Razor HD

[Jarhead]

For the same money is there better glass available?

Going on heavy barrel long rifle, .308

[brando]

It depends on what you're after. If you're literally talking glass quality, IOR uses Schott glass which is arguably better quality, however I don't consider the overall scope quality on the same level. Vortex has made some big improvements over the past couple of years, providing features that most tactical shooters want, all while keeping the costs down a bit. There are cheap scopes (Burris, Bushnell, etc) and then there are economical scopes - Vortex definitely falls into the latter category. I'd generally avoid their PST line, but you can tell they pull out all the stops on their HD line, which I think makes them the best overall value. They have a lot in common with Nightforce, especially with manufacturing being done in Philippines, Japan and China but I think Vortex is doing a better job of giving shooters what they want. The only area I think NF has an edge over them is durability, but that is quickly changing.

[Jarhead]

It depends on what you're after. If you're literally talking glass quality, IOR uses Schott glass which is arguably better quality, however I don't consider the overall scope quality on the same level. Vortex has made some big improvements over the past couple of years, providing features that most tactical shooters want, all while keeping the costs down a bit. There are cheap scopes (Burris, Bushnell, etc) and then there are economical scopes - Vortex definitely falls into the latter category. I'd generally avoid their PST line, but you can tell they pull out all the stops on their HD line, which I think makes them the best overall value. They have a lot in common with Nightforce, especially with manufacturing being done in Philippines, Japan and China but I think Vortex is doing a better job of giving shooters what they want. The only area I think NF has an edge over them is durability, but that is quickly changing.

Thanks, being used for precision shooting along side Bushnell HDMR's and NF

[SmellOfCordite]

Honestly, with the price of the new Razor HD 2's, you could get a Nightforce Atacr F1 for pretty close to the same price. I think the Nightforce beast is in the same category as the Vortex Razor HD 2, but since they changed the price I think the Vortex might have it. There are reports of the Vortex being extremely good, even on 338's. I wouldn't hesitate to go Vortex at the higher end.

[HK Dave]

If you are referring to the Razor 5-20 HD on blowout pricing under $1400, no there is nothing currently that comes close for a heavy barrel 308.

[Jarhead]

If you are referring to the Razor 5-20 HD on blowout pricing under $1400, no there is nothing currently that comes close for a heavy barrel 308.

This is the one I'm looking at the Razor 5-20 HD, the Gen II are still getting a premium.

[HK Dave]

If those are the features you are looking for in a scope... namely a larger, long range tactical style scope with matching turrets and reticle... you can not currently find a better scope for under $1400.

The SWFA 5-20 will match it in optical clarity, but I think the Razors controls are superior... by that I mean the zero stop, the parallax turret, illumination etc etc. Vortex warranty is phenomenal.

You have to keep in mind, the Razor is a $2000 optic that is being phased out, hence the amazingly low price.

[OpticsPlanet]

At that price I would go with Nightforce.

Tim G.

[J-cat]

What one person finds "amazing" and "superb" largely depends on his overall experience. To someone who is used to cheap scopes, a Gen1 Razor may be superb. To another who is used to S&B, a Gen1 Razor is a POS. You should thoroughly research this scope before wasting your money. Google this scope and tracking and repairs. Yeah, the warranty is great. So is NF's.

If you want a mechanically sound scope, the entry level starts with NF NSX, followed by the Gen2 Razor, NF F1, S&B, etc.

[HK Dave]

To each his own I suppose. I am used to S&B, Premier, Kahles, etc and while i did feel my Razor I was a step down, I certainly didn't feel it was a POS and found it very serviceable.

Given the responses we've received from the op, I'm inclined to think he will be very happy with a Gen I Razor.

[Jarhead]

To each his own I suppose. I am used to S&B, Premier, Kahles, etc and while i did feel my Razor I was a step down, I certainly didn't feel it was a POS and found it very serviceable.

Given the responses we've received from the op, I'm inclined to think he will be very happy with a Gen I Razor.

I have a NF F1 3.5X15 on my M40A1, and just bought my first Chasis AICS 1.5 which this Razor will go on. Thanks for the help, all the reviews look promising.
I guess John Wayne wouldn't like my Redfield 3X9 Accurange on my M40