Rifle Scopes weaver tactical vs vortex pst

peterh

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Feb 22, 2012
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Hello guy's,

Does anybody have experience with or has tested the Weaver Tactical 3-15X50 and the Vortex PST of the same power range. I'm looking for an honest opinion about the Weaver Tactical as compared to other equal counterparts. As always your opinions and comments are appreciated.....
 
I have owned a Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50mm, and I currently own a Weaver Tactical EMDR 3-15x50mm (it's the "whore" scope that gets passed around from rifle to rifle, loaned out to friends, etc.).

The PST has what I feel to be a better reticle, better-feeling knobs, and the CRS "poor-man's zero stop" system. I also think it has a better illumination knob, providing an "off" position between each level of "on", and the illumination settings are quite appropriate for the scope's intended use.

The Weaver has locking knobs which can be nice if the rifle is getting banged around or constantly pulled from bags or vehicles. It also has remarkable glass for the money; I typically don't give much of a rat's ass about optical quality, but the Weaver is stunningly good. The reticle is a nice improvement to standard the standard mil-dot. The scope construction is quite robust; while I wouldn't use it to drive tent stakes, it feels stouter than the competition (the example I own has not led an easy life, and is holding up fine - including a few rounds on a .50BMG).

If I have a complaint about the Weaver, it's the illumination; while having two colors (red and green) may be useful to some, both of them are much too bright for twilight or nighttime use, even on their lowest settings. The brightest settings are almost bright enough for daytime use, but by that point, much of the reticle detail is getting washed-out.

In short, they both have some strengths and weaknesses. The right choice for you will come down to how you value certain features and aspects of performance.
 
I have the plain mildot version of the Weaver 3-15x50, and have briefly owned both FFP and SFP versions of the Viper PST 4-16x50.

Comparing FFP to FFP:
-the Weaver costs less for a wider magnification range and better glass
-reticle is your choice, both work
-Viper PST has great illumination; I haven't had the EMDR but have an illuminated Weaver SS Euro and its illumination is amateurish, it makes the whole field of view glow
-The Weaver is made in Japan at LOW, the Viper is assembled in the Philippines, to me the Weaver feels like a higher quality scope
-The Weaver is heavier by 6 or 7 oz (IIRC)
-The Viper has a great warranty, the Weaver has "lifetime for first owner" with a service reputation that's not quite as good as Vortex
-Viper has a crude zero stop setup - to me it's not worth using, but many people like it
-Viper includes a sunshade and caps, the Weaver is a naked scope in a box with no accessories

Both are fine. I think the EMDR is an exceptional value, as long as you're the first owner and get warranty coverage.

Unless you need 15-16x, I would take a close look at Bushnell's Elite Tactical 3-12x44mm FFP with G2 reticle. It has better glass than either one, IMHO better turrets, a better reticle, comes with a sunshade, and has a transferable lifetime warranty. I think it's one of the best scopes under $1k, personally. They run around $800 depending on the deal you find. Check Liberty Optics first, if they don't have a good price or in-stock I'd use a coupon code at Opticsplanet.
 
Unless you need 15-16x, I would take a close look at Bushnell's Elite Tactical 3-12x44mm FFP with G2 reticle.

I use one of these on a .22LR, and like it very much.

The SWFA SS 3-15x42mm also deserves consideration in this conversation. I installed one on the wife's .233Rem bolt gun a few weeks ago, and have been very happy with it so far.
 
The Weaver is what made me realize how much good glass helps, and how much I like FFP. I'm moving mine from a .308 to an AR as I need more zoom for my older eyes on the .308 and the Weaver is just too good to sell. In the replacement decision I decided against Vortex as Sightron consistently gets more praise for glass quality. I don't know, but might Sightron have the style you seek?

BTW, when I bought I found the weaver nearly $200 cheaper than the vortex.

Weaver is only mil/mil, most vortexs can be had moa/moa if that happens to be a preference (and so starts that war).

While Vortex has made my final two twice now, I went Weaver once as it was more scope for the money, and Sightron next for the very same reason. I certainly agree more and more folks are starting to speak highly of the Bushy, but haven't bought one yet, so...
 
@Snake: the Weaver 3-15x comes in three flavors. Two of them are mil/mil, but the third is mil/moa adjustments. Just FYI. (There are no MOA-reticle options on the Weaver.)

I like Sightron a lot, but there is a bit of a hole in their lineup between the 3.5-10x and the 6-24x. Also the only FFP model is the $1000 new FFP 6-24x50 model. I think the Sightron is better optically, but costs significantly more than the Weaver which can be had pretty easily for $700 non-illuminated or $750-800 for illuminated (which also brings you a better reticle and more elevation travel).
 
@Snake: the Weaver 3-15x comes in three flavors. Two of them are mil/mil, but the third is mil/moa adjustments. Just FYI. (There are no MOA-reticle options on the Weaver.)

Thanks SOG. I'm sorta "never own mismatching turret/reticle" so I would have missed that. I'll assume you're correct and stand corrected.

OP: If not clear, and I wasn't, when I speak of the weaver I refer to the tactical FFP w/Illuminated reticle. I sorta assumed that given the PST as a comparison, but I wasn't specific so...
 
I would have to echo the above post about the weaver, it's tough a nails and the optical clarity and tracking are wonderful. My co worker and shooting buddy has a vortex 4-16 pst and we both agree the resolution in the weaver is better. I am curious about CST's comment on the eyebox for the weaver vs pst, admittedly I have only shot two separate PST's (4-16 & 2.5-10) and I thought the weaver was much more forgiving. Maby I'm biased:confused: