Since it’s release in 2017 the Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 has been incredibly popular. In some circles it has almost a cult following as a reasonably priced optic that is capable at long range. Today we determine if it’s popularity is due to great marketing or if the Viper PST can back up its reputation.
Specifications
First of all, let’s take a look at the specifications. Fortunately, Vortex has listed the numbers on its webpage for the Viper PST Gen 2 so I will summarize them here. For those interested on the specifics they can read about them here. Basically, the Viper PST Gen 2 is a FFP full-size precision optic with 20 MRAD of travel and parallax down to 25 yards. The PST Gen 2 is a full featured scope with a useful Christmas tree reticle, illumination, and a zero stop. It is a generalist optic with parallax that goes low enough to be used on a rimfire. However, it lacks the 34mm tubes and huge amounts of elevation travel found on specialist extreme long range scopes.
Reliability
Next, we’ll look at the reliability. The most important aspects of a precision riflescope are the abilities to track accurately and to retain zero. In this regard the Viper PST Gen 2 passed with flying colors. It was mounted on my custom 10/22 which has both advantages and drawbacks. One one hand, shooting a 22LR at distances out to 350 yards means a ton of dialing and returning to zero. However, unlike large magnums the 22LR doesn’t punish the optic as much with recoil. This means zero retention wasn’t as thoroughly tested. Regardless, the Viper PST Gen 2 tracked accurately and held zero throughout its use.
Glass Quality
Glass quality on the Viper PST Gen 2 is respectable but not spectacular. Compared to a budget long-range optic such as the Diamondback Tactical it is a significant step up in clarity. However, to my eyes the glass wasn’t quite as clear the Tract Toric UHD or the Vortex Razor HD LHT, both of which come in at a similar price point. Like many high powered optics, the image quality dropped off upon approaching the maximum magnification. Fortunately, with a maximum magnification of 25x one can shoot out to 1000 yards without needing to top out the magnification. In summary, it’s not the absolute best glass that money can buy but it won’t hold you back at all either.
Ergonomics
The controls of the Viper PST Gen 2 should almost have two scores: the use and the set up. In use the scope was easy to use. The knobs all turned smoothly and weren’t too loose or too tight. Additionally, the clicks on the turrets were audible and tactile and above average for the price point. The illumination adjustment is on the parallax knob and has an off setting between each brightness setting, making adjustments simple.
Also, the reticle is Vortex’s EBR-7C reticle, which is excellent. I found it useable without illumination at 5 power , and the floating center dot still allowed for precise holds when cranked to 25 power. The Christmas tree dots make for intuitive corrections. That said, the illumination does bleed at the higher brightness settings, and I found that the batteries in the illumination tended to die quickly. For those planning on using this scope on a hunting rifle this bears keeping in mind.
However, zeroing the optic and setting the zero stop is detestable. The zero stop must be set while zeroing the scope, and while zeroing the elevation turret is in smooth mode with no clicks. This is a confusing system to learn and also makes it challenging to replace the elevation turret without knocking your zero off 0.1 MRAD. Furthermore, if you want to rezero for a different load, you have to bring an allen key and loosen and adjust nine different set screws! The only saving grace is that the zero stop does work well once set.
Competitive Options
Within the last few years, the consumer has seen an explosion in mid-ranged precision optics. Some competitive options are Tract Optics Toric UHD option and Maven’s RS.3. Newer companies like Athlon and Arken also have offerings, for those who don’t mind buying from China. Burris also makes their XTR II. At this price range all of the optics will function properly. As such, it would serve the shooter to look through them to see which glass suits their eyes best. Beyond subjective glass quality, reticle preference is the other attribute that will separate these optics.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, the Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 is a hallmark mid-priced tactical scope for good reason. While it is no longer head and shoulders above its competitors, it remains a solid value at the price range. Setting the zero stop is a nightmare of a Rube Goldberg contraption. However, beyond zeroing the scope tracks well with illumination and a useful reticle. Whether it is the right optic for you depends on if you like the EBR-7C reticle and what glass your eyes prefer.