User's Manual

5 4
reTicle opTionS
The focal plane
All riflescope reticles can be termed either first focal plane (FFP)
or second focal plane (SFP), depending upon their internal location
within the riflescope. Many Viper PSTs are available in both reticle
styles.
First Focal Plane Reticles
First focal plane (FFP) reticles are located near the windage and
elevation turrets in front of the image-erecting and magnifying
lenses. This style of reticle will visually grow and shrink as you
change the magnification. The main advantage of an FFP reticle is
that the reticle subtensions used for ranging, holdovers, and wind
drift corrections are consistent at all magnifications. The reticle is
heavier at higher magnifications and finer at lower magnifications.
Second Focal Plane Reticles
Second focal plane (SFP) reticles are located near the scope’s
eyepiece behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses. This
style of reticle does not visually change in size when you change
the magnification. The advantage of an SFP reticle is that it always
maintains the same appearance.
For PST models using second focal plane reticles the listed reticle
subtensions used for estimating range, holdover, and wind drift
correction are only correct at the highest magnification.
rifleScope adjuSTmenTS
reTicle focuS adjuSTmenT
Vortex Viper PST riflescopes use a fast focus eyepiece designed to
quickly and easily adjust the focus on the riflescope’s reticle.
To adjust the reticle focus:
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.
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.
Warning
Looking directly at the sun through a riflescope, or any optical
instrument, can cause severe and permanent damage to your
eyesight.
Adjust the reticle focus.