Vortex viper 6.5-20x50 PA vs Viper 6-24x50 PST

[GA-SURVEYOR]

I need some help here I am looking for a new scope and have it narrowed down to vortex (based on reviews only no vortex dealers in my area with scopes to look through). However when comparing the vortex line I am wondering if it is worth the extra $$ for a PST. What are you guys thoughts? What about glass between the two, is the PST that much brighter? How are the Mil Dots on the regular viper? I would especially like to hear from the guys that have used both.

Thanks

[Don - LongRangeSupply]

I have used both, they are both good scopes. The PST has quite a few improvements that may or may not matter to you.
The main differences:

Std 30mm Viper / PST
Caps on Knobs / No Caps
6.5-20x / 4-24x
68 moa travel / 65 moa (higher magnification usually means less travel)
No sunshade / Sunshade Included
14.5" - 21.6 oz / 15.5" - 23 oz
3.1 to 3.3" eye relief / 4"+ eye relief
2nd focal plan reticle only / 1st or 2nd plane reticles
no illumination / illuminated reticle
no zero stop / zero stop (uses shims under the knobs)

The nice thing about the new PST reticles, they don't have mil dots in them.

The reticles they offer are a huge improvement over the out dated mil dot reticles from years ago. The FFP EBR-1 for example has 30 MOA of holdover from the center in 2 MOA increments. No useless mil dots to obscure the target. I can't remember one time I used the actual DOT to range anything, rather the spacing between them. Their thickness is a hindrance rather than a help for me.

As for optical quality, my understanding is they are the same glass as the non PST versions. The PST has more advanced coating on the glass.

[Slang]

Do you plan on dialing your shots or using holdover? If your gonna dial, then I would get the pst.

Personally, I like the mil dots, and use them to range often. I have the regular viper, and have been dialing my shots. I wish I woulda got the PST for the FFP and the zero stop. Remembering to be on 14x when ranging is just one more way to make a mistake, and getting "lost" on your elevation zero is never a good thing.

Hindsight is 20/20. It was hard for me to justify twice the cost at the time.