Opinions/Experience with Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 Scopes?

[Rorge Retson]

Recently started looking at glass for my new AR that has a Wilson Combat 6.5 CM barrel at its heart. For some reason the Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 popped up on my radar in the form of a 5-25x50 with the EBR-2D reticle at Midway.

Anyone have experience with this scope or any of its variations? Amazon shows several versions with various powers and reticles, which seem to have decent prices relative to performance.

Use case is precision target shooting at first up to 600 yds, then perhaps later up to 1,000 yds. This will be my first long-distance AR rifle build.

[theLBC]

the pst gen 2 is still considered decent, and if you can get it at a decent price they also have a decent reputation for good customer service. any particular reason you're looking at moa vs mil?

[Rorge Retson]

Originally Posted by theLBC

the pst gen 2 is still considered decent, and if you can get it at a decent price they also have a decent reputation for good customer service. any particular reason you're looking at moa vs mil?

No, actually, I prefer mil.

[theLBC]

Originally Posted by Rorge Retson

No, actually, I prefer mil.

seems like a good deal

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018395072?pid=434425

[ocabj]

Tight magnification knob, tight parallax knob, questionable turret skipping, off-centered reticle. I've seen these on the PST Gen 2, and some of these same issues across the entire Vortex line.

I can't stand how an aftermarket throw lever is almost a requirement for most Vortex magnification knobs.

Anyway, for the most part the PST Gen 2 is a decent scope for $700 or so. If that's all you want to spend, there's not much else out there that is as good.

The new Bushnell Match Pro ED is something to look at which is $700.

[Rorge Retson]

Originally Posted by ocabj

Tight magnification knob, tight parallax knob, questionable turret skipping, off-centered reticle. I've seen these on the PST Gen 2, and some of these same issues across the entire Vortex line.

I can't stand how an aftermarket throw lever is almost a requirement for most Vortex magnification knobs.

Anyway, for the most part the PST Gen 2 is a decent scope for $700 or so. If that's all you want to spend, there's not much else out there that is as good.

The new Bushnell Match Pro ED is something to look at which is $700.

It looks like the right move might be to save some more so I can have better choices.

Is there a sweet spot for pricing that opens things up for better products in general?

[Brush Guard]

Originally Posted by Rorge Retson

It looks like the right move might be to save some more so I can have better choices.

Is there a sweet spot for pricing that opens things up for better products in general?

The sweet spot is between $1,100 and $1,400.

It’s the entry level to the good stuff.

Buy used in that range and make out like a bandit.

[Munny$hot]

IMHO you'd be better served with a 3-15 since most agree it has better clarity/image over the 5-25. I picked up my scope for with the same reticle for 570 from EuroOptics. For me the durability of the PST Gen2 as well as the other Vortex glass I have had been great. OCABJ is correct on his recommendation and has given some good advice in the past.

[Peahi2]

I have a Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP EBR-2C MRAD...and it was a beast for me in a class last summer. I got it on closeout at an excellent price for Europtic.

Europtic always traps me with excellent prices on closeouts. Just be sure you get the reticle you want. I got an MRAD Christmas tree type reticle.

I have no complaints.

[Kevin11mee]

I had the Gen II in 3-15 and it's a nice scope. Nice turrets and glass. Should be great for target shooting. I sold mine for about $750 so look for a used one.

[RifleSupply]

Safe pick and Vortex has an unmatched warranty program.

[MyOdessa]

I bought and mounted two Gen I Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP with EBR-1 MRAD, before I could even try them out, I got a great deal on Vortex PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP with EBR-2C MRAD reticle. I bought four of them, two went on .22 LR rifles, one on .17 HMR rifle and one on 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.
I have some of the issues that Ocabj mentioned. Two have fairly stiff parallax knobs, not two bad, but stiffer then other two, but not enough to send it back or worry about it. One has stiff magnification ring. None have optical or reticle issues, so I dodged that. On the other hand, I know that Vortex has good CS, so I expect that if issues arise, they will take care of it.
At this time I have no regrets buying them and I would buy them again if need be. Now i just need to sell my two Gen I scopes.

[smoothy8500]

Originally Posted by Rorge Retson

Use case is precision target shooting at first up to 600 yds, then perhaps later up to 1,000 yds. This will be my first long-distance AR rifle build.

Pretty happy with the Vortex PST G2. Glass is clear with minimal chromatic aberration. I haven't had any of the issues like @ocabj did. Turret clicks are OK, decent tactile feel while not necessarily mushy. Accurate and repeatable adjustments. I don't really use the reticle, but plenty of dialing of elevation and windage with mine at 500/600yds depending on which range we use.


https://imgur.com/GQftXga