Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
- Rifle Scope
- 30 mm
- 6x
- 24x
- Better rated than 77%
- More reviewed than 60%
A capable turret scope at a price well under premium European glass, with reviewers consistently calling out the value against scopes costing several times more.
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How it ranks among the 359 rifle scopes we track
4.8★ across 119 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
119 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 359 rifle scopes we track - how the scorecard works · full rifle scopes data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 22, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The Viper PST Gen I is Vortex's 6-24x50 second focal plane riflescope built around a one piece 30mm tube machined from aircraft grade aluminum. It pairs an MOA based EBR-1 reticle with matching turrets for hunters and target shooters who want to dial corrections rather than hold over.
Extra low dispersion glass and multiple anti reflective coatings are the drivers behind the clarity reviewers describe, while the Customizable Rotational Stop lets you return to a zeroed setting after dialing a temporary elevation correction. Note this is the second focal plane version of the PST line; Vortex also sells a first focal plane PST, and at least one reviewer who owns both found the FFP version sharper at the top of its zoom range for target work.
- 6-24x50 second focal plane
- One piece 30mm aircraft grade aluminum tube
- MOA based EBR-1 reticle matched to turrets
- Argon purged, O-ring sealed for water and shock resistance
Who it's for
Fits hunters and casual long range shooters mounting on rifles like a Savage 10 or DPMS LR-308 who want repeatable 1/4 MOA turret clicks and an illuminated reticle for low light. Dedicated precision target shooters chasing the tightest groups at full magnification may prefer the first focal plane PST instead.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Owners praised the glass clarity and turret tracking relative to the price, with several comparing it favorably to pricier scopes from other brands. The main criticism came from a reviewer who owns both PST versions and found the second focal plane model noticeably fuzzier at full 24x than its first focal plane sibling, and one unit arrived with reticle illumination that lit unevenly.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- 1/4 MOA turret clicks track accurately for reviewers dialing corrections
- Illuminated reticle helps at dawn and dusk hunting light
- Extra low dispersion glass produces clear images at full 24x zoom for most reviewers
- Image reportedly gets fuzzy at full power compared to the first focal plane PST
- Illumination lit unevenly on at least one unit before replacement
Specifications
| Brand | Brand |
|---|---|
| Model | PST-624S1-A |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 30 mm |
| Item Weight | 1.46 pounds |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Aluminum,Glass |
| Color | Black Matte |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Mounting Type | Cantilever Mount |
| Compatible Devices | Rifle |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Other details | |
| Magnification Minimum | 6x |
| Magnification Maximum | 24x |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
| Reticle Type | EBR-1 (MOA) |
| Thread Type | 30mm |
| Night vision | No |
| Product Style | 6-24x50 - EBR-1 (MOA) |
| Field Of View | 2.18 Degrees |
Other Brand rifle scopes
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in rifle scopes.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I Second Focal Plane RiflescopesThis product | 4.8 / 5 | 119 | 4.1 / 5 |
| UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact ScopeUTG | 4.5 / 5 | 3,000 | 4.4 / 5 |
| PINTY Tactical Rifle Scope Combo: Illuminated OpticsPinty | 4.4 / 5 | 1,100 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24 SFP Riflescope KitFirefield | 4.5 / 5 | 900 | 4.3 / 5 |
| EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon SightEotech | 4.6 / 5 | 1,100 | 4.2 / 5 |
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Questions about the Brand PST-624S1-A
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Is the Viper PST Gen I 6-24x50 first or second focal plane?
Second focal plane (SFP). Vortex also makes a first focal plane PST, which one reviewer found sharper for target shooting at maximum zoom.
What reticle does this scope use?
The EBR-1, an MOA based hashmarked reticle for holdover and windage that matches the turret's MOA adjustments.
What tube diameter does the Viper PST 6-24x50 use?
A 30mm one piece tube machined from a single block of aircraft grade aluminum.