Which scope? 3-15 vs 5-25

[R700P308]

Looking to buy an optic in the $1000 range for my Tikka 6.5CM. Pretty much settled on the Viper PST line.

Rifle will be used primarily for riflekraft-type training within 300yds or occasionally shooting out past 1000 at a local range. Hope to get started with NRL Hunter at some point, but this will stay a "crossover" type rifle for now.

Do I go with the smaller footprint and slightly lower weight of the 3-15x44 or the higher mag and larger objective of the 5-25x50?

My only experience with "precision rifle" is NRL22, so I need y'alls help.


INFO:
Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50
Length: 15.79"
Weight: 31.2oz

Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44
Length: 14.3"
Weight: 28.1oz

 

[AllenOne1]

I would look at the SWFA offerings they normally track better than the PST. The 3x15 did real well for me out to 600 after that I was wishing for a little more power, HD glass would have probably been enough though. 3x15 with HD glass.

 

[trob]

I usually go for more power because the price between the two is pretty close and the weight isnt much more. I just see the 5-25 as more versatile. Steel, coyotes, tiny varmints from a long ways off, no problem. I have three PST2 5-25’s.

My next one will probably be a 3-15 for my 300wm, a dedicated lightweight big game rifle. But who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind again when I’m looking at them side by side.

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

This

The difference in price is pretty small too. The only reason I would ever encourage a lower magnification is for weight or size difference.

 

[theLBC]

wider fov with 3x vs. more magnification. which will you need more often?

 

[R700P308]

This is helpful. The weight is pretty negligible...

 

[DownhillFromHere]

I've had both scopes. You'll almost certainly do better with the 5-25x50.

The objective diameter really won't matter much - more important is how much total elevation is available. The 3-15 has a slight advantage here - 22 mils vs 20 for the 5-25. (Keep in mind that 20 mils is the Total - 10 above center, 10 below... so you'll need a 20- or 30MOA rail or rings to get your max elevation; just be aware that a 30MOA rail will have your erector nearly maxed out in travel at 100-yard zero and that can stress the springs over time.)

But the extra magnification will be helpful at times - like for zeroing, load development, etc. - even though 15x is adequate for the vast majority of PRS competition scenarios. Better to have the magnification and not need it than the converse. I found that out the expensive way.

Finally, if you go with the 5-25x50, get the EBR-7C reticle. You can find deals on the discontinued EBR-2C scopes. Don't do it.

 

[Newbie2020]

Your image in most all scopes is nearly always more clear closer to the middle of the magnification range. So if you need 12-15x the image will be more clear in the 5-25x. Also, you’ll almost never need the 3-4x

 

[hafejd30]

Take a look at the Burris. The bigger brother is a couple hundred more. I’d buy this before any PST

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

 

[R700P308]

I've had both scopes. You'll almost certainly do better with the 5-25x50.

The objective diameter really won't matter much - more important is how much total elevation is available. The 3-15 has a slight advantage here - 22 mils vs 20 for the 5-25. (Keep in mind that 20 mils is the Total - 10 above center, 10 below... so you'll need a 20- or 30MOA rail or rings to get your max elevation; just be aware that a 30MOA rail will have your erector nearly maxed out in travel at 100-yard zero and that can stress the springs over time.)

But the extra magnification will be helpful at times - like for zeroing, load development, etc. - even though 15x is adequate for the vast majority of PRS competition scenarios. Better to have the magnification and not need it than the converse. I found that out the expensive way.

Finally, if you go with the 5-25x50, get the EBR-7C reticle. You can find deals on the discontinued EBR-2C scopes. Don't do it.

This is very helpful. Thanks. I was going to ask about the EBR-7C next.

Take a look at the Burris. The bigger brother is a couple hundred more. I’d buy this before any PST

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

I'll look into it, though tbh that thought process kinda never ends. The PST is a couple hundred over what I wanted to spend originally, so I think I'll stop here. I will take a look at the Burris though. Thanks!

EDIT: Actually, the MSRP of that Burris is comparable to the PST!

 

[R700P308]

Your image in most all scopes is nearly always more clear closer to the middle of the magnification range. So if you need 12-15x the image will be more clear in the 5-25x. Also, you’ll almost never need the 3-4x

Never knew that. Good to know!

 

[Larke]

These are quite informative...

 

[UpSideDown]

Take a look at the Burris. The bigger brother is a couple hundred more. I’d buy this before any PST

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

This thing might be better than the Vortex in every way. The PST's aren't bad scopes, but I think the Burris has a lot more advantages.

 

[R700P308]

This thing might be better than the Vortex in every way. The PST's aren't bad scopes, but I think the Burris has a lot more advantages.

Spent some time researching this...VERY impressive scope.

My nagging concerns, however, are:
1. Some confusion on what model is which. It looks like the big price drop is only on the non-illum versions? CameraLandNY lists it at $999. OpticsPlanet is up over $1500.
2. A lot of complaints about the reticle being too fine. I happen to like the Vortex EBR-7C and -2C. Some people think that one's too thin too. Are they comparable? One man's "too thin" is another's "nice and precise."
3. Mushy turrets. This is a real pet peeve of mine. But maybe I'll just have to get over it.

This thing has my interest if I can figure out the reticle and whether I care about illumination.

Very helpful thread. Thanks.

 

[trob]

Spent some time researching this...VERY impressive scope.

My nagging concerns, however, are:
1. Some confusion on what model is which. It looks like the big price drop is only on the non-illum versions? CameraLandNY lists it at $999. OpticsPlanet is up over $1500.
2. A lot of complaints about the reticle being too fine. I happen to like the Vortex EBR-7C and -2C. Some people think that one's too thin too. Are they comparable? One man's "too thin" is another's "nice and precise."
3. Mushy turrets. This is a real pet peeve of mine. But maybe I'll just have to get over it.

This thing has my interest if I can figure out the reticle and whether I care about illumination.

Very helpful thread. Thanks.

You want the 7c, open center with the dot.
I bought a couple of the 2D models on clearance (closed center crosshairs) and, although I prefer those solid crosshairs to the open center of the 2C, I prefer the 7C by a lot. I don’t think I’d ever want a totally open center.

And what another poster said is the truth, your image is clearer in the middle. So with a 3-15, you might pick up a little fuzziness at 15x. With the 5-25, you don't see it until about 23/24x. Also, more people want the 5-25, so if you ever sell it, you won’t take quite as big of a hit.

here’s a 7c for $850 at eurooptic
https://www.eurooptic.com/Vortex-Vi...C-MRAD-Riflescope-PST-5259-Showroom-Demo.aspx

 

[pineoak]

Not arguing that middle range isn't usually better than the top. Definitely saw it on the XTR3, mid range clarity and resolution was awesome for $1,100 (more CA than PST 3-15 & RG2 at 15x, but not enough to really matter), turrets are cheese graters which is why I returned it (not putting a condom over my turrets to make it work without hurting my soft delicate fingers)

Having owned four PST 3-15s, of 3 none of mine were not soft at the top, but X is limited to 15x (one is still NIB for a rainy day).

I wasn't a fan of the 5-25x, it worked fine but I think the 3-15 is an easier scope with better glass. Again, X is limited.

I agree that resale on the 5-25 will be much better, as it's very popular with the .22 crowd that can't afford ZCOs...

7C is the best reticle. 2C & SD are both usable IME. 7C work better at lower X with greater FOV because you can more easily/precisely center your target at a lower X. Take note of the .2 reticle marks which are finer than the .5 of the 2C,2D. Most people prefer them, others consider them clutter.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

The PST is a couple hundred over what I wanted to spend originally, so I think I'll stop here. I will take a look at the Burris though.

If you're interested in the Burris, you should definitely call Doug @gr8fuldoug at CameraLandNY and tell him you heard about him and the store on Sniper's Hide. If budget is a concern, you might also take a look at the Athlon Midas TAC, also available at CameraLandNY.

 

[R700P308]

Interesting that so many folks seem to prefer the 3-15 over the 5-25 for usability.

Still considering that Burris but...the reticle does look really fine.

 

[b6graham]

i'd take a 5-25 ebr7c strike eagle over a pst gen 2 everyday

that being said the 4.5-22 LHT isn't much above your $1k limit

 

[pineoak]

Rifle will be used primarily for riflekraft-type training within 300yds or occasionally shooting out past 1000 at a local range.

I am a fan of the 3-15x, but...

But if you're taking it out past 1000, you will want more magnificatino.

3-15x would not be my choice at 1000.

Inside of 5 or 600, I would prefer the 3-15, but if you're stretching to 1k regularly it's not the right tool for the job.

 

[R700P308]

I am a fan of the 3-15x, but...

But if you're taking it out past 1000, you will want more magnificatino.

3-15x would not be my choice at 1000.

Inside of 5 or 600, I would prefer the 3-15, but if you're stretching to 1k regularly it's not the right tool for the job.

I won't be taking it beyond 300yds very often...once a year I'd imagine. Maybe more when work calms down a bit.

 

[Sogan]

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258

Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

$650 and $800 for the 7C reticle

At full prices id go Burris XTRIII all day. However at this sale price, I chose the sale on the PST over almost double for the XTRIII 5.5-30 (which is on sale for $1,100 on cameraland)

 

[R700P308]

I went with the 5-25 in the 7C reticle. I got some really good commentary recommending the 2C reticle for $200 less, but since this is a scope that I intend to keep indefinitely (no plans to upgrade unless my life situation changes dramatically) and I'm reticle picky, I went with the 7C.

I think it will serve me well. Thanks again to everyone for the help. This place is great.