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Posted: 10/6/2011 6:10:55 AM EDT
| I'm in a bind right now. I sold my Aimpoint to fund a 1x-4x scope. This scope would be going on top of my 14.5" M4 prof BCM. I won't ever be taking a shot over 500 yds, but that basic 1x Aimpoint just wasn't enough for me at 300yds on coyotes. That said, I still want something that I can shoot as fast as I can a red dot. I've been looking into the burris line-up: tac 30, mtac, xtr 14. I've also been looking at the Vortex Viper PST. I am trying to figure out if I am going to gain anything by spending the extra dough on a vortex. Is there any difference in glass quality, durability, etc? If reasonable, I'd like to be able to think I could depend on this optic in a SHTF scenario as well. Any advice is appreciated. |
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Burris or Viper, you can't go wrong really. The glass on the Viper PST/HS is noticeably better than the Burris Tac30/MTAC; I'd also go so far as to say its better than the XTR as well - Vortex really have hit the nail on the head regarding glass quality for $$.
But whether its better for you, hard to say. The Burris scopes are better at bright daylight illumination (while the Viper illum is good for everything except bright sunshine....and in which case, its fine to shoot it with the black reticle anyway) and depending on your preferences, the bullet drop comp is arguably easier to use than the Viper's mil or moa lines. Durability - seems you hear more about the Burris' having the odd issue but not to the extent that it should put you off buying one. FWIW though both my Viper PST and TAC30 have both been rock solid, although to my mind the PST is the better built scope. Customer service wise, Vortex will likely be more efficient. I personally do think the Viper is worth the extra money; it is the one I use most. FWIW, in my opinion if you are talking about taking 300-400 yard shots on coyotes, you'd probably be better served with the Vortex. The TAC30/MTAC has a thicker reticle and dot which is not quite as precise at longer range. And on that score, again, the Burris is arguably better for close up high speed work - but to be honest, I can shoot both Viper and TAC30 pretty much as quick as I can my aimpoint so its a bit moot anyway. |
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The Viper PST, and Burris MTAC & XTR, are all good choices. You just gotta decide which reticle you like best, and how much you're willing to spend; aside from weighing out the pro's and con's, based on your particular needs.
But Im more or less in the same boat as you. I, too, am in the process of trying to decide on a good 1-4x scope. I am mostly still undecided, but my top picks are: $400 Burris MTAC $450 Leupold VX-R $500 Viper PST $800 SWFA SS $850 Trijicon Accupoint |
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Quoted:
The Viper PST, and Burris MTAC & XTR, are all good choices. You just gotta decide which reticle you like best, and how much you're willing to spend; aside from weighing out the pro's and con's, based on your particular needs. But Im more or less in the same boat as you. I, too, am in the process of trying to decide on a good 1-4x scope. I am mostly still undecided, but my top picks are: $400 Burris MTAC $450 Leupold VX-R $500 Viper PST $800 SWFA SS $850 Trijicon Accupoint Lol... Same here, but my list is getting shorter everyday: $500 Viper PST $579 Leupold VR-R Patrol $800 SWFA SSHD14X24T |
| I have both and would say I like the Burris reticle better because it is larger and easier to see. The Vortex reticle is crisp and laid out well but it is a tad dainty and can it be hard to read the stadia lines if you dont have eagle vision. Both scopes are very clear, have good eye relief and a true 1x both eyes open ,red dot like, shooting capability. As far as construction the Viper deffinstely feels alot more sturdy and the turrets work perfect. While the Burris turrets are a bit mushy. Both good scopes with excelent CS, warrranties but If I had to choose I would take the Viper. It just feels and functions a tier above the Burris. |
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I have both and would say I like the Burris reticle better because it is larger and easier to see. The Vortex reticle is crisp and laid out well but it is a tad dainty and can it be hard to read the stadia lines if you dont have eagle vision.
+1 I'll second that. Vortex really needs to work on their reticles since the one on my Viper HS washes out instantly on a dark background. I've told a Vortex rep that but he seemed confused. That inducated to me he didn't know much about his own product line, and what works & what doesn't when not shooting against white paper targets. |
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