I made a thread a few days ago asking about scopes in the ~$700-750 range. A LOT of people seem to like the Viper PST, and a LOT of people like the Weaver Tactical. I am split between these two. I will not have a chance to try either out before I buy, but both get such good reviews. Can anyone tell me what they perceive to be the main pros/cons of each scope? From what I have read, the Weaver has (slightly) better glass. If you could have either at the same price, which would you buy?
Rifle Scopes Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
- Thread starter wwrhodes91
- Start date
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Curious about this myself. I am looking to buy a scope in this price range too.
Curious about this myself. I am looking to buy a scope in this price range too.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vinnie b</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Curious about this myself. I am looking to buy a scope in this price range too. </div></div>
It seems like a very common question these days.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vinnie b</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Curious about this myself. I am looking to buy a scope in this price range too. </div></div>
It seems like a very common question these days.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
i like the pst reticule better... not sure on total adjustment of the weaver..
the pst has zero stop
cant beat the pst warranty... i just had a PST on the gun, take a 2ft drop onto concrete and land on the top turret...
it bent it good... sent it in, and fixed and back in a week
i like the pst reticule better... not sure on total adjustment of the weaver..
the pst has zero stop
cant beat the pst warranty... i just had a PST on the gun, take a 2ft drop onto concrete and land on the top turret...
it bent it good... sent it in, and fixed and back in a week
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
PST has the transferrable warranty and zero stop.
Weaver has the better glass and locking turrets, but only a limited lifetime warranty for original purchaser.
I bought the Weaver.
PST has the transferrable warranty and zero stop.
Weaver has the better glass and locking turrets, but only a limited lifetime warranty for original purchaser.
I bought the Weaver.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Weaver Tactical seems to be getting the majority nod of approval.
Weaver Tactical seems to be getting the majority nod of approval.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Which models are you looking at and what's your situation (ie rifle, type of shooting etc...)?
I assume from the price 2.5-10 or 4-16 maybe...
There's a lot of good glass in that price range including both of those lines.
Which models are you looking at and what's your situation (ie rifle, type of shooting etc...)?
I assume from the price 2.5-10 or 4-16 maybe...
There's a lot of good glass in that price range including both of those lines.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which models are you looking at and what's your situation (ie rifle, type of shooting etc...)?
I assume from the price 2.5-10 or 4-16 maybe...
There's a lot of good glass in that price range including both of those lines. </div></div>
I'm looking at the Weaver Tactical 3-15 or 4-20X50 to put on a Savage 10 FCP-K. I haven't decided on illuminated or not.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which models are you looking at and what's your situation (ie rifle, type of shooting etc...)?
I assume from the price 2.5-10 or 4-16 maybe...
There's a lot of good glass in that price range including both of those lines. </div></div>
I'm looking at the Weaver Tactical 3-15 or 4-20X50 to put on a Savage 10 FCP-K. I haven't decided on illuminated or not.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
i have the weaver tactical 3-15 and it is great, but the illumination sucks.
in hindsight, i am never really ever in the situation that would call for it, so maybe that thought wouldn't necessarily fit what your use of it will be.
i shoot a 600 yard Fclass match here and i'm already looking for more magnification. my next glass will be the ss 5-20 when the war room allows such a purchase.
i was looking at the vortex pst 4-16 but the price point difference at my time of purchase was almost 2 bills and apparently no one had them in stock anyway at that time.
still, the weaver has been great to me so far
good luck
i have the weaver tactical 3-15 and it is great, but the illumination sucks.
in hindsight, i am never really ever in the situation that would call for it, so maybe that thought wouldn't necessarily fit what your use of it will be.
i shoot a 600 yard Fclass match here and i'm already looking for more magnification. my next glass will be the ss 5-20 when the war room allows such a purchase.
i was looking at the vortex pst 4-16 but the price point difference at my time of purchase was almost 2 bills and apparently no one had them in stock anyway at that time.
still, the weaver has been great to me so far
good luck
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SugarBooger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i shoot a 600 yard Fclass match here and i'm already looking for more magnification. my next glass will be the ss 5-20 when the war room allows such a purchase.</div></div>
As an aside, I have an SS 5-20 and it would not be my first choice for F-Class. If you're shooting F-Class a Nightforce BR for the price of an illuminated SS 5-20 will serve you better, or a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 or 10-50x60, under $1k for either and available with 1/8moa clicks, would serve you better.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SugarBooger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i shoot a 600 yard Fclass match here and i'm already looking for more magnification. my next glass will be the ss 5-20 when the war room allows such a purchase.</div></div>
As an aside, I have an SS 5-20 and it would not be my first choice for F-Class. If you're shooting F-Class a Nightforce BR for the price of an illuminated SS 5-20 will serve you better, or a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 or 10-50x60, under $1k for either and available with 1/8moa clicks, would serve you better.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I bought the Weaver 3-15x50. Mounted it to my OBR in a LaRue mount and at around 200rnds had a turret fail. Weaver made it right, but I sold the new scope. Mine is the only one I know of that has failed, and Weaver was easy enough to deal with on the CS side. Doing it again, I'd order the Vortex. Though, both are pretty close.
I bought the Weaver 3-15x50. Mounted it to my OBR in a LaRue mount and at around 200rnds had a turret fail. Weaver made it right, but I sold the new scope. Mine is the only one I know of that has failed, and Weaver was easy enough to deal with on the CS side. Doing it again, I'd order the Vortex. Though, both are pretty close.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SugarBooger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have the weaver tactical 3-15 and it is great, but the illumination sucks.
in hindsight, i am never really ever in the situation that would call for it, so maybe that thought wouldn't necessarily fit what your use of it will be.
</div></div>
I debated on illumination or not, but decided based on two things:
It is there if you ever need it.
This rifle/scope combo will pull double duty as a hunting rifle, so dawn and dusk conditions are guaranteed.
I do wish the Weaver had the in-between notches on the illumination, so just one click in either direction would turn it off (like the PST).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SugarBooger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have the weaver tactical 3-15 and it is great, but the illumination sucks.
in hindsight, i am never really ever in the situation that would call for it, so maybe that thought wouldn't necessarily fit what your use of it will be.
</div></div>
I debated on illumination or not, but decided based on two things:
It is there if you ever need it.
This rifle/scope combo will pull double duty as a hunting rifle, so dawn and dusk conditions are guaranteed.
I do wish the Weaver had the in-between notches on the illumination, so just one click in either direction would turn it off (like the PST).
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Well it seems like things have evened out a bit. I am leaning more towards the Weaver though both look great. Can anyone tell me if they have noticed a difference in the reticle size of the two scopes?
Well it seems like things have evened out a bit. I am leaning more towards the Weaver though both look great. Can anyone tell me if they have noticed a difference in the reticle size of the two scopes?
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I owned the weaver and looked through the PST. The PST has the better reticle and illumination but the weaver has the better glass more travel for less money. Didn't notice the difference in the reticle thickness, its been about a year now.
I owned the weaver and looked through the PST. The PST has the better reticle and illumination but the weaver has the better glass more travel for less money. Didn't notice the difference in the reticle thickness, its been about a year now.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
That is exactly what is keeping me considering the PST. That reticle is just so great. How much difference in glass did you notice?
That is exactly what is keeping me considering the PST. That reticle is just so great. How much difference in glass did you notice?
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I have your exact rifle and I have a Vortex Viper PST FFP 4x16 on it and I love it!!! In fact I love it so much that when I buy my new SPS Tactical I will be buying another Vortex for that rifle. Just my .02
I have your exact rifle and I have a Vortex Viper PST FFP 4x16 on it and I love it!!! In fact I love it so much that when I buy my new SPS Tactical I will be buying another Vortex for that rifle. Just my .02
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I chose the Weaver because it had better glass, more travel and had locking turrets, which makes it ideal for hunting as well as target shooting. The Weaver has 100MOA total travel, and that isn't exaggerated, its actually a bit more than that on my Weaver (My scope has 31.2 mils total elevation, which is about 108.5 MOA), and I have only had one situation where I used the illumination; I was on a hunt here in Southern Cali, and hunting begins a half an hour before sunrise, so it was almost sunrise, and was still a bit dark, so when I saw the deer I had a hard time seeing the reticle, so I turned on the illumination and bagged myself a pretty big deer, other than that I think illumination is a useless feature and shouldn't be a factor when determining which scope to buy.
I chose the Weaver because it had better glass, more travel and had locking turrets, which makes it ideal for hunting as well as target shooting. The Weaver has 100MOA total travel, and that isn't exaggerated, its actually a bit more than that on my Weaver (My scope has 31.2 mils total elevation, which is about 108.5 MOA), and I have only had one situation where I used the illumination; I was on a hunt here in Southern Cali, and hunting begins a half an hour before sunrise, so it was almost sunrise, and was still a bit dark, so when I saw the deer I had a hard time seeing the reticle, so I turned on the illumination and bagged myself a pretty big deer, other than that I think illumination is a useless feature and shouldn't be a factor when determining which scope to buy.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Wow, it is all tied up... but I would put money on the fact that more people own the Vortex than the Weaver, there's probably a good bias going on.
Wow, it is all tied up... but I would put money on the fact that more people own the Vortex than the Weaver, there's probably a good bias going on.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Such a hard decision. I am actually back to looking at the PST over the Weaver because I am pretty sure I have no need for FFP, and I would rather have the more precise reticle.
Such a hard decision. I am actually back to looking at the PST over the Weaver because I am pretty sure I have no need for FFP, and I would rather have the more precise reticle.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wwrhodes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Such a hard decision. I am actually back to looking at the PST over the Weaver because I am pretty sure I have no need for FFP, and I would rather have the more precise reticle. </div></div>
What makes a SFP reticle more precise? And if the reticle IS thinner at the top end, IT will be much thicker at lower end...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wwrhodes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Such a hard decision. I am actually back to looking at the PST over the Weaver because I am pretty sure I have no need for FFP, and I would rather have the more precise reticle. </div></div>
What makes a SFP reticle more precise? And if the reticle IS thinner at the top end, IT will be much thicker at lower end...
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Take out the CC order both, do not mount them, drop them, or otherwise use them as ball bats, compare in the worst light availible at reasonably long distance or as far as you intend to shoot, at actual targets or something with fine details. Return the one you do not like or like the least, additional cost: shipping, unless somewhere offers free returns. Do not take too much time though, or you'll get interest, and beware restocking fees. I suggest this, because I'm starting to believe its what I should've done on my last optics purchase and may do from here on, barring a more convenient option.
Take out the CC order both, do not mount them, drop them, or otherwise use them as ball bats, compare in the worst light availible at reasonably long distance or as far as you intend to shoot, at actual targets or something with fine details. Return the one you do not like or like the least, additional cost: shipping, unless somewhere offers free returns. Do not take too much time though, or you'll get interest, and beware restocking fees. I suggest this, because I'm starting to believe its what I should've done on my last optics purchase and may do from here on, barring a more convenient option.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I've got both the weaver 3-15 ffp and a pst is the 6-24 sfp. I've got no complaints with either. To my eyes the pst has the better glass. However I'm also really happy with the weaver as well. I'd go with which ever one has more of the features your looking for. Great scopes for the money.
I've got both the weaver 3-15 ffp and a pst is the 6-24 sfp. I've got no complaints with either. To my eyes the pst has the better glass. However I'm also really happy with the weaver as well. I'd go with which ever one has more of the features your looking for. Great scopes for the money.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Weaver is PPF. I would go with that if shooting anything other then paper at known ranges.
Weaver is PPF. I would go with that if shooting anything other then paper at known ranges.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
PST all the way... I have looked at both, shot with both, and only spent my hard earned money on 1 scope... Vortex PST 6-24x50 from Mike @ CSTactical!!
If you want the best deal, with the best product, from the best source, give me a shout!! Vortex PST and CSTactical... Nothing else will do.
DK
PST all the way... I have looked at both, shot with both, and only spent my hard earned money on 1 scope... Vortex PST 6-24x50 from Mike @ CSTactical!!
If you want the best deal, with the best product, from the best source, give me a shout!! Vortex PST and CSTactical... Nothing else will do.
DK
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: billyburl2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wwrhodes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Such a hard decision. I am actually back to looking at the PST over the Weaver because I am pretty sure I have no need for FFP, and I would rather have the more precise reticle. </div></div>
What makes a SFP reticle more precise? And if the reticle IS thinner at the top end, IT will be much thicker at lower end... </div></div>
The reticle will be much finer on a SFP scope at full power than on a FFP scope.
Range estimation will also be more precise on the PST due to the. 2 mil markings.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: billyburl2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wwrhodes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Such a hard decision. I am actually back to looking at the PST over the Weaver because I am pretty sure I have no need for FFP, and I would rather have the more precise reticle. </div></div>
What makes a SFP reticle more precise? And if the reticle IS thinner at the top end, IT will be much thicker at lower end... </div></div>
The reticle will be much finer on a SFP scope at full power than on a FFP scope.
Range estimation will also be more precise on the PST due to the. 2 mil markings.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jake_c02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The reticle on the weaver is really not that thick @15X its probably not much thicker then the sfp pst. </div></div>
I would be going with the 4-20X50 Weaver though. I wish they had mil/ mil emdr weavers for 4-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jake_c02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The reticle on the weaver is really not that thick @15X its probably not much thicker then the sfp pst. </div></div>
I would be going with the 4-20X50 Weaver though. I wish they had mil/ mil emdr weavers for 4-20
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
The point of the FFP reticle that your missing, I think, is that it never changes size. It will subtend, or cover the same amount of the target, no matter what power the scope is set on. That is not true of a SFP reticle, as it will be thicker, in relation to the target, as you turn down the mag.
The difference in the reticle thickness is going to come down to .02 mils at max mag. on the Viper, or I believe .04mils on the EDMR. Which is a differrence of .018"@100 yards...
The point of the FFP reticle that your missing, I think, is that it never changes size. It will subtend, or cover the same amount of the target, no matter what power the scope is set on. That is not true of a SFP reticle, as it will be thicker, in relation to the target, as you turn down the mag.
The difference in the reticle thickness is going to come down to .02 mils at max mag. on the Viper, or I believe .04mils on the EDMR. Which is a differrence of .018"@100 yards...
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Both are great scopes. I chose the Vortex PST because of the great warranty fast customer service, and I love the reticle. No bias as I am a Nightforce devotee but just couldn't afford another at the time I bought the Vortex
Both are great scopes. I chose the Vortex PST because of the great warranty fast customer service, and I love the reticle. No bias as I am a Nightforce devotee but just couldn't afford another at the time I bought the Vortex
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
If you go with weaver get the EMDR reticle. I find it superior to the vortex reticle. I prefer the EMDR over the gen 2 mil-dot reticle as well. Definitely worth the extra dollars.
If you go with weaver get the EMDR reticle. I find it superior to the vortex reticle. I prefer the EMDR over the gen 2 mil-dot reticle as well. Definitely worth the extra dollars.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I use a Weaver Tactical 3-10x40 on my 6.8SPC. Seems like very good glass for the money. Vortex is excellent also...
I use a Weaver Tactical 3-10x40 on my 6.8SPC. Seems like very good glass for the money. Vortex is excellent also...
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I've used a couple PSTs is moa and mil. They are nice with pretty good glass for the money.
I never used the weaver but have handled them in a gun shop local and the glass was nice on it. It may be my next scope for the 300wsm.
I have a 20x swfa on it right now and I'm considering the 5-20 for it also.
These are all good choices and there's not really a bad choice in there. I want to look through the swfa 5-20 and the Bushnell hdmr also.
I've used a couple PSTs is moa and mil. They are nice with pretty good glass for the money.
I never used the weaver but have handled them in a gun shop local and the glass was nice on it. It may be my next scope for the 300wsm.
I have a 20x swfa on it right now and I'm considering the 5-20 for it also.
These are all good choices and there's not really a bad choice in there. I want to look through the swfa 5-20 and the Bushnell hdmr also.
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
Bushnell ET 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR reticle .1 mil turrets.
Grabagun has it for a hair over $800 shipped.
$75 rebate from Bushnell these days. too.
Joe
Bushnell ET 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR reticle .1 mil turrets.
Grabagun has it for a hair over $800 shipped.
$75 rebate from Bushnell these days. too.
Joe
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I think I'm going to end up with the SWFA 5-20X50
I think I'm going to end up with the SWFA 5-20X50
Re: Weaver Tactical and Viper PST
I too have been shopping for a scope for my newly accquired 6.5 Creedmoor, and had been trying to decide between the Weaver Tactical 4-20x50 and the Viper PST. Had looked through another shooter's Viper at the range (and several more at local stores) and looked through the Weaver at another local store. Small sample, but I definitely liked the Weaver glass better.
What also leaned me to the Weaver was the deal I found. SWFA was able to "110% price match" Optics Planet's price ($699 - 10% for anniversary special [thru 10/31] = $630) yielding a final price of ~$602. Most other vendors had the Weaver @ $770-799. Anyway, I ordered the Weaver, & delivery is scheduled for tomorrow (10/25). Should be able to shoot it on Sat. so I'll let you know my impressions of actual use at that point.
Just thought I'd let folks who are interested in the Weaver know they could probably work a good deal, at least till the end of the month, & "while supplies last."
I too have been shopping for a scope for my newly accquired 6.5 Creedmoor, and had been trying to decide between the Weaver Tactical 4-20x50 and the Viper PST. Had looked through another shooter's Viper at the range (and several more at local stores) and looked through the Weaver at another local store. Small sample, but I definitely liked the Weaver glass better.
What also leaned me to the Weaver was the deal I found. SWFA was able to "110% price match" Optics Planet's price ($699 - 10% for anniversary special [thru 10/31] = $630) yielding a final price of ~$602. Most other vendors had the Weaver @ $770-799. Anyway, I ordered the Weaver, & delivery is scheduled for tomorrow (10/25). Should be able to shoot it on Sat. so I'll let you know my impressions of actual use at that point.
Just thought I'd let folks who are interested in the Weaver know they could probably work a good deal, at least till the end of the month, & "while supplies last."
Similar threads
