Help me pick an optic!

[BDR529]

I know, this happens all the time, but I have a few unique criteria so bear with me. First, it's going to be mounted on a 6.5 Ruger Precision Rifle. I have never done long range shooting but I think it will be fun to start working on that skill.
Now, I'm looking between Vortex and Leupold due to some discounts I have available to me. The 4 I am looking at are:

Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm
Leupold Mark IV ER/T 6.5-20x50mm
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50mm

All of the optics I'm looking at have MILRAD reticles and are available with MILRAD turret adjustments, there are also all FFP. My pricing on these ranges from 700-1200. If there are better options out there in the same price range I'm open to suggestions, but I think the discounts are a good bargain for what I'm looking at. Any opinions on glass quality between those mentioned. I was almost completely set on the Leupold, but heard that with them you are mainly paying for the name, and I've heard great things about Vortex. Do any of the Vortex options compare to quality when it comes to the Leupold? Thanks for any input!

[Dooder]

I was just in the same situation looking for a scope. I was shopping for as close to $1k as possible with the best features. I had it down to two choices PST Gen 2 5-25x or the Burris XTRII 5-25x. I went with the XTRII 5-25x non illuminated because of the zero stop design, 34mm tube, same no questions warranty, the reviews say its better optically compared to the PST and ultimately I got the better deal on it. It delivers at the end of the week and hopefully if its like the other Burris's I've had, it won't disappoint.

But it's got what you're looking for, milrad, ffp, side focus, and all that with a price in competition with the PST Gen2. Hope you find what you want, let us know what you get!

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

[vintagearms]

Of all your choices I would go with Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm due to company reputation, warranty, reticle choices, tracking accuracy, and glass clarity.

[etwinam]

I was in the same scenario as yourself not too long ago for grendel build. I ended up with a PST 6-24x50mm ffp milrad. It's an awesome scope. I love the illuminated reticle for dark targets, you don't see the illumination unless the target is black. It has a zero stop and parallax adjustment, all around an amazing scope. I bought it because midway had for $699 out the door shipped and I couldn't pass up a deal that great. I would check their website and wait for another sale to pop up. Good luck.

[Whatisthis?]

The Vortex Razor beats the PST Gen 1 hands down. Considering the PST Gen 2 is still from Philippines (correct me if I'm wrong), the Razor has that beat hands down as well and I don't even need to look through it. So I would say it comes down to the Razor or the Leupold, if you are only considering those 4 options. Personally, I'll choose Vortex over Leupold any day of the week. When looking at these, you should consider glass clarity, tracking accuracy, reticle choices, weight, etc. And with all that, I'd choose the Razor.

[Kwikvette]

Just looked at your list with complete disregard to everything else; Razor.

[ExtremeX]

I've own 2 of those 4 scopes... Gen 1 PST and Razor.
No experience with the Leupold
Haven't seen the PST Gen II, yet, and those that think its going to match or out class a Gen 1 Razor I think would be overly optimistic... big shoes to fill.

So out of those 4, Razor also gets my vote.

So where are you finding a Gen 1 Razor for $1200? Used?

I would consider buying a Gen 1 PST or a Gen 2 PST if the price was right... and you just wanted to save some coin. Still good scopes, good deals to be had.

[BDR529]

Aside from the fact that I'm focused on getting a good deal through my distributor discounts (I work in the industry) price isn't too big of an issue. I was looking to stay around the $1000 mark, but had some wiggle room. I can get the Razor HD for $1200 and the Leupold Mark 4 for $988. I was honestly surprised there were no recommendations for the Leupold. I know they're not the staple in the industry they used to be, but for the price I figured it may have been the deal too good to pass up. Is the Razor HD worth the extra $200?

[vintagearms]

Aside from the fact that I'm focused on getting a good deal through my distributor discounts (I work in the industry) price isn't too big of an issue. I was looking to stay around the $1000 mark, but had some wiggle room. I can get the Razor HD for $1200 and the Leupold Mark 4 for $988. I was honestly surprised there were no recommendations for the Leupold. I know they're not the staple in the industry they used to be, but for the price I figured it may have been the deal too good to pass up. Is the Razor HD worth the extra $200?

Yes. On reticles alone.

[BDR529]

Sounds good. I was initially leaning towards Vortex for their initial values alone, the discount didn't hurt. Someone else mentioned glass quality, and that was one of my primary concerns as I had no idea how to judge that via my internet search capabilities. It may be a couple of hundred dollars more, but the overwhelming support for the Razor has swayed me. Thank you for all of the information!

[big blaze]

The glass clarity will most likely be better with the Leupold Mark 4. However if an illuminated reticle and zero stop is a feature you need or want go with the Vortex Razor. I have found that most Japanese made scopes like the Razor are pretty damn good.

[ExtremeX]

Even I am curious about the Mark 4 glass, but since I never get any access to special pricing for their scopes, they always look super expensive so I don't even go out of my way to consider them.

For what the retail Joe has to pay... there are much better options to consider and I just stick to those.

Here is a though OP... why not buy a Mark 4 and a Gen 1 Razor and run both for a little while... keep the one you like and sell the other.

With the prices you are talking about I don't think you will be loosing any real money.