Rifle Scopes Set me straight- Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16 x 44

[Fletcherb]

I need a little help. I'm currently finishing up a LR-308 build (Bartlein/Craddock Precision barrel, JP upper and internals, etc.). I'm very excited about this gun. I've hunted my whole life, but I'm a noob when it comes to shooting at longer ranges. Wanted an autoloader but with precision- this is the direction i went. During the the build, I came across the Viper hs-t priced to sell so I went for it. I got the MRAD version and installed it on a .17hmr to play and practice while finishing the build. Having shot the old workhorse Leupold VarX III 3.5-10x40 on my Rem 700 for years, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The glass is as bright as the Leupold except when it starts to get dark, then the Viper looses. The parralax adjustment works well though the graduations don't really match actual yards- no biggie. At higher magnifications, the picture gets a little distorted and the eye relief is so sensitive that its almost unusable.

Questions:
Does the glass quality improve as you go up in price with the Vortex models?

Do all long range scopes have similar issues at there higher magnification settings? If I want to shoot at 16x do I need a 20x for example?

Having shot the MRAD version, I'm still struggling with the mrad v moa decision. Suggestions?

I feel like I have compromised on glass and usability for what seem to be excellent mechanics. But I need it all. Myself and the kids will hunt with this but I intend to make myself smile by bench/prone shooting at longer ranges- 800yds??? Suggestion for a scope? Price around 1.5k or so.

I know I'm long winded and have opened the door to a couple different topics. I love reading this forum and couldn't think of a better place to start.

Thanks


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[Nuke Man]

I had the same issues with mine. I heard that the vipers and pst share the same glass. I went back to Leupold. I have a VX6 and a VX-R. Both are great glass. Even the VX-R which is priced comparatively the same as the HS-T. And eye relief is great at all magnification ranges.

 

[Nuke Man]

And if 1.5k was my budget I'd be all over a Nightforce!

 

[CSTactical]

For the price the Vortex HST rock. If you can do $1,500 then I would look at other scope Like Leupold Mk4, Nightforce NXS, Bushnell DMR. With that said I use one of the HST on a compact tac 308 for hunting and fun it is rock. I just mounted a HST 4-16x to an 18" Bull Barrel LR-308 I have not shot it yet.

We have a lot of scopes in stock and the HST one of them.

Here is a link to the Vortex HST.
cstactical

Mike @ CSTACTICAL