The Ruger Precision Rifle is a great rifle platform. I’ve had some great groups right out of the box, and have had no problems staying on target at ranges of 1000 yards and beyond. To me, the Ruger Precision Rifle is an “easy buy” for the new competitive shooter or practical field shooter. But what about optics? It can be very confusing and overwhelming when shopping for “just the right scope”. There are so many great scopes on the market it can be staggering to take in all of the options. In this article I want to give you some hands-on impressions of one of the most popular picks for optics for the Ruger Precision Rifle and similar rifles in the ~$1000 price range: the Vortex Viper HST 6-24×50 riflescope.
Here’s a discussion I recently had with the 6.5 Guys (Read: experts on competitive shooting and related gear) about this scope/rifle setup, with some reflections on our range time (out to 1000 yards) and hands-on impressions:
*Note: in the video the model “PST” is used, where this is actually the “H-ST” model.
A Look Through the Scope
Having used this scope in a variety of scenarios, ranges, and over the course of more than 1/2 of a year, I’m confident with not only the scope itself, but the entire package: Rifle + Scope + Mount (rings). While there’s no substitute for first-person experiences, I’d like to give you a general idea of what it looks like to look through this scope.
Note: Actual magnification and view is different when looking through this scope with the human eye. In my experiences, the first-person view is better than what the pictures below represent. These through-the-scope shots are to demonstrate comparisons of magnifications, and to give an idea of what the reticle looks like.
Let’s start with the “sight in” and “zero-out” view: I like to do this at 100 yards, and here’s what that looks like both at minimum and maximum magnification: (click for enlarged view)
Moving up to an “intermediate range” (600 yards) this scope provides a great picture of the target, and is easy to acquire targets with especially at low-to-mid magnification ranges: (click for enlarged view)
And what about when you’re pushing out to nearly a mile? Here’s what the view looks like at about 3/4 of a mile: (click for enlarged view)
These images were taken from video, and I’ll note that temperatures were pushing 108 Fahrenheit. Not at all ideal conditions (heat mirage from ground heat, etc) and yet the sight picture still looks really good.
Mounting the Scope
Yes, the most frequent question I’ve gotten about this scope is: “What rings did you use, and what height?”. It’s a fair question because there are a lot of factors to take account for. Ideally, you want to have your bore axis as low as possible (overall height of scope above the center-line/axis of the barrel). You also want something that is perfectly aligned and rock-solid. Finally, it’s confusing to try and calculate the actual height needed which is a function of the rifle coutour, and in this case, the 20 MOA inclination of the top rail (where the scope mounts).
So here is what I used: Vortex precision CNC machined scope rings, for 30mm scope tube, high height:
These rings are very high quality, don’t require lapping, and provide optimal clearance on the Ruger Precision Rifle when paired with the Vortex Viper 6-24×50 HST scope. As stated in the video above, I liked them so much I bought a 2nd pair for the Ruger Precision Rifle that I have chambered in .243 Winchester (more on that very soon).
Overall, this scope is a total keeper. I’m looking forward to a lot more shooting with this scope, and with the amazing 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. Truth be told, I feel a bit spoiled with this rifle- it makes it so easy to get on target and stay on target. I some times refer to this rifle as my “scalpel”.
Question for you all: what scopes are you using with the Ruger Precision Rifle or with other precision rifles? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! If you are interested in long range precision shooting and competing, please check out the 6.5 Guys Website, and their YouTube Channel, they are great resources, and I think you’ll find their style and banter entertaining.
Happy shooting and reloading!
Thanks,
Gavin
I have two vortex viper 6x24x50 scopes. Love them!
I use a Bushnell Engage 6-24x. For the price I have yet to find anything comparable. It’s clearer than my buddy’s Leupold VX3.
Thanks for the review. Is your scope the first focal plane or second? Thanks in advance.
I have the Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor , the vortex Viper PST 6-24X50 and the vortex pmr-30-126 rings. I am finding that I only have 26 minutes of elevation adjustment from my 100 yd zero . 26 minutes only puts me out to about 900 yds. Was wondering if this was an issue for you and how you addressed it? Thanks in advance. – Jeff
Jeff, I have the same issue with a Sig Tango 4 6-24X50 scope on a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. I have only 20 MOA of adjustment from my 100 yard zero. Did you solve your issue? – Craig
Any word on this?
This is from Vortex Q&A
Q: Im installing a Vortex Viper Pst 6-24×50 Ffp Riflescope W/ Ebr-1 Moa Reticle – Black Matte – Pst-624f1-a on a ruger precision 6.5 creedmore second generation. What height scope rings do I need?
jim
Asked on 11/18/2016 by Jim from huntsville
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1 answer
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A: I recommend our Precision Matched Rings in 1.45″ height, or you could use one of our cantilever mounts to get proper mounting height.
Answered on 11/21/2016 by Mike at Vortex Optics from Vortex Optics
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-precision-matched-rings-30mm-riflescope-145
First scope for me. I have ruger prec. rifle 6.5 creedmoor. Want to buy Vortex HS-T 6-24×50 scope. It comes with MOA or MRAD reticle. Which is better for me? Probably not shooting much past 5-600 yds.
I’m shooting Ruger rpr with a vortex golden eagle 15x60x52 using American eagle 140gr.
On the Ruger Precision 308 why would I not want to use the 6x 24×56 if I’m only going after distance shots over 800 yards is it because of the height issue and not being able to get up high enough on cheek rest thanks for your help greatly appreciate I’m thinking about a first focal plane with a Mil Dot reticle Harry
I meant to say this is a vortex scope thanks
Folks… looking at getting a custom turret made up with my RPR…
If I am using high Ruger Matched Rings 1.26 inch and a Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24X50, what is my scope height?
(Scope height = centre of scope to centre of barrel in Inches)
Any done this already?
Thanks
Thank you for the review and recommendation. I was searching for a scope for my Ruger Precision Gen 2 in 6.5 Creedmoor. I went with your recommendation: Vortex Viper 6-24×50 (OpticsPlanet: $569) and the PMR-30-126 30mm rings (Amazon: $113).
Zeroed it in within 15 shots @ 100/300yrds. Scope was easy to look mount, adjust the CRS zero-stop. Shoots perfectly… Amazing accurate, clear, and easily adjustable to rapidly adjust shooting distances.
Thanks again!
Awesome, it’s a great setup!
I have a vortex viper pst 5-25×50 on my RPR 6.5 creedmore. I have vortex high rings holding the scope and I still don’t get enough clearance to put the lens caps on. Most photos I see have lots of clearance. Don’t know what the issue is.
Just mounted the same scope today on my RPR. Think the rings were the 1.26 Vortex. Have at least 1/4 inch clearance
Do you have a RPR Gen 2? I don’t know which rings to put on my Gen 2 with the same scope.
any info / dope on optics for the 308 or is it roughly the same???
G’day,
I have an RPR in .308 with a nightforce br 12-42 x 56.
Absolutely love the set up. As I live in a pretty arid area here in australia, I have been getting great results from the 1200-1500 yard range.