Vortex Viper PST 6 24×50 Review [Affordable Precision]

You can't buy a truly tactical precision rifle scope without spending more than a thousand dollars right? Wrong. Vortex Optics has listened to the naysayers and has done just that. The Vortex Viper PST (precision shooting tactical) riflescope is built with tactical precision capability in mind, and all for under a thousand dollars.

Interested? I thought so. In this article, I will be reviewing the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 and explaining exactly how Vortex Optics can gracefully mix tactical with precision.

In A Hurry? Here Is The Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 Review Summary.

Vortex is a brand I have no issues speaking on. If you have read any of my other articles you will see my admiration for the brand. Through various interactions of my own and other competitive shooters I know, Vortex has always risen to the occasion.

The Vortex Viper PST is an example of Vortex yet again rising to the occasion. Not only were they able to create a precise tactical scope, but they also took the scope a step further by making it a dual-purpose hunting and tactical application scope.

I found the Vortex Viper PST to be a high-quality hunting scope, I have yet needed to use it in a tactical situation. I did, however, really enjoy using the exposed tactical-style turrets while in the field. The turrets were easy to adjust and easy to read while behind my rifle.

I will be reviewing in detail the Vortex Viper PST, and evaluate what is included and excluded from your purchase. I will go over both the positives and negatives of this scope offered by Vortex and offer the technical specifications the Viper PST is built to.

Continue reading for a more in-depth review of the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50.

Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 Reviewed

The Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 is a top-tier riflescope. The Viper line of riflescopes are built to be rugged performance-based scopes that have made a positive impression in the hunting community since they were released in 2004.

With a weight of 23.4 ounces and a length of 15.5 inches, the compact lightweight ability was purposefully considered. With a magnification range of 6-24x, this is a great scope for long-range target shooting.

The Viper PST has an objective lens diameter of 50mm and utilizes a Second Focal Plane design, which I will begrudgingly go into detail later in this article. Built from a single block of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, the Viper PST produces performance tactical shooters enjoy.

Vortex matched the reticle and turret measurements on the Viper PST which allows for fast, accurate adjustments. A feature I enjoyed thoroughly was the customizable rotational stop (CRS). The CRS is an adjustable zero stop that aids in returning to zero after dialing a temporary elevation correction.

The CRS is a unique feature that adds to the list of features on the Viper PST that is designed with tactical shooters in mind. Also included for tactical shooters is the fiber optic turret rotations indicator, providing a visible point of reference.

Eye relief on the Viper PST is four inches, and the maximum windage and elevation adjustments are 65 MOA. With a customizable zero stop, rotation indicator, and exposed turrets, Vortex scopes have continued to impress me.

Included with every Vortex Optic purchase is their legendary VIP (very important promise) warranty. Vortex will repair or replace your scope product if it becomes damaged or defective. No charge to you, no receipt, unlimited lifetime warranty that transfers to any future owner of the Vortex scope.

Vortex goes as far as offering you a scope of greater or equal value if they can not repair your scope. Essentially, once you buy a Vortex scope you can keep it, for life, and live with the peace of mind that your scope is completely covered.

What’s In The package:

Apart from the Vortex Viper PST, there are other items Vortex adds to your package when you purchase a PST. Aside from the extra goodies in your package, there are some items that you need to consider purchasing to enable mounting your new Viper PST. The purchase of a Vortex Viper PST does not include a mounting system to attach your scope to your rifle.

You will still need to purchase a scope ring set and a base to attach the scope rings to your scope and mount. High-quality scope ring and base mount systems can be found on amazon or optics planet. Here is a list of the included goodies when you purchase a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50.

• 4-inch Sunshade
• CR2032 Battery
• CRS shims (customizable rotational stop)
• Lens Cloth

Key Features: 

The Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 has many attractive features. The features are where we see Vortex’s intended dual purpose for this scope. With a magnification range of 6-24x, it may be obvious that the Viper PST is built for long-range shooting, but the reticle, internal systems, and durability show the tactical applications of the scope.

Glass-Etched Reticle

For some scopes, the reticle design is a make-it or break-it for shooters. The Vortex Viper PST reticle comes equipped with Vortex’s patented XR fully multi-coated glass that increases light transmission.

The reticle is based on a second focal plane design (SFP) instead of a first focal plane design (FFP). This means that the reticle maintains the same size appearance throughout the magnification range. I don't appreciate the SFP design because the listed range, holdover, and wind drift corrections are only accurate at full magnification.

This is extremely frustrating as an FFP scope has accurate markings all through the magnification range. Preference aside, the glass-etched EBR-1 reticle in the Viper PST allows for a more intricate reticle design and is protected between two layers of glass. The eyepiece is comfortable, and standard in the majority of Vortex scopes.

The EBR-1 (Enhanced Battle Reticle) is a hash marked ranging reticle using MOA-based sub-tension lines for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. The EBR-1 in the Viper PST is an illuminated reticle allowing for precise aiming under low-light conditions.

Tactical Internal Design

A subject I do not see many rifle scope reviews discuss is the internal systems that allow the scope to function as well as it does. All of the outer design and material is important, don't get me wrong, but all of that would be for nothing if the internals of the scope were junk.

Part of the durable internal design of the Vortex Viper PST is the before mentioned CRS zero stop. Having a customizable zero stop is a valuable asset that Vortex added with tactical shooters in mind. Vortex included a precision-force spring system in the Viper PST as well which ensures repeatability of shots.

A rifle scope is only as good as its zero. If the zero can not be maintained or can not be repeated, you may as well be using iron sights. The attention rifle scope companies pay to maintain zero and have shot repeatability speaks volumes on their quality of work.

The precision-glide erector system built into the Viper PST ensures the pieces in the zoom lens that move, glide smoothly throughout the magnification ranges. Vortex Optics has considered every situation and detail in the building of the Viper PST allowing it to be applied to both hunting and tactical shooting. You can shoot with confidence when using a Vortex scope.

Durability

Durability is achieved in the Viper PST in a multitude of ways. The Vortex Viper utilizes a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube for strength and durability. This provides extra strength over multiple-piece scopes through the construction of the design.

The lenses in the Viper PST are fully multi-coated delivering great detail and color providing for hunting in any lighting environment. O-ring seals protect against dust and debris from entering the glass of the scope.

This enables the Vortex Viper PST to be completely waterproof, and the rugged design allows the scope to be shockproof and impact resistant. Through the use of Argon gas purging, the Viper PST is also fog-proof and the hard-anodized finish provides a low-glare matte surface to conceal your position.

Pros/Cons:

Pros:

• Glass etched reticle
• Parallax side focus
• Durability
• Price

Cons:

• Second focal plane (some people prefer it)

You can find a great deal of the Vortex Viper PST at:

Alternative Scope Option: 

Bushnell Tac Optics 6-24x50mm Riflescope

The Bushnell Tac Optic is a great alternative to the Vortex Viper PST due to having a common purpose in design. Both scops offer 6-24x magnification, with a 50mm objective lens. Both optics are also designed for tactical and precision shooting with slightly differing features. The Tac Optic is built for durability, and Bushnell offers a lifetime ironclad warranty.

Final Thoughts:

After reviewing this article, you have learned how the Vortex Viper PST meets both the tactical and hunting applications in which it was designed. A great glass-etched reticle paired with great internal and external design.

Built rugged for the field but fine-tunable like a high-grade scope, the Viper PST seemingly does it all. If you are looking for a long-range hunting or tactical scope, put the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 on your shortlist.

The Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 is a great combination of tactical ability and hunting precision. Coupled with Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty, the Viper PST is a quality scope that covers all the bases.

Are you looking for a quality sub-one thousand dollar hunting or tactical scope for your rifle setup? If you are, let us know in the comment section below what you think of the Vortex Viper PST. Let us know any personal experiences you have with the Viper PST in the comments below!

References:

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