First hand with a VORTEX Viper PST 6-24x50??

[msinsabaugh]

The LRH Store sells the VORTEX Viper PST 6-24x50 and they have free shipping.

I have no experience with long range hunting, target shooting or anything past about 300 yards. Some friends of mine and I were talking about what to do next year for our annual shooting vacation away from the wives (the wives approve). We are looking at trying to set up for long range shooting (no set distances yet but I'm hoping to learn to make 1,000 yard shots) and learning how (instead of our usual advanced defensive hand gun course).

That being said, I am now in research mode. From what I've read 7mm REM Mag is a good choice in caliber. The Remington Model 700 CDL is an acceptable platform. Now I'm looking at what kind of glass to get. I came across the VORTEX Viper PST 6-24x50 in an article and have been looking for reviews but my search-fu must be weak and I haven't found much. Then I came up with the idea of looking for forums that deal with long range shooting and that's how I ended up here.

Some of the comments I found here were less than complimentary but it seems that a lot of those were much earlier in the company's production run. Does anybody have any recent experience with the PST 6-24x50 in particular, the PST line, &/or Vortex that would be relevant to my search? It appears that I can get the VORTEX Viper PST 6-24x50 for about $750.

Alternatively, does anybody have any good recommendations in that price range? Everything I've read tells me that I mustn't skimp on good glass but I'm hoping that I don't have to break the bank either. Last but not least, what are everybody's thoughts on FFP vs SFP (Vortex has both)?

Any information you all can provide would be greatly appreciated

 

[Brett]

I have one of these on order, yes there are people who are pro another brand or model scope but you will find that with everything! Could you buy better? YES. Could you buy better for the same price, not a chance with the options and the customer service. my 2 cents........


http://www.longrangehunting.com/for...pst-4-16x50-ffp-mrad-first-impressions-72561/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f18/vortex-viper-pst-6-24x50mm-70456/

Testing new Vortex custom turret. - Georgia Outdoor News Forum

 

[Flybuster]

My experience is still pretty limited with the scope. I have the second focal plane model. The turrents are excellent, so is the MOA reticle, I like all the features. I've only stretched it out to 600 once with the dials, no box testing or anything. The glass is no better than a VX-111 Leupold, probably more like a VX-2; But it's still decent enough. If you want good glass in the ~$750 price range check out the Sightron SIII models, they win hands down IMO.

 

[msinsabaugh]

Thank you all for your responses. I I saw some reviews on som Sightron SIII models and they weren't bad. The reviews seemed to indicate that they weren't great either. It seems as if the reviews I'm finding both for the Vortex and the Sightron scopes are by people that think $2,000 is about where GOOD scopes begin.

I'm trying to build a beginners system here to see if I like the sport first before I think about taking out a second mortgage to get a good setup . So $2K is not something I want to have to do right now.

 

[Senderofan]

Thank you all for your responses. I I saw some reviews on som Sightron SIII models and they weren't bad. The reviews seemed to indicate that they weren't great either. It seems as if the reviews I'm finding both for the Vortex and the Sightron scopes are by people that think $2,000 is about where GOOD scopes begin.

I'm trying to build a beginners system here to see if I like the sport first before I think about taking out a second mortgage to get a good setup . So $2K is not something I want to have to do right now.

I understand researching the "Net" to help you decide on which scope to invest in. But....you have to take the threads / responses you find with a grain of salt. I have two Sightron S III scopes...and I think for the money...they are a tremendous value. My 1000 yard BR rifle wears the 10-50X...this particular model seems to catch a lot of heat. My only complaint with this scope is the finicky viewing position ( eye relief ) when dialed up in power. My other one is an 8-32x....and this one is pretty darn close to my NightForce NXS scope...which isn't bad for a $725 scope. I also have a Vortex Viper....and for the money...this scope is an amazing performer.

The Vortex and Sightron S III are very strong values...and both have very good warranties. It would be unfair to try and compare them to a Schmidt & Bender or Heinsholdt. I think either of the scopes you mention would be tremendous scopes for a beginners set-up. I would not be afraid of either. And both would provide a lifetime of service if taken care of.

Wayne

 

[Gary Kaney]

Right now i'm in the market for another scope. It's a toss up between the PST & Slll. I'll get my hands on both this week, and then decide. The .25 dot on the Sll concerns me. For your situation , starting with a 700.00 scope is a good entry piont. You can always upgrade later when LR shooting really gets into system.

 

[joseph]

On my second 1,000 competition we shot 3 five shot groups. Using my Vortex 6-24x50 PST FFP MOA scope on top of my Savage 6mm Norma BR. I did fairly well.

Here are my scores. 50 is maximum with 5 shots:

#1 relay = 46 - 0x with a 11+1/4" group

#2 relay = 42 - 0x with a 8+1/8" group

#3 relay = 44 - 0x with a 10+3/16" group

My group size averaged about 6" smaller then the first time I shot at 1,000 yds.

joseph

PS: I am very happy with the scope.

 

[Jon A]

My experience is still pretty limited with the scope. I have the second focal plane model. The turrents are excellent, so is the MOA reticle, I like all the features.

Is yours a 4-16 or 6-24?

 

[Flybuster]

Is yours a 4-16 or 6-24?

Hi Jon,

I have the 6-24x50 model.

I've had it mounted on a couple rifles so far, right now it's on my .308 Palma. At 600 yards it appeared to track through all my wind adjustments accurately and returned to zero.

I've let some guys who's opinions I respect, look through it for their thoughts on the glass quality. We've concluded that between my Vortex and the Sightron (which we all own) has the higher resolution and clarity. I bought the Vortex expecting this, knowing the great features would offset the slightly lesser glass. I'm not a glassoholic by any means, so I really dig this scope.

It looks and feels, solid and tough. The only thing that concerns me, or I can picture being a weak link in the future are the rubberized variable power ring. This may never have a problem, but I could just see the adhesion coming apart after years of use.

I haven't tried the zero stop feature yet, so I can't comment on this. Once it settles on a rifle then I will try it. From what I've read, I understand it doesn't come to a stop right on zero, but somewhere near zero, then you must eyeball it back to match your point blank zero. That is what I expect, hopefully someone here has tried it and can explain.

 

[Yotekiller]

I don't understand why people get so worked up over who has the best glass. If a scope has decent glass it is good enough for me. In binoculars that I look through for a long time trying to spot game I want the best glass I can afford to avoid eye fatigue. In a scope I am more concerned about accurate tracking, enough adjustment for the weapon I am mounting it on, reticle designed for the way I want to use it, side focus parallax, durability, warranty, and price. I don't have a PST scope, but I think the next one I buy will be a ffp 6-24x50 with moa reticle (lots of features I want at a great price). For me it would not be worth paying twice as much for a scope with better glass that wont help me shoot any more accurately than the cheaper scope. my 02

 

[captacademy]

I am also considering trying the PST 6-24-50. Tons of features for the price.

 

[Senderofan]

I don't understand why people get so worked up over who has the best glass. If a scope has decent glass it is good enough for me. In binoculars that I look through for a long time trying to spot game I want the best glass I can afford to avoid eye fatigue. In a scope I am more concerned about accurate tracking, enough adjustment for the weapon I am mounting it on, reticle designed for the way I want to use it, side focus parallax, durability, warranty, and price. I don't have a PST scope, but I think the next one I buy will be a ffp 6-24x50 with moa reticle (lots of features I want at a great price). For me it would not be worth paying twice as much for a scope with better glass that wont help me shoot any more accurately than the cheaper scope. my 02

I think you'll find better internals go hand in hand with better glass. Probably doesn't make a huge difference when shooting to a couple hundred yards...but when trying to reach out 800, 1000 yards and beyond....the weakness in the glass and shortcomings in the internals show themselves. You can really fee and see the difference in the turrets....better tactile feedback and repeatability.

I'm just thankful we have options...like the PST available to us. Can't always afford the $2000-$3000+ scopes. The PST offers a lot of features that much higher priced scopes do....at a price that's more attainable.

The more options a guy has...the better! IMHO.

Wayne