Leupold Vs Vortex Viper

[saw]

I currently have a Leupold VX-III 4-14.5x40. I started to pushing my 22-250 AI further (was hoping to get to 7-800 yards). I mostly spot and Stalk and call Coyotes with it. So I was going to send in the scope to Leupold and get turrets installed on it. $90 per turret.

I have recently found Vortex Optics Viper HS Long Range Rifle Scope, 4-16x50 for $599. I have also found a good deal on a Vortex viper PST 4-16X50. Should I buy a vortex and sell the Leupold or keep the leupold and forget the Vortex.

I figured the Vortex would cost a slight bit more due to rings. I have no experience with Vortex Viper Scopes so let me know how they compare.
Thanks in advance
Scott

 

[bigngreen]

I grew up with Leupold on every rifle that we liked to shoot, everyone has been replaced with Vortex PST, HST or HSLR's!!

 

[rafterfp]

I really like ALOT of stuff about leupold have ran them for years........
However I have never had one track as good as my vortex scopes.

 

[Prieto9000]

I really like ALOT of stuff about leupold have ran them for years........
However I have never had one track as good as my vortex scopes.

+1!!!

 

[saw]

I misspoke my current scope is a VariX III not a VX III. I don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[lloydsmale]

makes a big difference. your varixIII isn't near the scope the newer vxIII is. the VXIII will compare real favorably to a vortex viper. Your going to see a pretty big upgrade in optics and mechanic going with a viper over your old varixIII

I misspoke my current scope is a VariX III not a VX III. I don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[saw]

Is there a big difference between the HS and PST other than lighted reticle?

 

[Prieto9000]

Is there a big difference between the HS and PST other than lighted reticle?

Not really. Just different reticles and illumination if you're talking about the hs-t. The hs also has different turrets and only has MOA adjustments.

 

[North Idaho Hunter]

this past year i spent a considerable amount of time behind my vortex viper, quite honestly, i appreciate my leupolds more.

especially in bad weather. The leupold is much more clear for "my eyes"

Everyone's eyes are different, one thing that cannot be argued though, is vortex's spot in the market, you cannot honestly find a better optic for the price point.

However, if it were me, i would send that optic into leupold to have turrets installed.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Crashman1]

Custom turrets can be had for most of the Vortex Viper line up as well. Plus like one poster already said, the tracking and repeatability of the Vortex scopes far exceeds any Leopold I have owned.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

Custom turrets can be had for most of the Vortex Viper line up as well. Plus like one poster already said, the tracking and repeatability of the Vortex scopes far exceeds any Leopold I have owned.

That is definitely the case from what I have experienced. My dads Leupold is clearer than my vortex ps-t but my turrets track much better than his does

 

[Blacktail63]

Saw,
I just had Leupold install their TS-32x1 reticle in two of my VX-IIIs added the CDS dial and now I have a good long range scope that I can dial/use the reticle for elevation and hold off for windage. At $160 for the reticle and $90 for the CDS Dial give me a good scope at a reasonable price.

 

[Landkiller]

I have replaced the Leupold VIII that I owned with Vipers. I feel like they are hard to beat for the money.

 

[brentc]

Is there a big difference between the HS and PST other than lighted reticle?

Not much difference optically or mechanically. Feature wise they are different. The PST has an illuminated etched reticle. The HST has a non illuminated wire reticle. And of course if you're comparing between the 4-16 of both models the PST is 50mm and the HST is 44mm.