Rifle Scopes Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

[LRS_Ranger]

I'm pretty sure someone is going to light me up for asking this, as I know that the Viper PSTs have gotten a lot of discussion on here, and not many like Leupolds.

I've had a Mk4 for about 5 years now. I can honestly say it's been a good scope, taking everything I can dish out, which has been quite a bit. I have been very pleased, which has had me looking at Leupold again. I have no hands on experience with the new Viper scopes.

If I can get a FFP mil-mil Leupold for a bit under $1200 new, would that be at all preferable to the Vortex for $850? Does the price drop change any minds? Given the same quality, I will go with the Vortex, since the Leupold doesn't have illumination.

Sorry for the NOOB question, I got my fire extinguisher handy...

 

[TallShot]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

Which model of Leupold can you get FFP, but not illuminated, for less than $1200?

Just curious. I havent located any FFP Leupy's, although I admittedly havent been trying....

 

[Kevlars]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

Leupold does not make an illuminated with FFP its either or. Called them up a few weeks past and they told me that due to pattent or some other issue that they cant figure out how to get the wires up there without getting sued by another company.

 

[OPTB]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

The Mark 4 ER/T sereis from Leupodl has the Front Focal Plane reticle. Most start around $1500-$1600, so if you can snag one from $1200, GRAB IT!

I have had teh oppurtunity to handle both, the PST and Mark 4, and shoot with a Mark 4. The Vortex PST will be a nice scope when it finally rolls out, but the Mark 4 ER/T is the way to go for a FFP, especially for the price you're getting it at!

 

[Matt_3479]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

i am currently in the same situation you are in and i think i have decided on the Viper. I have the Normal viper and its glass is superior to the VX-3 and i have read multiple times the PST has clearer glass then the Mark 4 if not the same. I think you get more out of the PST, not to mention the warranty is incredible. let me know which way you go

 

[264Charlie]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

The Vortex PST is not going to make it into our SHOT optics review. I figured I would post up some thoughts about it.

The PST "clicks" have been improved via redesign to provide a positive feel. While Vortex was improving the "clicks" they kept going and improved many aspects of the optic. The new versions feel very nice for a sub 1k FFP optic.

The down side is I still view this as a new scope design. That means it really needs 18 months of use before the bugs are worked out. This is not a knock for Vortex, just a fact. The Premier, S&B, Vortex HD, NF... all have had issues with new designs that they have fixed after year one.

The glass is nice and it has the best reticle choices available in a sub 1k, FFP, mil/mil scope. Really the PST reticle is better than anything NF, USO, Hensoldt, Zeiss, and S&B are offering (to the public) in FFP reticle.

Assuming you are OK with the fact this is a new scope, I can't see a better option than the Vortex PST for anything under $1,900 (assuming you want an FFP scope). Note, list price is under $1,000. With a lifetime warranty and Vortex's outstanding customer service this is scope and value.

Nothing Leopold has impressed me lately I am not saying they are bad just think the company as a whole is going in the wrong direction. Vortex on the other hand is moving in a great direction. I would by the Vortex personally...

 

[Driftwood]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

I bought a MK4 M5. Its sitting at home and I will let you know if it was worth it in a couple months. Mike at CS Tactial says its one of the best FFP buys on the market. He sells all different types of scopes. Try pming or calling him and asking him some questions. He may suggest something you would like better.

 

[snipedogg]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

For under $1200 I would definitely go with the Leupold. I was going to go with the PST and had actually pre-ordered one when I got a damn good deal on my ffp Leupold. I'm very happy with it ad haven't had any issues. I did a tracking test and it was on the money.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

Does anyone know when the PST's will be out? And if you are Mil, and want a good deal on a brand new Leuppy, PM me and I'll give you the info. Anybody have any side by side comparisons of the glass quality?

 

[BCP]

Re: Viper vs Leupold at a reduced price point..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRS_Ranger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know when the PST's will be out?</div></div>

SOON. A few models are out here and there in limited numbers. Cameraland and I think Libertyoptics have some, Primary Arms had a few 1-4's too.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anybody have any side by side comparisons of the glass quality? </div></div>

I will in a few days when I get mine. If you really want glass quality and FFP then you need to step up to IOR, NF, USO, Razor HD etc.