Comparing the Differences Between the Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Scopes

Many times, in the rifle scope industry, a scope manufacturer introduces an updated version of a particular rifle scope, and potential customers generally want to know how the new scope model is different or better from the original model. I get these types of questions a far amount at my day job, and one that I seem to be asked quite a bit is this one: What are the differences between the Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 vs Gen 2 scopes?

Before I get into a more detailed answer, let me take a second to provide a brief overview of those two PST generations:

Vortex Viper PST (Gen 1)

Vortex Optics first introduced the original Viper PST series of rifle scopes at the 2010 Shot show. The PST name was and still is an acronym that stands for Precision Shooting Tactical. The PST scope series was introduced as a replacement and improvement over the original Vortex Viper series of scopes, which were discontinued in 2009.

In addition to being an improvement over the defunct Viper scope series, the PST series was designed to target tactical shooters (and potentially hunters) who wanted a versatile scope for long-range at a more budget-friendly price compared to some of the upper-end Vortex scope models.

When the original PST scope series was introduced, it was just known as the PST series. When Vortex introduced the upgraded PST Gen II series in 2017, customers and vendors started referring to the first-generation models of the PST as “Vortex Viper PST Gen 1” models to differentiate them from the Gen II models.

The PST Gen 1 scopes had the following features:

• Built on a 30mm tube
• Featured first focal plane and second focal plane scope models
• Featured a 4x zoom range
• Illuminated reticle with a power range and on/off switch between each range of power.
• Side Focus that went down as low as 35 yards (Depending on the specific scope model)
• Featured Vortex’s “extra low dispersion (XD)” lens with their XR lens coating
• Glass etched reticle
• Vortex’s Customizable Rotational Stop (commonly called the CRS) Zero Stop feature

The first generation of the PST scope series consisted of the following models:

Overall, the Viper PST 1 generation models were popular, but there were a few repeated issues that were reported here and there involving the etched reticle breaking under heavy recoil over time and holding zero. That being said, the internals on a scope is a mechanical device, and, ultimately, moving parts can fail.

However, Vortex’s warranty is about as good as it gets, so any issues encountered were either fixed or replaced.

Vortex Viper PST (Gen 2)

Vortex introduced the PST Gen 2 scope series at the 2017 SHOT show. The 2^nd generation of the PST scopes was built based on feedback from the Gen 1 owners, new design features, and overall improvements.

The Viper PST Gen 2 scope series offered most of the features found on the 1^st generation series and the following improvements:

• Featured first focal plane and second focal scope models
• Featured a 5x or 6x zoom range
• Side Focus that went down as low as 15 yards (Depending on the specific scope model)
• Features Vortex’s RZR Zero Stop function

The PST Gen II scope series consists of the following models:

The PST Gen II scope series has proven to be an excellent seller for shooters who want a high quality and versatile scope at a more affordable price point than the top-end Vortex models like the Razor series.

What are the differences between the Vortex PST Gen 1 vs Gen 2 scopes?

Optical Quality

The PST Gen 2 series features improved optical quality over the Gen 1 models. To be clear, it’s not as though the glass on the Gen 1 models was bad in the first place, but Vortex decided to go ahead and upgrade the glass during the Gen II design phase. The Gen II scopes feature better edge-to-edge optical clarity and better overall resolution.

How much better? It’s hard to quantify the difference. However, if you looked through a scope from both PST series, you’d most likely notice the difference, especially at longer ranges.

Larger Field of View

The PST Gen 2 series scopes feature a wider field of view (commonly seen as FOV) compared to the Gen 1 scopes. For example, the PST Gen 1 6-24×50 FFP model features a field of view range of 17.8 ft to 4.2 ft at 100 yds. Compare that to the PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP model with a FOV range of 24.1 ft to 4.8 ft at 100 yards.

Larger Range of Internal Adjustment

The PST Gen 2 scopes offer a wide range of internal adjustment compared to the 1^st generation PST models. Using the same scope models in the example above, the PST Gen 1 6-24×50 FFP scope features a maximum elevation adjustment of 65 MOA, while the PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP model features a maximum elevation adjustment of 70 MOA. It’s not a huge difference, but it is an improvement in adjustment range.

Different Zero Stop System

The PST Gen 1 scope models used the CRS zero stop system, which is a shims-based system that really isn’t a true zero stop as you can actually adjust the turret back down past zero.

The Gen II PST scopes feature the RZR zero stop system, which is the same zero stop system used on the Vortex Razor scope models. This system is more of a traditional, mechanical zero stop where the turret actually stops at the zero mark and can be adjusted back to zero without looking at the turret.

I’ve used both the CRS and RZR turret functions, and I prefer the RZR as it feels more solid and won’t rotate past your original zero set point. But the CRS shim system works fine as well, but you may have to take your focus out of the glass to ensure that you’ve returned to your specific zero point.

Higher Magnification Zoom Range

While the PST Gen 1 scopes feature a 4x zoom range, the PST Gen 2 models feature either a 5x zoom or a 6x zoom, depending on the specific model. The increased zoom range means an increase in the power adjustment range.

Improved Integration of the Illuminated Reticle activation and Adjustment

On the 1^st generation of PST riflescopes, the illumination activation switch and illumination power range was located on top of the scope eyepiece.

In the 2^nd generation PST scope models, the activation switch/intensity adjustment is integrated into the side focus adjustment wheel. To me, this makes it much easier to adjust the illumination settings while staying in the glass.

Additional Reticle Choices

The 1^st generation of the PST scopes was really only available in two reticle options, with the 1-4 and 6-24 FFP models being the exception to that rule.

The newer PST Gen 2 scope models feature a wider range of reticle options, especially in the FFP configurations.

Between the PST Gen 1 and Gen 2 scope models, which one do you prefer?

I’d answer that question in the following in/then approach:

• If budget is not a concern, then I’d definitely take the Gen 2 scopes over the Gen 1 models for all the reasons that I mentioned above.

• If budget is an issue, then I’d lean towards the Gen 1 models because a new Gen 1 scope usually costs significantly less than a new Gen 2 model. When Vortex introduced the Gen 2 series, the Gen 1 scopes were heavily discounted, making some great deals on those scopes.

• If you want the best glass between the two series, then the Gen II scopes are definitely more your speed.

• If you are focusing on long-range shooting and want the highest magnification you can get between the two series, then the 2nd generation PST scopes will be a better option.

FAQS

Here are a couple of frequently asked questions that I also see regarding the Gen 1 and Gen 2 PST scope models:

I’m shopping for a Vortex Viper PST Gen 3 scope but can’t seem to locate one? Do you know where I can find one?

Vortex does not currently offer a Gen 3 version of the Viper PST scope. To date, they have only offered the Gen 1 and Gen II (or some people write it as a Gen 2) versions so far.

How can I tell the difference between a PST Gen 1 and Gen II scope?

There are a couple of different ways to tell the difference between the two:

• If you happen to have access to the original box that the scope came in, the box for the Gen II models is clearly marked as “PST Gen II.” The box for the Gen 1 models is only marked as “PST.”

• If you don’t have access to the box, the PST Gen 1 scopes have the illumination on/off switch located on top of the scope eye box. If you don’t see that button located there, then it’s a Gen 2 model.

I’m trying to find one of the Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 scopes. Do you have any suggestions?

Vortex stopped offering the PST Gen 1 models in 2017, but some new ones exist on the market here and there.

Here are all the best deals I could find for various new in box Gen 1 scopes:

Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 Scopes

Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 Riflescope Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 Riflescope $419.99 in stock Check Price at Opticsplanet.com Opticsplanet.com Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 Riflescope with TMCQ MOA Reticles, Black, PST-14ST-A Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 Riflescope with TMCQ MOA Reticles, Black, PST-14ST-A $449.99 in stock Check Price at Opticsplanet.com Opticsplanet.com Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 Riflescope Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 Riflescope $449.99 in stock Check Price at Opticsplanet.com Opticsplanet.com Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24 VMR-2 MOA Scope PST-1605 Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24 VMR-2 MOA Scope PST-1605 $599.99 in stock Check Price at Eurooptic.com Eurooptic.com Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I 6-24x50 FFP Riflescope - EBR-1 Reticle (MRAD) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I 6-24x50 FFP Riflescope - EBR-1 Reticle (MRAD) $899.00 in stock as of April 22, 2024 1:33 am Check Price at Amazon.com Amazon.com

Is Vortex still honoring the warranty on the PST Gen 1 scopes?

Vortex has one of the best warranty programs in the business, so the answer is yes. They are still honoring the warranty on any new or used Vortex PST Gen 1 scope. Honestly, I think if you accidentally ran over your Vortex scope with a truck, they would replace it. Their warranty is really outstanding.

BradJ

I’ve been working in the firearms and sporting optics industry for over 20 years, with a personal and professional interest in all things related to rifle scopes, Through a combination of work experience, formal training, and personal experiences, I have extensive experience mounting, testing, and evaluating different rifle scope models across most major optical brands.