When speed meets precision, your optic has to perform as flawlessly as you do. That’s the challenge faced by any 3-gun or action shooter—balancing close-range rapid target acquisition with pinpoint accuracy at mid to long distances. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope is marketed as the ideal companion for this high-octane shooting environment. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s put it through its paces and find out.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Viper PST Gen II exudes quality. Weighing 22.7 ounces, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors in the 1-6x LPVO (low-powered variable optic) category but feels robust without being unwieldy. The 30mm single-piece aluminum tube, finished in a matte black anodization, is as sleek as it is sturdy. It’s designed to handle the rigors of competition shooting, shrugging off bumps, recoil, and adverse weather conditions.

The Viper PST is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, boasting an IPX7 rating. Whether you’re battling through muddy courses or sweating under the summer sun, this scope is built to keep performing.

Verdict: Premium build quality that’s rugged enough to endure the chaos of 3-gun matches.

Optical Clarity: Sharpening the Field

Glass Quality

This is where the Viper PST Gen II earns its stripes. The XD™ lens elements deliver exceptional resolution and clarity, minimizing chromatic aberration even in harsh lighting conditions. The glass is fully multi-coated, allowing impressive light transmission and reducing glare, which is crucial when competing outdoors.

During testing, the image was razor-sharp from edge to edge at all magnifications. Whether scanning steel targets at 200 yards or engaging paper up close, the optical performance was on par with significantly pricier scopes.

Magnification

The 1-6x range is ideal for 3-gun. At 1x, the true-to-life view mimics the experience of using a red dot, with an exceptionally generous eye box that makes snap shooting fast and intuitive. At 6x, the clarity and precision hold steady, allowing for clean hits on steel at ranges exceeding 400 yards.

Field of View (FOV)

With a FOV of 112 feet at 1x and 18.8 feet at 6x (at 100 yards), the Viper PST keeps you situationally aware. The wide field at lower magnification is perfect for quick transitions between targets, while the narrower view at higher magnifications offers adequate focus for distance shots.

Verdict: The Viper PST delivers exceptional clarity and versatility, earning high marks for its glass and FOV.

Reticle Performance: Precision Meets Simplicity

The Viper PST Gen II uses the Vortex VMR-2 reticle, available in both MOA and MRAD configurations. Designed for tactical and competition shooting, the VMR-2 reticle offers:

• Holdovers for elevation and windage corrections.
• A clean, uncluttered layout that balances precision and speed.
• An illuminated center dot and surrounding reticle.

The illumination system features 10 brightness settings with an “off” position between each setting for quick adjustments. The brightness is effective in low-light conditions but less impressive in direct sunlight. However, the reticle remains etched, so you won’t lose visibility even if illumination fails.

One standout feature is the daylight-bright illumination at 1x, where the center dot functions similarly to a red dot. This makes close-range engagements feel natural and instinctive.

Verdict: A thoughtfully designed reticle with effective holdovers and clean usability, though illumination could be stronger in bright daylight.

Usability in 3-Gun

Magnification Transition

Vortex includes a built-in throw lever with the PST Gen II, which is a lifesaver for competition. The lever is smooth and intuitive, allowing for rapid magnification changes without taking your eyes off the target. For a sport like 3-gun, where you’re constantly moving between different ranges, this feature is indispensable.

Eye Relief and Eye Box

The PST Gen II offers 3.8 inches of eye relief, making it forgiving and comfortable during fast transitions. The eye box is among the most generous in its class, particularly at 1x magnification, where you need quick target acquisition. At higher magnifications, the eye box tightens slightly, but not enough to slow you down during a stage.

Turrets

The low-profile turrets are capped, preventing accidental adjustments mid-competition. The clicks are tactile and precise, and the turrets offer zero-reset functionality, a must-have for shooters needing quick returns to their baseline zero.

Verdict: The PST Gen II’s usability is tailored for competition, excelling in speed and precision under dynamic conditions.

Durability and Reliability

3-gun matches aren’t gentle on gear, and the Viper PST Gen II is built to take the punishment. It holds zero through recoil, rough handling, and transportation jostles. The waterproof and fog-proof design ensures performance in all weather conditions.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s backed by Vortex’s VIP Lifetime Warranty. Whether you drop your rifle or wear out a component after years of hard use, Vortex will repair or replace it—no questions asked.

Verdict: Rugged and reliable, with one of the best warranties in the industry.

Price and Value

At an MSRP of $699, the Viper PST Gen II is firmly in the mid-to-high-end range of LPVOs. While it’s pricier than entry-level options like the Crossfire II or Strike Eagle, the added cost brings noticeable improvements in clarity, usability, and durability. Compared to ultra-premium optics like the Razor HD Gen III, the PST Gen II offers 85% of the performance at roughly half the price.

For serious 3-gun competitors, the PST Gen II strikes an excellent balance between cost and performance. It’s an investment, but one that will serve you reliably through countless matches.

Verdict: A strong value for shooters looking to elevate their game without going into premium pricing territory.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional glass clarity with fully multi-coated lenses.
• Generous eye box and forgiving eye relief.
• Daylight-bright reticle illumination at 1x.
• Built-in throw lever for rapid magnification changes.
• Rugged build quality with a waterproof and shockproof design.
• Backed by Vortex’s VIP Lifetime Warranty.

Cons:

• Illumination could be stronger in direct sunlight.
• Heavier than some competing 1-6x scopes.
• Slightly tight eye box at maximum magnification.

How It Stacks Up for 3-Gun

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 excels in areas that matter most for 3-gun competitors:

• Speed: The true 1x magnification with daylight-bright illumination allows for lightning-fast transitions at close range.
• Versatility: The 6x zoom range provides precision for longer shots without sacrificing CQB effectiveness.
• Reliability: Its rugged construction and reliable zero-holding turrets make it trustworthy under match conditions.

If you’re upgrading from a red dot or a budget LPVO, the PST Gen II will feel like a game-changer. While it’s not the lightest scope on the market, its added weight brings durability and top-tier performance.

Final Thoughts: Is the Viper PST Gen II Right for You?

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope is an outstanding optic for intermediate to advanced 3-gun and action shooters. Its sharp optics, versatile reticle, and competition-ready design make it a serious contender in the mid-tier LPVO market. While it’s not the cheapest or the lightest, it delivers where it matters: clarity, durability, and speed.

For shooters looking to maximize performance without venturing into the ultra-premium category, the PST Gen II is a near-perfect choice. Whether you’re chasing trophies or just improving your times, this scope will keep up with you every step of the way.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Best For: Serious 3-gun competitors who demand precision, speed, and reliability at a reasonable price point.