Viper pst vs SHV f1 vs Burris XTRii

[Kilco]

Looking to make my first scope purchase over $500, and my current budget is $1300. I'm looking to use for long range targets and hunting. All of then offer features on my checklist, ffp, some sort of zero stop, illumination, and moa reticles. They all seem to have a good reputation for tracking. Looking for anyone who has had their hands on some of these and give me some feedback. Nervous about spending that much on a scope and not being pleased.

[jim_bob]

I have a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 and I really like it. It is clear, study and fairly light. However the only scope I have that is comparable is an SWFA 3-9x42 HD. I think the Vortex is a value at the right price.

[PredatorDown]

I just switched my Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP for a Nightforce SHV 4-14x56 SFP. I really liked the PST, but I wish I would have made the switch sooner. The Viper is a great scope, but the NF is the clear winner to my eye.

[Frank45]

I now have two Viper PST 6-24x50 ffp scopes. I am sold on Vortex products. Their warranty is a big plus too. I wasn't too impressed with the SHV and it didn't get good reviews from the guys I hunt with. We all agreed it would be better to either step up to a NXS or stick with the Vortex. I think that NightForce makes great stuff and I think their zerostop is better but for the money the Vortex is hard to beat.

[Nomad636]

I've always been a Vortex guy but I recently purchased the Nightforce SHV 3-10. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that the PST has, but I am very very very happy with the optic. Hands down my favorite rifle scope.

[Keep The Change]

I had all 3 of these on my list when I was researching and shopping. However I also had a SWFA HD scope on the list as well. I was wanting high magnification so that was a knock on the lower mag of the NF SHV. However, the glass, reticle and turrets were very nice on the NF.

The XTR II, Viper PST, and SWFA HD I had a chance to look through them all side by side out a window.
-XTR and SWFA HD had better glass
-SWFA HD had better turrets, easier to turn and edges were easier on the fingers than the XTR II
-XTR II other than turrets it was really nice and it was a choice between the XTR II and SWFA HD
-The knock on the SWFA HD is the Mil Quad reticle IMO. It's not my favorite but everything else I liked and it is made in the same house as NF and Vortex and is rugged from what I've heard. I've not heard anyone bash them that I've known.

I ended up liking the XTR II and SWFA HD better than the Vortex PST. They all had 1 thing that I liked better than the others and one that I didn't like that the other 2 had. So it was a tough choice and it depends on what is more important to you.

But I would add SWFA HD line to your list.

[Keep The Change]

Looks like DVOR has a sale on Burris XTR II.
5-25x50 G2B reticle. $1025

[Kilco]

Thanks for all the advice guys!! I ended up getting the NF SHV f1, and man o man I cant believe how long ive been missing out.. Really cant knock the swfa ss 10x42 ive used for years for daytime longer range work, but last fall was the first time I put the scope to the test under low light hunting conditions, and I think I lost the reticle before legal hunting time ended.. So I knew that if I wanted a hunting gun/scope combo that performed better than average in both situations id have to fork out some dime.. The 6.5G ar15 compliments the scope perfectly. Glass clarity is amazing, The zero set works awesome, love the capped windage, and to my surprise I can spot the hits at a 1k yard 18x18 plate painted white. The 4x setting is awesome with the illuminated center of the reticle at very low light.. at respectable distances it reminds me of a 4x red dot.

[Fredman]

I for one think you made a good choice. I have a Burris Fclass and a PST. NF is the smoker! Of course it's almost twice the money.

[rabiddawg]

Fredman, you maybe thinking about a different model. The shv is in the $1200 range.