Vortex Viper PST

[Hay Creek]

Sam -

I have the FFP. The reticle size appears to change size as magnification changes but it's truly a fixed size and calibrated.
It subtends .04 mrads or .144 inches at 100 yards, .288" @ 200 yds, etc. no matter what the magnification is. If you have a small target say 2" across out at 200 yards, the cross hair will cover .288" of the target regardless of the magnification setting. At normal ranges, it really isn't a problem. Even at 600 yds it will still only cover .864" of your 2" target. That's still enough target view to nail a prairie dog.

On an SFP scope, the reticle appears to be a fixed size through the magnification range but the amount of target it actually covers varies. It doesn't maintain a fixed proportion of target size as does the FFP.

Besides the ranging capability, I find the milrad reticle very useful for correcting my shots provided I can see my hit relative to my POA. Just spot which tic mark your shot hits and correct accordingly.

I'll add my praise to the PST. Everything about it just feels right.

 

[samoconnor123]

Darn, my head says go with FFP but my wallet says SFP.
I think i'll just have to bite the bullet and spend the extra $

 

[Hay Creek]

Sam -

Not trying to talk you into the FFP. I see my post shows my bias towards them.

I did forget to mention that there is 1 magnification that the SFP is calibrated at and is marked on the scope.

It all depends on what you plan to use the scope for. I shoot paper and varmints and find the FFP suited to my needs. We in the US are used to the SFP and are comfortable with it. I made the transition to FFP because I like the ranging capability without having to be concerned where my mag setting is.

You can still do that with the SFP model but you have to know what your magnification is to be accurate.

Before you buy, though, give Scott at Liberty Optics a call. He's running a discount on Vortex this month.

You can also check the posts at the Sniper's Hide forum. Lots of discussion re: the merits of both FFP and SFP.

 

[Hay Creek]

Just got back from the range. Had an idea on the way back. It's too dark, now. But, tomorrow, I'll take some pics through the scope at different magnifications so you get an idea of how the reticle will look. Might settle things in your mind.

Know how you feel regarding the head spinning. Went through the same thing myself and then just bit the bullet. In my case, it was the right decision.

 

[Hay Creek]

Found this. Saves me the taking of the photos.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2814585&gonew=1#UNREAD

There's vid that shows the reticle at min and max.

 

[OhioChief]

I have one on my my AR15 20" I've put maybe 500 rounds through the gun with my PST attached. I did get very good rings. It's held up very good (if 500 rounds is any measure). I have not had to adjust the scope at all. I am careful about transportation, however, I do transport it a lot. This past weekend at 200 yards my wife (the first time she's ever shot this gun and she generally shoots a pistol) put her first round through a pumpkin. one shot one kill (yes we said that). I really like this scope a lot so far and I do not have the slighest regret for the purchase. Hope that helps.

 

[Fullboar1]

Steve at Liberty Optics a call

Don't you mean Scott?

 

[Hay Creek]

Damn! Yup, Scott. :banghead:

Thanks

 

[kfgk14]

They are, in my experience, very good. I've shot several at the local range and they seem very good. Just playing around with the zero-stop, I found them ideal. My favorites are the 1-4x and the 2.5-10x, though for ranges over 600 (combat) or over 200 (precision) the 4-16x and 6-24x might be better. All are very good scopes, if a bit heavy.

I'd personally prefer an ACOG but I wouldn't feel incapable with a 1-4x Vortex.

 

[Badkharma]

Before you buy, though, give Scott at Liberty Optics a call. He's running a discount on Vortex this month.

Can't go wrong with this. Scott is awesome. Be sure to mention the THR member's discount (I believe it's 10%).

 

[Hay Creek]

Sam -

Found a link for you to get a look through a PST FFP.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2861359#Post2861359

 

[samoconnor123]

Do I really get a discount just for belonging to this forum? Awesome!

I hope Scott can ship over seas though, as I don't live in the US (sadly).

 

[coug]

I own 2 vortex scopes. I own 1 Viper and 1 razor HD. They are both more than you pay for. As for the PST My dad owns two of them one in the x16 and one in the x24 both of them are FFP. I have shot them both and like them very well. I shoot a lot of long range stuff and I have to say that I am very pleased with most all of the vortex line up. I think the PST is so close to a Night Force that its to close to call. I know night force has the indisputable reputation for Tuff but I have yet to see a vortex fail. I just think that for your money the Vortex gives you the most. I have spoke to the Vortex people a couple of times and I have nothing but confidence in them. I hope this helps. I would like you to know that this is not just words. I have shot Schmidt's, USO, NF, MK 4, and a few others not worth mentioning. But I do believe that vortex is the best for your money.Maybe not the best but for your money they sure seem to be for me.

 

[TonyAngel]

Not to put a damper on things, but just FYI, Vortex is a good company, but for those saying that they've never seen a Vortex fail, mine went back three times before I sold it.