Hey there, fellow night owls and hunting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another gear review that’ll have you itching to upgrade your arsenal. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of premium optics with the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes. Trust me, these bad boys are game-changers for anyone serious about long-range precision, whether you’re hunting varmints under the stars or competing in tactical shooting matches.
The Viper PST Legacy
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Vortex Optics, a company that’s been making waves in the industry since 2002, first introduced the Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) line back in 2010. It quickly gained a cult following among shooters who wanted high-end features without completely emptying their wallets. Fast forward to today, and the Gen II models have taken everything great about the originals and cranked it up to eleven.
What sets Vortex apart from the competition isn’t just their quality products – it’s their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Their VIP warranty is the stuff of legends in the shooting community. No matter what happens to your Vortex optic, they’ll repair or replace it, no questions asked. It’s the kind of peace of mind that lets you push your gear to the limit without worry.
What’s in the Box?
The Viper PST Gen II comes in three tasty flavors:
- 2-10x32mm: Perfect for those who need versatility in close to medium-range situations
- 3-15x44mm: The Goldilocks option, ideal for a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios
- 5-25x50mm: For when you really need to reach out and touch something
I’ve had the pleasure of putting the 3-15x44mm model through its paces, and let me tell you, it’s become my go-to glass for everything from coyote hunting to steel challenge matches. But regardless of which model you choose, you’re getting a scope that’s built to perform in any situation.
- The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid features to new heights. The 5-25×50 first focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and ideal for close to long range scenarios.
- Users who dial their turrets for drop and wind compensation will appreciate the laser etched turrets, adjustable parallax and the RZR zero stop. A fiber optic rotation indicator ensures you can keep track of your turret position with ease.
Crystal Clear Clarity
One of the first things you’ll notice when you peer through a Viper PST Gen II is the absolutely stunning image quality. Vortex has pulled out all the stops here, using extra-low dispersion (XD) glass and their proprietary XR fully multi-coated lenses. The result? Razor-sharp clarity and excellent light transmission, even in those tricky low-light conditions we night vision aficionados often find ourselves in.
The anti-reflective coatings on these lenses are a game-changer. They reduce glare and provide true color fidelity, allowing you to distinguish subtle variations in your target and the surrounding environment. This level of detail can mean the difference between a clean ethical shot and a miss when you’re dealing with small, crafty critters.
I remember taking this scope out for a dawn patrol varmint hunt last month. As the first rays of sunlight began to creep over the horizon, I could pick out individual blades of grass at 300 yards. The edge-to-edge clarity was impressive, with no noticeable distortion even at the highest magnification settings.
First Focal Plane Reticle: A Game-Changer
Now, let’s talk about one of the standout features of these scopes – the first focal plane (FFP) reticle. If you’re new to the FFP game, here’s the deal: as you zoom in or out, the reticle appears to grow or shrink along with your target. This means your holdover and windage points remain accurate at any magnification.
The Viper PST Gen II offers a choice of reticles, including the EBR-4 and EBR-7C in both MOA and MRAD flavors. Personally, I’m a big fan of the EBR-7C MRAD. It provides a clean sight picture at low magnification for those up-close encounters, while offering precise hold points for long-range work when you crank up the zoom.
The illuminated reticle is another feature that shouldn’t be overlooked. With 10 intensity levels, you can dial in the perfect amount of illumination for any lighting condition. Whether you’re shooting in broad daylight or the dim twilight hours, you’ll always have a clear view of your reticle.
Built Like a Tank
If you’ve ever been on a backcountry hunt, you know how rough things can get. Scopes get bumped, banged, and subjected to all sorts of abuse. Vortex understands this, which is why they’ve constructed the Viper PST Gen II to withstand just about anything you can throw at it.
The 30mm main tube is machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it incredibly strong while keeping weight manageable. O-ring seals and argon purging ensure these scopes are waterproof and fog proof, so you can count on them to perform in any weather conditions.
The scope’s exterior features a hard-anodized finish that’s highly resistant to scratches and corrosion. This not only protects your investment but also helps to reduce glare, keeping you hidden from sharp-eyed game.
I’ll never forget the time I took a nasty spill while stalking a big buck last season. My rifle went clattering across some rocks, and my heart sank thinking I’d just destroyed a thousand-dollar piece of glass. But when I picked it up and looked through the scope, everything was still perfectly zeroed. That’s the kind of reliability that gives you confidence in the field.
Precision Adjustments
When it comes to dialing in your shots, the Viper PST Gen II doesn’t disappoint. The turrets provide crisp, audible clicks, and the zero stop feature (which Vortex calls RZR Zero Stop) makes it a breeze to return to your original zero after making elevation adjustments for long-range shots.
The side parallax adjustment and illuminated reticle controls are easy to access and manipulate, even with gloved hands. This is a huge plus when you’re trying to make quick adjustments in the heat of the moment.
One feature that I particularly appreciate is the fiber optic rotation indicator on the elevation turret. This gives you a quick visual reference of how many rotations you’ve dialed in, preventing any confusion during those long-range shots where every click counts.
The Viper PST Gen II also incorporates Vortex’s Precision-Force Spring System and Precision-Glide Erector System. These fancy-sounding features translate to smooth, consistent adjustments and reliable tracking, even under heavy recoil or in extreme temperatures.
Optical Performance
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the optical performance of these scopes. The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass used in the Viper PST Gen II is a cut above what you’ll find in many scopes at this price point. It effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, that annoying color fringing that can occur around the edges of your image, especially at high magnifications.
The fully multi-coated lenses don’t just improve light transmission – they also enhance the contrast of your image. This is crucial when you’re trying to pick out a camouflaged animal against a similarly colored background. I’ve found that even in the fading light of dusk, I can still discern subtle differences in shading and texture that help me spot game that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The generous eye relief (3.4 inches on the 3-15x44mm model) is a godsend, especially when you’re shooting high-recoil calibers. It allows you to maintain a full sight picture without worrying about scope bite, even when shooting from awkward positions.
Value Proposition
Now, I know what you’re thinking – all this premium goodness must come with a premium price tag, right? Well, yes and no. The Viper PST Gen II isn’t cheap, but when you compare it to other scopes in its class, it offers incredible bang for your buck.
With street prices ranging from about $800 to $1300 depending on the model, these scopes compete with optics costing twice as much or more. Factor in Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty (which is fully transferable and doesn’t require a receipt), and you’ve got an investment that will serve you well for years to come.
When you consider the optical quality, the robust construction, and the advanced features like the FFP reticle and precision turrets, the value proposition becomes clear. You’re getting near-custom shop quality at production line prices.
Real-World Performance
Theory and specs are all well and good, but how does the Viper PST Gen II perform in the real world? In my experience, it shines in just about every situation I’ve thrown at it.
For varmint hunting, the clear glass and precise reticle make it easy to place accurate shots on small targets at varying ranges. The illuminated reticle is a huge help during those prime hunting hours around dawn and dusk.
In tactical shooting competitions, the exposed turrets and zero stop feature allow for quick, confident adjustments between stages. The FFP reticle means your holdovers are always accurate, regardless of your magnification setting.
Even for long-range target shooting, the Viper PST Gen II holds its own against scopes costing much more. The clarity at high magnifications and the precision of the adjustment turrets make it possible to consistently ring steel at distances that would have seemed impossible with lesser optics.
The Verdict
After spending considerable time with the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope, I can confidently say it’s one of the best values in premium optics today. Whether you’re a serious hunter, a competitive shooter, or just someone who appreciates top-notch gear, this scope deserves a spot in your arsenal.
The combination of superb glass quality, robust construction, and thoughtful features makes the Viper PST Gen II a versatile performer in any situation. And let’s be honest – there’s something deeply satisfying about looking through a scope that’s this clear and precise.
Is it perfect? No scope is. Some users might find the reticle a bit busy, especially at low magnifications. And while the build quality is excellent, it’s not quite at the level of the ultra-premium (and ultra-expensive) European brands. But for the price, it’s hard to find any significant faults.
So, if you’re in the market for a do-it-all riflescope that won’t require a second mortgage, give the Vortex Viper PST Gen II a serious look. Your eyes (and your targets) will thank you. Whether you’re planning a backcountry elk hunt, gearing up for a precision rifle match, or just want to punch paper with unprecedented accuracy, this scope has you covered.
Remember, in the world of optics, you often get what you pay for. But with the Viper PST Gen II, you’re getting a whole lot more. It’s a scope that will grow with you as your skills improve, without holding you back or breaking the bank.
Until next time, keep your glass clear and your shots true!
Joel Mccartan
Night Vision Gear Enthusiast