Rifle Scopes Need Opinions: Vortex or Bushnell. Update: added Nightforce and Leupold

[mb121]

I am currently looking to upgrade from my well used Leupold 10x MK4 to a new optic for my 308.

I am currently looking at the following to possibly replace it:
Vortex Razor 5-20
Bushnell LRTS 4.5-18
Bushnell DMR II 3.5-21

I am just looking for recommendations or previous user input on those models.

My use for the scope will be long range target shooting out to 600-800, hunting and possible matches. Any of the scopes will be purchased with MIL/MIL adjustments and reticles.

Additionally, another question that I wonder is if there would be any disadvantage to purchasing a Vortex PST gen 2 in 3-15 or 5-25.

 

[SCOPEBROKER]

Everyone has their own opinion on this topic. The Razor has seen a lot of action and is a very good scope. Some have seen some issues with this scope, in terms of long-term quality build, but many others have used this scope in major matches and have done well. I am assuming you mean the 4.5-27x.

The Bushnell scopes you mention have a small following here, but they are "last generation" scopes, so while they are darn good, it is tough to compare to a leading scope like the Razor. The PST-II, on the other hand, I have found to be very competitive in the mid-quality range that the Bushnell competes in, and that might be a better comparison. Also, the PST-II offers several mid-magnification options, and they are very decent.

Essentially, if you are looking for a mid-magnification scope, in the $900 to $2,200 range, you have a lot to choose from. I think I would be inclined to point to you to the Leupold Mark 5 as well.

I am not good at choices, there are so many good ones.

ETA: see highlighted above, I was discussing the Razor HD Gen-2. I am not a fan of the Gen-1. My mistake.

 

[skatz11]

I have used the Razor 5-20 for about five or six years. It’s a great scope. I think it gets overlooked with some of the newer options out now. I think it sits in a unique place along with the NF SHV FFP in the $1200-$1500 range. They’re both a robust fully featured optics. They are at a reasonable price point that can perform reliability and provide a great sight picture.

I have one of the GAP LRHS scopes on the way. I can’t wait to compare it to the a I have he 3-12 on one of my ARs and it’s beeb awesome too. Glass is right there with the Razor. I couldn’t pass up on the price. Not sure what I’ll put it on yet.

 

[lennyo3034]

I've owned both the Razor and the DMRII. My preference is the Bushnell. I just never liked the Razor 5-20 optically, my eyes simply had a hard time getting a clear image with it. I think that is unique to me though as most other people can use it with no issue.

Calling the DMRII "last generation" in comparison to the Razor makes no sense to me. The DMRII just came out last year while the Gen1 Razor is far older. Even the original DMR that the DMRII is based off of is newer than the Gen1 Razor.

 

[supercorndogs]

Any of the three will get you there. I would go with the Bushnell, either one. I really like my Gen 1 Razor, but I liked my DMRII and LRHS 4.5-18 better. Like lennyo said the gen 1 razor is an old model compared to these new models from Bushnell. If i was going to grab another Bushnell, I would like to have the 4.5-18 back in my line up. I don't miss the DMRII compared to what i replaced it with. Its not on your list though.

Scopebroker is talking about the Gen2 razor and the OP Gen 1.

 

[hypno02]

Everyone has their own opinion on this topic. The Razor has seen a lot of action and is a very good scope. Some have seen some issues with this scope, in terms of long-term quality build, but many others have used this scope in major matches and have done well. I am assuming you mean the 4.5-27x.

The Bushnell scopes you mention have a small following here, but they are "last generation" scopes, so while they are darn good, it is tough to compare to a leading scope like the Razor. The PST-II, on the other hand, I have found to be very competitive in the mid-quality range that the Bushnell competes in, and that might be a better comparison. Also, the PST-II offers several mid-magnification options, and they are very decent.

Essentially, if you are looking for a mid-magnification scope, in the $900 to $2,200 range, you have a lot to choose from. I think I would be inclined to point to you to the Leupold Mark 5 as well.

I am not good at choices, there are so many good ones.

Dude you are a scope broker and literally have no idea what you're talking about. Doesn't look too good on the business.

I'd opt for one of the bushnells. The 5-20 razor is a "last gen" optic unlike what was initially said by scopebroker. And that should make literally 0 difference in your decision. The bushnell lineup has an incredible reputation for impeccable tracking.

 

[SCOPEBROKER]

Dude you are a scope broker and literally have no idea what you're talking about. Doesn't look too good on the business.

I'd opt for one of the bushnells. The 5-20 razor is a "last gen" optic unlike what was initially said by scopebroker. And that should make literally 0 difference in your decision. The bushnell lineup has an incredible reputation for impeccable tracking.

Yes, I hang my head in shame. No more late night posts. I had the Razor HD Gen-2 in mind. Agree 100%.

 

[mb121]

Thanks for the helpful replies so far. As I have more time available then I would like here while deployed forward I’ve also begun to look at others and changed options.

The Vortex Razor HD and Bushnell are out, if I’m going to be getting myself a post deployment gift then might as well get a good one and that will be around for a while.

I have now narrowed down the search to the following:
Nightforce ATACR F1 5-25 (Horus or Tremor)
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27
Leupold Mark 5 HD 5-25 (Horus or Tremor)

Can anyone provide advice on these scopes?

Additionally my experiences have been with low end hunting scopes, Leupold Mark 4’s, and limited time messing around with a Mark 8.

 

[htowncoog]

Tough call. If you can get behind any of those scopes that should help you a bit more in choosing. I would pick the NF but wouldn’t be unhappy with the other two.

 

[longshot2000]

I am very biased here, unike the rest of you.

Hands down, the NF is the best scope in the list. USMC snipers are now getting the ATACR 5-25 in T3 F1 on the Mk13 .300 EM sniper platform, replacing the S&B PMII 525 that the Army uses. This is an amazing scope, and selling very well in mil and MOA and mil-Hourus. Only out shadowed by some of the great European glass and the NF big brother in 7-35x <-- the latter is opinion.

The Razor HD is theoretically as good, and maybe better glass, but durability, in my opinion, puts it in second place. I have seen, and heard of too many of the higher magnification Razor HD scopes breaking. Warranty is top notch, so if that doesn't bother you. I have had nothing but great luck with the Razor HD 1-6x, and now outfit them with some really cool USA Army URGs for the M4, and they do well, so not sure why the 4.5-27x have not seen the same track record, or if my sample size is just too small.

Now, the Leupold Mark 5 has really scored some points (not helping you nail down one scope), with very crisp glass and great reticle options. Most, however, are not illuminated, and when they are, the price point jumps. While I think features and resolution put this one in 3rd place, it goes to 2nd place in my book, based on value (price).

Okay, I cant't help a car analogy. NF is that Corvette that has just lapped a few Audis on the track. They are consistently getting better and made in USA and selling more and more. Razor is a KIA that is very well dressed up, and has a Lexus engine and an Italian designed interior, but when it hits a bump, you are reminded that not everything is made in Japan or Europe. Leupold is the Toyota that has just come out with a new line up that you might mistake for their Lexus line, but then you see that they did not include keyless door entry, but it still runs really well, and never breaks down.