Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50mm Vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 5-25x50mm review

[doverpack12]

I had another interesting experience this fall using the Vortex Viper pst gen ii. My rifle took a really hard fall during my mule deer hunt. My sling came off the swivel stud while the rifle was shouldered. The barrel hit the dirt first followed by the top front bell of the scope. I didn’t have time to recheck zero as I was several miles into my morning hunt when it occurred. After hiking out and getting back to the truck I had a split second opportunity on a shooter buck at 400 Yards. I took a rushed shot and missed. Buck got lucky and disappeared to never be seen again. Checked my rifle zero and it was 6” low and 4-5” left at 100 Yards.

I don’t fault the scope in any way. It took a hard and fast fall into the ground but it’s good to know that it’s not bullet proof and advisable that the user needs to check zero after any hard fall or hit to the scope. This should be true for any scope.


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Very similar impact happened to my friends rifle when we were backpacked in 12 miles. The pin that holds his snipepod adapter on fell out and rifle hit the ground from his shoulder muzzle first then scope bell. He has a huskemaw 5-20 on it. Rifle is a semi custom 300 weatherby so it’s not light. Didn’t have a good way to recheck zero on the trip and we were covered up with elk anyway so didn’t want to scare them off. Post trip rifle shot right on at 500, 800, and 1000 just like it did before we left. I was there for all of it and had serious doubts if we found a bull he was interested in but the scope held through it.

 

[brisket]

^^^What the hell is that?

Someone built an account just to spam?

Edit: Spam post was pulled down

 

[bowtech840]

^^^What the hell is that?

Someone built an account just to spam?

I had to check my browser, thought I accidentally typed in cokslide


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[brisket]

That comment actually made me laugh out loud

 

[ColeKira]

great review!!!

 

[Pizzaman1957]

After reading Dan's very good review I wanted to add my opinion. I currently have the same two models on my workbench trying to decide between them. It will be for my CZ 457 MTR bench rifle. I already own two of the PST Gen 2's. I tried a Cronus but couldn't get a sight picture at high power so back it went. I bought the Ares and I've compared the two. My biggest con with the Ares-hard to get a sight picture at full power, and the glass isn't as clear as the Viper. My biggest gripes with the Viper are the diopter at first is very hard to adjust, but gets easier the more you move it, and the illumination dial is very hard to grab and to adjust. But, the Ares is currently selling for about $864.00 and the Viper $659.00. For the price difference I think I'm going with the Viper.