Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 Review (Updated 2023) (2023)

Some scopes are specialized, while others are as adaptable as their wearers. The Viper PST 6-24x scope is one such optic that has an excellent variable magnification system and some of the best lenses on the market. We'll review this area so you know if it's worth your time and money.

Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 Overview

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The Viper PST 6-24×50 riflescope has one of the most versatile magnification ranges on the market; It is suitable both for traditional hunting purposes and for hitting targets at long distances befitting a sniper rifle. Part of this versatility comes from the quality lenses that make up the optical system.

The fact that the reticle (which comes in two styles) can be illuminated is a nice bonus. The rest of the scope demonstratesVortexsignature attention to detail and commitment to innovation: a durable, weatherproof frame, superb adjustment turrets that are sensitive and easily zeroed, and plenty of mounting options.

Let's examine this Viper PST oscilloscope in more detail below.

Characteristics:

• 6-24x magnification
• MOA or MRAD FFP reticles
• The reticle can be illuminated
• Zero stop setting turrets

Reticle type and magnification settings

The Viper PST comes with a custom EBR-2C reticle. EBR stands for Enhanced Battle Reticle, which essentially means there are dedicated range breakpoints at the bottom of the reticle. These are somewhat comparable to the breakpoints you can find on bullet drop compensation reticles, although these are slightly different and proprietary to Vortex.

You can also choose the reticle in bothMOAor MRAD formats. These two acronyms refer to the type of breakpoints you'll find on the reticle. Most people prefer MOA due to its ubiquity in the riflescope market and ease of use (many people think MOA reticles are easier to calculate). But the choice is ultimately yours and doesn't affect the rest of the scope.

Both types of reticles can be illuminated, with various brightness settings adjusted by a small turret located just behind the eyepiece lens.

Capable of magnifying between 6x and 24x, the Viper PST offers great versatility across its effective range. The reticle is on the first image plane, which is an appropriate choice given how drastic these magnification powers can appear. You can switch between the zoom levels with an adjustment ring positioned after the eyepiece.

The lenses are great too, partly due to their special glass design, which uses a special type of material to improve color fidelity and resolution. Simply put, the images will be clearer and have better color contrast, making it easier to pick your target from the undergrowth.

Eye relief is excellent at the low magnification end (4.0 inches) and gets a bit tight at the high end (around 2.5 inches).

ideal range

Due to its generous magnification range, the Viper PST is a suitable scope for a variety of events or hunting trips. The lower end of its magnification levels (6x to 11x or so) is great for hunting targets under 1000 yards or tracking moving targets during a hunt.

But the higher end of the magnification levels is excellent for hitting more distant targets, particularly ones that are either stationary or not moving very much. Of course, at 24x magnification your field of view will be significantly reduced, but this is usually adequate when hunting animals where you need to keep such a large distance between you.

The higher magnification powers are suitable for rifles capable of landing shots beyond 1000 yards, possibly up to 1500 yards or more. Of course, keep in mind that a scope's actual effective range is derived in part by the caliber of the bullet being used and the type of rifle to which it is attached.

For more long range scopes, check out ourVortex Viper 6.5-20×50 im Testand oursBushnell Engage 6-24×50 review.

Wind/Altitude/Parallax

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The Viper PST has a phenomenal set of adjustment turrets, including one for parallax. All three turrets are roughly mid-scope and feature easy-to-rotate designs that allow you to quickly set up for a follow-up shot. Each tower offers tactile feedback as you move it from side to side.

Even better is the customizable rotation stop design built into each turret. This is basically a more advanced zero stop feature that uses a precision spring system to quickly zero the turrets and ensure repeated performance even after heavy use.

All in all we are very impressed with the performance and reliability of these turrets. Few towers are so precise and pleasant to hearclickals die Viper PSTs.

mounting options

There are many mounting options for this scope, but it depends somewhat on what you intend to use the scope for. It measures 21.6 ounces, making it a bit heavy for rifles primarily used within 1000 yards. This also prevents it from being easily paired with a rail mount, which adds more weight.

On the other hand, since it's already so heavy, some shooters will no doubt want to pair it with a rail mounting system and attach it to a heavier platform. This is certainly a viable option, and perhaps the wiser one. Its heavier than average weight might make ring installation a bit more difficult than you might initially expect.

If you decide to use rings, go for a set that is at least 30mm. These will be very tight though, so 31mm or so might be better for your physique.

If you are interested in reading more of our articles, you can check our full reviewsBushnell-Banner 3-9×40orTrijicon Accupower 1-8×28.

Durability/Weather Resistance

The Viper PST keeps pace with many other scopes in this line with a precision machined frame constructed from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum. This keeps the scope durable even with severe damage or use. It has of course been sealed to allow for waterproof and fogproof performance. Overall, it's about what we'd expect from Vortex, or any other reputable scope manufacturer.

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Best for heavier rifles

This scope is best suited for heavier weapons that don't mind a scope with a little extra weight. It is notponderous, necessarily, but it will feel a bit off-putting on lighter weapon platforms. We also think that its outstanding versatility, provided both by its wonderful adjustment turrets and its wide range of magnification settings, makes it a good choice for high-performance rifles, both for taking down game at shorter ranges and hitting at longer ranges targets can be used.

You can even use the scope to accompany you in a target shooting competition that will push your platform's effective range to the limit. If you decide to use a rail system to mount this scope, you can swap it between different rifles at will.

Disadvantages

There are a few downsides to scope, as we mentioned earlier. The weight is a bit much for some, although many of the extra ounces come from the extra towers built into the frame.

We also find the dial for the illumination settings of the reticle somewhat strangely positioned; It sticks out at a diagonal angle in a place you wouldn't expect. However, once you get used to it, it probably won't be a big deal to you.

Finally, our Vortex Viper 6-24×50 review

Overall, we think the Viper PST 6-24×50 riflescope is another great example of Vortex's signature quality. The lenses, turrets and the overall construction leave nothing to be desired, even if it becomes a bit cumbersome due to the excess of features. Pair that with a rifle worthy of its power and you won't be disappointed.

If you are interested in our other reviews, check them outSWFA SS 10×42orLeupold VX-3i 3,5-10×40.