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NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
#7591939
08/28/19 03:48 PM
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TXBoss
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Trying to get some feedback / comparison between NightForce and Vortex that I already have.
Needing to thin some scopes down after moving them around on rifles and just wanted to get some feedback from those who may have more time behind the glass than I do.
Have a NF SHV 4-14 x 40 with the FFP and illuminated MRAD reticle that I want to move to a heavy barrel AR. That AR currently has a Vortex 6-24 Viper PST with the FFP and illuminated MRAD reticle.
Just wondering if there is any reason to keep the Vortex in favor of the SHV.
If I decide to sell the Vortex, I'll pick up a smaller NF SHV (or something comparable) for my 308 deer rifle (under 250 yds). Cost point may be the same. Or would look at something else that Doug has at Cameraland.
So... SHV 4-14 compared to Vortex PST 6-24... overall glass, tracking and reliability over the years?
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment..." - W. Rogers
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7591948
08/28/19 03:55 PM
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TXBoss
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Thanks Doug... I this is one we spoke about before that I had in my notes.
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment..." - W. Rogers
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7591951
08/28/19 03:58 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
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QuitShootinYoungBucks
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Why not leave the SHV on the .308 and call it good?
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7591967
08/28/19 04:08 PM
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TXBoss
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I could... but it's a lot of scope for a deer blind rifle. Have been looking at the 3-10 SHV which is a much more balanced setup... so that leaves me with one too many (Vortex or 4-14 SHV). I'm pretty sure the Vortex will lose out to the Nightforce… but wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything.
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment..." - W. Rogers
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7591980
08/28/19 04:26 PM
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ZK-315
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If it was a gen 2 vortex, i'd say hang on to it, but with it being a gen1 I'd let er go. I have a gen1 and a gen2 PST and my gen2 has much better glass in my opinion. Tracking sees to be about the same on both of mine and havent had any issues with them.
I was out shooting with a buddy this spring who has the same SHV you do and i compared it next to my gen2 PST. His glass had a slight edge over my gen 2 pst.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7591981
08/28/19 04:26 PM
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Posts: 39,592
redchevy
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I don't see switching from a 4-14 to a 3-10 going from too much scope to something better. You gain 1 lower x on the bottom and loose 3 on top. Ive shot a very few animals on 3x in my hunting career. Sure I could have used it a lot more but with a variable I choose more every time.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: redchevy]
#7592004
08/28/19 04:44 PM
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TXBoss
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I don't see switching from a 4-14 to a 3-10 going from too much scope to something better. You gain 1 lower x on the bottom and loose 3 on top. Ive shot a very few animals on 3x in my hunting career. Sure I could have used it a lot more but with a variable I choose more every time. It's more about the overall compactness of the 3-10 vs the 4-14. 50mm objective vs 42mm and overall length. It's a 22" barrel browning speed so I'm trying to keep weight and bulkiness down somewhat.
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment..." - W. Rogers
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592242
08/28/19 08:57 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
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wp75169
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Glass quality alone takes the Vortex out of the conversation. Add in overall quality and reported failures I put the Gen 1 PST just above blister pack scopes. I know that sounds snobbish but you’re comparing it to a NF.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592264
08/28/19 09:17 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,956
Jgraider
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The NF whips any Vortex ever made where it counts.....durability, tracking, repeatability, holding zero, non shifting POI, etc. Glass is excellent as well.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592285
08/28/19 09:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,157
Brother in-law
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592323
08/28/19 10:12 PM
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TXBoss
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Thx for replies... confirms what I was already thinking. Vortex PST will be replaced by SHV.
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment..." - W. Rogers
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592474
08/29/19 01:04 AM
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J.G.
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Vortex does not belong in the same sentence as Nightforce.
SHV all the way!
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: Jgraider]
#7592476
08/29/19 01:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
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J.G.
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The NF whips any Vortex ever made where it counts.....durability, tracking, repeatability, holding zero, non shifting POI, etc. Glass is excellent as well. ^^That's right
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: J.G.]
#7592484
08/29/19 01:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Sneaky
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Vortex does not belong in the same sentence as Nightforce.
SHV all the way! Right. How did this comparison even come about?
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: Sneaky]
#7592627
08/29/19 04:35 AM
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TXBoss
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Vortex does not belong in the same sentence as Nightforce.
SHV all the way! Right. How did this comparison even come about? Read my first post... and like I said just a few threads above.. I had a good idea of the outcome that the SHV was a leap above the Vortex PST. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I've had several Viper PST that have given me no issues and the SHV is new to me.
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment..." - W. Rogers
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592630
08/29/19 04:42 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,987
unclebubba
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I think you'll be much happier with the Vortex. PM me and I'll take that nightforce off your hands for you.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7592882
08/29/19 03:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Crews
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Glad you came to the conclusion you did. SHV kicks Vortex straight in the balls any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Last edited by Crews; 08/29/19 03:24 PM.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7593327
08/29/19 11:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,993
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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The Gen 1 PST isn't in the same class as an SHV. The Nightforce is superior in pretty much every category. I can say that with confidence because I've owned multiples of both. I will argue about any Nightforce beating any Vortex though. If I had to pick one scope between my Gen 2 Razor and my NX8, I'm keeping the Vortex. I love both, but the Razor is a better scope for my applications.
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: ImTheReasonDovesMourn]
#7593357
08/29/19 11:30 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,178
HoldPoint
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The Gen 1 PST isn't in the same class as an SHV. The Nightforce is superior in pretty much every category. I can say that with confidence because I've owned multiples of both. I will argue about any Nightforce beating any Vortex though. If I had to pick one scope between my Gen 2 Razor and my NX8, I'm keeping the Vortex. I love both, but the Razor is a better scope for my applications. In what way?
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: HoldPoint]
#7593375
08/29/19 11:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,993
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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The Gen 1 PST isn't in the same class as an SHV. The Nightforce is superior in pretty much every category. I can say that with confidence because I've owned multiples of both. I will argue about any Nightforce beating any Vortex though. If I had to pick one scope between my Gen 2 Razor and my NX8, I'm keeping the Vortex. I love both, but the Razor is a better scope for my applications. In what way? The Razor is easier to get behind. Much more forgiving eye box. I can set the parallax on my Razor for 300 yards on full power (27x) and see targets well enough to engage from 100 to 800 yards. With the NX8 at full power (32x), I can set the parallax for 300 yards and the 100-yard, and 400-yard targets are an unrecognizable, blurry blob. The Nightforce is very sensitive and unforgiving compared to the Razor. It would be a disadvantage in a rifle match.
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7593464
08/30/19 01:26 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
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Cleric
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Have heard the eye box is tight on nx8. Kinda of has to be due to 8x erector
Vortex pst was a great scope when it came out 15ish years ago. The pst2 is a much better upgrade
That being said shv vs pst gen 1 is no contest. Against pst gen 2...debatable imo
My 4-16 was having some issues after years of use. So I sent it back and got a new gen2 3-15
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: ImTheReasonDovesMourn]
#7593579
08/30/19 03:30 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,228
J.G.
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The Gen 1 PST isn't in the same class as an SHV. The Nightforce is superior in pretty much every category. I can say that with confidence because I've owned multiples of both. I will argue about any Nightforce beating any Vortex though. If I had to pick one scope between my Gen 2 Razor and my NX8, I'm keeping the Vortex. I love both, but the Razor is a better scope for my applications. In what way? The Razor is easier to get behind. Much more forgiving eye box. I can set the parallax on my Razor for 300 yards on full power (27x) and see targets well enough to engage from 100 to 800 yards. With the NX8 at full power (32x), I can set the parallax for 300 yards and the 100-yard, and 400-yard targets are an unrecognizable, blurry blob. The Nightforce is very sensitive and unforgiving compared to the Razor. It would be a disadvantage in a rifle match. So turn down the magnification on the NF to 27X and try again. You are not comparing apples to apples. 32X against 27X. My ATACR magnification at 25X, focus looks good from 300 to 800 yards, yet folks don't really talk much about NF warranty, because they didn't break down in the first place.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7593592
08/30/19 04:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
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ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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Don't act like I'm stupid or biased. I pay for all of my gear out of my own pocket. I've compared both scopes on every magnification setting. The Razor is better, period. The Razor is more comparable to your ATACR than my NX8, and I'd probably still have the Razor. I didn't say jack chit about warranties. Vortex sells scopes from $89 to $2500. They'll also warranty a scope if you smash it with a hammer or run over it with your Ram. Of course they'll have more claims than Nightforce, that sells high-end scopes with a limited warranty. We'll see what we see once we have our super duper epic scope test.
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: TXBoss]
#7594164
08/30/19 08:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,228
J.G.
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Re: NightForce SHV vs Vortex Viper PST Gen 1
[Re: J.G.]
#7594187
08/30/19 08:50 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,993
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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Snarky Mark
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Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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