Rifle Scopes New vortex razor lh 30mm tube?

[Geno C.]

I didn’t ask for numbers, but, the 50mm sfp mil version was specifically set up to appeal to what their European customers want. I assume that means there are hunters there that still buy sfp scopes...

I imagine it would be quite enlightening to see the % of sales for each of the scopes in vortex’s line.

 

[chutinlead]

The vast majority of hunters in Europe, Australia and New Zealand use SFP scopes.
There aren't too many forums that despise SFP quite like this one.

The most common scopes bought and sold on my local forum are SFP, MOA, duplex reticle like the VX3, VX5, Z3, Z5 etc.

Vortex aren't stupid, if there wasn't a market for this scope they wouldn't have made it.
That said there is definitely a market for a FFP version and/or a 3-15 AMG, which I'm sure Vortex are working on.

I want them to push the limit and make a 3-18, super lightweight, FFP, tough as nails locking turrets AMG.

 

[chutinlead]

For a 3-18 you're still going to want 50mm obj, they won't be able to shave but maybe 2 max 3 oz off the original amg. Then it's a 6x erector vs 4x, that'll pick up a lil weight. If it was easy to design these badass light weight ffp scopes hell everyone would make one. Hawke makes the 4-20 new frontier hd that's 30mm and ffp plus illuminated light @ 22oz. Looks f'n awesome on paper but it's a 1k $ risk if it's a turd.

Hawke | Frontier FFP 4-20x50 Mil Pro

Hawke is a worldwide market leader, offering an extensive range of high quality, value for money sporting optics, from Rifle & Crossbow Scopes to Binoculars & Spotting Scopes

us.hawkeoptics.com

Well the AMG(Advanced Machining Group) is supposed to be able to take advantage of better materials, machining capabilities, and come at a higher price tag. I'm just saying what I would like to see. If Hawke can do it, I bet Vortex can do it better.

 

[jakelly]

NF already did, it's 30oz though unfortunately.........

Yeah, if you go up to 30ozs there are several options, go up to 40ozs, and you can choose from almost all of them. But truly, who wants a two pound hunting scope?

For a 3-18 you're still going to want 50mm obj, they won't be able to shave but maybe 2 max 3 oz off the original amg. Then it's a 6x erector vs 4x, that'll pick up a lil weight. If it was easy to design these badass light weight ffp scopes hell everyone would make one. Hawke makes the 4-20 new frontier hd that's 30mm and ffp plus illuminated light @ 22oz. Looks f'n awesome on paper but it's a 1k $ risk if it's a turd.

Hawke | Frontier FFP 4-20x50 Mil Pro

Hawke is a worldwide market leader, offering an extensive range of high quality, value for money sporting optics, from Rifle & Crossbow Scopes to Binoculars & Spotting Scopes

us.hawkeoptics.com

That’s a Chinese scope.
Pretty sad, though, when China puts out a more well thought out design, on paper, than that mildot Premier hunter that Tangent Theta rolled out with a 4K price tag on it.

Well the AMG(Advanced Machining Group) is supposed to be able to take advantage of better materials, machining capabilities, and come at a higher price tag. I'm just saying what I would like to see. If Hawke can do it, I bet Vortex can do it better.

May God have mercy on us all if they can’t.

 

[DangerRanger]

I wonder what the margins are for the AMG stuff and if they even have time to make more than what they are already making.

 

[chutinlead]

I wonder what the margins are for the AMG stuff and if they even have time to make more than what they are already making.

I'm a machinist by trade and I know that as tolerances shrink, cost goes up exponentially. You have to take more time and care with each part/setup/operation and that adds up.

Yeah, if you go up to 30ozs there are several options, go up to 40ozs, and you can choose from almost all of them. But truly, who wants a two pound hunting scope?

That’s a Chinese scope.
Pretty sad, though, when China puts out a more well thought out design, on paper, than that mildot Premier hunter that Tangent Theta rolled out with a 4K price tag on it.

May God have mercy on us all if they can’t.

I am real happy with my PST Gen 2 3-15 and honestly like the fact they went down to a 44mm objective on a 5x erector setup. Even if they did a 3-15 or 4-20 AMG with the better locking turrets or even capped windage in the 44mm objective.

Who else thinks a 20oz, 4-20x44, 30mm, FFP, Locking Elevation/Capped Windage, 13in long, Mil/Moa both SKUs scope would be the cats meow?

 

[Bart]

Chuitin,
Me. I would like the fuck out of that scope. And buy them.

 

[carbonbased]

Who else thinks a 20oz, 4-20x44, 30mm, FFP, Locking Elevation/Capped Windage, 13in long, Mil/Moa both SKUs scope would be the cats meow?

Someone more knowledgeable about Leupold’s Mark 6 can chime in here, but it’s pretty dang close to what you spec’ed out. Maybe it’s had issues? No idea. Is it good? Ditto. I know the Leupy-hate is rather strong here (except for the Mark 5hd).

Anyway, here are the specs: 23.6oz, 3-18x44, 34mm, FFP, Locking Elevation/Capped Windage, 11.9in long, Mil only SKU.

I do not have a dog in the fight. I own a razor gen ii, an amg, a VX6HD, a diamondback tactical. Just pointing something out.

Edit: ILya’s review: http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=1673
TL;DR
He likes it. M5 turrets suck, get the other ones. Illumination is stupid $$$$. Short and lightish scopes have compromises.

Salient quotes:
“…I want to make it clear that while the Mark 6 is not as good optically as the best scopes in this line-up, it is still very good and there are very few shots that I can take with Tangent Theta and can not take with the Mark 6.”

“The only scope I can think of that is similarly compact with a broad magnification range is March 3-24×42. However, the Leupold is easier to get behind, which is important for the applications I have in mind. It also has a significantly less shallow depth of field which makes it easier to use.”

 

[Three57]

Pretty much exactly what I have been looking for. I would buy one.

 

[Three57]

The Mark5 and Mark6 are very expensive with illumination.

 

[carbonbased]

Added ILya’s review to my above comment.

 

[chutinlead]

Someone more knowledgeable about Leupold’s Mark 6 can chime in here, but it’s pretty dang close to what you spec’ed out. Maybe it’s had issues? No idea. Is it good? Ditto. I know the Leupy-hate is rather strong here (except for the Mark 5hd).

Anyway, here are the specs: 23.6oz, 3-18x44, 34mm, FFP, Locking Elevation/Capped Windage, 11.9in long, Mil only SKU.

I've looked at the mk6 before and while it is close, I'm part of the minority and am an MOA guy. I shoot some long range BPCR and our iron sight staffs we have figured out in MOA and that is not easily switched. It is also stupid $$$$ as someone pointed out....

 

[Supersubes]

EuroOptics just sent me a notification they are in stock.

 

[koshkin]

I just received the 3-15x42 mrad version. It is a nice scope and I think Vortex will do well with it. Optics look pretty similar to the original 3-15x42 HD LH I had. Illuminated dot is calibrated for low light. I am not convinced I like the push button illumination, but given that is is a hunting scope, it should not really be an issue. The reticle is a nice simple mrad-scale reticle with good visibility.

I have not messed with the windage turret yet, but the elevation turret I like quite bit. The clicks are not mushy and are not soft. They are nicely spaced out, have good tactile feel and they are quiet. There are some differing opinions on turret feel. Some like them "clicky" where there is an audible sound and felt sharp edges. Some like them a little quieter with a "thunky" for lack of a better word feel. I can live with both, but generally I am in the latter category. I have not yet tested tracking. I will put it on my T1X first to check tracking, but then it will go onto my 280Rem Tikka.

I should probably do a comparison test between this scope, Tract Toric and VX-5HD.

ILya

 

[koshkin]

Thanks for the info! What power is the reticle true to scale, 15X?

I did not check the manual, but I think so.

ILya

 

[SPAK]

I briefly ran mine to 10 mils on my tracking rig and it did fine. Windage is a little mushy but i don’t really mind it since I want it capped any way. The locking feature is simple and effective as is the zero stop ring. It allows for .5 mils down past zero which I also like.
Mag ring is a little stiff on my sample but I’ll probably put a throw lever on.

 

[carbonbased]

I just received the 3-15x42 mrad version. It is a nice scope and I think Vortex will do well with it. Optics look pretty similar to the original 3-15x42 HD LH I had. Illuminated dot is calibrated for low light. I am not convinced I like the push button illumination, but given that is is a hunting scope, it should not really be an issue. The reticle is a nice simple mrad-scale reticle with good visibility.

I have not messed with the windage turret yet, but the elevation turret I like quite bit. The clicks are not mushy and are not soft. They are nicely spaced out, have good tactile feel and they are quiet. There are some differing opinions on turret feel. Some like them "clicky" where there is an audible sound and felt sharp edges. Some like them a little quieter with a "thunky" for lack of a better word feel. I can live with both, but generally I am in the latter category. I have not yet tested tracking. I will put it on my T1X first to check tracking, but then it will go onto my 280Rem Tikka.

I should probably do a comparison test between this scope, Tract Toric and VX-5HD.

ILya

The VX6hd 3-18 version (44mm & 50mm) has those sweet alumina caps included and an internal scope level that I find useful when leveling the reticle. But I don’t think the mrad version is available any more, although I suspect it can be custom ordered (once their custom shop reopens).

Perhaps consider the Vx6hd’s extended mag range and those features I mentioned when you review the VX5HD. I think they are pretty similar.

 

[koshkin]

I have tested the 3-18x44 VX-6HD when it first came out and like it a lot. I also compared it to the earlier generation 3-15x42 HD LH and thought that they were exceedingly similar optically. On center, HD LH was probably a touch better, but it was close.

In terms of price, I think VX-5HD is a better comparison. VX-6HD goes for a bit more money, I think.

ILya

 

[carbonbased]

I did not know you had tested the VX6HD. Good to know, I’ll have to look that review up.

 

[Supersubes]

I have tested the 3-18x44 VX-6HD when it first came out and like it a lot. I also compared it to the earlier generation 3-15x42 HD LH and thought that they were exceedingly similar optically. On center, HD LH was probably a touch better, but it was close.

In terms of price, I think VX-5HD is a better comparison. VX-6HD goes for a bit more money, I think.

ILya

I have both and that was my feeling exactly. Viewing the LH off center showed some CA. Really like that scope though. I place my order for the same scope you just received. Checks a lot of boxes.

 

[buster2765]

I am looking at getting the LHT or VX5 HD, which one has the best glass

 

[Scotch_egg]

@koshkin

I would like to see you mount the RAZOR® HD LHT™3-15X42 on your The Fix. I’m very tempted with one over the March I’m using. I’m finding the parallax is a bit fussy in the woods. This might be what i need.

 

[CSTactical]

Vortex Razor® HD LHT™ 3-15x42 and 3-15x50 in stock at cstactical.com

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...d-3-15x50-in-stock-at-cstactical-com.6991846/

 

[koshkin]

@koshkin

I would like to see you mount the RAZOR® HD LHT™3-15X42 on your The Fix. I’m very tempted with one over the March I’m using. I’m finding the parallax is a bit fussy in the woods. This might be what i need.

Honestly, I was planning to put it onto my 280Rem Tikka. The Fix currently has Leica 5-30x56 PRS on it and I am probably going to keep it there until I am done testing it. Once the 3-15x50 LHT gets here, I'l pop it onto the Fix and take a picture for you.

ILya

 

[07jkjeeper]

I am looking at getting the LHT or VX5 HD, which one has the best glass

I would say the VX5 HD but both are very solid.

 

[Longdistanceoperator]

The guy from Vortex said it. I just repeated it. I have not seen these yet, but I am really looking forward to them.

I have two of the original 1.5-8x32 HD LH scopes and I couldn't be happier with them.

ILya

I have one of their original HD LH on my 308 (3-15x) and the clarity is great - I like the clean-looking G4 reticle. The originals were 1 inch tubes, so we'll see what improvements are now noticeable with the 30mm tubes.

 

[Supersubes]

Just got my LHT Mil. Great improvements on the original. Haven’t mounted it yet, but glass is super clean. Illumination is center dot only and 100% clean, with no flare like my VX6HD has. The Leopold has a dot that looks like Florida the flare is so bad. Clicks feel more positive than the leupold, and I prefer the turret locking method on the vortex.

 

[mws2000]

Is the illumination daylight bright?

 

[carbonbased]

I haven’t seen many through scope pics of the reticles. Here’s what I’ve found.

This an older pic through the last version of the LH scope. The poster said it was a 3-15. http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/vortex-razor-hd-lh-3-15x42.3944190/, second post.

I surprisingly like this. The other pics I had found before this one were from different magnification scopes, and the reticle was rendered tiny in those.

Goto 4:49 on this vid for a shaky view through the HSR-5i MOA. Edit: just noticed he uses the old scope for the video grab frame.



edit: ok I took a screen grab of the reticle from the vid. Note that the MRAD version has less numbers floating about, which is good (to me).

Any one else have any? I have a Leica 1.8-12x50 on the way from Eurooptic and might order one of this up to compare. I believe Euro lets one return an unmounted, but opened, scope.

@koshkin said the Leica was his fav hunting scope, but these have piqued my interest. A bit unfair comparison, especially price-wise, but life is full of such comparisons.

 

[carbonbased]

Couldn’t find a subtension chart for the G4i (vortex’s is oddly not real specific). So, I took the older G4 MOA chart for the 3-15x42 I found and converted it. Not sure if Vortex kept it the same. YMMV.

 

[koshkin]

This is straight from the Vortex website. Looks pretty specific .

 

[Supersubes]

Is the illumination daylight bright?

Not in bright sunshine.

 

[carbonbased]

This is straight from the Vortex website. Looks pretty specific .

Now that is strange. Can you post the link to that image?

This is where I found stuff on the G4i. From here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-razor-hd-lht-3-15x50-riflescope.html, under “reticle manual” it links to https://vortexoptics.com/amfile/file/download/file_id/1977/product_id/7347/, which does not contain the image you posted.

edit: nevermind. I see that I didn’t travel down far enough down the page to get to the subtension pdf. Strange Vortex doesn’t include that in the reticle manual like they do for, say, the Razor 4.5-27. Hmmmm.

Also just noticed on the product page of the 50mm version, under the dimensions section, they have a subhead entitled “Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 Dimensions (in inches)”. Whoops.

 

[LibertyOptics]

We have added these. Currently a 2 week ship time. Thanks Hiders!

Scott

 

[Schaaf]

Got mine today from @CSTactical first impressions are this is a dang nice scope. Turrets remind me of my Premier Light Tactical. Not audible but definitely not mushy and perfectly spaced. Windage turret is a little mushy.

will Update after taking it to the range.

 

[CSTactical]

Got mine today from @CSTactical first impressions are this is a dang nice scope. Turrets remind me of my Premier Light Tactical. Not audible but definitely not mushy and perfectly spaced. Windage turret is a little mushy.

will Update after taking it to the range.

Let us know your impressions after you used it a bit

 

[cleric]

Any real conclusions on the difference between x42 and x50 in terms of real world applications? How do these compare to the razor gen 2?

 

[Sparky1985]

i took mine out for the first time today. i have 3 of the LH model and love them so when i seen the LFT release i had to have one as it added the things i felt the lh was missing. my first range trip i was very impressed. the turrest are so much better that they are actually usable unlike the LH model mushy ones. the zero stop was stupid easy to install. the only problem i am seeing wwith this scope is that i feel my LH models will have to be upgraded to the LHT's

 

[koshkin]

I have both 3-15x42 and 3-15x50 here, but all the local ranges are closed. I'll set them on the tripod and take a look, but so far both seem to be really nice.

I really like the elevation turret on these. Honestly, if Vortex can come up with a similar weight FFP scope based on the same basic optical design and same turret arrangement they will make a killing.

Looking at them briefly so far, I think center optical performance on these is just exceptional for the money and the edges are quite good too.

ILya

 

[DangerRanger]

I have both 3-15x42 and 3-15x50 here, but all the local ranges are closed. I'll set them on the tripod and take a look, but so far both seem to be really nice.

I really like the elevation turret on these. Honestly, if Vortex can come up with a similar weight FFP scope based on the same basic optical design and same turret arrangement they will make a killing.

Looking at them briefly so far, I think center optical performance on these is just exceptional for the money and the edges are quite good too.

ILya

Few people upset about illumination bleeding on another forum, do yours have this issue?

 

[koshkin]

I didn’t ask for numbers, but, the 50mm sfp mil version was specifically set up to appeal to what their European customers want. I assume that means there are hunters there that still buy sfp scopes...

I imagine it would be quite enlightening to see the % of sales for each of the scopes in vortex’s line.

The G4-BDC reticle did not do all that great in the US, but it is really well received in Europe. Since they also hunt pigs at night there, they often need a larger objective, hence the 3-15x50 model with G4 reticle is, in some ways, aimed at what they want in Europe. They use both FFP and SFP scopes there depending on application. For example, Meopta Meostar 3-12x56 is available in both FFP and SFP configurations.

As a general purpose hunting scope for US, I would think that the 3-15x42 that can be mounted a little lower is a better option for conventional hunting rifle where there is a benefit to mounting it low. That's what I have on my Tikka.

 

[koshkin]

Few people upset about illumination bleeding on another forum, do yours have this issue?

These scopes have conventional etch-and-fill ilumination. If you run the illumination too bright, it will bleed over to other reticle features.

I have not seen the complaints on other forums, but I bet that's what it is.

If you run illumination at brightness appropriate to the conditions, it works really well.

ILya

 

[kswaterfowl]

This is exactly what I have been asking for, for years. It has everything I want for my calling rifle. I'm just not sure on the reticle, it looks kind of thin.

 

[Three57]

I wish vortex would make these available in FFP with both the EBR-7C and HSR-5i reticles. I would buy one of each, right now.

 

[Scotch_egg]

These scopes have conventional etch-and-fill ilumination. If you run the illumination too bright, it will bleed over to other reticle features.

I have not seen the complaints on other forums, but I bet that's what it is.

If you run illumination at brightness appropriate to the conditions, it works really well.

ILya

I suffer the same with my zeiss V8.

I’m hanging out for that photo of the vortex mounted on your Fix pal.

I am running a march 3-24X52 at the minute and I am not feeling the low power shots in woodland due to such a tiny aim point of the FFP reticle.

I will also be more comfortable dragging a cheaper scope through the brash.

 

[cleric]

I wish vortex would make these available in FFP with both the EBR-7C and HSR-5i reticles. I would buy one of each, right now.

I just use my mark 5. It’s pretty much all that just a bit heavier.
optically I am not sure how they compare though

 

[Three57]

I just use my mark 5. It’s pretty much all that just a bit heavier.
optically I am not sure how they compare though

The Mark 5 is great, but the reticle I like isn't illuminated and the illumination is expensive.

 

[Geno C.]

The G4-BDC reticle did not do all that great in the US, but it is really well received in Europe. Since they also hunt pigs at night there, they often need a larger objective, hence the 3-15x50 model with G4 reticle is, in some ways, aimed at what they want in Europe. They use both FFP and SFP scopes there depending on application. For example, Meopta Meostar 3-12x56 is available in both FFP and SFP configurations.

As a general purpose hunting scope for US, I would think that the 3-15x42 that can be mounted a little lower is a better option for conventional hunting rifle where there is a benefit to mounting it low. That's what I have on my Tikka.

I wasn’t guessing. I asked the right people and got the right answer ?

 

[Mattiejay6]

Mounted the 3-15x50 to my fix... haven’t shot it yet, will today! However crystal clear and is the perfect weight!

 

[Sparky1985]

My 3-15x42 on my Bergara hunter in 308