Rifle Scopes I have extra money for a new scope

Smitty192

Stand-up Philosopher
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Supporter
Feb 23, 2017
1,791
2,397
Deep East Texas
I find myself in a fortunate situation. I have some extra money for a new scope. I am now working on a $3,000 budget. I had originally decided on a Vortex Razor 4.5-27 and now I want to explore scopes at the next price level. So I'm hoping for some advice, suggestions and a few snide comments. My knowledge base runs out at the Razor. I am not well versed in what might be the next step up for the $3,000 price range. The new scope will go on a R700 switch lug rifle (chamberings include 308, 260, 6XC & 300 WSM). All for target shooting and a few of our local PRS matches. Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.
 
I dont have personal experience but hkdaves reviews recently and others as well seem to point to the razor as being the best set up for multiple zero points as you can mark the inner adjustments and just rezero with that as the reference instead of having to actually shoot it. Depending on how much you swap that could be of larger benefit than any incremental improvement in glass or turrets with a more pricey model.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/forum/...-vortex-4-5-27

The feature that really stands out with these turrets is the zeroing mechanism. It’s different from anything else on the market. As this scope has been on the market for a considerable time I’m guessing most folks know and understand how it works but for the sake of those that don’t I will attempt to explain it.

Essentially, you remove a cover on the top of the turret and there is an interior scale that moves independently of the exterior scale printed on the turret itself. The really nifty aspect of this that it allows you to make witness marks on the interior scale so you can have different zeros for different loads or cartridges. I don’t know if this was done on purpose or by mistake, but it is a nice feature.
https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ce-7-35-v-schmidt-bender-5-25-v-vortex-4-5-27
https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ce-7-35-v-schmidt-bender-5-25-v-vortex-4-5-27
 
That's a really good point with the Razor's zero set function. And if I am only going to see a hypothetical 5% improvement with an additional $1000, it may not be worth it. Maybe the next big leap in quality comes at $4000 or $5000.
 
You need to ask yourself if you are one of those guys that gets all wound up over 'optical quality.' If so try and look through the scopes you are interested in, that way you are not disappointed with this aspect. When you get to that price point ($3000) you are going to get a sight that serves you really well. They (Gen 2 Razor, S&B, Kahles, NF to name a few) are all exceptional scopes, and the differences are mainly in the features. Pick the one that has features that suit you best within your budget, and don't forget to check the for sale section here.
And you are right, jumping up to 4-5000 may give you a bit more, depending on your needs. People love their Tangent Thetas - for me the reticle choices are lacking, and my scopes do everything I need them to do for less money.
 
I don't know if you saw our post yesterday, but if you're looking for a Schmidt & Bender check out our sale below

Part Number Description

666-911-972-G8-E8 5-45x56 PMII High Power LP P4F cm ccw Black Normally $5,400.00 Reduced to $4,399.99

667-911-992-F3-F1 3-20x50/P4FMOA 1/4 ccw DT LT Ultra Short Black Normally $3,800.00 Reduced to $3,099.99

878-911-982-A5-A5 12-50X56/P4FMOA 1/4 CCW Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

669-911-972-G6-A8 3-27x56/P4F cm ccw .340 Black Normally $4,900.00 Reduced to $3,699.99

669-911-972-B2-A8 3-27x56 PMII High Power LP P4F cm ccw 24 mil normally $4,900.00 Reduced to $3,999.99

669-911-972-B8-B4 3-27x56 PM II High Power LP P4F cm cw Normally $4,900.00 Reduced to $3,999.99

677-945-972-B2-A8 5-25x56 PM II LP P4FL 1cm ccw LT RAL8000 Normally $3,575.00 Reduced to $2,949.99

677-945-982-B3-A9 5-25X56/P4FMOA 1/4 CCW RAL8000 Normally $3,575.00 Reduced to $2,949.99

677-911-982-91-66 5-25x56 PM II LP P4FL-MOA 1/4 CW DT Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

677-911-972-B8-B4 5-25x56 PM II LP P4FL cm cw LT Black Normally $3,500.00 Reduced to $2,949.99

677-911-995-A8-A2 5-25x56 PMII LP 2.BE P4FL2-MOA 1/4 ccw DT Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

677-911-972-94-67 5-25x56 PM II LP P4FL cm cw DT Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

677-911-982-A8-A2 5-25x56/P4F 1/4 ccw DT Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

677-911-972-90-68 5-25x56/P4F cm ccw DT Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

677-911-962-90-68 5-25x56/Klein cm ccw DT Normally $3,200.00 Reduced to $2,699.99

644-911-762-98-74A20 3-12X50/P4 1/4 LP Normally $3,080.00 Reduced to $2,499.99

755-911-72D 4-16X56/D7 POSICON POLAR T96 Normally $2,726.20 Reduced to $2,199.99

755-911-72D-E4-03 4-16X56/D7 CM CW BDC POLAR Normally $3,021.00 Reduced to $2,499.99

755-911-712-F8-E1 4-16x56/L7 1/4 ccw Polar T96 Normally $3,021.00 Reduced to $2,499.99

756-911-72D-E4-03 3-12x54 Polar T96 2.BE D7 cm cw BDC Normally $2,700.00 reduced to $2,299.99

845-811-862-30-05A02 3-12x42/P3 Klassik Normally $2,447.16 Reduced to $1,799.99

645-811-482-05-05-A02 3-12X42/L3 Normally $2,447.16 reduced to $1,799.99

644-811-732-30-05A02 3-12X50/L7 BDC Normally $2,612.00 Reduced to $1,799.99

847-811-862-30-08A23 4-16x50/P3 Precision Hunter with external BDC Normally $2,497.00 Reduced to $1,999.99

847-811-702-08-08A02 4-16x50/7 Normally $2,300.00 Reduced to $1,799.99

932-B11-422 6x42/9 Normally 1,294.00 Reduced to $999.99

952-B11-704 2.5-10x Normally $2,068.00 Reduced to $1,499.99

If there is anything you're looking for please give us a call at 516-217-1000. It is always our pleasure to speak with you.

Stay warm and safe.

Have a great day.
Thank you for your continued support.
If there is anything else that I can assist you with please let me know.
Doug
Camera Land
720 Old Bethpage Road
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
516-217-1000, 212-753-5128
Please visit our web site @ Cameras,Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Rifle Scopes | Camera Land NY
Long Islands Largest Camera and Sports Optics Superstore
 
Really the only weakness the Razor Gen IIs have IMHO are weight.
In every other measure of performance they are right there with the best scopes money can buy (again, IMHO).
I have a Gen II 1-6 and it is heavy for its class, but I've managed to convince myself that means it's overbuilt and can take a beating.

 
I've owned some pretty nice optics, from TT, Kahles, NF, Razors, S&B, Minox and I'm coming to the conclusion that once you get to the gen2 razor level, beyond that you just start to nitpick. Every scope no matter how much you pay for it, will not be perfect and have all of the best features. Whether it be the reticle you dont care for, or the turret feel isn't what you like, it's too heavy, don't have locking turrets, has some CA, field of view is not large enough, tight eye box, non locking diopter, parallax is finicky. You name it, there is no perfect scope... I'm starting to think that the Gen2 Razor is about the best bang for the buck because of its features and the quality of optic you get, along with THE best warranty in the industry for the price.. Warranty itself is a valuable asset, some people just dont realize how valuable until they have to send their optic back to Germany or Austria or wherever the hell it has to go and wait for months for it to come back.. Don't ask me how I know from a Top Tier popular scope on the market right now... Good luck with your choice..
 
I've got the NF ATACR 7-35 Will mil c reticle and and very pleased with it.
sold both my gen 2 razors and bought the 7-35 and 5-25 ATACR offerings from nightforce. I give the edge to the 7-35 tho. If not for the price difference I would own 2 7-35s
not to say I was in anyway disappointed with the razors. And the warranty is tough to beat.
but I do enjoy the new NF.