Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I 1-4x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

After years of using strictly Leupold scopes, I decided to try out something different on my .50 Beowulf. I am so glad I did!!The optics in this Vortex Viper PST are phenomenal and amazingly clear. The build quality is simply light years ahead of Leupold which I would have never believed until actually owning one, not to mention this is one awesome looking scope. The MOA turrets are superb and have a very prominent and sure click every time, they are very firm and I do not fear them moving even with the open turrets being jostled around. For such a small objective the glass quality really allows in a surprising amount of light even on 4X, on 1X is this is pretty much a red-dot.The TCMQ reticle is decent, some might say just a bit busy. I was worried about it at first however after the first flight, I found it easy to lead a running animal with and very quick for precision shots on the move. Everything is crisp and clear and I have learned to gauge drop easily with the hashmarks even on a super heavy 400gr bullet.After zeroing, I have square tested it many times at 50 and 100 yards and it ALWAYS returns to zero. I have never had a Leupold do this to the precision that the Vortex does. I use this scope on the .50 Beowulf for aerial gunning of invasive species removal out of a helicopter, this scope always delivers, shots are on target and the animal always goes down without wounding. I have this mounted on the Vortex Cantilever 2in offset mount, this is rock-solid on the hard recoiling Beowulf.Some reviewers comment that the reticle lighting isn't for use in daylight, but I disagree. On level 10 the lighting is more than sufficient to be visible against a bright background and help tremendously in what I do for acquiring a fast moving target and putting rounds down range. Eye-relief on this scope is awesome, and makes even fast split second shots a breeze.Don't waste money on the HD line unless you have cash to burn. This scope is a much greater value and looking through them side by side you won't be able to tell a difference unless you are suffering from placebo effect of just dropping cash on the HD 1-6x.If you aren't one already, this scope will turn you into a lifelong Vortex customer, I know it did for me. (The awesome guarantee that Vortex offers on all its optics helped as well)-Upgrayedd

To dive right in: this is a fantastic scope for close to medium range. A motivating factor which lead me to purchase this particular optic is the warranty from Vortex.I love the reticle on this rifle, it's very easy to see in low light conditions and you can always engage the illumination when necessary. I keep the illumination on the lowest settings, 1-3. Build seems fairly rugged and the turrets on this optic are simply amazing. Zero stop system is fantastic as well. Note: this is a first focal plane reticle so ranging and other features can only be done on 4x. For the price you are paying, you get a lot of very advanced features on this scope.Thoughts: Prior to purchasing this optic you need to define your purpose. Mine was to have the ability to engage targets for CQC and also to have the ability to reach out to 200-300 yards. If you do 3 gun competitions or close range hunting up to about 100 yards, this optic would be a fantastic fit.My only issue that I've had thus far was the zero process. Upon mounting the scope it took a bit to get on the paper, which could have been due to someone tinkering with the turrets prior to shipping. Regardless, I was able to get on the paper and shoot some pretty decent groups at 100 yards. A laser bore sight would've been a huge help.My next step is to take the rifle that this scope is mounted to and try it at some greater distances with match ammo. I'll certainly update my review after testing it further!Platform: Bushmaster 556/223 lower with a CBC flat top upper. Ranges tested 25, 50, 75, 100 yards.***Note: If you're looking for flip up lens covers, I recommend the Butler Creek 02A Objective and Butler Creek Flip-Open Eyepiece Scope Cover, Size 14 (1.605-Inch, 40.8mm).

Start by saying its worth the money. The construction is great, feels durable. The turrets are positive an audible. The only down side is that it outdated in the sense in variable zoom capability. Most scopes with today's technology can achieve 1-6 or 1-8, but at at least twice the price. Glass is clear with generous eye box and eye relief. The illumination is useless for bright sunlight but very effective in low light. At the price I would defiantly buy this scope again.

I'm a red dot kind of guy. Most of my rifles have red dot sights with no magnification, but since buying a PTR91 in .308 I decided to add some magnification to my collection. After much research I decided upon the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 scope. It was an excellent choice for me. For the price this scope provides excellent clarity, an etched reticle that can easily seen without illumination and a red dot site if desired. Plus, it is very clear at 1x magnification, so the rifle can be easily used at short distances without magnification caused distortion and confusion. What do I mean? It has been my experience with scopes with magnification that the field of vision is reduced and the ability to quickly scan left to right to see objects that are close (within 50 feet) can be very disorienting as the field of view seems to quickly blur past objects. With a 1x red-dot system, your eye/mind is used to the scan and can process what you are seeing through the view finder. So, with this 1x4 scope you can still see things close with clarity and then zoom in on objects that are further away. 4x power isn't much, but I find it good enough for the limited distance ranges that I access. This scope is clear and bright all the way from 1-4x. I am enjoying it!

Great optic for the AR platform

good value love the reticle