Re: Vortex Viper
there are crap tons of PST reviews on this site, use the SH google search to find them if you are having trouble locating them.
SH google
The regular viper is a fine piece of equipment for basic users, and is subject to the vortex lifetime no questions warranty. IF you had an issue, they'd make it right. They are known for excellent CS, which you can find many tales of on this board. This line of scopes is no-frills, meaning you don't get illumination or lots of reticle choices. The turrets are not big external tactical types, that's not what these scopes are for. These are fine for bench guns, hunting rifles, target shooting, etc.
The PST is for those looking for "a little more" than what basic offers. The PST is clearly designed to fill the gap between mid-value scopes and something like the Nightforce NXS series. What it does best, IMHO, is eat Leupold's breakfast right off their plate. Other than their longevity in the market, I really see no reason why you'd spend the same or more on a mk4 when the PST has all that jazz for less dough... unless you are absolutely in love with a specific feature like m3 knobs. Folks who know me well know i've got beef with Leupold, so let's not pretend i'm neutral here. Regardless, it can be brought down to simple quid-pro-quo analysis:
_______________________PST______mk4______________
Decent Quality Glass......... Y ...... arguable
tactile Turrets................ Y ......... Y
turret style selections........2...........4+
several ranges of mag....... Y ......... Y
available in mil/mil.......... Y ...... limited models
available in FFP.............. Y ......... Y
Scalar reticles............... both ..... mil only
awesome warranty...........Y ....... conditional basis
Price Point..............$700-900.......$900-1400
Your money, your call. To me, it's just not a smart fiscal decision to choose a more expensive product (with potentially inferior glass), that also has a conditional warranty.