New Vortex Viper HS-T (Hunting Shooting Tactical) Riflescope

Andy Backus

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Blending many of the best features of Vortex's incredibly popular Viper HS and Viper PST riflescopes, the new Viper HS-T (Hunting Shooting Tactical) is positioned to be big a hit among hunters, as well as tactical enthusiasts.

rfl_vhs-t_s_4-16x44_moa_fr.jpg

Available in 4-16x44 MOA and mrad models, the Viper HS-T boasts an all-new, hashmark-based second-focal-plane reticle, perfect for accurate holds at extended ranges. Mrad reticle hashes subtend in .5 and full-value increments. MOA reticle hashes subtend in 2 MOA increments. Both are set for use at the riflescope's maximum 16-power magnification.

Incredibly precise, repeatable and durable target-style windage and elevation turrets built specifically for dialing, top off this highly versatile riflescope's long range performance features. And with Vortex's CRS (Customizable Rotational Stop) system, shooters can quickly re-index their turret after temporary elevation corrections have been made. The HS-T's 30mm one-piece machined aluminum tube ensures ample travel for optimal adjustment.

An ultrafriendly eyebox with generous 4 inch eye relief and fast focus eyepiece gets shooters on target with ease. XD (extra-low dispersion) glass guarantees sharp, crisp images from edge to edge. Lenses fully multicoated with Vortex's proprietary XR coatings offer superior light transmission for optimal performance in critical low light scenarios. Exterior lenses feature ArmorTek, an ultrahard optical coating engineered to protect against scratches, oil and dirt.

O-ring sealed and purged with argon gas for 100 percent waterproof/fogproof performance. Shockproof construction withstands recoil and impact from every angle.

Available: 4-16x44 (VMR-1 MOA Reticle), 4-16x44 (VMR-1 mrad Reticle)
MSRP: $659

American-owned, Wisconsin-based Vortex Optics designs, engineers and distributes a complete line of premium binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, tripods and related accessories. Dedicated to exceptional quality, value and unrivaled customer service, Vortex backs its products with its unconditional, lifetime VIP-warranty. Built on more than 20 years of experience in the optics industry, Vortex is rapidly emerging as a leading brand in the optics market.

Vortex - The Force of Optics | Vortex Optics - Home
 
It's a shame they didn't offer it in a 50, 52, or 56mm objective....That's the only complaint I have after reading that whole description.
 
PST usually has illuminated reticle I think... And the reticle is slightly different on the hs-t I believe...
 
I got one last week in MRADs. Will be going on my 280AI once it is completed. In the mean time I loaned it out to my shooting partner who put it on a newly aquired Tikka T3 Sporter in 6.5X55 Swede. He seems to like it, very sleek profile with the 44mm objective, excellent reticle and no bulky illumination dial on the eye pice to get it the way of things. The optics look great, clear and bright even in the lower light in the evening.

I think it will be another big hit for the folks at Vortex.
 
I'll reserve judgement until I get my hands on one but it looks like another one of their tiny reticles that do me no good for big game hunting.
 
Just mounted one on my 6.5 284 so far I am impressed. the turrets have firm clicks, and are true moa and thus far repeatable. I put a Viper PST 6x24 on a 300 RUM I built for my dad and it experiences a bit of uneven tunneling, the HS-T doesn't. I really like the MOA reticle it is my first departure from MILDOT reticles and I don't regret it. The field of view is the same as my MARK AR on 4.5 power, but the lack of tunneling means that it does not diminish as I increase power. I really like the fact that there is 30 MOA of hold over available in the reticle, not that I will hold over that much but it makes the reticle feel less cluttered. The 44 mil bell allowed me to use medium weaver tactical rings to keep the height down. It fits a perfect niche for me between the Mark AR 3-9 and the 6.5-20 LR/T perfect for the intended purpose of my 6.5 284, general deer elk hunting with the ability to send it out to 800, and light enough to pack for Mountain goats.
 
Checked one of these out the other at Cabelas and I really liked it. The clicks were amazing and so was the optic clarity. Felt like an extremely durable scope and am looking forward to getting one. I received the Vortex 2014 catalog the other day and they show a 6-24x50 HS-T new for 2014! When the 6-24x hits the market I'm definitely getting one for my .308 Norma Mag.
 
Looking at the specs of the 6-24 model, it seems really tempting. The only thing I'm cautious about is that it's reticle is almost twice as thick as the PST's. Then again, at a street price of $629, it still could be worth the gamble.
 
I have the HS-T in MRAD as well as the PST 4-16 in MRAD, and a Razor 5-20 in MRAD. Both the PST and Razor are FFP while the HS-T is SFP. I like them all for my purposes. Currently the Razor is riding atop my 284, the PST is on my newly acquired 260 in an AICS AX chassis, and the HS-T is on my light weight coyote rifle in 243. I have no issues what so ever with the reticle thickness on the HS-T, a few years back the HS scopes had reticles that were painfully thin and hard to work with, now they have beefed them up a bit and people seem to be much happier with them now.
 
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