Rifle Scopes So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

4

415Sniper

Private
Minuteman
Jul 20, 2011
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0
41
#1
Looking for a scope to punch holes in paper from 200-1ooo+ yards. I'm new to the sport and just picked up a Remington 700 tactical. I'm not planing on competing or anything, this is all just for fun.
I've browsed scopes for the past week in hope of finding something nice in the $400 range, but nothing really stands out. I do want something with variable power into the 20x area.
So do i just suck it up and shell out $900 for the raved about Viper 6-24x50 FFP PST? Money isn't an issue, but i'm having a hard time convincing myself that i necessarily need it for my intended use of the rifle. Any input is appreciated.
 
#2
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

For the guy just getting into it but is look for something that is going to do the job with out killing the bank that PST are very nice. I have been hearing good thing about the NEW SS scopes also.

I have been testing out two PST myself the 4-16x and the 6-24x both mil on mil. I prefer the 4-16x PST for more my 308 unless I'm going for groups then the higher power can be nice to have.

We will have a video of them soon.

Mike @ CST
 
#3
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I think you will be hard pressed to beat the PST for the money. IMO you will be hard pressed to beat it even for considerably more money.
 
#4
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I've considered pulling the trigger on a PST as well. What's holding me back is that the last "best buy" in a budget FFP scope was the Falcon Menace. Now it seems you can't give'em away. I'm wondering if the PST is going to meet the same fate, after folks have run them for a while...
 
#5
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've considered pulling the trigger on a PST as well. What's holding me back is that the last "best buy" in a budget FFP scope was the Falcon Menace. Now it seems you can't give'em away. I'm wondering if the PST is going to meet the same fate, after folks have run them for a while... </div></div>

No, the PST is well worth the money. I have a 4-16x50 FFP. The only thing that slowed this scope down was a good deal on the SS 5-20, now that the SS is back at $1500, the PST would be my choice to put on a rifle.

The SS is good, don't get me wrong, but not twice the price of PST good.
 
#6
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

The PSTs are great scopes for the money. I'd say go for it.

I have a 4-16 MRAD FFP, and I really like it. No issues so far.
 
#7
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

Why not just get the SFP version of the PST? Based on what you said your intended use would be I don't think its needed and will save you $150. Then again if FFP is just something you want than go for it.
 
#8
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Icon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not just get the SFP version of the PST? Based on what you said your intended use would be I don't think its needed and will save you $150. Then again if FFP is just something you want than go for it. </div></div>

+1 I think if you're only going to be target shooting then maybe a SFP will fit the bill nicely. I bought one a couple weeks ago and I'm only going to be using it at the range so I figured I could save a few bucks.
 
#9
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

4-16 is plenty for most types of shooting. I will own a FFP PST sometime soon. I wish they had a little more internal travel but other than that they are getting excellent reviews and are more than likely here to stay. Plus side is they have some of the best customer service in the business and the resale value is very good.
 
#10
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I own a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x mil/mil FFP, and I must say I'm pretty impressed with it. Obviously it's not a Nightforce, but you probably already knew that. Mine feels pretty solid, the clicks feel great. It's dialed spot on and the zero stop works just as it's supposed to. The glass is what I'd call "good", although it's not Nightforce, USO, etc. I mounted mine with a 20 MOA picatinny base, and after zeroing at 100, I still have 14.5 mil up.It's definitely on a completely different tier than a Falcon Menace. As others have said, since the turrets were completely redesigned (to please the customers and do things right), others made up some ground and beat them to release. I haven't gotten to look through one of the new SS scopes, and when they were offered with the huge discount, they were competing with the Viper PST's. Now that they're considerably more, you'll see lots more people going back to the Viper PST's. I'm quite pleased with mine.
 
#11
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

Thanks. I guess at this point, i'm pretty sold on the Viper PST. Where does the FFP shine over the SFP?

On a 20moa base, it has enough internal adjustment to get me out to 1k yards right? Just want to be sure.
 
#12
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

The places it was at was when the SS HD 5-20 was selling for a thousand dollars but you missed that. If I had to buy a cheaper scope I would just get the weaver tactical its 200-300 less then the Vortex.
 
#14
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SPSTactical308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks. I guess at this point, i'm pretty sold on the Viper PST. Where does the FFP shine over the SFP?

On a 20moa base, it has enough internal adjustment to get me out to 1k yards right? Just want to be sure.</div></div>

In an FFP scope, the reticle markings will always be "correct" regardless of the power setting the scope is at -- so you can use the markings for hold-offs/calling corrections/ranging at any power (versus an SFP scope where the reticle markings are only correct at one power -- usually the highest one).

If you are just shooting static targets then SFP is probably fine for you.

For more dynamic shooting where you are doing transitions between multiple targets and such (especially under time pressure), FFP is invaluable.

A 20 MOA base on a .308 will get you to 1000+ with the Viper 6-24x50 FFP PST just fine -- though I find that at the lowest power settings when the scope is set to the 100 yard zero that you get some "fringing" near the top of the scope (I assume because the internal glass that the reticle is on is right near the edge of its adjustment range, and you are seeing the "edge" of it). Once you zoom into 8x or so, or dial up a few mils the fringing goes away.
 
#15
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I use four variable 10 powers at 1000y quite often as well as others with a top ends at 15x, 16x and 20x. Unless you are shooting prairie dogs and the like a 10x will get you by.

I have the FFP PST in 4-16x and it is a good scope. The SFP would be more than enough if you are not ranging and leading movers. Don’t get the 5-20x SS unless you want to be spoiled… I bought two on the GB and unfortunately got used to their image quality, now I find a lot to dislike about my remaining MK4’s...
frown.gif
 
#16
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Icon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not just get the SFP version of the PST? Based on what you said your intended use would be I don't think its needed and will save you $150. Then again if FFP is just something you want than go for it. </div></div>

Resale value.

Not to mention the inherent advantages of the FFP, but why take the risk? You get less scope to start with, and one that likely will be much harder to move if you ever do sell. In other words, you will have to mark it down and it wont retain near as much value, IMO.

You cant go wrong with a PST, especially if you want value, but even if you simply want a high performing scope. PST's are amazing optics.
 
#17
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical_Tom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The places it was at was when the SS HD 5-20 was selling for a thousand dollars but you missed that. If I had to buy a cheaper scope I would just get the weaver tactical its 200-300 less then the Vortex. </div></div>

I have no idea what you own, but those comments sound ill informed to me.

Have you shot with a PST?
 
#18
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hydro556</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical_Tom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The places it was at was when the SS HD 5-20 was selling for a thousand dollars but you missed that. If I had to buy a cheaper scope I would just get the weaver tactical its 200-300 less then the Vortex. </div></div>

I have no idea what you own, but those comments sound ill informed to me.

Have you shot with a PST? </div></div>

+1 I would like to hear the original posters in depth comparison of the two scopes!!
 
#19
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I have used the Weaver 3-15 EMDR FFP and the Vortex 4-16 PST FFP and I feel the Weaver is the better scope. The 6-24 might be better but I was not that impressed with the 4-16 PST. If you are looking for a new scope with FFP and 20 or higher magnification then the PST might be great supposedly the 6-24 has better glass…
 
#22
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I have a Viper PST 6-24X50 FFP MOA and I am buying another in SFP. I have compared the glass directly with my Leupold Mark 4 and the PST seems better to me. The reason I am getting the SFP is that the FFP is great up to about 600 yds and then the reticle is a bit thick for targets. The glass is great but the reticle seems to be in my way a bit at the longer distances. The reticle in the SFP should appear thinner at the longer distances. However, I will use my FFP on my FN SCAR 17s. I will use the SFP on my Savage Model 10 for the longer distance shooting.
 
#24
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I have a range with limited distance near my place in Oregon so I mostly shoot 3" shoot-n-c targets posted on 100yd gridded sight in targets at 100 and 200 yds. We use the national forest for longer shots (400 yds, 600 yds, 800 yds) and have areas with substantial elevation changes. We use laser range finders (I have a Leupold RX-1000/TBR that gives us range and inclination). The longer targets include silhouettes, the 100 ft sightins with 6" shoot-n-cs, and steel plates. What I find is that the central clutter gets much worse with the FFP scope as I get out past 600. I should get my SFP version and will be able to see how they compare (the specs are very different at high mag for the width of the reticle). I know my Leupold Mark 4 (SFP) TMR is less cluttered at 800 than the FFP PST. Don't get me wrong, I can still see the targets, it is just a bit cluttered. I did get spoiled with the Leupold TMR because of the center of the crosshairs being missing. I wish more did that and particularly on FFP optics. Comparing the Leupold with the PST is difficult because the Mark 4 is 4.5-14 while the PST is 6-24. At 14x I haven't fully magnified either the target or the reticle in the PST FFP. It will be an interesting experiment. I will have some other scopes to compare also, including a SFP Zeiss Victory fl T* 6-24X56. That should serve as a baseline for the glass performance. I probably won't get out to the longer shoots for a couple of months due to some illness but I can't wait.
 
#25
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical_Tom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have used the Weaver 3-15 EMDR FFP and the Vortex 4-16 PST FFP and I feel the Weaver is the better scope. The 6-24 might be better but I was not that impressed with the 4-16 PST. If you are looking for a new scope with FFP and 20 or higher magnification then the PST might be great supposedly the 6-24 has better glass… </div></div>

The 4-16 glass is just as excellent as the 6-24. Cant tell the difference when looking through them. They are both great.

The Weaver that I checked out was a fine scope for the money but not in the same league in any regard as the PST's I have or have had.

To me, the PST was the game changer that is going to bring a whole lot of excellent value to this market. It is already happening.

The thing I try to point out is that just because the PST is a great value, doesnt mean one should miss the fact that it is simply a great scope, price not regarded.
 
#26
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattj</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SPSTactical308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks. I guess at this point, i'm pretty sold on the Viper PST. Where does the FFP shine over the SFP?

On a 20moa base, it has enough internal adjustment to get me out to 1k yards right? Just want to be sure.</div></div>

In an FFP scope, the reticle markings will always be "correct" regardless of the power setting the scope is at -- so you can use the markings for hold-offs/calling corrections/ranging at any power (versus an SFP scope where the reticle markings are only correct at one power -- usually the highest one).

If you are just shooting static targets then SFP is probably fine for you.

For more dynamic shooting where you are doing transitions between multiple targets and such (especially under time pressure), FFP is invaluable.

A 20 MOA base on a .308 will get you to 1000+ with the Viper 6-24x50 FFP PST just fine -- though I find that at the lowest power settings when the scope is set to the 100 yard zero that you get some "fringing" near the top of the scope (I assume because the internal glass that the reticle is on is right near the edge of its adjustment range, and you are seeing the "edge" of it). Once you zoom into 8x or so, or dial up a few mils the fringing goes away. </div></div>

I have the 6-24x PST SFP and it is actually setup very nicely.

On the power adjustments it "clicks" @ 6,8,12, and 24x You can feel it. The markings on the reticule are accurate @ 24x, but you double them @ 12x, triple them @ 8x and quadruple them @ 6x
 
#27
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I have a 4-16 MRAD FFP and its really a great set up. everything about the scope feels really quality and sturdy despite the fairly light weight of the scope. The optics are really good and every bit as good as the mark 4 IMO. For the price, its really a good deal, and its hard to go wrong with Vortex's customer service and unbeatable warranty. So far, it has exceeded my expectations and I have been happy with it, especially for the price.
 
#28
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I have the 4-16 MRAD and extremly happy with it. It well built yet doesn't weigh 2lbs, glass is really nice, like the retcile alot. Like everyone else has stated for teh price they are damn hard to beat. I am trying to find a 6-24 since I like the ability to have the extra magnification, but they are pretty impossibel to find right now.

Good luck.
 
#30
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrewinTejas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 25man you looking for the FFP or SFP? Third Generation Shooting Supply has the SFP in stock in Mrad. </div></div>

Thank you! I am actually looking for the FFP since all my other platforms are that.
 
#31
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I went ahead and ordered up the Viper 6-24x50 PST FFP Mil/Mil today from CS Tactical. I have no experience with high end scopes (if the PST is even considered high end lol)so i'm quite excited. Thank you all for the advice!

BTW, CS Tact. has 1 left in stock if anyone is interested.
 
#34
Re: So is the Viper PST where its at? need advice

I have a vari-x III LRT and was wondering your guys thoughts on if I should send it in to Leupold custom shop for new turrets and reticle or sell it and go with the PST.
 
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