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Rifle Scopes Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

F

freeflight

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 15, 2011
204
3
California
Hi there,

I need some help choosing these scopes. This will be for my upcoming 300WM build. My goal is to shoot it to 1200 yd. I shoot in So Cal, and mirage can get really bad. I have narrowed it down to PST 6-24X50 FFP or SSHD 5-20X50.

The PST is cheaper. I have one on order for $900 for a few months now. The SSHD is $1050 (with current promotion, no illumination). I like illuminated reticles and thinner reticle lines in the PST. But neither are as important as optical quality and durability.

For those of you who have used both, which one is better in terms of optical quality? Would the difference be significant enough to affect extended long range shooting?

The SSHD seems to be a rather beefy scope at 30oz. The PST is only 24 oz. I suppose both will be fine on heavy recoil rifles. I might get a 338 LM to play with in the future. Is the SSHD more durable when subjected to harsh use in the field?

Thanks for your input.

Kevin
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Used the SS 5-20 and looked through a 6-24 PST. Both are good but the SS wins in the optics arena. Clarity, detail, contrast ect ect the SS wins them all. In the sub $2000 category the only scope(s) that beat the SS is the IOR 4-16, 3.5-18 and its not by very much. The SS has more elevation, better knobs, glass than the PST. The little extra for the SS is worth it.

Flyingbullseye
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Good point. PST has only 19 mils. SSHD has 30 mils of evelvation, which comes handy when shooting long range.

IOR is out of my budget. I wish I could see a SSHD personally. How is SWFA warranty? Is it transferable? Are they quick at fixing things or even replacing it? I know Vortex's no fault warranty is great.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

I snatched a SS 5-20 during the initial group buy last may and couldn't be more satisfied.

I have no expeirence with the vortex line so I'm of no help in that regard.

However, I was so pleased with the quality of the SS that I placed an order for a 10xHD as well.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

I've had the PST for a while now, and I just got the SSHD. So I will let you know. They look pretty comparable, and I'm not sure if I like the SS as much yet... But so far that might just be because I'm not used to it.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

you are looking at the same ones i have been for a while.... and then i just ordered the burris eliminator III. around the same price, but you get a rangefinder and a built in ballistics calculator. Might not be your thing, but it got me to decide. There is a pretty good thread on this scope now.

Worth checking out
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

OP:

I just got a buddy a Vortex PST and I have a SS 5-20HD that currently sits on my 338 Edge rifle (2000 yd plus rifle). Have not had a chance to compare side by side in daylight, but I can say that the SS is a very good scope for the money. For my 338 it was a no-brainer. I bought it instead of a night force, got it in MIL/MIL and saved $500 or more over the night force without really giving up much except for the name. I have heard great things about the PST but with current wait times I would say pay the extra $ for the SS and get to shooting NOW!
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Two comments here.
1. Kevin should learn to use the search engine here because he could likely find out what he wants to know that way and would not have verdugo60 telling him that a SS is almost as good as a NF (which he probably has never even tried) and has no idea of what he is talking about.
2. I own a PST 6-24 FFP mil/mil and can tell you that I have had zero trouble getting dialed up to 1000 yards on my 7WSM (with lots of adjustment left over) and see no reason why it would not work on your 300WM.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two comments here.
1. Kevin should learn to use the search engine here because he could likely find out what he wants to know that way and would not have verdugo60 telling him that a SS is almost as good as a NF (which he probably has never even tried) and has no idea of what he is talking about.
2. I own a PST 6-24 FFP mil/mil and can tell you that I have had zero trouble getting dialed up to 1000 yards on my 7WSM (with lots of adjustment left over) and see no reason why it would not work on your 300WM.

</div></div>

Hey Shoot4fun:

1.What the Hell do you know about what I have and have not used, shot or owned? Not much. Nothing actually.
2.It is pricks like you that turn new shooters off to this or any other kind of sport.
3. There are many who would agree that the SS 5-20HD IS almost as good or AS good as a Nightforce. They have not been tested as long in the field as the Nightforce, but neither had NIGHTFORCE when they started gaining ground on the "established" scopes when they started.
4. Just FYI, I have shot extensively with several Nightforces in MOA/MOA. I don't claim to be an optics wizard, but I can tell you that I was at no disadvantage shooting at 2000 yards with my SS against the NF. Other shooters agreed, especially when I outshot them with their AI, NF setups. So screw off you dipshit.
5. I think NF is a great optic maker. They are excellent and I have recommended them to friends. I think the SS 5-20HD is one of the best values on optics right now as far as features, glass quality, clarity.
6. Did not mean to derail the thread with comments about NF, was just giving my perspective to the OP about the scope he asked about.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

If you really aren't a poser, then I apologize. This forum is getting full of them lately. As for NF, I have eleven IRRC. Never seen a SS scope that could stand up to NF, but we all have our opinions.
I'm really proud that you are kicking all the AI/NF snobs asses with your Savage Edge and SS scope......dipshit.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you really aren't a poser, then I apologize. This forum is getting full of them lately. As for NF, I have eleven IRRC. Never seen a SS scope that could stand up to NF, but we all have our opinions.
I'm really proud that you are kicking all the AI/NF snobs asses with your Savage Edge and SS scope......dipshit.
</div></div>

I am honestly curious if you have used the SSHD 5-20. If your apology is sincere than I apologize for getting pissed quick and telling you off.

I have used NF. If you are dismissing me because I mentioned a Savage in 338 Edge then you are just ignorant. It was built with a custom Pacnor tube, and steel bedded by an extremely competent local smith. On shots 3,4,5 it grouped under .4" edge to edge.That means one, not-very-ragged hole. Shoot just as good at distance when I do my part.

Didn't have to do any load development, shot the standard Carlock load.
I don't think that it's stupid to buy top end gear, and don't want to turn this into a dick measuring thread. I DO think it's stupid to dismiss someone as a noob or poser based off assumption.

Again, between the two scopes the OP mentioned, I'm guessing the SS will be worth the extra $100. Just the extra elevation would be worth that probably. Either would probably be sufficient for the 300 WM. Will have a better comparison of actual optical quality within a week or two.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

You caught me!
I don't own a SS. Tried one of the older models once.
And I haven't used the new HD model. I guess I just don't know what I'm missing.
It's just that I never drank the old days SS Kool Aid when the advertised their cheap-ass scopes as top shelf optics and can't get past that now. Sort of like the Counter Sniper BS.
And sorry about the Savage comment. It is just that I am one of those AI/NF snobs and it hurt my feelings.
frown.gif
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

I used an SS Tasco on my first .308 and it did ok for me then but there really is no comparison between the new SS HD OR a NF. If that is what you are basing your concept of, you really need to try the "new" SS coolaid, it's tasty.

I will own an AI someday, they are sweet. For now my Savage rifles are plenty for all that I do.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

And I just have to point out the irony from your first post when you said this!

"verdugo60 telling him that a SS is almost as good as a NF (which he probably has never even tried) and has no idea of what he is talking about."

So you knocked a scope YOU had never tried and really have no idea about! That's a little ass-hatish bro. Anyways, whatever, it's the internet and it's about learning and having fun at this passion we have. Just tone down the judgement a bit man.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, for Kevin I would say that there are two things that would sway me to PST (even with the wait). They are the zero stop feature and the absolute best warranty service in the biz. If it says Vortex on it they don't care how many owners it has had, they will replace it with no questions asked.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

I compared these two scopes for my recent 6.5 creedmoor ar build. What I came up with was that the internal adjustments on the PST around 19 mils I believe wasnt enough to give you all the range I wanted the SS has 30 mils internal adjustment so it gives you a lot more flexibility on range adjustment.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Meanwhile, back at the ranch, for Kevin I would say that there are two things that would sway me to PST (even with the wait). They are the zero stop feature and the absolute best warranty service in the biz. If it says Vortex on it they don't care how many owners it has had, they will replace it with no questions asked.
</div></div>
IMHO, the lack of a zero stop is a non-issue with the SS because it has 10 mils per turn, thats all the way to about 925-950yd in my 20" 308.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Thanks all for your reply. I can use a 20 or 30 MOA base with the PST.

It comes down to customer service for me. Not too long ago I sent a broken scope to Vortex, and they made me an very good offer to trade up for a better scope. If I want to upgrade to a better scope (perhaps different brand) in the future, how much would I get from SWFA for trading in SSHD?

Vortex
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

SWFA helped me out quite a bit with customer service when I bought mine I have yet to have to test it out with a return or anything but from what I have read their customer service is top notch the same is true from vortex from what I have read. I think when it comes down to it figure out which scope has feature you prefer. The other thing is that even if you have a 20 or a 30 MOA base depending on your rounds ballistics 19 mils may not be ideal. For instance my 6.5 creedmoor shooting a 140gr amax bullet will experience aprox 17.2 mils of drop before it drops below the speed of sound at 1400 yards. So with 17.2 mils of drop from my 100 yard zero to rifles max effective range the 30 mils of internal adjustment makes it far more likely I will be able to dial in that range without the need for a hold over as well. But like I said either scope will serve you well the two things that made the decision for me was the extra internal adjustment and the fact that SWFA had scopes in stock while Vortex was sold out.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

I like the 5-20 SS,but have zero experience with the PST.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: verdugo60</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two comments here.
1. Kevin should learn to use the search engine here because he could likely find out what he wants to know that way and would not have verdugo60 telling him that a SS is almost as good as a NF (which he probably has never even tried) and has no idea of what he is talking about.
2. I own a PST 6-24 FFP mil/mil and can tell you that I have had zero trouble getting dialed up to 1000 yards on my 7WSM (with lots of adjustment left over) and see no reason why it would not work on your 300WM.

</div></div>

Hey Shoot4fun:

1.What the Hell do you know about what I have and have not used, shot or owned? Not much. Nothing actually.
2.It is pricks like you that turn new shooters off to this or any other kind of sport.
3. There are many who would agree that the SS 5-20HD IS almost as good or AS good as a Nightforce. They have not been tested as long in the field as the Nightforce, but neither had NIGHTFORCE when they started gaining ground on the "established" scopes when they started.
4. Just FYI, I have shot extensively with several Nightforces in MOA/MOA. I don't claim to be an optics wizard, but I can tell you that I was at no disadvantage shooting at 2000 yards with my SS against the NF. Other shooters agreed, especially when I outshot them with their AI, NF setups. So screw off you dipshit.
5. I think NF is a great optic maker. They are excellent and I have recommended them to friends. I think the SS 5-20HD is one of the best values on optics right now as far as features, glass quality, clarity.
6. Did not mean to derail the thread with comments about NF, was just giving my perspective to the OP about the scope he asked about. </div></div>

Amen brother!!!!!!!! I stopped even visiting this site because of this kind of crap. I submitted my viewpoint on the beloved scope of the month and actually got threatening PM's becuase I did not conform to the usual viewpoint. Jackass jerks like this are the problem with a lot of these sites and I don't have enough posts to make a difference. Yeah, right, whatever. They have no idea about anybody but want to voice their opinion from the rafters and act high and mighty. You nailed it and good for you. Maybe if some other viewers like you come back I'll start visiting this site again. Glad to see you step up and tell some of the know-it-all's to back down! Preach on!
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

After researching this question for the last 6 months on the Internet, I went with the SS. I based it mostly on availability & opportunity. I honestly don't think it would be easy to find many real complaints about either one. Ford/Chevy.....

FWIW- My SS 5-20 lives on a 338LM & I'm confident it'll work just fine for any distance I can shoot.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

the ONLY things i dont like on the SS that i like better on the PST is the reticule and the zero lock...

the SS dimond reticlue im just not a fan of..
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tulie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: verdugo60</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two comments here.
1. Kevin should learn to use the search engine here because he could likely find out what he wants to know that way and would not have verdugo60 telling him that a SS is almost as good as a NF (which he probably has never even tried) and has no idea of what he is talking about.
2. I own a PST 6-24 FFP mil/mil and can tell you that I have had zero trouble getting dialed up to 1000 yards on my 7WSM (with lots of adjustment left over) and see no reason why it would not work on your 300WM.

</div></div>



Hey Shoot4fun:

1.What the Hell do you know about what I have and have not used, shot or owned? Not much. Nothing actually.
2.It is pricks like you that turn new shooters off to this or any other kind of sport.
3. There are many who would agree that the SS 5-20HD IS almost as good or AS good as a Nightforce. They have not been tested as long in the field as the Nightforce, but neither had NIGHTFORCE when they started gaining ground on the "established" scopes when they started.
4. Just FYI, I have shot extensively with several Nightforces in MOA/MOA. I don't claim to be an optics wizard, but I can tell you that I was at no disadvantage shooting at 2000 yards with my SS against the NF. Other shooters agreed, especially when I outshot them with their AI, NF setups. So screw off you dipshit.
5. I think NF is a great optic maker. They are excellent and I have recommended them to friends. I think the SS 5-20HD is one of the best values on optics right now as far as features, glass quality, clarity.
6. Did not mean to derail the thread with comments about NF, was just giving my perspective to the OP about the scope he asked about. </div></div>

Amen brother!!!!!!!! I stopped even visiting this site because of this kind of crap. I submitted my viewpoint on the beloved scope of the month and actually got threatening PM's becuase I did not conform to the usual viewpoint. Jackass jerks like this are the problem with a lot of these sites and I don't have enough posts to make a difference. Yeah, right, whatever. They have no idea about anybody but want to voice their opinion from the rafters and act high and mighty. You nailed it and good for you. Maybe if some other viewers like you come back I'll start visiting this site again. Glad to see you step up and tell some of the know-it-all's to back down! Preach on! </div></div>

But, here you are. It is so silly of someone to say they never visit this site in a post on this site. BTW, I think you are a jackass jerk for name calling someone you don't know a jackass jerk. Don't know what posts you're referring to where you got your feelings hurt. Probably the reason they did it by PM is we are not supposed to attack new members. I hope I am OK here, as I don't want to get banned ........ but I think you may be the cause of people attacking you.
All I did was express an opinion that was based on my old age and previous experience with SS. Maybe they have the best shit in the world now. I don't think I will find out. NF has served me well for 11 years. Vortex has served me well for a couple. Do I think any Vortex product is as good as any NF product; HELL NO! But the PST is a damn fine scope for the money.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All I did was express an opinion that was based on my old age and previous experience with SS.</div></div>
The thing is, prior experience with an old SS gives you zero information with which to form an opinion on the 5-20 HD. It's a completely different animal.

To the OP: I have both of these scopes and have used them extensively. I prefer the SS by a fair amount and feel it's the better all around scope but it's also a fair amount more expensive (at full retail). I feel their bang for the buck value is pretty close so it comes down to how much you want to spend and what you personally prefer. You may like the reticle on one better than the other, you may need the travel of the SS, you may want the lighter weight of the PST, etc. But if I had to pick one, it would be the SS.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Thanks. I might need to get both eventually.

I do have a Weaver 3-15X Tactical with 100MOA elevation. So it is not critical for me to buy the SSHD 5-20x50 just for its elevation.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

Good lord, does anyone have a 5-20 ss within an hour driving distance of milwaukee?

Im ready to drop money on another S&B or NF but id really like to check out the SS before i do...

frown.gif


help a dude out. I'll buy beer
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

If you want to shoot out to 1200 yards, go with the SS HD.

I had a viper PST ffp 4-16 and to be honest - I was not impressed with the optical clarity(please dont hate me everyone!) Another gripe about the PST FFP is I personally think the reticle got a little thick at full power.....

In terms of options for the price - the PST is great with the zero stop, illumination, matched turrets/reticle. And for the money I think they are a great scope.

But for the current deal on the SS HD, it's too hard to recommend the ffp PST.

I think the clarity is better in the SS HD and the reticle is thinner at max magnification.

I have NOT looked through a PST 6-24, but if what I saw out of my 4-16 is an indication of the 6-24, I would get the SS HD.
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

I have a Vortex pst and a SS. I like the SS better, I find the SS has clearer glass but that's just me..
 
Re: Vortex PST 6-24X50 FFP vs. SSHD 5-20X50

The SS scopes have some darn nice glass.

Never looked through a PST (its on my bucket list), but unless the PST glass is a HUGE upgrade from the standard Viper glass, the SS wins hands down.

The price is right on both.

Id probably own an SS, I just personally HATE the mil-quad reticle.
 
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