A question on optics..

[MrFeetZ]

Im looking into an optic for a bolt action 6.5 and had a quick question as well as wanted to get an opinion between two of the few that I've narrowed down to

first a questions; I read that, as general rule, for man sized targets, one should plan about 1x power for each 100 yards you plan to shoot. For example, for 500 yards one would want at least 5x.

Therefore, If I am planning on working my way to 1000 yard shots... eventually... after a TON of practice, that scope at 15 to 18X power would be sufficient. If this is correct, would a 25X be overkill? Reason I ask is that Im looking for this scope to have a 50mm objective lens diameter. I guess Im more concerned about optical quality above magnification but want to know if 25X is overkill for 500 to 1000 yards.

Second: what are your thoughts between a Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 and a Vortex Viper PST FFP Gen II 5-25x50? There is about a $600 diffeence between the two and I dont know if first gen razor worth it.

I would like to add that I have a Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24mm on a Tavor and I am really impressed with its optical clarity!.

Other scopes Im considering is the SWFA SS HD 5-20x50

thanks for input!

[OpticsPlanet]

The Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 is an excellent optic for the money

Biggest differences between the Razor HD and Viper PST Gen II 5-25x is the Glass, Max Adjustment, and tube diameter

Razor HD has better glass (APO system) and has almost double the elevation adjustment and more than double the windage adjustment

I would take better glass and adjustment range over additional magnification.

Razor HD is 35mm tube diameter which will be a more expensive mount than 30mm

25x wouldn't be overkill, especially since you don't have to use the scope on the highest power (especially with FFP reticle).

-Matt S.

[JMP]

The SWFA HD 5-20x50 is a really good scope for some purposes; however, I would not use it on a 6.5mm bolt action rifle. 6.5mm bolt action rifles are generally used for high precision shooting. Assuming this applies to your situation, I would find that the reticle is a bit too thick. I'd want a reticle with a very fine crosshair or an open center. Also, 6.5s generally don't kick that hard so you can use all the magnification you can get in it's further ranges as long as the mirage permits it.

[HK Dave]

Get the Razor.

[chromatica]

The exit pupil on a 25 power scope with a 50 mm objective is 50/25 = 2. That is going to make the scope very difficult to use because of unforgiving sight alignment.

[Blade Gunner]

The Vortex Strike Eagle in either 1-6 or 1-8 on a Tavor is a perfect choice. I'm using a the Viper Gen 2 5-25 on 6.5 Creedmore. Another excellent choice. It's not easy, but I've hit at 1,000 yards with it. At distance, with old eyes, too much magnification is never a problem.

[MrFeetZ]

The Vortex Strike Eagle in either 1-6 or 1-8 on a Tavor is a perfect choice. I'm using a the Viper Gen 2 5-25 on 6.5 Creedmore. Another excellent choice. It's not easy, but I've hit at 1,000 yards with it. At distance, with old eyes, too much magnification is never a problem.

Hi there blade gunner. I think I may have confused the subject. I was not proposing to use the Tavor for 500 to 1000 yard target shooting. rather, I was indicating that I already have a 1-6 Razor HDII on the Tavor and was impressed with that glass.

The rifle I'm looking to put a higher magnification scope on will likely be Ruger Precision 6.5CM. I'm hoping to get some practice and proficiency at 500 to 600 and work my way up.

Very new to long range shooting. I should say anything over 300 is long to me but I'm totally excited to try new.

I was hoping to get input on the differences, pros/cons between a Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 and a Vortex Viper PST FFP Gen II 5-25x50. In my research, Im starting to learn that I rally may not need a power magnification that high and I would be just as well served with 16 to 18x

[Blade Gunner]

Both great choices. If you have good vision, you'll be well served by either.


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[ExtremeX]

The exit pupil on a 25 power scope with a 50 mm objective is 50/25 = 2. That is going to make the scope very difficult to use because of unforgiving sight alignment.

True, but you can always dial back the magnification and be where you would have been with that 20 power... that's the benefit of a variable.

Most of my shooting that requires wide FOV or speed is rarely if ever at max magnification.

For that tasks that require higher magnifications (load dev, shoot groups, ranging/measurement, spotting) the extra 5x on the top end is a worthy trade-off with a 50mm objective exit pupil size.

Now the OP just needs to decide if 5x more on the top end is worth more to them vs two scopes that outclass it optically.

Depending on how they actually plan on using the scope might help influence the decision. If you field the rifle I would take better optical performance over the mag, but if it was just a range/bench rifle shooting paper or steel I would take the Gen II PST.

PST Gen II is a great value option, lots of balance, everything good enough.... vs SWFA which is also a value scope, but almost everything went into the optical performance and build quality.

Gen 1 Razor is almost a combination of the two... SWFA optical performance with all the refinements and features you would expect in higher end optic.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Can't speak to the magnification question since I never shoot over 400 yards. The Razor line is assembled by LOW out of Japan with the exception of one model I know of that is assembled in the U.S. Unless something has changed all Vipers are assembled in the Philippines. Nothing wrong with Filipino scopes but LOW(think Nightforce) puts out top of the line scopes. A Razor is a much better scope in all aspects over a Viper IMO.