Vortex Viper
The Vortex Viper family sits in the middle of Vortex’s optics lineup — above the Diamondback and Crossfire in glass quality and build, below the Razor in price and premium features. The Viper PST Gen II is the most popular model in the family: a feature-rich riflescope with an illuminated reticle, exposed turrets, and HD glass that punches well above its price point for long-range precision shooting and PRS competition. The Viper line also includes binoculars, spotting scopes, and the Viper 1x red dot.
Read our full Vortex Viper Buying Guide ↓
Vortex Viper PST Gen II: The Long-Range Standard
The Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) Gen II is available in 1–6x24, 2–10x32, 3–15x44, and 5–25x50 configurations. The 5–25x50 is the flagship — a first-focal-plane scope with an illuminated EBR-7C MOA or MRAD reticle, zero-resettable turrets with a CRS (Customizable Rotational Stop) system, and extra-low dispersion (XD) glass. It’s the most popular mid-priced scope in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competition and a go-to choice for long-range hunting at ranges beyond 500 yards. The 1–6x24 is a strong LPVO alternative to the Strike Eagle with noticeably better glass clarity at the same price step.
Vortex Viper HD Binoculars and Spotting Scopes
The Viper HD binoculars use fluoride glass for excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and color correction — a meaningful upgrade over the Diamondback HD for hunters who spend extended time behind glass. The Viper HD spotting scope (15–45x65 and 20–60x85) fills the same role for long-range target spotting and Western-style game spotting at distance.
Vortex Viper Red Dot
The Viper 1x red dot is a closed-emitter reflex sight designed for rifle and shotgun use, with a 6 MOA dot and a low-profile mounting configuration. It competes with the Sig Romeo 5 and Holosun offerings in the mid-tier red dot space.
Viper PST Gen II vs. Razor HD Gen III
Both are first-focal-plane precision scopes, but the Razor HD Gen III uses APO-grade glass for visibly better resolution, chromatic aberration correction, and low-light transmission. The Viper PST Gen II gives you 80–85% of the Razor’s optical performance at roughly half the price — the most common recommendation for shooters who want serious long-range capability without spending Razor money.
VIP Warranty
Every Vortex Viper product is covered by the unconditional VIP warranty — no receipt, no registration, no questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best Vortex Viper scope for long-range shooting?
The Viper PST Gen II 5–25x50 is the most popular choice for PRS and long-range hunting.
Is the Viper PST Gen II first or second focal plane?
All Viper PST Gen II models are first focal plane (FFP), meaning the reticle scales with magnification for accurate holdovers at any power.
Viper PST vs. Strike Eagle — what’s the difference?
The Viper PST has better glass quality, an FFP reticle (vs. SFP on most Strike Eagles), and more precise turret adjustments. The Strike Eagle is the budget-friendly option.
Does the Viper PST Gen II have an illuminated reticle?
Yes — all PST Gen II models have illuminated reticles with multiple brightness settings.
See Also: Vortex Optics • Vortex Razor HD • Vortex Strike Eagle • Vortex Diamondback • Rifle Scopes • LPVO Scopes