Rifle Scopes Bushnell XRS 4.5-30 vs. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27

[drsslr]

I apologize if someone has already done a thread similar to this, I'm new to SH and am just looking to see if anyone who as actually had their hands on both rifle scopes has a done a comparison? I have an SI Defense AR-10, but would eventually like to add either a GAP Crusader or DTA SRS A-1 to the collection and these two scopes are ones that I seem to keep coming back to. I like that both have a mil/mil/ffp and "Christmas Tree" style reticles available with the G2DMR and EBR respectively. As the Vortex has yet to be released (to my knowledge) I have only been able to get my hands on the Bushnell. Optics seemed very good and I know they offer a customer satisfaction guarantee. While I've heard nothing but good things about Vortex as well, I just don't think I'm ready to jump up to the $$$ level of a Tangent Theta, or U.S. Optic, etc. Greg at Primal Rights has been absolutely great at answering questions that I have had thus far and I value his opinion greatly, but like anything else I like to try to do my research before making any purchase.

I'm sure I'll get asked about what application will be on the rifle(s). Mostly, will be paper punching and hits on steel targets, but will get used for deer hunting as well. While I'm not doing any "long distance" shooting yet as I'm am just getting started over the last year or so, I am finding that this is something that I am developing a real love for and really enjoy the hell out of it, as it is a great stress relief from "pushing tin" all day. I know the magnification range is obviously more than what I need at this time, but I'm trying to think for later down the road as I shoot more and more and increase the distance at which I'm able to put rounds on targets.

Seems like these two scopes are pretty comparable in Price, Quality, and Magnification range. So if some shooters with experience in either scope could lend an opinion it would be greatly appreciated. Also, weight is not an issue as I've seen many posts about the Vortex's heftiness.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bloodsport06]

i have the same question. i found the bushnell xrs 4.5-30x50 online for about 1550 after promo code. quite a bit cheaper then the razor but i have a feeling the razor is going to be hard to beat even at the higher price. i had a razor 5-20x50 for a short while, sold that to a buddy, planned on buying the new gen II razor but the bushy has my eye. i asked on another thread and the vortex was recommended over the xrs, he had both scopes. still in the air for me tho, wish i could find them in person!

 

[TravelingMan]

Without me getting real technical in my decision, if I was making a choice in the $2,000 range, it would be Nightforce, or Vortex... I don't know about the new Vortex, but the old 20x Razor doesn't have as good of glass as Nightforce.. With the new 27x model out there, it's interesting where it may fall when compared to the $3,200 scopes... Me personally, I wouldn't purchase the Bushnell, unless I needed a new, good ffp scope, at a "cheap price.." Also, before you make your decision, look at the high end models, used and demo's, at Third Generation Shooting Supply..........

 

[thenotoriousmo]

After lurking and learning as much as i can here from here for the past few years, its time for my first post. I was just in the same situation as you trying to decide on these exact 2 scopes. The only reason I went with the Bushnell was strictly due to price and amazing timing. I bought mine at the right time and got it with a set of nice rings for more than a grand less than what i see the vortex going for. It also seems like they are popping up used around the 1400 mark more often (1300ish if you deduct the rings). And with a little negotiating and right timing can be had for a hundred or two less. There will be people who will say that the difference between the two justify the extra expense. But for me and my abilities, they are not. You may feel the other way.

 

[WolfCobra]

The XRS I bought had a very nice zoom range, but the glass just didn't seem to have quite the clarity that I expected judging from the reputation of their 3.5-21 series (a fact supported by the recent precisionrifleblog.com testing). I ended up offloading it and ordering the new Gen II 4.5-27x56, which should be getting here before too long. I have the Gen II 1-6, and its glass was quite a bit better to my eyes than the XRS, and it sounds like the 4.5-27 improves even more on the 1-6's design. I'd say go for the better glass of the Vortex, instead of the slightly higher top end of the Bushnell.

 

[BLDTYLRY]

I have an XRS and I would definitely give the Razor GenII a serious look. The Razor takes the good features of the XRS like locking turrets, durability, and compactness (short for a high magnification scope) and improves on it with better glass and illumination.

 

[drsslr]

Thanks guys for all the feedback! I find myself leaning towards the Vortex more and more. It's hard when there's a Bushnell Outlet store here locally in KC that I can drive to and get my hands on the scope in person, but people seem to really be singing some high praises for the overall quality and great customer service of the vortex. Looks like I will be saving a little more money in the meantime. Of Course if the itch gets too bad I could easily fall off the truck and be running in town for the bushy.

I've done a lot of looking online, YouTube, etc. etc. for a side by side video comparison for the Bushnell ERS 3.5-21 vs. Vortex Gen II 3-18 and likewise with the Bushnell XRS 4.5-30 vs. Vortex Gen II 4.5-27(seems like great subject matter there). I'm assuming it's still a little early in the game as a small few are only just recently getting their Gen II's, but if anyone stumbles upon a video like that it would be awesome if you could post it here on the thread.

Thanks again guys!

 

[South tx]

I have to comment.
I always, and do mean always, get a kick out of the civilian elitist.
Facts are, very few, if not any, of your rifles will EVER be used to shoot anything but recreational targets. Competition is another story. But how many, if any, actually make their living with the rifle?
Fact is, in present day, unlike 30 years ago, regardless of the make, most mid range $1000 riflescopes will perform flawlessly, long after we have grown bored with them, or opt to switch cause someone won a match with a Schmidt.

 

[jdboy]

With the market the way it is today you're basically comparing a $1500 (XRS) scope to a $2500 (Razor II) scope. I'm sure that extra $1K will get you a little more in performance optically and will get you illumination. That said though, the Bushnell's have proven themselves to be mechanically solid in every way. If illumination isn't a factor don't over look the XRS for the money they're going for at the moment.

 

[drsslr]

I have to comment.
I always, and do mean always, get a kick out of the civilian elitist.
Facts are, very few, if not any, of your rifles will EVER be used to shoot anything but recreational targets. Competition is another story. But how many, if any, actually make their living with the rifle?
Fact is, in present day, unlike 30 years ago, regardless of the make, most mid range $1000 riflescopes will perform flawlessly, long after we have grown bored with them, or opt to switch cause someone won a match with a Schmidt.

Make no mistake, I by no means claim to be an elite shooter of any kind. Quite the opposite. I have spent most my life hunting with shotguns and a year ago I went shooting with a family member who owns a .308 and simply caught the bug. Do I need 4.5-27 to shoot paper at 100-300 yards, absolutely not. The only reason I moved up to the larger magnification range is because the price difference to upgrade from the 3-18 to 4.5-27 is only about $200, which in the grand scheme of things isn't much at this price point, also, I'm not looking at what use I need right now, but what I would need in the future, hence the 3-18 as mentioned before. That being the case, unless you plan to buy multiple scopes (which I don't) it makes more to me to just wait a little longer, save a little more money, and get more "bang for the buck". That being said...

Not sure what you meant by "civilian elitist", but I would assume its a derogatory slam judging by the tone. You're right about one thing, I don't make my money by shooting in competitions. I'm an Air Traffic Controller. A job widely regarded as one of the most stressful in the country. I like to relieve that stress by playing golf and shooting guns. A luxury (yes, i do consider these luxuries) I work very hard for. And as someone who was diagnosed with cancer last fall (now in remission for 4 months) they are not luxuries that I take for granted anymore, along many of the other things that God has blessed me with in my life.

As stated above my skill level is far below the equipment mentioned in this feed, but as with anything else in my life, I believe that when buying equipment, tools, etc. if you pay a little more for a higher quality and then take care of it, then you won't have to buy another to replace it. If this makes me some sort of "elitist" in your eye, then that's fine, I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over a stranger's ill opinion of me when they know nothing about me. But you won't see me thumbing my nose at anyone on here or looking down on someone simply because they aren't spending 1K+ on a rifle scope. If this is the case with you specifically, then shoot what makes you happy and serves your purpose.

In the short time I've been posting on SH (until now at least) I've been met with nothing but helpful comments and suggestions about the subject matter in which I've inquired and given nothing in return but gratitude to those who were willing to share their knowledge and experience with someone who has just started shooting and has really fallen in love with the sport. As your comment above offers nothing of the sort, hopefully you'll understand why I won't be expressing any thanks or gratitude to your condescending remarks as stated above. If you have nothing of usefulness to add to the topic at hand there is always the option to not respond. Feel free to embrace that in the future.

 

[drsslr]

With the market the way it is today you're basically comparing a $1500 (XRS) scope to a $2500 (Razor II) scope. I'm sure that extra $1K will get you a little more in performance optically and will get you illumination. That said though, the Bushnell's have proven themselves to be mechanically solid in every way. If illumination isn't a factor don't over look the XRS for the money they're going for at the moment.

I definitely haven't overlooked the XRS by any means, and my checking prices seemed like they were a little closer than that, but then again maybe I just haven't found a good deal. Where have you seen the XRS with a G2DMR reticle in the $1500 range? Most I've seen are around $2100. I've seen cheaper for Mil-Dot, but not in the G2DMR. If you have a website I could check pricing on that would be greatly appreciated! Also, I've just heard nothing but good things about Vortex customer service which was really edging me more in that direction, but if I could get an XRS in the $1500 arena like you mentioned, that certainly changes things quite a bit. Thanks for the input and if there is a supplier I should check, I'm all ears, I've heard lots of people mention Liberty Optics on here, but I haven't gotten on their site yet to see what all they have available.

 

[jdboy]

Congratulations on your remission, hope it stays that way for a very long time!!

 

[jdboy]

I definitely haven't overlooked the XRS by any means, and my checking prices seemed like they were a little closer than that, but then again maybe I just haven't found a good deal. Where have you seen the XRS with a G2DMR reticle in the $1500 range? Most I've seen are around $2100. I've seen cheaper for Mil-Dot, but not in the G2DMR. If you have a website I could check pricing on that would be greatly appreciated! Also, I've just heard nothing but good things about Vortex customer service which was really edging me more in that direction, but if I could get an XRS in the $1500 arena like you mentioned, that certainly changes things quite a bit. Thanks for the input and if there is a supplier I should check, I'm all ears, I've heard lots of people mention Liberty Optics on here, but I haven't gotten on their site yet to see what all they have available.

I purchased my XRS from Liberty optics and to be honest it was like $1600 when all was said and done to my door. If it's still the same you have to add the optic to your cart to see the actual price.

Edit: I decided to go with the Bushnell because of it's proven mechanical track record and the "BulletProof" warranty program. I knew if anything happened or I had buyers remorse that Bushnell would purchase the optic back from me for the original purchase price within the first year. I live on a very strict budget and this purchase was a once in a blue moon deal for me so I wanted to give myself all the advantage of being happing as I could.

 

[drsslr]

I purchased my XRS from Liberty optics and to be honest it was like $1600 when all was said and done to my door. If it's still the same you have to add the optic to your cart to see the actual price.

Awesome! I'll definitely give them a look. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[drsslr]

I purchased my XRS from Liberty optics and to be honest it was like $1600 when all was said and done to my door. If it's still the same you have to add the optic to your cart to see the actual price.

Edit: I decided to go with the Bushnell because of it's proven mechanical track record and the "BulletProof" warranty program. I knew if anything happened or I had buyers remorse that Bushnell would purchase the optic back from me for the original purchase price within the first year. I live on a very strict budget and this purchase was a once in a blue moon deal for me so I wanted to give myself all the advantage of being happing as I could.

I was very pleased when I heard about the money back guarantee Bushnell offers went I went to their Outlet here locally in KC, so I'm with you there. Not to mention, this also will be a one time purchase. I figure either way, I probably won't regret the decision.

Did get on Liberty Optics also and price right now is listed at 2,149.00 for the XRS so looks like you got real steal!

 

[bogeybrown]

Everyone has to make an honest assessment of where they're spending their money when we buy toys like this. I'd been looking at picking up a used Schmidt or USO for my 6.5 gas gun, so I was in that $2500-$3300 range for used optics. I'd never really paid attention to the new Razor until I say Rob's write up on it, and Lowlight's video review of it. It occurred to me that I could get the new Razor for less (through a vendor) than I could for a used optic, so I went with the Razor.

I'd briefly considered the XRS, there was one used on the PX for $1400 that was really tempting, but once that one sold I personally didn't see where the XRS was going to give me that much more than the ERS/HDMRs that are quite a bit less expensive these days. I have an ERS that I love, and probably would have gone with a second one of those before spending the extra on the XRS.

Once I decided to jump in price from the ERS/HDMR line from Bushnell, the Razor was the next landing spot on the way up to another $4k scope that I just really don't need at this point. In reality, as nice as my really expensive scopes are, I have them because I like having them, not because they're $3k "better" than my Bushnell for what I do with them.

I'd recommend reading the thread from Rob, the moderator, about taking the new Razor out to the range, as well as the video from Lowlight where he straight out says that you're giving up NOTHING to a $4k scope by using the new Razor. (if you go to the home page for SH, not the forum, but the home page, there's a tab for videos and his review is there).

I know I rambled a bit, I apologize. To summarize, the choices to me would be either the ERS/HDMR for an affordable option or the Razor for the premium option, I don't see where the XRS is "better enough" than the ERS to pay that much more for it, even though I really like my Bushnell.

 

[jdboy]

I was very pleased when I heard about the money back guarantee Bushnell offers went I went to their Outlet here locally in KC, so I'm with you there. Not to mention, this also will be a one time purchase. I figure either way, I probably won't regret the decision.

Did get on Liberty Optics also and price right now is listed at 2,149.00 for the XRS so looks like you got real steal!

Either way I think you will not be disappointed. On the Liberty Optics sight, go to the "Sale items" tab and scroll down the the XRS scope. Hit "Buy it now" and you'll get the corrected price. Hope this helps!

 

[Killswitch Engage]

i had a razor gen 1 5-20 and it was a fantastic scope. i recently switched to an xrs and wanted to because of the g2 reticle. its about impossible to beat right now in my opinion. i have a dmr with g2 on my trainer rifle and love having matching reticles now. both of my bushnell have great glass, track absolutely spot on, return to zero dead on and have a nice short foot print. many of those features the new razor has and i am sure it will be a bad ass scope. people need to quit getting wrapped around the axle about glass. all the scopes out there in these price ranges have great glass. the difference just isnt there for the average user to even see most times. i really prefer to know that it is a weapon sight and not a star gazing device. it has to be 100% mechanically sound. track and return to zero and be rugged. thats my .02. you wont be dissappointed in the xrs at all and i am sure you would be happy with the gen 2 razor. comes down to personal choice.

 

[jdboy]

I know I rambled a bit, I apologize. To summarize, the choices to me would be either the ERS/HDMR for an affordable option or the Razor for the premium option, I don't see where the XRS is "better enough" than the ERS to pay that much more for it, even though I really like my Bushnell.

I just rechecked at Liberty and the prices are still the same as when I purchased mine. I originally was looking for a ERS but found for just a few dollars more I could get the extended magnification of the XRS.

ERS-$1498
XRS-$1611

 

[drsslr]

Either way I think you will not be disappointed. On the Liberty Optics sight, go to the "Sale items" tab and scroll down the the XRS scope. Hit "Buy it now" and you'll get the corrected price. Hope this helps!

Thanks I'll definitely give that a look!

And Bogeybrown I understand where you're coming from. Rob's review of the Vortex was actually one of the reasons I started moving that direction. I'll have to watch that video on the main page though. I'm sure it will only make the decision that much harder. Ha ha! Again thanks for the input!

 

[South tx]

You misunderstood my comment, it was more in defense of your position, rather than any attack. I often see the "elitists" I was revering to, comment on such posts as if premier, USO, Schmidt, ect. are the only thing worth having . I actually viewed a post with several of those comments just before reading here . U are correct, you get in most instances what you pay for. But you don't have to break yourself either. Very sorry you thought it was a negative comment directed at you

 

[drsslr]

i had a razor gen 1 5-20 and it was a fantastic scope. i recently switched to an xrs and wanted to because of the g2 reticle. its about impossible to beat right now in my opinion. i have a dmr with g2 on my trainer rifle and love having matching reticles now. both of my bushnell have great glass, track absolutely spot on, return to zero dead on and have a nice short foot print. many of those features the new razor has and i am sure it will be a bad ass scope. people need to quit getting wrapped around the axle about glass. all the scopes out there in these price ranges have great glass. the difference just isnt there for the average user to even see most times. i really prefer to know that it is a weapon sight and not a star gazing device. it has to be 100% mechanically sound. track and return to zero and be rugged. thats my .02. you wont be dissappointed in the xrs at all and i am sure you would be happy with the gen 2 razor. comes down to personal choice.

Thanks, walking into The Bushnell Outlet here in town and picking up a DMR with G2DMR reticle was the catalyst for all this and it has grown from there. In all honesty I'm sure I'd do just fine with that setup, but one things seems to lead to another and here we are. Definitely like hearing things from guys who have used both though, your .02 is well noted.

 

[drsslr]

You misunderstood my comment, it was more in defense of your position, rather than any attack. I often see the "elitists" I was revering to, comment on such posts as if premier, USO, Schmidt, ect. are the only thing worth having . I actually viewed a post with several of those comments just before reading here . U are correct, you get in most instances what you pay for. But you don't have to break yourself either. Very sorry you thought it was a negative comment directed at you

The apology is mine, often times it's hard to hear tone when reading text. Thanks for the response! If money was no object, then I'm sure go spending over the moon just because I could, but I think like many others have posted on here, yourself included, there seems to be a law of diminishing returns once you go much higher in price, and I'm sure with many of those they will probably always be above my skill level. It's nice to dream though.

 

[Rob01]

Ask Scott at Liberty for his best price on the new Razor II as well. He does good deals for Hide members but a call is needed.

 

[South tx]

I agree, and if money were not any issue, we probably would have released to 308win long ago. But money is real

 

[drsslr]

Ask Scott at Liberty for his best price on the new Razor II as well. He does good deals for Hide members but a call is needed.

Awesome! Thanks for the advice Rob!

 

[Captain Kirk]

I switched all optics to the Bushnell XRS a year ago, they have all been performing well on everything from 243 to a 338 Edge. Coming off of S&B and Premier optics, the XRS does not have the optical quality, but all of its functions and performance are good. One of the rifles is a DTA with a 243 and 338LM conversion, resetting the XRS turrets are easy between caliber swaps. With all that said, I have never owned a Vortex Razor HD, but I have had the opportunity to shoot with a few, glass seemed to be better than any of the Bushnell scopes I run. I have come to realize that optical quality is not the #1 deciding factor in choosing optics, turrets, reticle and tracking are higher on my list.

Short answer, you cant go wrong either way, the XRS may be a better choice if you go with a DTA and want to swap calibers.

 

[delixe]

The XRS has the same glass and coatings as the DMR and ERS.
Whereas the optics are good enough to provide decent brightness and resolution at the 21x max magnification of the DMR and ERS, the same 50mm objective results in darker images at 30x and a small exit pupil at 1.66mm.
The glass is not good enough pull off 30x except in very favorable conditions.

The XRS also has a street price lower than the Razor. In this case, you are getting more for paying more with the Razor.

 

[LawnMM]

I was very pleased when I heard about the money back guarantee Bushnell offers went I went to their Outlet here locally in KC, so I'm with you there. Not to mention, this also will be a one time purchase. I figure either way, I probably won't regret the decision.

Did get on Liberty Optics also and price right now is listed at 2,149.00 for the XRS so looks like you got real steal!

Add it to your cart to see what kind of pricing he is able to do.

 

[bogeybrown]

I just rechecked at Liberty and the prices are still the same as when I purchased mine. I originally was looking for a ERS but found for just a few dollars more I could get the extended magnification of the XRS.

ERS-$1498
XRS-$1611

I apologize, I'd forgotten that Scott was making sweet deals on that XRS at the moment. Thanks for the proper info [MENTION=57289]jdboy[/MENTION]

Thanks I'll definitely give that a look!

And Bogeybrown I understand where you're coming from. Rob's review of the Vortex was actually one of the reasons I started moving that direction. I'll have to watch that video on the main page though. I'm sure it will only make the decision that much harder. Ha ha! Again thanks for the input!

Ask Scott at Liberty for his best price on the new Razor II as well. He does good deals for Hide members but a call is needed.

Add it to your cart to see what kind of pricing he is able to do.

After Rob's review I hit up Scott and he was able to get me slotted into the pre-order for the Razor II on the reticle I wanted. Just got off the phone with him putting down my deposit. Anyone looking at going that route shoot him a PM, he still has a few slots left and he's giving a nice Hide price, which is pretty damn awesome on a pre-order.