Vortex Razor HD vs US Optics

[ExtremeX]

[vintagearms]

The USO has better glass but its a lot heavier. If your looking for purey optical purity I'd be looking at Premier, S&B, or on a lower end SWFA.

[ExtremeX]

I already have the SWFA 5-20 HD and a couple Vortex Viper PSTs... While they are great scopes, they are still mid-range in terms of optical performance, but still better than most. I do see the SWFA edge out over the Viper PST especially when I get into lower light.

I still find the optical clarity in my ACOG to be the best I own... I would love to get a long range scope with that grade of glass.

Thanks for your input, ill check out Premier and S&B and see how they stack up overall.

[DirtyDave]

USO is in Brea. Call them and see if you can stop by there and take a look. They have a payment plan if money is tight as well. You can pay 50% when you place the order and the balance when it is done being built.

[HK Dave]

Hmm I don't think I'd put SWFA in the same league as a Vortex Viper PST...

I think the SWFA 5-20 HD is comparable to the Vortex Razor 5-20 HD in terms of color fidelity and resolution.

If you're looking for pure optical quality the first question you ask yourself is, "Do I need this much resolution for what I'm shooting and the distances I shoot at?" If the answer is yes, you should look at a used Premier or something of the sort for the price of a new Razor. If the answer is no, I bet your SWFA can do nearly anything the Razor or USO can do.

I went Nightforce F1 and I'm quite happy with it, but it doesn't trounce my SWFA 5-20. I'm pretty certain they upped the glass quality in the newer F1 models.

If you want the optical clarity of an ACOG at distance... you're going to have to go S&B or Premier.

[9-12]

Hmm I don't think I'd put SWFA in the same league as a Vortex Viper PST...

I think the SWFA 5-20 HD is comparable to the Vortex Razor 5-20 HD in terms of color fidelity and resolution.

If you're looking for pure optical quality the first question you ask yourself is, "Do I need this much resolution for what I'm shooting and the distances I shoot at?" If the answer is yes, you should look at a used Premier or something of the sort for the price of a new Razor. If the answer is no, I bet your SWFA can do nearly anything the Razor or USO can do.

I went Nightforce F1 and I'm quite happy with it, but it doesn't trounce my SWFA 5-20. I'm pretty certain they upped the glass quality in the newer F1 models.

If you want the optical clarity of an ACOG at distance... you're going to have to go S&B or Premier.

Don't overlook the IOR line of tactical scopes either.
Super clear glass, great knobs, MP8 reticle, 35mm tube. They used to be "fragile" (if you could call it that) but they've fixed that and their customer service is tops.

[HK Dave]

Have 0 experience with IOR. Curious to try one though.

I've been contemplating a used Premier... but given the companies current dilemma... it makes me nervous.

[Short Action Precision]

Vortex Razor is great glass but I would give US Optics the lead in glass quality. Is it worth the extra price? That's to each his own. If you dont mind paying for it then go for it. US Optics makes a great product and they are not only US made but they are made in So-Cal. S&B will give you the best glass out there. If you build a USO and see that its close to or just over 3k I would start looking at S&B. And SWFA is no where even close to the S&B or Premier. I would put it in line with the Bushnell HDMR.

Edit: I would avoid Premier for now until they get a little more solid footing again. Great glass but could be a $2500+ paper weight

[HK Dave]

I hear stories that Premier was bought by some major Canadian company? You hear anything about that SAP?

I've been on the fence about buying a Premier because of that very reason. The lack of future repairs worries me.

[ExtremeX]

Thanks for all the insight guys! That helps a lot.

I have been a long time Vortex fan, I’ve moved up from their Diamondback to the PST line, but never tried the Razor. Their service and support have been some of the best I’ve experienced in the industry, although I haven’t really had any problems with any of their products. I would have gone back to them for the Razor but I want to keep my options open.

SWFA is still a new brand to me, but I very much like the glass on the 5-20x, and hopefully the 1-6x is just as good or better when it comes in. My only fear with the higher end brands is not being able to really see a difference. I prefer the turrets, fit and finish of the Vortex, but the glass on the SWFA is better.

I called USO and they said they could accommodate me with a factory tour and show me some of their products… Sounds like a dangerous game to play… as I would probably get overly excited and end up buying someone on the spot… Either way, I’m going to take them up on that when I have time.

I just need an opportunity to check out some S&B optics, if that glass is really that good I am going to have to be patient and track down someone local who has one, and maybe entice them with lunch or range trip with their fees paid.

How is S&B in the durability department? USO scopes seem like the ACOG of the scope world, they look very stout, but it’s probably overbuilt for my needs… I am not really fielding the scope.

[HK Dave]

It's funny you mention the turrets on the SWFA. I've also owned a Viper PST FFP 6-24... I really liked the feel of the turrets. The SWFA 5-20 is almost as nice but I understand with the adjustments being so close together, it's tough to make it feel perfect. They're not perfection but good enough in my book at that price range.

Oddly, I dislike the feel of the turrets on the 1-4 and the 3-9. They're both mushy.

BTW the Nightforce F1 turrets are BEAUTIFUL.

If you're looking for a good price on one, PM me, I'll give you a contact that will "hook you up".

As for the Razor, there are quite a few outfits out there that will give you a good price on one.... when they have them in stock that is.

[ExtremeX]

That’s weird... the turrets on my Viper PST 4-16 FFP and 1-4x feel identical. I only bought then a few months ago... I did read some of the earlier models had that "mushy" feel, but these are solid tactile clicks with no mush.

I’ll have to re-visit the Nightforce scopes when I have time... last few I tried out showed more chromatic aberration that I would have liked to see at that price point... kind of a pet peeve of mine being a photographer…

Either way, I’m in no rush to buy, I just want to go some solid research in the upper price bracket so I know what to expect.

[HK Dave]

By 1-4 and 3-9 i was referring to the SWFA scopes. Your 1-4x a Vortex?

[HK Dave]

By 1-4 and 3-9 i was referring to the SWFA scopes. Your 1-4x a Vortex?

[ExtremeX]

HK Dave, correct, I was referring to my Vortex 1-4x.

I have high hopes for the SWFA 1-6x on pre-order... Hopefully the turrets on that scope are up to snuff...