Vortex Viper PST 2.5 – 10x32mm FFP Riflescope Review

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Last year I was on the look out for a new scope for my DMR rifle. I purchased the Vortex PST 2.5x 32 mm scope after talking to some friends about their experiences. After using the scope for over as a year I find that the Vortex Viper PST 2.5 – 10x32mm is an excellent scope for the money. The optic is very clear and bright and the finish is a nice matte black. The turrets have the right amount of resistance to them and have a nice positive feel so you know that you have moved the turret. The turrets are easy to read and setting the zero stop with the included brass shims is a breeze.

In my extensive testing the scopes adjustments seem to be accurate. I have used the scope out to 650 yards and consistently hit targets I was aiming at. I have used the shim stop system and it works well. The illumination works great at dawn, dusk, and night. The illumination is not bright enough to been seen during the day but that’s not really an issue since you can see the reticle without any issues. I really like the reticle on this scope as it is very clear and easy to use. Using the mil system to calculate range is easy at most magnification settings except the lower ones.

This is my first, first focal plane scope and so far I am liking it. The eye relief is very generous in the horizontal plane at all magnification settings. The ring that changes the scope’s magnification is pretty stiff and will not be moved on accident. I am able to change magnification with out problems as it feels smooth when the ring is turned though I will be adding a Vortex SV-1 Throw Lever to aid in rapidly transitioning through the magnification settings.

Cons:

I only have one major con and that is that the reticle is pretty small at 2.5x magnification and can be hard to see on darker backgrounds. That is a con of a first focal plane scope though. That being said I don’t think I would want the reticle made thicker to make it easier to see at 2.5x magnification because it’s just the right size at 10x magnification.

Overall I would highly recommend this scope. Especially for a DMR or SPR type rifle. It’s about as close to perfect for that setup as you can get. I have mine mounted on my PWS AR and it’s working great so far.

DMR/SPR Parts List:

PWS Viper Vortex PST

Lone Survivor – Book Review

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Lone Survivor is a compelling, easy read that you will find hard to put down. The first part takes you through SEAL training in Coronado, CA and gives you a deep appreciation for just how hard it is to become a SEAL, while the second half takes you through a harrowing battle that in many ways validates just why the SEAL selection and training process is so difficult and so effective.

The battle sequence in Afghanistan and its aftermath is incredibly intense . The best screen writer in Hollywood couldn’t have dreamt up something more intense, moving, and awe inspiring.

Reading this fills one with humility and gratitude for the sacrifice that all the members of our armed services make on our behalf, but especially for the men of the SEAL teams. All I can say is that I am very glad they are on our side.

As an aside, if you enjoy books like this you should check out Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab, an SAS operative who served in the first Iraq war. I found it highly ironic that in both cases great misfortune results from acts of human mercy that elite soldiers felt compelled to take despite the clear risk it posed to their own lives. These books should be required reading for anyone who questions the character and moral fiber of such brave men.

Duty, Honor, Planet – Free Kindle Book

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Duty, Honor, Planet – Free Kindle Sci Fi Book – Free till Tuesday November 4th 2014.

Book Description:

Former Marine Jason McKay thinks his first assignment as a Military Intelligence officer—as the head of a protection detail for a Republic Senator’s daughter on her humanitarian mission to the star colonies—will be a boring waste of time. Until Aphrodite, the agricultural colony they’re touring, is invaded by an inhuman enemy that may threaten Earth, and McKay and his people are trapped far behind enemy lines.

Separated from his team during the attack, McKay has to try to keep Valerie O’Keefe, the idealistic daughter of a powerful politician, alive in the face of threats from an alien menace and a more mundane revolutionary front that is working to free the forced exiles from their servitude to the MultiCorps that run the colonies.

Meanwhile, McKay’s second in command, Shannon Stark, leads the remainder of the special operations unit in a mission to sabotage the invaders’ efforts to loot the resources of Aphrodite. The small group of commandos also attempts to learn more about the true identity of the their enemy, who may not be as alien as they believe.

Together, these two officers fight to survive, to protect the civilians in their charge…and to do their duty.

Spyderco Manix 2 G-10 Review

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I was looking for a high quality knife to carry while at work. I’ve always carried cheap knives that I wouldn’t care if I lost, and I felt that it was time to step it up to something of better quality. After spending hours reading reviews on knives and what is best for every day carry I decided on the Spyderco Manix 2 for $120. I had very high expectations of this knife after doing my research and after receiving it I have to say that I am very impressed.

This knife definitely lives up to its hype as it is very high quality. The G10 grip has an excellent feel, it’s scalpel sharp right out of the box, and the ball bearing lock is smooth and has a solid lock up. My only gripe about this knife is that you can only carry it tip-up.

I have been carrying this knife over a year now and it is as good as the first day I got it. It requires very little maintenance and I touch up the blade every month or so. The only changes I made to the knife was to add a couple of strips of Talon Grip tape to the sides to make it easier to pull it out of my pocket when my hands are slippery.

Overall the Manix 2 is a substantial upgrade over my other knives in terms of build quality, materials, and overall ergonomics. It was well worth the extra money I spent. I’ll be buying more Spyderco’s in the future.

SAS Survival Handbook: Ultimate guide to surviving

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I’ll probably never be trapped behind enemy lives and dependent upon catching small mammals and selecting local edible plants for survival, but its nice to have a nifty, easy-to-carry guide just in case.

John “Lofty” Wiseman’s SAS Survival handbook is an excellent companion for hikers, campers and into-the-wilderness junkies. This book is extremely well written with easy to understand illustrations and excellent organization. There are color plates for easy identification of plants and animals to eat/avoid/use-as-medicine. This book has it all, or at least all I can think of. There are sections on camping, hiking, supplies, compass skills, shelter making, first aid, transport, catching and preparing animals and locating local edible foods, tool making, fishing, hunting, knot tying, general survival in different climates and environments and more.

The best part of this book is by far its terrific approachability. It is written for the layman and is very easy to understand. Either as an outdoor accomplice or a handy at home preparedness guide, this is a book to get and know.