The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x is an American LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) type 24 mm optical caliber variable magnification riflescope, developed by Vortex Optics in 2017. This second generation of the Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) range has established itself as a reference in the mid-range, offering an excellent compromise between optical quality, robustness and affordable price for sport shooting and hunting.
History and Development of the Vortex Viper PST Gen II
The Viper PST range was launched by Vortex Optics, an American manufacturer based in Barneveld, Wisconsin, in the early 2010s. The first generation had already won over sport shooters thanks to its advantageous price-performance ratio. In 2017, Vortex introduced the second generation (Gen II) with significant improvements: premium XD (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, improved XR Plus optical coatings, and a new ergonomic turret design.
The Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 was born to meet the growing demand of the LPVO segment, popularized by sport shooting competitions such as IPSC, 3-Gun and similar disciplines. Its variable magnification from 1x to 6x makes it a versatile lens, capable of replacing a red dot in close use and offering sufficient magnification for shots up to about 500 meters.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Official designation | Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 SFP |
| Country of Origin | United States (Philippines/Japan Assembly) |
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Type | LPVO – Low Power Variable Optic |
| 1x to | 6x | magnification
| Objective Diameter | : 24 mm |
| Tube diameter | 30 mm |
| Second Focal Plane (SFP) | Reticle Focal Plane |
| TMR-2 MOA or MRAD reticle (bright 11 levels) | |
| Field of view at 100 m | 35.2 m (at 1x) – 6.3 m (at 6x) |
| Constant 96.5mm | eye relief |
| Elevation adjustment range | 140 MOA |
| Drift adjustment range | 140 MOA |
| Turret click | 0.5 MOA or 0.1 MRAD depending on version |
| Length | 262 mm |
| Weight | 652 g |
| Argon waterproof | , waterproof and anti-fog |
Operation and Technical Particularities
The Viper PST Gen II 1-6x uses a one-piece construction made of anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, ensuring high resistance to recoil and impacts. The 30mm center tube provides a greater range of adjustment than standard 25.4mm tubes, which is appreciated for long-range shooting.
The TMR-2 reticle illumination has 11 intensity levels, with intermediate positions allowing use with night vision devices. The SFP (Second Focal Plane) reticle remains consistent in size at all magnifications, making it easy to acquire fast targets at 1x. Drop compensation and distance estimation references are only calibrated to 6x.
The “capped” turrets with reset function (integrated zero-stop on some models) allow the point of impact to be reset after an adjustment and to return precisely to zero. The XR Plus coating in the lenses improves light transmission and color fidelity, while the XD glass reduces chromatic aberration for sharper images.
Variants and Versions
The Viper PST Gen II range has several configurations: 1-6×24 (the most versatile, the subject of this article), 2-10×32, 3-15×44, 5-25×50 and 6-24×50. For each magnification, two reticle options are offered: MOA (with graduations in minutes of angle) or MRAD (in milliradians). The 1-6x model is available in SFP only, unlike the higher magnifications available in FFP (First Focal Plane).
Users and Areas of Application
The Viper PST Gen II 1-6x is widely used by sport shooters in competitive 3-Gun, IPSC Rifle, and tactical matches. Its versatility also makes it a popular choice for stalking and stalking hunting in mixed environments (forest and clearings). It is appreciated by law enforcement and tactical units for patrol missions where a 1-6x optic covers the majority of urban engagement distances.
Civil Possession in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x is freely available for purchase from specialist gunsmiths and shooting optics distributors. Since a riflescope is not considered a weapon, it does not require a weapons acquisition permit (AAP) within the meaning of the Federal Weapons Act (Arms Act). However, its use depends on the weapon it is mounted on. For a semi-automatic rifle in a category subject to exceptional authorisation (e.g. an AR-15), the acquisition of the weapon requires an exceptional acquisition permit issued by the competent cantonal authority. The possession of the optics itself is not subject to any particular restrictions.
Conclusion
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x represents one of the best value for money in the LPVO segment. Combining quality optics, rugged construction and a Vortex VIP unconditional lifetime warranty, it’s a go-to choice for sport shooters and hunters alike looking for versatile optics without investing in the high-end. Its long-standing popularity and proven reliability make it a standard in the European and Swiss market.
