Rifle Scopes Gen 1 Viper PST or Athlon Midas TAC/Ares BTR

[kjeff91]

After my last thread, it seems like a zero stop is very important. I've narrowed it down to these options, but don't know what the "best route" would be.

- They both are FFP with zero stops, but the Athlon uses a better zero stop than the shims that the Viper uses (from what I've heard)
- The Midas doesn't have a tactical windage turret, but I don't see that being an issue.
- The Viper has 5 mil rotations and Athlon has 10 mil rotations (don't know what I prefer tbh)
- The Athlon options have 20-25 more MOA elevation than the Viper
- Both have good warranties, but Vortex is king there
- I've seen the Midas TAC for $493 and the other two for $600 ($500 for used Viper Gen 1)
- Midas isn't illuminated, the other two are (not a huge deal to me)

Anything else I'm really missing? I don't know what would make me choose one over the other besides price. Right now I'm leaning towards the Midas/Used Viper for price or the the zero stop system Athlon uses. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Edit: Currently I have a Bushnell Engage 6-24x50 SFP with locking but non-zero stop turrets. My other option is to keep this scope, which has been just fine so far, and put my Bergara HMR in a true chassis. Otherwise I'm pretty much set up to start doing PRS. Would a chassis over a new scope be better?

 

[sdvikingsfan]

I'm curious of the responses on this question also.

 

[spife7980]

Since no one else has answered like I figured they would Ill throw my crap opinion into the ring: the first gen pst is crap, get the midas tac.

And if you want a good zero stop especially avoid the first gen pst with its little half moon stacking shims. yuck.

Really the only thing the pst has over the midas is the illumination but I, like you, dont really care about that. Everything else youve listed goes to the midas. 10 mil turrets, more elevation travel, zero stop, price, it just keeps going. Give doug with camerlandny a call and see what he can do for you on one, tell him youre a snipershide member.

 

[steve123]

Plus the TAC has better glass and is available with the APRS3 reticle/ center dot and in mostly .2's. 10Y focus for the 4-16 and 25Y focus for the 6-24.

IMO, no contest if comparing to the PST.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Midas TAC

HD Glass gives you better light transmission, brighter, and sharper image.

The non illuminated reticle rifle scope is battery free.

First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out. The reticle offers quick target engagement at low power while offering precise holdover positions with finer details.

Etched Glass Reticle on the glass that provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil

Advanced Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses

XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches or anything else mother nature can throw at you.Precision Zero Stop System

The system allows you to lock down your zero position and dial back to it with a sharp and precise stop right at your zero mark even you are turning it in pitch-dark or blinded folded.

The high precision erector system processed by high precision CNC machine with +/- 0.0001mm tolerance level to provide you the most accurate power settings and smoothest magnification change

The aircraft grade aluminum tube that has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics no matter what punishment you throw at it.

Exposed Direct Dial Turret for elevation allows you to quickly make adjustment as you needed and engage your target within a blink of your eye

Capped Turret for windage assures you that your zero on the windage is always there and gives you the flexibility to dial as well after taking off the cap

Heat treated one piece tube gives the scope extra strength over multi-piece tubes. A one piece tube also is better at keeping moisture out thus keeping your scope fog proof for the life of the product

Waterproof to protect the scope in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater

Fog proof to allow you to immediately engage your target when you take your rifle to cold ambient temperature from warm inside

Shockproof Robust mechanical system with special designs on both control and erector system that give you the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times.

Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .

 

[DownhillFromHere]

If choosing between either of the Athlon candidates versus the gen-1 Viper, it's no contest: Athlon. And I say this as someone who has four Vortex scopes in the safe right now and has had two or three others.

I can't remember whether you stated an intent to compete or not but, if you do, you really will want a 10-mil / 25-MOA turret and a zero stop. Can you make do with a 5-mil / 10-MOA turret and no stop? Yes. Will you wish you'd put in a little more $$ up front after a match or two? Almost guaranteed.

All of my scopes are illuminated. Have I ever used illumination in a match? Only on the Vortex Strike Eagle mounted on an AR-15 used in a monthly 2-gun night match. I don't even install the battery on the bolt-action rifles unless/until I enter something that might have dawn or dusk conditions.

Do yourself a favor and call Doug (@gr8fuldoug) at CameralandNY. CALL him on that ancient device known as a telephone before you place an order.

 

[Hobbes442]

I have only bought 1 scope in last 2 yrs and it was Athlon from Dougs shop. They give great advice

 

[Sutherlandsd]

I have actually owned all of those scopes lol (several times over)... I honestly like the Vortex PST1 glass better than either of the Athlons. The zero stop on the pst1 though is no bueno. All of those are give and take scopes and will have something that irks you, but all very usable.