sightron SIIISS vs Vortex Viper PST

I had a PST but sold it to purchase the new Sightron S3 because I've owned an S3 before and the glass, repeatability and eye relief were outstanding in my old S3. The eye relief was a little finicky to me on the PST. Yes the PST has a lot of extra bells and wisles but I found that I really did not need then. I have not yet found any bad reviews on the Sightron's and I have looked. The Pst is an outstanding scope as well but I prefer glass quality over extras. Being that Sightron really listens to their customers, I would not be surprised if they don't start adding a few more extras. Mine is used for hunting and target.
 
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