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While not a high-end match-level optic, this scope makes a strong showing, providing cost-conscious distance shooters with a 5-25 zoom range and an etched-glass, illuminated Christmas tree reticle, available in both MOA and MRAD variants. The concept of a “budget-friendly long scope” may seem like a cruelly tantalizing myth, but the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP proves that getting into long-range shooting may be more attainable than we first imagined. It even earned a nod of approval from Todd Hodnett. Still, users report that it tracks well, retains zero like a champ, and is an all-around solid performer. The other is that some reviewers felt that it did not transmit light very well, limiting its performance. One knock against the HoVR is its lack of an illuminated reticle, although some would argue that this eliminates another potential failure from this very solid long-range scope. The diopter knob opposite the windage turret allows for parallax elimination from 25 meters to infinity. This first focal plane scope features a 30-millimeter tube diameter with an exposed elevation turret and a capped windage turret, each capable of 0.1 mil or 0.25 MOA adjustments, depending on the reticle. With a 5-20 power magnification range and three different non-illuminated Horus Vision (re: grid-style) reticle options (including the SOCOM-approved Tremor3), this optic provides plenty of performance for a mere $1,500. Most Flexible: Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25×56Ī four-digit price tag can hurt, but the Horus Vision HoVR 5-20×50 packs quite a punch in the value department.Best for Extremes: Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1.Editor’s Choice: Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1.Best Value: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP.Best Overall: Horus Vision HoVR 5-20×50.On the flip side, the proper optic on a proper rifle with proper ammo reignites a small glimmer of hope that someday the title of “long-range sniper” might somehow still be attainable. Without a good long-range scope, nobody’s hitting anything, even with the planet’s best ammo and rifle combination in their hands. Of course, such dreams shatter the moment an aspiring long-distance marksman recognizes his lack of a long-range optic. Ah, yes, to be a long-range shooter is to be the Michaelangelo of wind, lead, and cordite. Legends like Carlos Hathcock trigger reactions of awe and admiration among those who hear their names, and POGs who couldn’t hit the broad side of the Pentagon with their eyes wide open start dreaming of ringing steel plates at 1,000, 2,000, and even 3,000 meters. Long-range shooting is an art form of the highest form.