Review - Vortex Razor HD gen II 4.5-27x56

Tomochan

Tomochan

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I just finished a pretty long review ( 3000+ words and lots of pics ) of this excellent scope from Vortex. The take-away message is that I am very impressed - this scope went toe to toe with my S+B Pmii 5-25x56 and gave up very little. A high end piece of kit that has to make a short-list for anyone looking to buy a tactical FFP optic.

If you like a longish read here is the link: https://rifletalk.org/2016/08/26/review-vortex-razor-hd-ii-4-5-27x56/

Cheers,

Bob
 
Nice review, this was one of the choices I was debating when I bought my ATACR F1 as I prefer FFP, but lost out due to getting the NF off the EE at a price that was just way too good to pass with it being like new with the rings I needed, too bad you wouldn't have had one to compare to the Razor 2, would have been nice to see your take on them side by side.
 
MrSharp said:
Nice review, this was one of the choices I was debating when I bought my ATACR F1 as I prefer FFP, but lost out due to getting the NF off the EE at a price that was just way too good to pass with it being like new with the rings I needed, too bad you wouldn't have had one to compare to the Razor 2, would have been nice to see your take on them side by side.
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Yeah - I feel that dragging the NF NXS out to play wasn't really doing Nightforce justice as they make scopes, such as your ATACR, that would better directly compete but while I perhaps could have gotten hold of a loaner I decided to just stick with what I own and get the review out.
 
Great Review!

The Gen II Razor really is a different animal than the PST. Not even comparable. If I were to buy a scope tomorrow, it would be a Gen II Razor.
 
I like the Razor but wish they would change the color to universal black or even desert tan...otherwise a great optic not even to be compared with the PST. Phil.
 
Great review! I really like my Razor HD II 4.5-27x56 for all of the reasons that you mentioned. The weight is the only down-side of the HD glass, a 56mm objective and rugged internals. I'm glad to see another well-regarded precision shooter put paid to the negative comments provided in that one dissenting review. That review had me a touch nervous, but like you I figured that half of the top PRS shooters in the USA couldn't/wouldn't be wrong in selecting the Razor HD II...

I really like the Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS 4.5-30x50mm as well, and believe that it is the current quality-for-dollar winner. The DMR is a great scope for those on more of a budget, although I prefer the zero-stop and 10mil turret revolutions of the ERS/XRS (all three use the same glass). Perhaps you would consider doing a review of one of those scopes for those who can't quite afford the Razor $$.

I also have the Razor HD II 1-6x24 on a Christensen Arms CA-10 and it is near-perfect pairing for close to moderate engagements. The Razor glass is simply excellent on that scope.

Cheers,
 
Good, easy to relate to, real world review. I didn't see the review as too long, it takes as many words as it takes.

Thank you for your time, deep pockets and review/opinions. Lol
 
Cost/value comparison to your S&B PMII scope???

Price difference between this scope and a Schmidt&Bender 5-25x PMII? It seems to be in the $500 range. You own both, I would be interested in your thoughts on value?cost cost comparison. Thanks!
 
big bear said:
Price difference between this scope and a Schmidt&Bender 5-25x PMII? It seems to be in the $500 range. You own both, I would be interested in your thoughts on value?cost cost comparison. Thanks!
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Hi Big Bear :- While it is possible to get the occasional smoking deal I think you are right and the approx difference is about $500 model to model.

A prospective purchaser has to assign a value to a few things which will vary from person to person but likely will include: proven long-term reliability (S+B), warranty if things go wrong (Vortex), reticle choices (Vortex), turrets function and ergonomics (Vortex) innovations like zero stop and locking turrets (Vortex) and glass clarity/quality (S+B). Some others may consider weight to be a factor (S+B) while, again, other people may consider looks (S+B), brand prestige/resale value (S+B) or current popularity (Vortex) to be important issues [FWIW, my thoughts are in brackets ( ) after each one of these things]

Of course each person will have different needs but while I am a big S+B fan and have yet to find better glass (including in the TT) if would, if offered the choice of either scope tomorrow, be very hard pressed to take a S+B over this Vortex.
 
old guy question

Thanks for your thoughtful, thorough reply.

I hate it when expensive stuff breaks or wears out.So your point #1 is a big factor to me. S&B has been around a long time. Vortex has not. Vortex makes some inexpensive stuff, S&B, Kahles, Hensoldt , Tangent Theta don't. This is not a Vortex put down comment, this is a "I only have so much money for exotic toys comment".If I could convince myself I can get Euro quality scope(optical quality, mechanical precision/reliability) at a cheaper price with bombproof warranty I could comfortably jump on this scope (figuratively of course). Your review budged me in that direction, but not yet over the cliff. The popularity with the American competitive shooters puts me off more than moves me. Used to shoot IPSC in the dark ages and watched all the fads come along with the greatest 'New thing" coming out every few months. So what the gamers like does not sway me much. Does Vortex have any contracts with any Military or large law enforcement agencies?If not, why do you think.

Not interested in "put downs" of any brand, just seeking more facts.

I've been reading the Vortex stuff on here for a year or so, so I am aware this is a somewhat "emotional" issue but I still like to hear reasoned opinions like your thoughtful review.
 
Big Bear - I hear you re Euro Quality at a better price. I guess long term reliability is always an issue and while all mechanical things can fail one can look at how long a business has been around and the kind of 'failure rates' reported ( an inexact science to be sure ) to try and make some assessments.

I do hear you re 'what the Pro's use' especially as some are sponsored etc. but for some reason ( perhaps because I compete myself with rifle whereas I have never played the IPSC game) I pay a bit more attention to those chaps on the PRS circuit as I really can't see someone using sub-standard gear even if it was free; but, of course, this is just my opinion.

I also take with a hefty pinch of salt whether or not there are LEO or Mil contracts - and maybe this says more about my cynicism than anything else - because after over 33 years in various types of Law Enforcement both in Canada and overseas I've seen, and being issued, some crap I would have never bought and I realise the contract procurement game doesn't really mean that the best kit gets to the boys and girls in blue (or khaki). Having said that, I've no idea if Vortex has such contracts or not - maybe others 'in the know' can chime in.

GGGOO (above) makes an interesting point - the famed (and excellent) TT is fairly new and while they look after the old Premier Scopes I don't know if they are a corporate re-incarnation of that (now defunct) entity or what.

All I really do know is that I used to think quite little of Vortex other than, perhaps, the PST series but now I am prepared to say that - at least with respect to this model - they can and do make a Top Tier product.

Cheers,

Bob
 
Well, I'll stay tuned. By the time I save up enough to buy one, the dust will have hopefully settled. Sure wish the Vortex had a wee dot in the center. I guess i'll have to wait till I can actually look through one.

Thanks for your time and info!

cheers!
 
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big bear said:
Sure wish the Vortex had a wee dot in the center. I guess i'll have to wait till I can actually look through one.
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I thought the same thing until I experienced the "open" cross-hair of the Razor HD II. It actually works very well in terms of allowing perfect alignment without obscuring the point of aim. Add the illumination (when needed) and we have a real winner of a reticle in my opinion. Definitely try it to see for yourself. I was 100% sold after my first range trip!
 
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