Rifle Scopes Thoughts on Vortex PST Gen 2, 5-25x50 w/ EBR-2C reticle?

[PatientZero762]

Hello all,

Looking for a good optic for my MWS, might have an acog set up to trade but before I do that, I want to know your thoughts.

Personally I like it, has some sexy turrets but I have little to no experience with higher end vortex optics

 

[wade2big]

Its a good scope. I have the 3-15 model. My old man has the 5-25 so I have shot with it plenty. My biggest gripe with the 5-25 is that it doesnt handle the sun well. The sunshade is a must and even then it washes easily. Most of the time this is a no issue. As far as the reticle, it is solid.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I have this scope as well as the 3-15x44 and gen-1 and gen-2 Razors. Solid scope. Not as fully-featured as the gen-2 Razor (at half the cost and weight) but rather comparable to the gen-1 Razor.

 

[FishDr]

Its a good scope. I agree with what Wade said above. Mine tracks well amd holds zero well. No complaints and i love the reticle. Very usable.

 

[Ledzep]

Towards the top end of the 3-15x model I start seeing some loss of optical quality. Nothing killer, especially since I almost never go over 12x. I've wondered how the 5-25's are for quality, but again, I got the 3-15 because I usually hover 10-12x.

 

[FishDr]

Do you know much about the badger unimount?

That's what it comes with.

I have never used one personally. One fella I know has one and seems to do fine with it. Badger is top quality gear- I wouldnt expect any difficulties at all.

 

[Mike 556]

Have two razors mounted in unimounts. Never a problem. Quality mounts. You wont be dissapointed.

 

[patriot07]

Good scope. Image quality degrades a bit once you go past 20x. But nothing you wouldn’t expect in this price range. Good reticle and turrets and nice overall package for the money.

 

[viking78]

One plus here for 5-25x50.
Seem to have suprisingly well in little bit lower light condition too.

 

[92trk]

Got one on Black Friday. Still learning it. I'm very pleased with it so far.

 

[b6graham]

for a few hundred bucks less i'd check out the athlon ares etr. 34mm tube with usable elevation travel (30+ versus 20). equally good reticle. arguably better glass

 

[OLD308]

I have one, no issue. I put it on my 22LR. It felt a little less robust than others in the price range. I'm aware that's a subjective statement. I don't regret the purchase, but won't buy another.

 

[Sutherlandsd]

I really think the Ares ETR is the sweet spot at this price point, but I personally have seen 3 out of the 5 in my group I shoot with have issues (they all got them at around the same time maybe it was a bad batch I dunno....) of course Athlon fixed them up I'm sure but still no way in hell I buy one online without actually laying my eyes on it unless I really and I mean really get a good deal or am in no hurry whatsoever.

I have used several of the Gen2 PST's I think they are an excellent scope for the money and for the excellent deals floating around on them very tough to beat. They are absolutely all over the range I shoot at and have never heard of or seen one with any issues. Im about 90% sure thats the scope I will use on my budget build I am working on right now at least unless I can find another screaming deal on a used Cronus.


*Edit* I know this sounds like I am anti Ares but honestly its the best scope imo in this price range feature wise and glass wise. Just lay eyes on the damn thing before you buy it, shoot it see if it tracks then enjoy the damn thing.

 

[wade2big]

I really think the Ares ETR is the sweet spot at this price point, but I personally have seen 3 out of the 5 in my group I shoot with have issues (they all got them at around the same time maybe it was a bad batch I dunno....) of course Athlon fixed them up I'm sure but still no way in hell I buy one online without actually laying my eyes on it unless I really and I mean really get a good deal or am in no hurry whatsoever.

I have used several of the Gen2 PST's I think they are an excellent scope for the money and for the excellent deals floating around on them very tough to beat. They are absolutely all over the range I shoot at and have never heard of or seen one with any issues. Im about 90% sure thats the scope I will use on my budget build I am working on right now at least unless I can find another screaming deal on a used Cronus.


*Edit* I know this sounds like I am anti Ares but honestly its the best scope imo in this price range feature wise and glass wise. Just lay eyes on the damn thing before you buy it, shoot it see if it tracks then enjoy the damn thing.

Man just like I figured. What problems did they have?
Vortex PST 3-15 gen ii have been on sale for $675 at midway for a while now. I think these are the better than the 5-25. If you cant hit your target with 15x you would have missed it regardless.

 

[Sutherlandsd]

The three that I seen were all either turret misalignment or tracking issues and one was a combo of both just a hot mess. I do like the locking turrets and the glass and the Ares etr reticle is very nice.

 

[wade2big]

The three that I seen were all either turret misalignment or tracking issues and one was a combo of both just a hot mess. I do like the locking turrets and the glass and the Ares etr reticle is very nice.

Of course the things you like about the scope are the least important. Lol.

 

[Sutherlandsd]

Of course the things you like about the scope are the least important. Lol.

Oh I think the Ares is a better scope really in every way (once you get a good copy), I'll probably still buy a Vortex G2PST though because I can get it much cheaper and it would still check the boxes of my budget build quite nicely.

Someone needs at Athlon needs to get them setup with the experticity site...

 

[Phil G]

I have 2 and they both track reliably and for the money are a great value. I am very happy with the performance to value ratio. Phil G

 

[Cofercr]

I have first and second gen PST’s as well as both gen Razors. PST gen two is worth every penny. Only issue is it has very tight unforgiving eye box. However, advantage to this is your mechanics have to be good. I really like the ENR-2C as well. Very handy with FFP.

 

[Cofercr]

Sorry EBR-2C

 

[SBE2]

Had one for a while after using a gen 1 pst 6-24 for a year and seemed to be an upgrade with better glass and bigger turrets with more adjustment. Great glass in that price range

 

[BlackdogGS]

I just mounted one. Great scope. My skills and rifle don’t justify a $3,000 Night Force but I didn’t want a budget scope either.

 

[Captain Teeto]

isnt the ares etr 4.5-30 more expensive than the pst gen 2 5-25? its usually $900 for the viper pst gen 2 and $1200 for the ares etr iirc. i would rec the viper pst gen 2 only because a few times a year it goes on sale down to $750 and at 750 vs 1200, pst gen 2 is a way better deal unless you *really* need that brown colorway or the extra elevation/windage

 

[Shifty6BR]

Quick tracking test I did a while back with a 5-25 mrad. Tested total of 4 mils.

12" er out at 700yds

 

[Shifty6BR]

Another visual under heavier overcast same target and distance.

I'll try to snap some side by sides with a nf atacr.

 

[doc88]

My Gen 1 PST has been solid and I have a Gen 2 on the way I just bought of the forum here. I've heard of issues but at least with Vortex it's good for life with their warrenty.

 

[b6graham]

isnt the ares etr 4.5-30 more expensive than the pst gen 2 5-25? its usually $900 for the viper pst gen 2 and $1200 for the ares etr iirc. i would rec the viper pst gen 2 only because a few times a year it goes on sale down to $750 and at 750 vs 1200, pst gen 2 is a way better deal unless you *really* need that brown colorway or the extra elevation/windage

if you're paying more than $950-1k for an ares etr you're doing it wrong

 

[patriot07]

I personally have seen 3 out of the 5 in my group I shoot with have issues (they all got them at around the same time maybe it was a bad batch I dunno....) of course Athlon fixed them up I'm sure but still no way in hell I buy one online without actually laying my eyes on it unless I really and I mean really get a good deal or am in no hurry whatsoever.

One of the many reasons I wouldn't buy a Chinese scope at the $1k price point. It's fine for a $200 beater, but at the $1k mark I want japanese like SWFA HD or Cronus.

The PST2 is a fine scope and made in the Philippines, and I believe the Ares probably is too (haven't tried one for myself). But trust starts to play at least part of a role when you reach this price level, and I just don't care for chinese-made stuff without the associated discount.

 

[JSchell1309]

I have 2 of the PST Gen 2 5-25 on the way, killer deal from Gander at $750 each.

Ones going on a Savage 6.5 Creed and the other on a CZ 457 ProVarmint. The 6.5 currently wears a Gen 1 6-24, so hoping it a noticeable improvement, not much cost for the upgrade once I sell the Gen 1.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I have 2 or the PST Gen 2 5-25 on the way, killer deal from Gander at $750 each.

Would you mind providing a link. I saw someone post this the other day and could not find it. Thanks!

 

[Captain Teeto]

I have 2 or the PST Gen 2 5-25 on the way, killer deal from Gander at $750 each.

Would you mind providing a link. I saw someone post this the other day and could not find it. Thanks!

the sale is over unfortunately, but here you go

 

[Captain Teeto]

if you're paying more than $950-1k for an ares etr you're doing it wrong

damn now im tempted. where do I find them for 950? Ive searched most major sites and theyre all 1200 new

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Uggh! A day late and a dollar short Thanks anyway Captain!

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I love that reticle on the pst gen II. It's almost perfect IMHO. I just don't see why they numbered the lower half so as to interfer with windage hold off. That seems like an obvious design error. Or maybe I'm missing something. Either way, it's probably my next scope.

 

[b6graham]

damn now im tempted. where do I find them for 950? Ive searched most major sites and theyre all 1200 new

call vendors that carry them...

 

[JSchell1309]

Uggh! A day late and a dollar short Thanks anyway Captain!

That was the 2nd time the PST Gen 2 was posted for $750 on reddit, earlier it was midway with a 5-25 model with their exclusive reticle. I missed those and swore I wouldn’t miss the next $750 sale on them.

Check the thread below and PM that vendor, that is the next best price I have seen them offered at.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/vortex-viper-pst-gen-2-mils-moa’s-check-it-out.6926925/

 

[JSchell1309]

I love that reticle on the pst gen II. It's almost perfect IMHO. I just don't see why they numbered the lower half so as to interfer with windage hold off. That seems like an obvious design error. Or maybe I'm missing something. Either way, it's probably my next scope.

Midway still has the Gen 2 3-15 FFP for a killer price too if that tempts you.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...st-focal-illuminated-ebr-2d-moa-reticle-matte

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...t-focal-illuminated-ebr-2d-mrad-reticle-matte

 

[DMP]

Midway still has the Gen 2 3-15 FFP for a killer price too if that tempts you.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...st-focal-illuminated-ebr-2d-moa-reticle-matte

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...t-focal-illuminated-ebr-2d-mrad-reticle-matte

 

[DMP]

Hello all,

Looking for a good optic for my MWS, might have an acog set up to trade but before I do that, I want to know your thoughts.

Personally I like it, has some sexy turrets but I have little to no experience with higher end vortex optics
View attachment 7027376View attachment 7027377

I have had a couple of Vipers. Solid and reliable. I now have Razors. I like them also, but I wouldn't want to carry them too far. Sometimes I miss my Vipers.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Midway still has the Gen 2 3-15 FFP for a killer price too if that tempts you.

Thanks Schell. Unfortunately, I have my heart set on a 5-25.

 

[JSchell1309]

Midway still has the Gen 2 3-15 FFP for a killer price too if that tempts you.

Thanks Schell. Unfortunately, I have my heart set on a 5-25.

No problem, best of luck in your search. That forum vendor I linked has an excellent price if you PM him.

Beyond that check that reddit gundeals often and see if they pop up again. This is the 2nd time Gander has run a huge discount code and allowed it to be applied to Optics it normally shouldn’t be. I could see it happening again.

 

[Captain Teeto]

if you do want to get on r/gundeals train, i recommend you either sort by new on reddit or join the discord and watch the continuous post feed. in both cases you have be kind of vigilant to get on the really good deals. i game a lot so its really convenient for me to just check every few hours for any new deals on discord, that way i dont miss anything on stuff I really need to get.

the actually good deals like $750 viper pst gen 2s get sold out really fast which is why you have to be vigilant about watching new posts; the mrad version sold out in a couple hours after it was posted. i had to settle for moa/moa for mine and sold out within a day. mine arrives tomorrow altho i might get rid of it in favor of an ares etr because i really do want the extra elevation and color.

edit: edited for clarity

 

[JSchell1309]

Agree with the above. I missed the MIL/MIL ones before they sold out. Was almost relieved since I wouldn’t need to drop the cash. Then someone posted the MOA in stock so I jumped on them both.

All my shooting buddies shoot MOA so its not the worst thing to try out. I figure worst case I can always see if someone wants to trade down the line.

That price is just “mash the buy button” price for those scopes, regardless of reticle.

 

[beetroot]

damn now im tempted. where do I find them for 950? Ive searched most major sites and theyre all 1200 new

Try phoning or contacting some of the forum sponsors, they do some great deals for forum members

@LibertyOptics
@gr8fuldoug

 

[ToddM]

the sale is over unfortunately, but here you go

Yeah Gander got caught out on that one really quickly. There were ton of high end really good products the first day the code worked on and by day 2 they were quickly changing them to "This item is excluded from all discounts and promotions." and the codes would not work in the cart.