Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

So happy I picked up this scope. It's an amazing piece of quality at a truly decent price point. I really wish the scope was packed in foam lined box, instead of just foam on the end caps. But mine arrived in fine condition, nevertheless. I'm a big fan of both Nikon and Vortex optics, and was not able to actually check this scope out in person, before buying it. My past great experiences with a few lesser priced Vortex scopes led me to feel OK about buying this one sight unseen. I was also thinking of the Nikon Black FX1000, but as much as loved the look and feel of that glass, wasn't completely sold on the turrets. Just not as crisp as I'd have hoped for a tactical scope. The reviews I read on the PST were very postive of this feature and I was able to find it here for one hundred less, so I decided to give it a try. - It has the feel and weight of a true piece of quality equipment. - The glass is fantastic in its clarity. - The reticle is very crisp, level, and fine. Not as thick as a base level Viper I have, this one will be great for precision and longer distances. - The light gathering is noteworthy. The 50mm objective, outstanding glass clarity, and 30mm tube makes distance targets quite visible even at dusk. I was really impressed at this scope's low light pop. - The illumination was unexpectedly crisp as well. I did notice some red glow bleed at first, but when I put on my glasses, the illumination became vividly married to the reticle. So it was my eye sight, not the scope. Interestingly, however, the scope pulls in so much light, even in low light, I wonder how often I'll actually be using the illumination. - The magnification and parallax knobs are tight, as is typical. But I prefer stiffness of play, any day, when it comes to that. - The turrets are great. Very well marked for directional tuning and line up precisely with the has marks. The feel is good. Not great. I was hoping the tactile click would be more pronounced. That was a feature that I was hoping would be better than the Nikon, and it turns out to be about the same. All in all, given the Vortex reputation, and their superior warranty, I felt I couldn't go wrong, and I didn't. This is a purchase I am down right excited to have made, considering I could have spent much much more for a scope that was really not much better, if at all. I know that, because I've (regrettably) done that.

Upgrading from a Zeiss Conquest and this is my first "turret scope". I have nothing but positive reviews.What a scope. For the money you can't beat it. I have this scope mounted on a Steyr 300 winmag using the recommended 30mm Vortex Matched (low) rings. While the rings are pricey, they are well worth it (see my review on those). I use this scope exclusively for deer/big game hunting as well as some recreational (non-pro) shooting, so keep that in mind while reading this review. Some notes: -The illuminated reticle is must, especially in low light. I deer hunt and this is an amazing feature for late afternoons. Additionally, the ability to be able to change the degree of illumination is awesome. -The optics are on par for a higher dollar scope. I compared it with the Vortex Razor HD side by side and while the HD glass is definitely superior, BUT the drop off between the 2 really is negligible and not worth double the price IMO. -The turrets are SUPERB. Don't be fooled by other scopes in this price range with turrets. You'll probably run into turret clicks that either lack a "solid stop" for each click or are not accurate where they actually stop. This scope is dead on with both, which I consider a testament to the diligence that went into the construction. The stops are hard and true. When compared side by side with several Nightforce turrets I couldn't tell the difference. -My only "con" would be the image quality at max (and I mean topped out) magnification, especially at low light, HOWEVER, I understand that this is an issue with most if not all scope at high power (like 24) (at least until you get into the really high dollar stuff). I just dial it back to say 20 power and there's no issue. This is only an issue in very low light conditions. As additional note, I wavered for several weeks on whether to get the SFP or the FFP version of this scope. Here's my conclusion on that point and I hope you find it helpful: If you have a decent rangefinder, there really isn't a need to go with the FFP and spend the extra 300+ bucks. Yes, the FFP scope will allow you to range at any magnification, but is rotating a scope mag ring worth a 300 Benjamin difference? IMO, it wasn't, especially since I have a great rangefinder (Vortex Ranger 1000) (see the review on that). Bottom line: If you're getting this scope to hunt with, save the extra dough and use it to buy the Vortex rangefinder because when hunting, most of your targets aren't going to require drastic changes in yardage corrections. If you are more into dynamic target competitions, where quick yardages are needed on the fly, maybe then opt for the FFP option. There ya go. I've heard this scope called "the Poor Man's (fill in the blank)". To call this a poor man's Nighforce or anything else would be a discredit to the scope. It's simply a great product at a great price point. I just read this review after writing it and I realize I look like a complete Vortex homer...Oh well, they don't pay me for these reviews (they should...but I digress), but of the 3 products of their's that I own (scope, rings, and rangefinder) I have been overly impressed by the quality and precision. On top of that their customer service is great and the warranty (though I haven't had to and dont expect to use it) is by all accounts excellent.

This scope is awesome. The glass is very nice, magnification does not blur. I have it set up for 200 yards shoots tight groups. Fit and finish is excellent. I'm using the vortex level and .97 high vortex precision rings. I hope to work out to longer distances and I think this scope will do the job at a much lower cost than some scopes. This is my second vortex and I will probably buy another. The gun is a Savage 110 in 30-06 with a Choate stock using hand loads.

Fuzzy at full power. I have the ffp version of the pst and it is much better at the higher mag settings. Ok for hunting but not as good as its ffp pst version for target shooting. .4 inch groups or better with the ffp (.308 cal). At 200yds

This is one of many Vortex scopes I own. I bought this for my new Ruger SFAR in 6.5 Creedmoor. Looking to make a light weight long range MSR. You will not find a better bang for your buck with all these features. It's not a Nightforce but it's not 4X the price. Plus the big Nightforce scopes are ridiculously large. Hard to find any scope in this price range that is this good.

Mounted this scope with a 20 moa picatinny rail and vortex 30 mm tactical rings low profile TRL on a Savage 10 308. Scope hills zero and looks great. Clarity is amazing at 24 from 100 yards (as far as I have shot so far, going to tale some longer spots soon). I am extremely pleased with the adjustments ease of use, and the illumination on the reticle is perfect. I would like the magnification know to turn a little easier, but I'm not sure if that is something I could adjust our not. All around good scope, and the instructions, delivery, and service are unmatched. I would recommend this product to anyone.

Mounted this on a DPMS LR-308 with 1 inch mounts, boresighted it and took it to the range and started at 50yds and was on paper first shot. had a 3 shot group inside 1 inch after 6 shots. Stepped out to 100 yds, 6 more shots and had a group inside 1 inch. Clear glass, love the turrets and the solid 1/4 moa clicks. I personally prefer the second focal plane myself, but be sure to read the the manual. The subtensions are accurate at full (24X) magnification. I've always loved Vortex products, and this one will definitely live up to what I've come to expect from them.

Worth every penny. Lots of options in fact too much for my needs but ok if you can understand and use them. I love the fact the reticle is illuminated because in the dawn and dusk lighting you can aim at a dark colored animal and be confident not guessing where your gonna impact. This scope took my shooting skills to the next level and built my confidence making bullets touch and I'am an average shooter. I have more expensive scopes but none can match the qualities this scope has as a whole package. You can also buy Kenton custom turrets that make it a no brainier just laser and turn the turret to the correct yardage..... Use the hashmarks or dial in for the wind and boom. Don't worry about the money, you won't regret it. Buy once and done. Good luck!!