Introduction

For many years, the instructors at MARS had speculated that the first time an optics manufacturer brought together all of the right elements they would "win" the optics war.   Based on our experience with high end optics such as S&B and USO, we were able to compile a list of things.

• Miliradian knobs and reticle
• First Focal Plane
• 30mm Tube or greater
• Illuminated Reticle
• Advanced rangefinding and holdover in the reticle - at least 1/2 mil resolution
• Less than $1000 MSRP
• Not Made In China
• Good glass

Over the years many manufacturers came close.  We thought the SWFA SuperSniper Variable would be the winner.   We have this scope; you see it in some of the pictures.  It is an awesome optic that appears to be based on the Bushnell Elite with better glass and that Made in Japan goodness. Unfortunately, it came in a power range that made little sense: 3x9.

A Winner?

Onto this scene of countless jilted precision shooters came Vortex.  It's pretty obvious this company listened to the shooting industry with a keen interest in rolling out exactly what we wanted.   It's almost as if MARS placed a phone call to someone who cared.

Features of the Vortex line vary by optic, so I'll roll out the features of the 4-16 as the primary target of this preview.  

• 4-16x50mm
• Miliradian knobs and reticle
  
  • First Focal Plane
  • 30mm Tube
  • Illuminated Reticle
  • Advanced rangefinding and holdover in the reticle - at least 1/2 mil resolution
  • Less than $1000 MSRP
  • Made in the Phillipines
  • HD glass (Think Camera Lenses)

Does that list look familiar?

Pre-Production Hands-On

Turrets

The first thing you notice about the PST is the turrets.  Those beautiful turrets.   Let's talk about all these do and don't do:

• MRAD or 1/4MOA knobs
• Multiple markings for direction of travel
• Easily read indicators for turret rotation
• It looks to be 12 minutes or 5 mils per rotation
• Elevation has a fibre optic bar over the zero
• Zero Stops adjusted by shims

Turret rotation was very positive - you definately knew what click you were on.  I can't say too much more as these were pre-prod samples and the end product is likely to change.  All in all, I liked the turrets.

A slight negative point here - I strongly prefer my windage to be color coded.

Magnification Knob

Like the turrets the magnification knob was a gem.  It also has a fiber optic position indicator and small raised power description pedestals so you can see what power you are on from behind the optic.

Operation was smooth without any surprises, stopping solidly in the correct places and with finality.  The rubber ring is a nice touch.

Illumination

The illumination on the Vortex also has managed to incorporate most of the little things that we feel shooters will like.  Every other notch on the control is an off position.  Clicks are positive and without mush or a cheap feel.  This definitely isn't just another Chinese control.  The illumination itself ranged from not visible to extremely bright.

I cannot say if the illumination was daylight bright or NVG dim.  This is due to the pre-production nature of these samples.

Reticle

The reticle on this scope was very good - but I won't say much about it.  All of us have come to expect a very high quality reticle from this calibre of optic.  The reticle was very clear and illuminates in the center.  Markings were easy to read and the etch was clean.

Conclusion

All in all, the Vortex PST appears a fine optic.  The glass is clear, everything operates the way we wanted it to, and the general consensus is this is going to be a winner.   

We would have liked some range time with this piece of glass but Vortex wished for us to perform the beat down on a full production article.  When we get one in, this article will be updated with a full-on range review.  

As for things we would have changed?  They are minor.   I would have had the windage red in one direction.   I also think Vortex should remove their Marque ring in the front and just make it monolithic up there.

You can pre-order Vortex PST Optics in our online store here.

6-24 Optic

We also got some hands-on time with the 6-24.  Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.