2nd Thoughts -- Vortex Viper PST?

[Brydawg512]

Hello all,

I'm just about to purchase a Bergara B14 Hunter in 7mm rem mag. I purchased a 1st generation Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP that has yet to be used. Needless to say, I'm questioning a few things about it.

Most notably, I am worried about how well it tracks, considering it is a "lower" end scope. Should I just run with it or should I sell and buy another optic? How can I test the tracking capabilities of it to ensure its accuracy?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dfanonymous]

A tall target test or you can use one of these:

https://www.boxtobenchprecision.com/store/snipers-hide-100-yard-scope-tracking-target

 

[Brydawg512]

A tall target test or you can use one of these:

https://www.boxtobenchprecision.com/store/snipers-hide-100-yard-scope-tracking-target

Ok, will look at those. Now do you do how much each tick mark is up? 5 mils?

 

[dfanonymous]

Each tick mark? If you we are talking about the sniperhide targets each horizontal line is 3.6 inches from its parallel line, so one mil, and it's a 10 mils total on the whole paper with quarter inch little lines on the white part of the paper.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Hello all,

I'm just about to purchase a Bergara B14 Hunter in 7mm rem mag. I purchased a 1st generation Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP that has yet to be used. Needless to say, I'm questioning a few things about it.

Most notably, I am worried about how well it tracks, considering it is a "lower" end scope. Should I just run with it or should I sell and buy another optic? How can I test the tracking capabilities of it to ensure its accuracy?

Thanks in advance.

Why are you doubting the tracking on it? A PST is a $1,000 scope. That's not what most folks consider a "lower end scope". Mount it and go test it with that target. It's the only way to find out. And If it has a tracking issue, contact Vortex and tell them, and they will send you another one, possibly a GenII model of equal specs.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

My gen1 has tracked flawlessly. I have 100% confidence in that scope doing what I need it to do.

 

[JerryWY]

I have complete confidence in the turret tracking on my HST 6-24x50. The only difference I've found in the PST vs HST is mine doesnt have a lighted reticle, and you can't get it in FFP.

 

[Brydawg512]

Why are you doubting the tracking on it? A PST is a $1,000 scope. That's not what most folks consider a "lower end scope". Mount it and go test it with that target. It's the only way to find out. And If it has a tracking issue, contact Vortex and tell them, and they will send you another one, possibly a GenII model of equal specs.

Well, I had read a few posts online stating the tracking is hit or miss with them. I wasn't aware of the scope's original MSRP, as I bought it for less than $500.

And a tracking test is done by shooting, adjusting up 1 mil, etc. And shooting each time to ensure elevation changes correctly?

 

[archp625]

I think you will find out you are good. You found a good deal on a nice scope. As someone else stated, they were originally $999.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

I have several. All work well.

 

[BEEMAN]

My Gen 1 has tracked perfect on my 300 RUM. 1700 rounds and no issues. Other than now my barrel is toast.

 

[woodwurx]

I have the 1s gen viper pst ffp 6-24x50 and haven't had a single tracking issue. Like others said, if yours has an issue, contact Vortex and they will send you a brand new one "possibly upgraded model" if they can't fix the problem. Completely transferable vip warranty, no receipt required

 

[MudRunner2005]

Well, I had read a few posts online stating the tracking is hit or miss with them. I wasn't aware of the scope's original MSRP, as I bought it for less than $500.

And a tracking test is done by shooting, adjusting up 1 mil, etc. And shooting each time to ensure elevation changes correctly?

Yes, that is how a tracking test works. There's many different ways of doing it, but yes, it's done by shooting and moving the scope and then moving it back to it's original settings, and seeing if you're still hitting int he same exact spot. If you are, then you're good to go.

Reading online is rough for folks just getting into guns or serious shooting. Lots of bad information out there that will make you 2nd guess your choices. Always do thorough research. Also, not all forums are equal...Some seem to be filled with more bullsh!t and unmitigated bias than others. Most folks here openly admit our biases, in order to give the most honest and helpful opinions to others.

 

[buster2765]

I have lets just say a lot of them and love them all. Have only sent one back & that was a parallax issue. there customer service is the best, I think I got it back in less than a week.