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JasonMPD
Posts: 6,583 Senior Member
1x-4x optics, where've they been all my life? (A Vortex PST review)
JasonMPD
Posts: 6,583 Senior Member
My local range...sucks. It has no open-use 3Gun type range to play around with low magnification optics at variable ranges. So, I settled for a static 200 yard range and a separate "action" area to try the 1x. Oh boy...
I'm in love. I'm using a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x w/illumination option.
While there is some field of view compromise versus a small (micro style) red dot, it's not enough to bother me. It's a very fast shooting optic and the illuminated reticle is very intuitive for CQB distances. A dot may be slightly quicker for new shooters, but practice can fix almost anything.
Here's the "TMCQ" reticle. The MOA is represented here, but I have the MRAD.
The red portions are that which illuminates. There's an off position between each brightness setting. A valued and simple feature.
It appears a little small in the optic. It's second focal plane; a little bummer, but it's not a hindrance. If the reticle scaled that would be nice, but not really imperative for a 4x optic I don't think. The 1-6x and 1-8x optics out there could have advantages at a FFP configuration. They're priced accordingly.
The turrets are 0.2 MIL per click. Twice the normal MIL scope. Not a problem, you just need to half the clicks for your drop estimations before moving the turret. The reticle is useful for holdovers making turret adjustments a thing for 300+ yard shots on small targets.
On 2x and 4x I was keeping sub MOA groups at 100 yards. The reticle definitely draws your focus to the small middle dot and thus the point of aim. It's a decent reticle. 200 yard shots were child's play as they should be with decent glass and an accurate weapon.
I'm going to save some pennies for a FFP 1-6x or a 1-8x. They are all in the $1500+ realm, but offer better glass, FFP reticle scaling and better observations at 500+ yards.
Dare I say I'm done with any scope over 10x for any application inside 1000 yards.
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I'm in love. I'm using a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x w/illumination option.
While there is some field of view compromise versus a small (micro style) red dot, it's not enough to bother me. It's a very fast shooting optic and the illuminated reticle is very intuitive for CQB distances. A dot may be slightly quicker for new shooters, but practice can fix almost anything.
Here's the "TMCQ" reticle. The MOA is represented here, but I have the MRAD.
The red portions are that which illuminates. There's an off position between each brightness setting. A valued and simple feature.
It appears a little small in the optic. It's second focal plane; a little bummer, but it's not a hindrance. If the reticle scaled that would be nice, but not really imperative for a 4x optic I don't think. The 1-6x and 1-8x optics out there could have advantages at a FFP configuration. They're priced accordingly.
The turrets are 0.2 MIL per click. Twice the normal MIL scope. Not a problem, you just need to half the clicks for your drop estimations before moving the turret. The reticle is useful for holdovers making turret adjustments a thing for 300+ yard shots on small targets.
On 2x and 4x I was keeping sub MOA groups at 100 yards. The reticle definitely draws your focus to the small middle dot and thus the point of aim. It's a decent reticle. 200 yard shots were child's play as they should be with decent glass and an accurate weapon.
I'm going to save some pennies for a FFP 1-6x or a 1-8x. They are all in the $1500+ realm, but offer better glass, FFP reticle scaling and better observations at 500+ yards.
Dare I say I'm done with any scope over 10x for any application inside 1000 yards.
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“There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.” – Will Rogers
Replies
― Douglas Adams
Dad 5-31-13
I like your Vortex, but I'm too cheap to spend that much for anything but my favorite hunting rifle. :tooth:
This PST model defies its brethren's prices. Being SFP is less expensive at about $375.
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I have grown to like low-powered scopes over the years...I put a fixed 3X Nikon with a balliistic reticle on my latest AR. IMHO not much sense in putting the Hubble on a rifle that isn't going to be shot past 200 yards...
My max range allowance was 200, but I'd engage steel (AKA people) at 600 no problem with it.
I went so far to mark the DOPE on the turrets with an enamel paint fine tip pen. 100/200, 300, 400, 500, and 600. The 100/200 is just my zero point and each other one is marked as "3, 4, 5, 6" with the turret hash mark extended up to the number. Those were determined via ballistic calculations, but should be on minute of scumbag.
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I like the look of that Vortex. If I need another, that one will probably be on the list
-Mikhail Kalashnikov
They've "revamped" (IE increased the price on) their Viper PST line and the new one is a 1-6.
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski
JAY
Ah gotcha
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https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-ar-optics-1-4x24-r-s-ffp-iii-bdc.html
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
Holy crap the MSRP almost doubled. It's not even FFP and the objective and ocular lenses are the same size.
So $400 more for 6x instead of 4x?
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Vortex lost me when they brought out the PST II line. There's no way the "improvements" justify the price increase. I was going to buy a PST 6-24, but the 5-25 is $500 more. No thanks. At that price point I'll buy a Burris XTR II.
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski
AKA: Former Founding Member