Razor HD G2 3-18 reviews?

[Gatordev]

I am in the slow process of getting a R700 5R into shooting shape and obviously one of the main requirements is an optic. While a Hensholdt would solve all my problems, I just can't justify the price, so one of the contenders on my short list is the Razor HD Gen2 3-18. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any in-depth reviews on the Google (other than everyone talking about how heavy it is).

Does anyone have any links to actual reviews (and not press releases) reviews? I'm surprised I'm not finding anything on Optictalk or SH, but maybe I'm just not finding the right search term.

[Jarhead]

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/10/24/best-tactical-scopes-what-the-pros-use/

[707electrician]

Vu wrote up a great review of the 4.5-27 here:http://www.precisionrifleseries.com/...w-vu-pham.html

[Gatordev]

Yeah, thanks. I've read both of those, but both articles are for the 4-27, not the 3-18. I just can't find a good reason to get more than ~16x or so on a 1,000m gun.

I have this sneaky suspicion I may just end up trying to grab a used NF and call it a day, but in the meantime, I'm still researching.

[HK Dave]

Most folks seems to opt for the 4.5-27 because the weight difference between that and the 3-18 is minimal. So unless there's a reason you need 3x, it's nice to have the extra head room of the 27.

[JMP]

Unfortunately, internet reviews are not helpful for picking a scope because what you want is in the look and feel from your own perspective while shooting. But, in my opinion, it's a very good scope for the money. I suspect that they'll prove durable given the weight. Also, if you were seriously considering a Hensoldt, the large one, I personally don't like for a short action. It's value shows at very long ranges. Rather, I'd personally recommend a Schmidt 5-25x56 PMII. If you get it without the horus reticle and tan/orange cerakote, etc., a good P4 fine basic model will run mid-$3k, cheaper than many think because the have so many different and unnecessary options that they now bleed into the $4ks. That will be hard to beat for what you are looking for.

[Gatordev]

Most folks seems to opt for the 4.5-27 because the weight difference between that and the 3-18 is minimal. So unless there's a reason you need 3x, it's nice to have the extra head room of the 27.

The age old question...how much do you really "need?" It's very hard to get out past 1K here unless you know someone with some farmland and I have minimal interest in shooting ragged holes in paper for more than about 10 rounds, so that's why I was leaning more towards the "teens" for mag and not the 20's. I've gone just shy of 1K with my NF and it worked well and have even tried 800 with my MK12 at 10x (mostly just to try it but seeing the splash was impossible).

I just worry about having too much magnification, especially in an environment that is already very hot and flat, and then throwing a can in on top of it...I just worry about paying for something I don't ever use.

Admittedly, I haven't said "no" to the 5-x yet!

Unfortunately, internet reviews are not helpful for picking a scope because what you want is in the look and feel from your own perspective while shooting. But, in my opinion, it's a very good scope for the money. I suspect that they'll prove durable given the weight. Also, if you were seriously considering a Hensoldt, the large one, I personally don't like for a short action. It's value shows at very long ranges. Rather, I'd personally recommend a Schmidt 5-25x56 PMII. If you get it without the horus reticle and tan/orange cerakote, etc., a good P4 fine basic model will run mid-$3k, cheaper than many think because the have so many different and unnecessary options that they now bleed into the $4ks. That will be hard to beat for what you are looking for.

Thanks for your thoughts on the Gen 2. I was eyeing the Hensholdt (4-16x or whatever it is) for the reasons above, but I just can't bring myself to spend more than $2K right now. I only see the gun getting used once every month or two in the rotation and not every weekend, so I have to draw a/the line somewhere.

I guess there's always the Gen 1 5-20, as well, but not sure how that clarity compares to the Gen 2. I know the turrets are significantly different (something like 5 or 6 mil/rev compared to 10?). I've looked through one briefly and it was nice, but I can't compare it to the Gen 2, personally.

[707electrician]

From what I've read, the gen II blows the gen I out of the water

[JMP]

I own neither, but I have used both. The Gen 1 is a fantastic buy at its close out price of $1350. The Gen 2 is a good buy at $2,500. If you are shooting 308 (R700 5r), the Gen 1 would give you anything you'd ever really need.

[HK Dave]

The age old question...how much do you really "need?" It's very hard to get out past 1K here unless you know someone with some farmland and I have minimal interest in shooting ragged holes in paper for more than about 10 rounds, so that's why I was leaning more towards the "teens" for mag and not the 20's. I've gone just shy of 1K with my NF and it worked well and have even tried 800 with my MK12 at 10x (mostly just to try it but seeing the splash was impossible).

I just worry about having too much magnification, especially in an environment that is already very hot and flat, and then throwing a can in on top of it...I just worry about paying for something I don't ever use.

Admittedly, I haven't said "no" to the 5-x yet!

I guess there's always the Gen 1 5-20, as well, but not sure how that clarity compares to the Gen 2. I know the turrets are significantly different (something like 5 or 6 mil/rev compared to 10?). I've looked through one briefly and it was nice, but I can't compare it to the Gen 2, personally.

I agree with you in terms of mirage being a hinderance, but if you have heavy mirage, neither the 18x nor the 27x are going to do you any favors anyhow, and both can be backed down to a point that is more usable... the only difference being that the 18x can be dropped to 3x. I don't think in any realistic situation outside of hunting, that 3x would be superior to 4.5x.

But then again, it could just be that i don't shoot a discipline that would use 3x and I'm ignorant.

I own the 4.5-27x Gen II and did own the 5-20 Gen I, and the glass difference is significant between the two. But honestly, I never found myself missing a shot because of the 5-20... generally the reason for missing a shot was me... and not the glass. I think there is nothing wrong with the 5-20 Gen I glass and that it would serve you well. And like JMP said, at $1350, it's a no brainer... it's an amazing scope at $1350. If I were in a market for a 5-20, I'd have no qualms with picking one up.

Having said all that, I'd bet the 3-18x is a great scope as well... the only downside being the weight. If it was for a hunting rifle, I'd say heck no... but for something you'll be shooting off a bench or won't be carrying around too much, I think it's a great choice.

[Gatordev]

I own neither, but I have used both. The Gen 1 is a fantastic buy at its close out price of $1350. The Gen 2 is a good buy at $2,500. If you are shooting 308 (R700 5r), the Gen 1 would give you anything you'd ever really need.

One additional piece of the puzzle is I'd be able to get a Vortex with their .mil pricing, so that helps with the Gen 2 prices significantly. That said, for a ~$1400 street price for the Gen 1, yeah, it's an amazing deal.

Life can be so hard when you have choices. First World problems.

But then again, it could just be that i don't shoot a discipline that would use 3x and I'm ignorant.

Very true. When I've done barricade work close in (200-300), I've definitely cranked it down, but I'm not sure 3x vs 4x would be too much of a hindrance for this type of rifle.

Having said all that, I'd bet the 3-18x is a great scope as well... the only downside being the weight. If it was for a hunting rifle, I'd say heck no... but for something you'll be shooting off a bench or won't be carrying around too much, I think it's a great choice.

Yeah I hear you on both sides. Decisions, decisions...

Thanks for the additional thoughts, gents.

[Gatordev]

So, HK Dave...I'm eagerly looking forward to your thoughts after shooting your ATACR F1. I've been following the thread over on Sniper's Hide and hope to hear more.

[HK Dave]

I actually spent half a day comparing them and the other half writing up the comparison, then the program crashed without me saving. :P

I'll try to write it up again now that I'm no longer peeved.

[1recluse]

Where are you finding these Gen1's for $1350? I cant find them for that!

[TacticalSpork]

Where are you finding these Gen1's for $1350? I cant find them for that!

They were here, but I think they sold out.

http://www.scopelist.com/vortex-razor-hd5-20x50-rifle-scopeebr-3mrad-rzr553-new.aspx

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