Vortex viper pst g2 5-25x50 EBR-2D vs Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50 IL FX-MRAD

[Top6517]

I have around 1K budget for optic/mount/rings. Looking at these two scopes. I want Mil/Mil and like both reticles in these. A quick look on Euro optic has the vortex at 799 and the Nikon at 699. It will be going on a RPR in .338 LM. I like the idea of the Nikon and spending a little more on the mount..... BUT they did just do away with their scope line. I've heard different accounts of how they are handling warranty issues. At some point in time, parts will be gone I assume. This has me leaning toward the Vortex, but a friend of mine had to send two of these back for two different issues. That being said, third time was a charm and it has performed flawlessly since.

I will not be shooting any type of competition with this.... would like to eventually reach the 1000yd club. Will probably shoot this 5-7 times per year realistically. Should I be looking at something different? I have researched and researched.... and I keep hitting the same wall. I've looked at sightron, burris, athlon and several others but I am struggling to make a decision.... I know a lot of guys are running superior glass and spent thousands on it.... that's not where I'm at right now. Looking to have fun and hoping to make an educated decision here.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

You should also consider the Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 2.5-15x50 - APLR3 FFP IR MIL which we have on sale reduced from $799.99 to only $549.99

This Ares BTR 2.5-15x50 Model has APLR3 first focal plane illuminated MIL reticle in it.

FEATURES

• HD Glass: HD Glass gives you better light transmission, brighter, and sharper image.
• Illuminated Reticle: The illuminated reticle provides greater visibility during dusk and dawn and other low ambient light environment.
• First Focal Plane Reticle: First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out. The reticle offers quick target engagement at low power while offering precise holdover positions with finer details.
• Etched Glass Reticle: Reticle etched on the glass that provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil
• Advanced Fully Multicoated: Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses
• XPL Coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches or anything else mother nature can throw at you.
• Precision Zero Stop System: The system allows you to lock down your zero position and dial back to it with a sharp and precise stop right at your zero mark even you are turning it in pitch-dark or blinded folded.
• High Precision Erector System: The high precision erector system processed by high precision CNC machine with +/- 0.0001mm tolerance level to provide you the most accurate power settings and smoothest magnification change
• 6061 T6 Aluminum: The 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum tube that has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics no matter what punishment you throw at it.
• Exposed Tactical Direct Dial: Exposed Direct Dial Turrets for elevation and windage allow you to quickly make adjustment as you needed and engage your target within a blink of your eyes
• One Piece Tube Construction: Heat treated one piece tube gives the scope extra strength over multi-piece tubes. A one piece tube also is better at keeping moisture out thus keeping your scope fog proof for the life of the product
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protect the scope in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater
• Fog proof: Fog proof to allow you to immediately engage your target when you take your rifle to cold ambient temperature from warm inside
• Shockproof: Robust mechanical system with special designs on both control and erector system that give you the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times.
• Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .

 

[Top6517]

I've looked at Athlon but I think the 4.5-27 would be more apples to apples with the above 2 scopes. Price on that?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I've looked at Athlon but I think the 4.5-27 would be more apples to apples with the above 2 scopes. Price on that?

Absolutely, please call us at 516-217-1000 to discuss pricing. Thanks and happy new year

 

[pell1203]

Listen to Doug!

I had to send my Nikon back several times when I first bought mine for various issues before they discontinued their scope line and a buddy had issues with his as well. Both got taken care off before the announcement but it does not bode well for future repairs if needed.

 

[teddyw19]

I have had great experiences with vortex optics. Have friends who have shot the pst gen 2 out very far and they are a great option for the money. I would definitely get the vortex and think you would be much happier with them in the long run. Warranty and customer service are top notch and they improved them a great deal over the gen 1

 

[ToddM]

Definitely Vortex over Nikon, if for no other reason than no one knows what Nikon is going to do about service/warranty in the future. At some point they might run out of parts, or if it's not a "fix it" situation they may not have replacements. There's also nothing to say that in 2 years Nikon won't stop servicing them all together. *IF* I bought a Nikon scope right now it would have to be at a HUGE discount, 50% or less of normal street prices, not 40% off MSRP.

There are lots of bulletproof < $200 mounts, Badger, Nightforce, Seekins, etc. no reason to spend more unless you need something very specific attached to the mount. So let's say an $800 scope budget. I'd be looking at:

Vortex PST 2 $800 EuroOptic
Bushnell Forge $800 EuroOptic
Bushnell LRTS $750 Cameraland
Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27 for $850 or the 2-15's on sale for $550 are a great deal at Cameraland as well

 

[Cotay]

EDIT: Don't forget that the PST 5-25x with the EBR-2C is available for $699.99 at Eurooptic too: https://www.eurooptic.com/Vortex-Viper-PST-5-25x50-EBR-2C-MRAD-PST-5258.aspx

I have two of the PST 5-25x models (EBR-7C and EBR-2C) and a FX1000 6-24x that I've never mounted to a rifle The example of the FX1000 I have is optically just as good to my eye as the Vortex, but everything else about the PST is superior. Then again I have crappy eyesight. If someone was giving me a choice I'd choose the PST. It's always the better buy unless you can find the Nikon sub-$400.

That said, there are some deals to be considered right now on some nice Japanese-made optics:

Crimson Trace 5 Series 3-24x56 - $899.50: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020619673?pid=259746
Crimson Trace 5 Series 3-18x50 - $799.48: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020619511?pid=961295
Crimson Trace 3 Series 5-25x56 - $499.48: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020619370?pid=223277
Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50 - $449.48: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020619264?pid=133422
Bushnell DMR II 3.5-21x50 - Non-Illumintated @ $799.99/Illuminated @ $849.99: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020586712

Personally I have no experience with the CT scopes, but reviews have been generally positive. I'm ordering the 5 Series 1-8x to see if it's any good. Midway has an excellent return policy in any event. I've heard the DMR II glass can be hit or miss and that it has tunneling below 5x (which is why I don't own one despite owning an XRS IIi, LRHSi, LRTSi, and three SMRS models).

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

I have a Vortex PST gen2 - 5-25x50, and I like it a lot. I like the reticle and I looked through a lot of high end scopes before deciding on what I felt was the best bang for my buck for the particular gun it was going on. Hard to beat, and I got it at $825 with free flip caps so, I couldn't turn it down. I've been very happy with it and with my other vortex scopes

 

[DeadZeppelin]

Hands down the Viper PST. If for nothing else than their warranty. I really liked the PST I had, I only sold it to upgrade to a razor. Their are only good options people above have listed, but comparing the Vortex to the Nikon, Vortex takes it hands down.