Vortex Viper PST GEN II

[KTM525]

Does anyone have any experience or advice on these scopes, good, bad or otherwise.
I've been looking at the 5 - 25 SFP model and so far can't find a lot of reviews on them yet.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[dickn52]

Can't speak to the Fen 2, I have the gen 1 and love it. Clear, sharp and bright. One would hope that an 'upgrade' would be better than....

 

[shoot4fun]

I had my first opportunity to get a look at ad thru one yesterday. I was very impressed with the upgraded turrets/Razor style zero stop. The glass was clear, bright and sharp all the way to the edges. I've got one on order and look forward to its arrival.
BTW, I also have four of the Gen 1 PST in FFP and all have given excellent service. The PST line is a lot of scope for the $$.

 

[Dub]

I have both the first gen and now the second gen. The upgrades are VERY nice, particularly the turrents and overall build quality. I am still happy with my first gen but absolutely impressed with the gen II

 

[dtucker]

You will find a ton of information on it over on Snipers Hide in the optics thread. I have a Field & Stream, Cabela and Bass Pro that are all within a 45 minute drive from my house and all of them carry that scope. I have had a chance to look at them in the SFP models and they seem to be very nice for the money. A lot of nice features and scope for 1000.00

 

[Dub]

both of mine are FFP

 

[dpete]

glass is considerably bette as well as the turrets, I don’t believe u’ll find anything better without spending several hundred more

 

[Tstroop]

Have the exact scope for sale new in box. Pm me if you’re intersted

 

[centershot]

How do you know if you have a 1 or a 2?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

How do you know if you have a 1 or a 2?

Everything is different. Most significantly the turrets and illumination control. Gen 2 turrets are about twice as wide as the Gen 1 with a lot more adjustment per revolution and the illumination is now on the side parallax wheel instead of the rear ocular.

 

[Gary Wiant]

The gen 2 turrets are much larger and the illuminated retical knob on the gen 2 are on the side parallax where the gen 1 is located on the rear of the scope.

I have both & love both but I think the Gen 2 is well worth the upgrade. My Gen 2 is a FFP
Enjoy

 

[Rob01]

How do you know if you have a 1 or a 2?

The Gen II has upgraded knobs that are 10 mil per turn the Gen I is 5 mils. Also the Gen 1 are 4-16x and 6-24x and the Gen II are 3-15x and 5-25x. The gen II is a 2-10x and the gen I is a 2.5-10x and you can tell the knob difference. Look at the Vortex site for pics of both.

The Gen II is a very good upgrade form the original in glass and knobs and a true zero stop. You will be happy with it.

 

[rlp10ml]

I was under the impression that the Gen 1 and Gen II PST's shared the same glass? I do like the upgrades on the Gen II but have not considered getting one because of what I was told about the glass... Does anyone know for sure?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I was under the impression that the Gen 1 and Gen II PST's shared the same glass? I do like the upgrades on the Gen II but have not considered getting one because of what I was told about the glass... Does anyone know for sure?

I had a Gen 1 PST 6-24x50. I wasn't crazy about the glass myself. It was great up to about 20-22X, but at that last stretch of magnification, I never could get a perfectly clear picture. Adjusted the rear eye focus and side parallax every which way to Sunday. Low light performance was nothing special enough to mention either. But that was about 5 years ago. Even if it is the same "glass", Vortex could have revised and updated their coatings and glass fitment/alignment procedures by now for a better sight picture. The company has been skyrocketing in the optics world from day one and always trying to improve their products. Reliable reports from people I know say that the Gen 2 glass is better than the Gen 1. I will be looking through a Gen 2 in a couple weeks. I'll never forget how annoying the Gen 1 was to have on 24X so I'll be sure to pick apart the picture quality of the Gen 2 on 24-25X

 

[22DASHER]

I couldn’t be happier. Is it NXS or ATACR quality?... No, but it is without a doubt the best scope you can buy for the money. Glass is much clearer than my Leupold VX3’s and SHV.

 

[Rob01]

I was under the impression that the Gen 1 and Gen II PST's shared the same glass? I do like the upgrades on the Gen II but have not considered getting one because of what I was told about the glass... Does anyone know for sure?

No they are not the same glass. The Gen II has better glass.

 

[rlp10ml]

I emailed Vortex about the glass on the GEN II compared to the GEN 1 PST. Vortex promptly returned my email and did indeed say that the GEN II does have upgraded glass and coatings than the GEN 1.

 

[Netman]

Today I went to Whitaker’s to look at scopes to find they are closed on Monday. So I headed to Uncle Lee’s. They had several Vortex scopes. They had the PST Gen ll in ?x18x50. I took a look at it and have to say it was nice. It was illuminated with the Christmas tree reticule. It was almost $1100.00
I asked the salesperson if they would match internet prices. If you will I will buy it right now. He said no. Another salesperson said we don’t do that. I said thanks
I have convinced myself to stay away from Vortex. Growing up with Leupold I never considered any other scope than a gold ringed one. Upon looking at the PST today I’m seriously looking at Vortex. It’s amazing how you can hold one and get your mind changed.

 

[nakneker]

My mind set works like this.

Made in USA = yes
Made in Japan = yes
Made in Germany/Austria = yes

Made in Philippines = no
Made in China = no

I’ve handled the GenII and looked through them, first time I’ve thought about breaking my rules.

 

[Netman]

My thoughts are very similar nak. I keep telling myself I’m going to break out but I won’t. I’m in a conundrum.