thoughts on the Vortex Viper HS-T line of scopes

[quaticman]

I have been researching now for several weeks which scope to mount on my M 700 Long Range in 25/06 for long distance shooting and have finally found a scope which I think fits the bill. I am leaning towards the Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16 X by 44.
It has a 30 mm tube, a VMR-1 (MOA) reticle, target turrets with zero stop and a lifetime warranty. The retail price is $660.00. Anyone that has used this particular scope (or line of scopes) I would like to hear your feedback/comments (good and bad). Thanks.

 

[quinnbrian]

I was looking at the HS-T too, but the PST is $80.00 more.... worth it....? Was told the HS-T is a good value.
Cheers
Brian

Edit: One thing I notice is the HS-T offer only 21 MRADs or 75 MOA of adjustment, while the PST is 25 MRADs or 100 MOA. So the PST has a little more adjustment for the long range shooter.

 

[SKScanuck]

I got one on my Savage 10TR. I like it. It returns to zero after windage and elevation adjustment. The glass is good and clear. The only drawback I see is the zoom is a bit stiff to turn.

 

[SKScanuck]

Here are some targets I shot today. Savage 10TR 308 Vortex HST 4-16x44 in MRAD. Bullets were 150g FMJBT Hornady and 46.0 g of IMR 4064. Targets were at 92 metres (about 100 yards).

First up, Box test. I aimed at the block outlined pink box (1" square) for every shot. For the first I dialled the scope up 1.5 MRAD. That is about 15 cm. Fired the first shot. I then dialled to the right 1.5 MRAD and fired the second. Then 15 MRAD down and fired the third, ( I did not feel good on that one...). Then I dialled 1.5 MRAD to the left and shot the forth. The black marker lines and measurements were put on after at home.

Second test, "balloon test". Each balloon is about 1" in diameter and about 4cm apart. I aimed at the first balloon for all shots. I dialled 0.4 MRAD to the right took the first shot. I hit the yellow balloon, should have hit red. No fear, I dialled another 0.4 MRAD and hit the yellow. Another 0.4 MRAD to the right for 3rd and 4th shots. The 5th shot I dialled back to 0 MRAD and pulled the shot low and right. I wanted to do this in 5, was okay with doing it in 6. The sixth shot back at 0 MRAD was good enough for me so I dialled anoth 0.4 MRAD to the right and took the 7th.

Last test. Three shots at the red dot (1") at 93 metres. The scope is back on target.

My only complaints are that the zoom dial is a bit stiff and at 16X the eye relief is a bit narrower than at 4X so your eye has to be in the sweet spot and that sometimes takes a few seconds.

My next scope will be a Leupold and the only reason for that is I want a quality scope in Silver. Vortex does not make one, (that I am aware of).