So I've been one of the ones that had my heart set on a 5-20 SWFA SS since rumors of it appearing started. I've been waiting for it and using several other mid priced optics in the mean time to get me by until this was available. I know in the past the SS scopes have always been priced way lower than competition and been just as good or better. That's kind of what I expected this time. When I saw the price of $1500 I was blown away. That's getting into Nightforce pricing. So it's really gotten me rethinking if this is really what I want, or if I just want to step up to a Nightforce for a very similar amount of money. Now, I realize that the Snipers Hide Group buy going on gets it down in price, but it's still quite a bit higher than the Viper PST at the current pricing with the amount of likes it has, which is honestly around the price range I expected it to be. So I've also been looking at the Vortex Viper PST. I've been seeing lots of good reviews on this and the 6-24 model is selling for $900 with the ffp reticle. This is really looking promising also. So, now I've started consider all of these. I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and pay the extra for the Nightforce NXS, or if I should save money over both options and go with the Viper PST, or is the 5-20 SS still the way to go at the current price?
Rifle Scopes Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
- Thread starter slowr1der
- Start date
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
My long backordered Viper PST FFP arrived today and I'm still wondering the same question. The flip-side I'm on, after $900 what's a few bills more going to get me? I'm really debating selling it for now but want to see a SS in the flesh before dropping more coin on one or the Horus/Bushnell one.
My long backordered Viper PST FFP arrived today and I'm still wondering the same question. The flip-side I'm on, after $900 what's a few bills more going to get me? I'm really debating selling it for now but want to see a SS in the flesh before dropping more coin on one or the Horus/Bushnell one.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
Dont forget about the new sightron SIIIs coming out anytime now.
Dont forget about the new sightron SIIIs coming out anytime now.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
I'm wobbling too.
For me the SFP NSX line is not really doing it for me, I'm looking for a FFP scope. I <span style="text-decoration: underline">think</span> I want a reticle like the EBR2 or EBR2B in the Razor, or maybe one of the Velocity reticles (I think you can get one) in a F1, but those are all in the over $1500 range. The PR Gen2 Xr is he same idea, but I'm not even going there. Now the new SS comes along, and it's not the reticle I'm looking for, but it could work for me, and it's a few months of ammo or a new barrel cheaper.
decisions decisions
I'm wobbling too.
For me the SFP NSX line is not really doing it for me, I'm looking for a FFP scope. I <span style="text-decoration: underline">think</span> I want a reticle like the EBR2 or EBR2B in the Razor, or maybe one of the Velocity reticles (I think you can get one) in a F1, but those are all in the over $1500 range. The PR Gen2 Xr is he same idea, but I'm not even going there. Now the new SS comes along, and it's not the reticle I'm looking for, but it could work for me, and it's a few months of ammo or a new barrel cheaper.
decisions decisions
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bp78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My long backordered Viper PST FFP arrived today and I'm still wondering the same question. The flip-side I'm on, after $900 what's a few bills more going to get me? I'm really debating selling it for now but want to see a SS in the flesh before dropping more coin on one or the Horus/Bushnell one. </div></div>
Does your PST have a good image? Not a lot of chromatic aberration, clear at long range, good color? Do you like the reticle and does it hold zero/track? If so then use it and be happy; there's always something better around the corner & buying/selling can get you in a situation where you are chasing your tail in a circle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bp78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My long backordered Viper PST FFP arrived today and I'm still wondering the same question. The flip-side I'm on, after $900 what's a few bills more going to get me? I'm really debating selling it for now but want to see a SS in the flesh before dropping more coin on one or the Horus/Bushnell one. </div></div>
Does your PST have a good image? Not a lot of chromatic aberration, clear at long range, good color? Do you like the reticle and does it hold zero/track? If so then use it and be happy; there's always something better around the corner & buying/selling can get you in a situation where you are chasing your tail in a circle.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
Since none of the general public have had their hands on the newest SS, it's hard to say. On the other hand, if it's glass and build quality actually are on par with a Nightforce, and you can get the SS for $1000, I'd get the SS.
Right now, if I had to choose between a SS and a NF for the same price, I'd go for the Nightforce. I don't need a FFP reticle and I prefer the MOA adjustments and graduations on the reticles that are available.
I have a Nightforce 5.5-22X50 and a SFP PST 6-24X50. The Nightforce is clearer, has better color and better resolution. If for some reason, you do decide to go the way of the PST, I'd recommend waiting for the Sightron to at least check them out. I compared my PST to a Sightron this past weekend after the match and I the Sightron had a crisper image.
Of course, the PST isn't bad by any means and glass quality is only a part of what needs to be considered. If the PST offers the options that you like, go for it. I don't think there's any wrong answer here.
I will say that Vortex customer service is top notch. I just had to send my PST in due to a canted reticle and they sent me a new scope.
Since none of the general public have had their hands on the newest SS, it's hard to say. On the other hand, if it's glass and build quality actually are on par with a Nightforce, and you can get the SS for $1000, I'd get the SS.
Right now, if I had to choose between a SS and a NF for the same price, I'd go for the Nightforce. I don't need a FFP reticle and I prefer the MOA adjustments and graduations on the reticles that are available.
I have a Nightforce 5.5-22X50 and a SFP PST 6-24X50. The Nightforce is clearer, has better color and better resolution. If for some reason, you do decide to go the way of the PST, I'd recommend waiting for the Sightron to at least check them out. I compared my PST to a Sightron this past weekend after the match and I the Sightron had a crisper image.
Of course, the PST isn't bad by any means and glass quality is only a part of what needs to be considered. If the PST offers the options that you like, go for it. I don't think there's any wrong answer here.
I will say that Vortex customer service is top notch. I just had to send my PST in due to a canted reticle and they sent me a new scope.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
JonA has stated that it is ahead of the PST and In-line if not a head of the NF.
I can tell you that If JonA says it beats the PST and NF heads up it does.
I do not put the new Sightrons in a different place. Sightron Scope SIII mil/mil CM http://www.opticstalk.com/sightron-scope-reviews-siii-1050-and-624-wip_topic28915.html
JonA has stated that it is ahead of the PST and In-line if not a head of the NF.
I can tell you that If JonA says it beats the PST and NF heads up it does.
I do not put the new Sightrons in a different place. Sightron Scope SIII mil/mil CM http://www.opticstalk.com/sightron-scope-reviews-siii-1050-and-624-wip_topic28915.html
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
I have the Sightron SIII 8-32, not the newest tactical models of this, with the uncapped turrets, I wanted caps for hunting abuse safety, also didn't want .1MRAD adj., but it is the new SIII, bought less than a month ago.
I don't have any problems with my turrets as far as mush goes, they are precise, audible and crisp, as well as repeatable and completely accurate. However, if you don't tighten the turrets properly after setting the 0, they can get play.(as I imagine any would, not being secured properly doesn't tend to help anything)
I met a gentleman at our f class match sunday who also talked about comparing his Nightforce with another competitors SIII in 10-50, claiming the Sightron was brighter and crisper, and also allowed him to shoot on 32x whereas his NF had to be turned down further to grab a clear image.
You never know what is BS, but, it is another scope to consider, only problem I see in my future, I may have gone too high on power for a gun that will be used on called yotes too.
I have the Sightron SIII 8-32, not the newest tactical models of this, with the uncapped turrets, I wanted caps for hunting abuse safety, also didn't want .1MRAD adj., but it is the new SIII, bought less than a month ago.
I don't have any problems with my turrets as far as mush goes, they are precise, audible and crisp, as well as repeatable and completely accurate. However, if you don't tighten the turrets properly after setting the 0, they can get play.(as I imagine any would, not being secured properly doesn't tend to help anything)
I met a gentleman at our f class match sunday who also talked about comparing his Nightforce with another competitors SIII in 10-50, claiming the Sightron was brighter and crisper, and also allowed him to shoot on 32x whereas his NF had to be turned down further to grab a clear image.
You never know what is BS, but, it is another scope to consider, only problem I see in my future, I may have gone too high on power for a gun that will be used on called yotes too.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
I'm just going to have to buy the PST and SS scope and compare them side by side.....then keep them both I presume. I would bet the SS glass is superior. The zero stop is a plus on the pst. the illumination controls on the outside of the parallax wheel will make dialing parallax a little trickier......nothing practice won't cure.
I'm just going to have to buy the PST and SS scope and compare them side by side.....then keep them both I presume. I would bet the SS glass is superior. The zero stop is a plus on the pst. the illumination controls on the outside of the parallax wheel will make dialing parallax a little trickier......nothing practice won't cure.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
As one of the few to own a PST for more than a year now, I can tell you it is good kit. But I'm gettin me some SS ASAFP for the 999.99 and perhaps some a Glens rings to perty it up.
As one of the few to own a PST for more than a year now, I can tell you it is good kit. But I'm gettin me some SS ASAFP for the 999.99 and perhaps some a Glens rings to perty it up.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
1500 is NOT nightforce territory when speaking of a FFP scope. That is significantly lower than a NF price of about 2300.
1500 is NOT nightforce territory when speaking of a FFP scope. That is significantly lower than a NF price of about 2300.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
Have both the 4-16 and 6-24x50 FFP Vortex PST's and their great for my needs.
I think its fantastic that SWFA came out with the 5-20 it just gives everyone another choice for a quality FFP optic at a nice price to boot.
There is no silver bullet, just pick the features you want on your next scope and that fit in your price range, get it, go shooting and have some fun with it.
Have both the 4-16 and 6-24x50 FFP Vortex PST's and their great for my needs.
I think its fantastic that SWFA came out with the 5-20 it just gives everyone another choice for a quality FFP optic at a nice price to boot.
There is no silver bullet, just pick the features you want on your next scope and that fit in your price range, get it, go shooting and have some fun with it.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
I got the call from Camerland last week and said the PST was in stock...I ended up passing on it because it didn't have enough adjustments that I needed for my Sako.
I really like Vortex optics, but the SS 5-20 is too good of a deal to pass up. Not to mention that PST's are tough to find...Vortex didn't do a good job of offering them in numbers and I think that has hurt them. There are a bunch of new optics being offered for 2011 and there are only so many dollars available.
I got the call from Camerland last week and said the PST was in stock...I ended up passing on it because it didn't have enough adjustments that I needed for my Sako.
I really like Vortex optics, but the SS 5-20 is too good of a deal to pass up. Not to mention that PST's are tough to find...Vortex didn't do a good job of offering them in numbers and I think that has hurt them. There are a bunch of new optics being offered for 2011 and there are only so many dollars available.
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
The more I think about it the more I think I may get one or maybe even two of the SS 5-20s. That would actually free up a scope, then I could probably sell 2 that are in the safe or on rifles and make back some of the $$.
If I put one on my 7mmRM and one on the 308 that I hunt with I'd be set. Move the 3-12 Bushy over to the 22 trainer and sell my old 10X SS and my Falcon Menace 5.5-25
The more I think about it the more I think I may get one or maybe even two of the SS 5-20s. That would actually free up a scope, then I could probably sell 2 that are in the safe or on rifles and make back some of the $$.
If I put one on my 7mmRM and one on the 308 that I hunt with I'd be set. Move the 3-12 Bushy over to the 22 trainer and sell my old 10X SS and my Falcon Menace 5.5-25
Re: Which scope to choose? 5-20 SS, Viper PST, etc
I think you would be happy if you chose either. They're both going to be high quality scopes (based on reviews)and should provide years of enjoyment. If not, sell it and try the other... if that still doesn't work, go with a higher end scope. At least you can say that you have tried...
I think you would be happy if you chose either. They're both going to be high quality scopes (based on reviews)and should provide years of enjoyment. If not, sell it and try the other... if that still doesn't work, go with a higher end scope. At least you can say that you have tried...
