Manual Vortex Viper PST (page 3 of 11) (English)

540479

Zoom out

Zoom in

1/11

This Viper PST riflescope uses a second focal plane reticle.

This style of reticle always maintains the identical visual

size regardless of magnification. The advantage to this

style of reticle is that it will not become too large and

“heavy” at high magnifications.

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Vortex Service and Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . 20

Specifically designed for the military, law enforcement and

committed precision shooting communities, the Viper PST

Series riflescopes offer the highest levels of performance

and reliability. With features such as matched turret/reticle

subtensions, CRS zero stop mechanisms and precision

ranging reticles, the Viper PSTs are ready for any situation.

PRECISION

SHOOTING

TACTICAL

SECOND FOCAL PLANE RIFLESCOPES

Owner’s Manual

1–4x24 Riflescopes

Adjust the reticle focus

Riflescope Adjustments

The Vortex Viper PST Riflescope

Magnification

Adjustment Ring

Windage

Adjustment Knob

Reticle Focus

Illumination Knob

Elevation

Adjustment Knob

Fast Focus

Eyepiece

Zero Reference

Lines

Radius Bar

MagView

Reticle Focus

Turret Cap

Retaining Screws

Vortex Viper PST riflescopes use a fast focus eyepiece designed

to quickly and easily

adjust the focus on the

riflescope’s reticle.

Once this adjustment is complete, it will not be necessary

to re-focus every time you use the riflescope. However,

because your eyesight may change over time, you should

re-check this adjustment periodically.

1. Look through the

riflescope at a blank white

wall or up at the sky.

2. Turn the eyepiece focus

knob in or out until the reticle image is as crisp as possible.

Note: Try to make this particular adjustment quickly, as the eye

will try to compensate for an out-of-focus reticle.

To adjust the reticle

focus:

Warning

Looking directly at the sun through a riﬂ escope, or any optical

instrument, can cause severe and permanent damage to your eyesight.

Objective

Lens

Dual Use: Shooting Tactical / Hunting

Elevation

Knob

Windage

Knob

Vortex Viper PST riflescopes incorporate precision finger

adjustable elevation and windage

dials with audible clicks.

Windage and Elevation Adjustments

Depending on which version you have purchased, your Viper

PST riflescope will feature adjustments scaled in MOAs or

mrads. If you are unsure of which scale is used, reference the

top of the adjustment turret.

1. Turn the adjustment knob in the

appropriate direction: Up/Down

or Left/Right as indicated by the

arrows.

2. Move the knobs in the direction

you wish the bullet’s point-of-

impact to change.

To make adjustments:

If the adjustment is in MOAs,

the turret will display

“1 Click = ½ MOA”.

If the adjustment is in mrads,

the turret will display

“1 Click = .2 mrad”.

Both minute-of-angle (MOA) and milliradian (mrad) unit of

arc scales are effective when using subtension measurements for

ranging and bullet trajectory drop compensation in reticles.

MOA or MRAD

MRAD Adjustments

Example: With each click of the Viper PST moving the point-of-impact

.2 mrad (.72 inches), four clicks will move the bullet’s point-of-impact

2.88 inches at a 100 yard sight-in distance. At 100 meters, four clicks

will move the point-of-impact eight centimeters.

Example: With each click of the Viper PST moving the point-of-impact

1/2 MOA, it will take four clicks of the knob to move a bullet’s point-of-

impact 2.10 inches at a 100 yard sight-in distance.

MOA Adjustments

Mrad unit of arc measurements are based on the radian. A

radian is the angle subtended at the center of a circle by an

arc that is equal in length to the radius of the circle. There

are 6.283 radians in all circles and 1000 milliradian in a

radian for a total of 6283 milliradians (mrads) in a circle. An

mrad will subtend 3.6 inches at a distance of 100 yards. The

Viper PST 1–4x24 riflescope with mrad adjustments use

.2 mrad clicks which subtend .72 inches at 100 yards, 1.44

inches at 200 yards (4 cm at 200 meters), 2.16 inches at 300

yards (6 cm at 300 meters), etc.

MOA unit of arc measurements are based on degrees and

minutes. There are 360 degrees in a circle, 60 minutes in a

degree for a total of 21,600 minutes in a circle. A minute of

angle will subtend 1.05 inches at a distance of 100 yards. The

Viper PST 1–4x24 riflescope with MOA adjustments use

1/2-minute clicks which subtend .52 inches at 100 yards, 1.04

inches at 200 yards, 1.56 inches at 300 yards, etc.

Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS)

Vortex Viper PST riflescope elevation turrets incorporate the

unique CRS rotation stop feature. After the rifle is sighted in,

the design of the CRS allows a shooter to quickly and easily

return to an original zero point when using the elevation turret

to dial-in temporary bullet drop corrections.

The CRS feature is particularly useful when dialing large

multi-revolution elevation corrections. Without this feature,

the shooter must pay very careful attention when dialing these

large corrections. If the shooter loses track of the number of

revolutions, the original zero point may become lost when

returning the adjustment.

Viper PST riflescopes equipped with

the CRS allow the elevation dial to be quickly spun back to

original zero without having to carefully count revolutions or

clicks.

Once the CRS shims are installed after sight-in, the elevation

dial will stop turning shortly past the original zero point when

being returned (turning clockwise direction) from a temporary

elevation adjustment. The shooter can then turn the elevation

knob a partial turn in a counter-clockwise direction until the

zero reference and radius bar are correctly aligned—achieving

the original zero point.

See CRS shim installation in the

Bore Sighting and Final Range

Sight-in sections.

CRS Shims

This Viper PST riflescope does not have a parallax focus.

The focus is factory pre-set at a distance of 100 yards.

About Parallax

Parallax is a phenomenon that results when the target

image does not quite fall on the same optical plane as the

reticle within the scope. When the shooter’s eye is not

precisely centered in the eyepiece, there can be apparent

movement of the target in relation to the reticle, which can

cause a small shift in the point of aim. Parallax error is most

problematic for precision shooters using high magnification.

At distances over 100 yards parallax error is minimal; using

good consistent shooting form and cheek weld will prevent

most error problems with parallax.

Subtension

Multiplier Markings

Magnification

Markings

MagView

Variable Power Adjustments

To change magnifications, turn the magnification

ring to the desired

level. The patented

Vortex MagView

will provide a low

light reference

for magnification

level.

Radius Bar

Battery Cap

MagView

Illumination

Knob

Turret Rotation

Vortex Viper PST riflescopes incorporate Vortex’s patented

Radius Bar to visually assist in

keeping track of turret rotations.

The radius bar provides a quick

visual reference that allows the

shooter to confirm:

• Knob orientation is correct

and has not shifted as a result of

accidental contact.

• Knob orientation is at the zero point when using the CRS

feature.

• By watching the position of the bar while making elevation

adjustments, the shooter is able to quickly track full, half and

quarter rotations.

To get these benefits from the Radius Bar, the “0” mark

on the turret must be indexed with the zero reference line

on turret post. See the section on Setting the CRS Stop and

Indexing Elevation Knob.

The Vortex Viper PST riflescopes use a variable intensity

reticle illumination

system to aid in low light

performance. To activate

the illumination, rotate

the adjustment knob in

either direction.

Illumination Adjustments

The illumination knob

allows for 10 levels of

brightness intensity; an

off click between each

level allows the shooter to turn the illumination off and

return to a favored intensity level with just one click. The

top five settings (6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) are visible in the daytime,

depending on the background color. Settings below 6 are for

low light use when the user’s eyes have adjusted to lower light

levels. Lowest settings are for use with night vision devices.

1. Unscrew the outer cap with a coin.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Replace with a new CR2032 battery.

Replacing the Illumination Battery

Use 30mm rings with the Viper PST.

10 11

Riflescope Mounting

To get the best performance from your Vortex Viper PST

riflescope, proper

mounting is essential.

Although not difficult,

the correct steps must

be followed. If you are

unsure of your abilities,

it would be best to

use the services of a

qualified gunsmith.

Centering of the Reticle

The Vortex Viper PST riflescope is pre-set from the factory

with the reticle in the center of the adjustment ranges.

1. Turn the windage or elevation dial as far as possible in either

direction. Do not force the dial. As soon as any any resistance is felt,

stop turning.

2. Carefully count the dial rotations while turning the dial back

in the opposite direction. Stop turning as soon as resistance is felt.

3. Turn the dial the other direction to half the amount of

rotations counted in step one.

If you have changed the settings and wish to approximately

reset the reticle to the center, this can be done easily:

Complete this procedure for both windage and elevation

dials to approximately center the reticle

Rings and Bases

Mount an appropriate base and matching rings to your rifle

according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The Vortex

Viper PST riflescopes require 30mm rings.

Vortex Optics highly recommends using the Vortex Optics

Precision Matched 30mm ring sets which may be purchased

from an authorized Vortex riflescope dealer. These rings will

mount to any Picatinny spec base.

Note: If the ﬁ rearm is not already equipped with a Picatinny base, these

are readily available for most riﬂ es at larger ﬁ rearms retailers.

If using an aftermarket base and ring setup, use the lowest

ring height that will provide complete clearance of scope and

rifle—avoiding any contact with barrel, receiver, bolt handle

or any other part of the rifle. A low mounting will help assure

proper cheek weld, aid in establishing a solid shooting position,

and promote fast target acquisition.

12 13

Bore Sighting

Initial bore sighting of the riflescope will save time and

money at the range. This can be done by using a mechanical

or laser bore sighter according to the manufacturer’s

instructions or by removing the bolt and sighting through

the barrel on some rifles.

1. Place the rifle solidly on a rest and remove the bolt.

2. Sight through the bore at a target approximately 100 yards

away.

3. Move the rifle and rest until the target is visually centered

inside the barrel.

4. With the target centered in the bore, make windage and

elevation adjustments until the reticle crosshair is also centered

over the target.

To visually bore sight a rifle:

Visually bore-sighting a riﬂ e.

After installing the bottom ring halves on the mounting base,

place the riflescope on the bottom ring halves and loosely install

the upper ring halves. Before tightening the scope ring screws,

adjust for maximum eye relief to avoid injury from recoil:

Eye Relief and Reticle Alignment

1. Set the riflescope to the middle of its magnification range.

2. Slide the riflescope as far forward as possible in the rings.

3. While viewing through the riflescope in a normal

shooting position, slowly slide the riflescope back towards

the shooter’s face—paying attention to the field of view. Just

as the full view is visible, stop.

4. Without disturbing the front-back placement, rotate

the riflescope until the vertical crosshair exactly matches

the vertical axis of the rifle. Use of a reticle leveling tool, a

weight hung on a rope, or an adjustable set of feeler gauges

will help with this procedure.

5. After aligning the reticle, tighten and torque the ring

screws down per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use of an adjustable set of feeler

gauges between a one-piece

base and ﬂ at bottom section

of the riﬂ escope to square the

riﬂ escope (and reticle) to the

base.

14 15

Final Range Sight-In and CRS Stop Set

After the riflescope has been bore-sighted, final sight-in and

CRS stop set should be done at the range using the exact

ammunition expected to be used while shooting. Sight in and

zero the riflescope at the preferred distance. 100 yards is the

most common zero distance, although a 200 yard zero may be

preferred for long range applications.

Be sure the reticle is in focus (see Reticle Focus) and set the

parallax adjustment to match the distance being used for

sight-in:

1. Following all safe shooting practices, fire a three-shot group

as precisely as possible.

2. Next, adjust the reticle to match the approximate center of

the shot group (see section on Windage and Elevation Adjustment).

Note: If the riﬂ e is very solidly mounted and cannot be moved, simply

look through the scope and adjust the reticle until it is centered on the

ﬁ red group.

3. Carefully fire another three-shot group and see if the bullet

group is centered on the bullseye.

This procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary

to achieve a perfect zero.

After obtaining a satisfactory zero, the CRS stop can be set

if desired:

1. Loosen the three turret cap retaining screws on the

elevation turret. Gently pull the turret cap straight up and off

of the turret post, being careful not to rotate the turret post.

2. Slide the CRS shims on the center section of the turret post

below the V-grooved part.

Setting the CRS Stop and Indexing Elevation Knob

Alternate shim installation direction

180 degrees with each shim.

Place CRS shims

in this groove.

Use as many shims as necessary to

completely ﬁ ll up the space. Do

not try to force in a last shim once

the clearance is very close—a tiny

remaining gap is normal.

Align the elevation turret cap.

Align the windage turret cap.

16 17

Once the CRS shims are installed, the elevation dial will

stop turning shortly past the original zero point when being

returned (turning clockwise direction) from a temporary

elevation adjustment.

Turn the elevation knob a partial turn in a counter-clockwise

direction until the Radius Bar is correctly aligned with scope

axis and zero marks match. This setting will match the

original zero point.

If re-zeroing at a future time, be sure to remove all CRS

shims before sight-in.

1. Loosen the three retaining screws on windage turret cap.

2. Carefully rotate the cap until the “0” mark on the cap

matches up with the “0” reference line on the turret post. Be

sure that the cap is freely turning and that you don’t rotate the

actual turret mechanism.

3. Re-tighten the windage knob retaining screws, but do not

overtighten. Use of thumb and forefinger on the short end

of the hex wrench will provide

sufficient force.

Once the windage and elevation

knobs are correctly indexed to the

zero mark, temporary corrections

can be safely dialed into the

scope without worry of losing the

original zero.

Indexing the Windage Knob

Correct alignment for

zero point.

Using the CRS Zero Stop

Point at which the

knob stops turning.

1. After filling the center gap on the post with shims, replace the

elevation cap.

2. Align the turret cap so the “0” mark on the cap matches up

with the “0” reference line on the turret post. Again, be sure not

to rotate the actual turret mechanism in the process.

3. Re-tighten the retaining

screws, but do not overtighten.

Use of thumb and forefinger on

the short end of the hex wrench

will provide sufficient force.

18 19

Maintenance

The fully waterproof and fogproof Vortex Viper PST

riflescope requires very little routine maintenance other

than periodically cleaning the exterior lenses. The exterior

of the scope may be cleaned by wiping with a soft, dry cloth.

Cleaning

• Be sure to blow away any dust or grit on the lenses

prior to wiping the surfaces.

• Using your breath, or a very small amount of water or

pure alcohol, can help remove stubborn things like dried

water spots.

All components of the Vortex Viper PST riflescopes are

permanently lubricated, so no additional lubricant should be

applied.

Lubrication

When cleaning the lenses, be sure to use products, such as

the Vortex Fog Free cleaning products or Lens Pen, that are

specifically designed for use on coated optical lenses.

Note: Other than to remove the turret caps, do not attempt to

disassemble any components of the riﬂ escope. Disassembling of

riﬂ escope may void warranty.

If possible, avoid exposing your Vortex riflescope to direct

sunlight or any very hot location for long periods of time.

Storage

Troubleshooting

Many times, problems thought to be with the scope are actually

mount problems. Be sure the mounts are tight to the rifle and

the scope is secured so it doesn’t twist or move in the rings.

An insufficient windage or elevation adjustment range may

indicate problems with the base mount, base mount holes drilled

in the rifle’s receiver, or barrel/receiver alignment.

Check for Correct Base and Ring Alignment

1. Re-center the scope reticle (see Centering of the Reticle).

2. Attach bore sighter, or remove bolt and visually boresight rifle.

3. Look through the scope. If the reticle appears way off center

on the boresighter image or when compared to the visually

centered target when looking through rifle’s bore, there may

be a problem with the bases or rings being used. Confirm

that correct base and rings are being used—and in the proper

orientation.

There are many issues that can cause poor bullet grouping.

Grouping Problems

• Maintain a good shooting technique and use a solid rest.

• Check that all screws on rifle’s action are properly tightened.

• Be sure rifle barrel and action are clean and free of excessive

oil or copper fouling.

• Check that rings are correctly torqued per the manufacturer’s

instructions.

• Some rifles and ammunition don’t work well together—try

different ammunition and see if accuracy improves.

Sighting-in Problems

Vortex Service and Repair Policy

Unconditional Lifetime

Warranty

Vortex Optics wants you to shoot

and use your Viper PST riflescope

under any conditions with

complete confidence—that’s why

our warranty is straightforward

and simple:

Rest assured, if this riflescope should ever require repair, all

you need to do is contact Vortex for absolutely free service.

Call 800-426-0048 or e-mail service@vortexoptics.com.

Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

• Fully transferable

• No warranty card needed

• No receipt needed

Vortex Optics

2120 West Greenview Drive

Middleton, Wisconsin 53562

USA

Patents Pending on MagView System, Radius Bar

Dual Use: Shooting Tactical / Hunting

www.vortexoptics.com

Manual #2-0A

Report abuse

Libble takes abuse of its services very seriously. We're committed to dealing with such abuse according to the laws in your country of residence. When you submit a report, we'll investigate it and take the appropriate action. We'll get back to you only if we require additional details or have more information to share.

Product:

Forumrules

To achieve meaningful questions, we apply the following rules:

First, read the manual;
Check if your question has been asked previously;
Try to ask your question as clearly as possible;
Did you already try to solve the problem? Please mention this;
Is your problem solved by a visitor then let him/her know in this forum;
To give a response to a question or answer, do not use this form but click on the button 'reply to this question';
Your question will be posted here and emailed to our subscribers. Therefore, avoid filling in personal details.

new questions and answers
new manuals

You will receive an email to register for one or both of the options.

Get your user manual by e-mail

Enter your email address to receive the manual of Vortex Viper PST in the language / languages: English as an attachment in your email.

The manual is 0,44 mb in size.

You will receive the manual in your email within minutes. If you have not received an email, then probably have entered the wrong email address or your mailbox is too full. In addition, it may be that your ISP may have a maximum size for emails to receive.

The manual is sent by email. Check your email

If you have not received an email with the manual within fifteen minutes, it may be that you have a entered a wrong email address or that your ISP has set a maximum size to receive email that is smaller than the size of the manual.

The email address you have provided is not correct.

Please check the email address and correct it.

Your question is posted on this page

Would you like to receive an email when new answers and questions are posted? Please enter your email address.

Info

Vortex Viper PST Manual

Product: