The Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 is a scope that beckons to the serious shooter with a promise of precision, durability, and optical excellence. Vortex has a reputation for delivering quality optics, and the Viper PST series is often touted as a marriage of functionality and quality, without breaking the bank.
The 6-24×50 variant, with its generous magnification range and a well-sized 50mm objective lens, aims to be a reliable partner for those long-range engagements where clarity and precision are paramount. In this review, I’ll dissect the features of the Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50, while putting it through its paces during a day at the range to see if it lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors.
My First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50, the first thing that caught my eye was its design. Too many scopes out there are clunky, knobby monstrosities that I wouldn’t mount on a NERF gun, but this one’s got a nice sleek appearance. Even the turrets are less obtrusive than on other scopes. The matte black finish gives it a professional aesthetic, while the quality of construction is immediately apparent in the solid but not heavy feel of the scope.
As I held it, the weight was noticeable but not burdensome, and it felt well-balanced and sturdy. The turret knobs felt firm with good resistance to them, and the magnification ring moved smoothly. The reticle design, as seen through the scope for the first time, seemed intuitive and clear. The markings on the turrets were clear and easily readable, which is a great sign for easy adjustments in the field.
Finally, the lens appeared clear with a good amount of light transmission even in the indoor setting, making me look forward to testing it outdoors. Overall, the initial impression of the Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 left was one of a well-thought-out design paired with a promise of reliable performance.
Optics Quality
One of the hallmarks of a superior scope is the quality of its optics, and the Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 doesn’t skimp on this front. The lenses are fully multi-coated with Vortex’s proprietary coatings that significantly enhance light transmission, resulting in bright, clear images even in lower light conditions. The color fidelity is commendable, rendering a natural, true-to-life image that makes target identification straightforward.
The scope also boasts an XR coating that further elevates light-gathering capabilities, which is a boon during dawn or dusk hunts. The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images. Additionally, this scope’s ability to maintain a clear and bright image across the entire magnification range is notable. Whether dialing down to 6x for a broader field of view or zooming in to 24x for precision shots at extended distances, the image clarity remains consistent.
The fast-focus eyepiece is a thoughtful addition, allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing, a feature that proves its worth in rapidly evolving shooting scenarios. In short, the optical quality of the Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 presents a blend of clarity, brightness, and sharpness, making it a reliable optic for serious shooters.
Reticle Performance
The Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 comes with a range of reticle options, but the one that I had the pleasure of testing was the EBR-2C (MRAD). This reticle is situated in the first focal plane (FFP), which is a feature I’ve grown to appreciate, especially for long-range shooting. As I dialed through the magnification range, the reticle scaled in size along with the target, maintaining the subtensions necessary for accurate holdovers and range estimations.
The EBR-2C reticle is a combination of simplicity and functionality. It provides a clean, uncluttered view, yet with enough reference points for effective holdovers and windage corrections. The hash-marked design is intuitive, making it easy to make quick adjustments on the fly.
I was also impressed with the illuminated reticle feature. The illumination control has ten intensity levels, which provide a good range of brightness settings for various lighting conditions. The off positions between each setting are a thoughtful touch, allowing for a quick return to a preferred brightness level. The reticle illumination is powered by a CR 2032 battery, which is easy to replace. The battery life seemed to hold up well during the testing phase, showing that it’s up to the task for extended outings.
Turrets & Adjustments
The Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 comes with tactically styled turrets that are both a visual and functional delight. The turrets are exposed and offer crisp, precise adjustments with nice tactile and audible feedback on each click. The clicks are well-defined, making it easy to make adjustments even with gloves on.
The elevation and windage turrets provide a travel per rotation of 5 MRAD, with a total travel of 19 MRAD for elevation and 19 MRAD for windage. This range of adjustment is quite ample for reaching out to extended distances. The turrets also feature a fiber optic rotation indicator which is a handy feature to visually track the turret rotations, especially in high-stress or competitive environments where a split-second glance has to provide essential information.
The zero-stop feature is something that I found to be quite user-friendly. Once the scope is sighted in, setting the zero stop is a straightforward process, and it ensures a quick return to zero without any guesswork. The side parallax adjustment knob also houses the illumination control, which is a smart use of space.
Build Quality
This scope really feels like it’s built to endure, mirroring a commitment to quality and durability. The body of the scope is crafted from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, enhancing its structural integrity and ability to withstand recoil and impact. Additionally, the scope is O-ring sealed and argon purged, making it waterproof and fog-proof. The 30mm main tube provides a robust housing for the internal components while allowing a good amount of adjustment range for the turrets.
The lens surfaces are protected by Vortex’s ArmorTek coating which is ultra-hard and scratch-resistant. One of the elements that accentuate the scope’s build quality is its precision-force spring system and precision-glide erector system. These systems ensure that the adjustments are smooth and the reticle remains accurate throughout the entire magnification range.
If you are interested to read more of my articles you can check my full reviews on Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 or Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28.
Real-Life Testing: A Day in the Field
I started with some close to mid-range shooting, adjusting the magnification to 6x. The wide field of view and clear image made target acquisition quick and effortless. Dialing up the magnification to 24x, I set my sights on targets placed at longer distances. The image clarity remained impressive, and the reticle provided precise hold points for accurate shots.
The turrets were easy and accurate to work with. The tactile feedback on each click made adjustments satisfying and exact. Zeroing the scope was straightforward, and the zero stop feature proved invaluable when returning to my original zero after some windage and elevation adjustments. The side parallax adjustment also came into play as I moved from one target to another at distances that didn’t require me to change my magnification.
I also had the chance to test the scope under less-than-ideal lighting conditions as clouds rolled in later in the day. The lens coatings did their job admirably, maintaining a bright and clear image. The illuminated reticle proved beneficial as the light dimmed, providing a clear point of aim against darker backgrounds and targets.
During the testing, the scope was mounted on a .308 Winchester, which provided a good platform to test the scope’s recoil resistance. It held zero impeccably, showing no signs of shifting even after several rounds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optical Clarity: Superior lens coatings and ED glass provide bright, clear images across all magnification ranges.
- Robust Build: Aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.
- Precision Turrets: Tactile, precise adjustments with a user-friendly zero-stop feature for a nearly instant return to zero.
- Versatile Magnification Range: 6-24x magnification allows for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from close to long-range engagements.
Cons
- Weight: The scope’s weight might be a concern for those seeking a lightweight optic setup.
- Price: The higher price point than some cheaper scopes may deter hobbyist shooters or those on a tight budget.
Who Should Buy This Scope?
The Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 is built for a wide range of shooters, from the experienced marksman to the novice shooter. The clarity and overall durability of this scope make it a prime option for anyone needing to add some variable magnification to one of their rifles.
It’s well-suited for long-range shooting enthusiasts, whether they’re engaged in competitive shooting, hunting, or precision shooting disciplines. While the price point might be on the higher side, the investment is justified for those who are looking for a high-performing, durable, and reliable scope that can meet the demands of serious shooting applications.
The Final Word
The Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 is a serious scope for serious shooters. Its stellar optical clarity, robust construction, and precision turrets make it a reliable companion for long-range engagements. This scope stands as a testament to Vortex’s commitment to providing high-caliber optics that enhance the shooting experience, making it a worthy consideration for those looking to elevate their long-range shooting prowess. If it’s in your price range, give it a shot (or several), and I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
If you are interested in my other reviews have a look at SWFA SS 10×42 or Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.