Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 MOA Review (2025 Buyer’s Guide)
Performance in the Field
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Clarity: Competes with scopes twice the cost.
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Tracking: Confirmed with box test — precise and repeatable.
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Recoil resistance: No zero shift on .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua.
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Low light: Reliable at dawn/dusk; not Swarovski level, but excellent at its price.
Ballistic Examples (MOA Math)
Example Rifle: 6.5 Creedmoor, 140 gr ELD-M
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Drop @ 600 yds: ~11 MOA → 44 clicks (¼ MOA)
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Drop @ 1,000 yds: ~29 MOA → 116 clicks
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10 mph crosswind @ 1,000 yds: ~6 MOA holdover
Example Rifle: .308 Win, 175 gr SMK
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Drop @ 600 yds: ~15 MOA → 60 clicks
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Drop @ 1,000 yds: ~38 MOA → 152 clicks
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10 mph crosswind @ 1,000 yds: ~9 MOA
👉 This demonstrates why MOA shooters love ¼ MOA precision.
MOA Reticle in Practice
The EBR-2C MOA reticle is busy at first glance, but a lifesaver when holding for wind.
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At 10×, hash marks = ~1 MOA spacing.
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At 25×, they let you call out precise 0.25 MOA shifts.
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FFP design means subtensions stay true, unlike second focal plane (SFP).
Competitor Comparisons
🔹 Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50
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Pros: Cheaper, good entry point.
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Cons: No zero stop, less sharp glass.
👉 PST Gen II worth the upgrade.
🔹 Athlon Ares ETR UHD 4.5-30×56
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Pros: UHD glass, similar price.
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Cons: Warranty not as strong.
👉 PST wins on durability & customer service.
🔹 Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44
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Pros: Lightweight, hunting-focused.
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Cons: Fewer tactical features.
👉 Hunters may prefer Leupold; PST better for PRS/tactical.
🔹 Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR3 3.5-21×50
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Pros: Solid tactical design.
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Cons: Heavier, glass slightly weaker.
👉 PST sharper and backed by VIP warranty.
🔹 Nightforce SHV 5-20×56
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Pros: Legendary durability.
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Cons: Costs more; heavier.
👉 PST is 80% of Nightforce performance at half the price.
Training & Zeroing Tips
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Zero at 100 yards — adjust to center, then lock turrets.
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Box Test — dial 4 MOA up/right/down/left; confirm return to zero.
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Use a DOPE card — tape MOA values to your stock.
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Dry Fire — practice dialing without live ammo.
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Ballistic Apps — Strelok Pro & Hornady 4DOF for quick calculations.
Best Use Cases
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Hunters: Long-range Western hunts, varminting, hog control.
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PRS: Affordable entry into competition-grade optics.
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Tactical/LE: Duty rifles needing rugged glass.
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Training: A forgiving optic for MOA learners.
Amazon Pricing & Buying Guide
👉 Amazon regularly lists the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 MOA between $999–$1,100.
FAQ
Q: Worth upgrading from Diamondback Tactical?
Yes. Better turrets, glass, and durability.
Q: MOA or MIL better for PRS?
PRS favors MIL, but MOA works if your team runs it.
Q: Max effective distance?
1,200+ yards with good ammo and data.
Q: Overkill for hunting?
Not at all — you’ll appreciate the clarity when the light’s fading.
Final Verdict
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 MOA is one of the best sub-$1,200 long-range scopes in 2025. It offers:
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Razor-like performance at half the price.
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MOA precision for shooters who think in inches/yards.
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Ruggedness proven across hunts, competitions, and tactical deployments.
👉 If you’re looking for a workhorse optic with pro features and a blue-collar price, the PST Gen II is the scope to buy this year.