Rifle Scopes Vortex Razor 5-20x - yet another review

[orkan]

I'll start by saying that I'm a shooter... not an optics aficionado. So I'm probably about as qualified to evaluate an optic as a monkey. Be that as it may, I've spent nearly my whole life looking through scopes at the animals I hunt. I'm not an ex-sniper... I'm an ex-12bravo, demolition guy. I'm not law enforcement or some high speed special forces type. But... I do hunt. A LOT. I use my rifles as a tool, not some safe queen. My stuff gets used in 40mph -40 degree blizzards, as well as 110 degree 95% humidity days. I hunt, and I hunt hard. I demand as much, if not more of my gear as a soldier would. Does that make me qualified to talk about this optic? Probably not. haha!

A few days ago I placed my order for the razor with Scott @ Liberty Optics. We all know him, and well... I don't buy an optic unless its through Scott. I just pulled the razor out of the box and gave it a good fondling. I really need to mount it on a gun before I go mouthing off too much... but my initial findings echo a lot of what has been said here. I'll be using a "nightforce" comparison quite a bit, and since I have a 5.5- 22x50... that is what I'll be drawing my comparisons from.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Ocular - </span>
The eyebox is very difficult to get used to. It seems that no matter where I position my eye, I always get a shadow on the edges somewhere instead of a nice defined circle that fills the ocular bell. Even on 5x, there is always one part of the ocular that has a bit of a shadow to it. At no point is it completely crisp to all edges. It would not stop me from engaging a target, but is annoying none the less. Never had any issues like that with my nightforce. Vortex, you need to address this issue. This is my main beef with this scope.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Reticle -</span>
Overall, the reticle is done pretty well. The reticle gets a bit fat at 20x. As others have pointed out, a .04 mil reticle instead of the .06 would be in order I think. The saving grace is the reticles open center. <span style="text-decoration: underline">I like that style of reticle A LOT.</span> The thickness of the reticle would be very distracting if not for the open center. Vortex, you should illustrate this better in your reticle drawings that you have on the website and have posted on this forum. People like to know what they are getting, and I almost did not purchase this scope due to it not having the open reticle... which I was very pleasantly surprised to see that it does.
One thing that I do not like about the reticle, is the illumination. The horizontal blooms like crazy, and the vertical is pretty dark. Imagine christmas lights with a layer of frost on them. Again, it is absolutely nothing like the illumination on my nightforce, which is crisp and uniform over the entire reticle. The xmas tree is pretty useless. You cant use those dots at ALL below 10x, and even at 20x it is difficult if you have a busy background. This is especially so on a darker background or in low light. I think they need to thicken those dots up a bit, and make the reticle usable for those that want it. I'd prefer the EBR-3 anyway, but nobody had em yet.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Turrets -</span>
The elevation turret is unnecessarily large in my opinion. Its not a problem, but I am not really a fan of huge turrets sticking way up like that. I'd like it just fine if they used the same turret as they did on windage, for elevation. The clicks on the windage knob feel more crisp than the clicks on the elevation knob. I like the way the windage feels more so than the elevation. If I were to compare the knobs to my nightforce, I would say that the elevation knob is as good... and the windage knob is better. I ran them in all the way, and out all the way in afew times. They don't have any noticable tight or loose spots. Both the elevation and windage knobs line up with the markings on the tube so you know right where you are. As was mentioned in another review, the second turn number on the elevation turret above the 4 mil marker is a 7, when it should be a 9. Annoying, but does not inhibit the scope function in any way. Nice and solid through the entire adjustment range. The side focus is quite nice. Not to tight, not too loose. ... and then I noticed ... someone had eaten all my pooridge. ... oh... wait... wrong story. The illumination ring is very nice, in that in between each power setting is "off." Makes it very easy to get to the setting you want. The side focus is very well done. It sticks out far enough, but not too far. I'm a big fan of that.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Power ring - </span>
Why... why why WHY... would you make it rubberized? I really like the fact that the ocular bell is static, and does not turn with the power as on my nightforce... but I absolutely despise the rubber coated/covered power ring. I just know if I get it rubbed up against something the wrong way, which I'm likely to do... I'm going to tear it up. This should not be on a $2000 scope. Hell... it shouldn't be on a $500 scope!!!!!! This is the only item on this optic that just screams "I'm a cheap pile of crap." Other than the power ring, everything else just screams "use me to hit anything you want, and don't worry, I won't break." Vortex, trust me on this... make the power ring METAL.

<span style="font-weight: bold">The glass - </span>
Ohhh the glass! This is the part where I'm suppose to give an objective opinion about how good or bad the "glass" is right? Frankly, I could care less. This is a weapon sight, not a damn telescope or spotting scope, and how it looks to me is not how it will look to someone else. Be that as it may, the glass is good. Its as good, or just a touch better than my nightforce. The images are crisp and hi-res. Just like I'd expect.

<span style="font-weight: bold">The body - </span>
This thing feels like I could use it to pound nails. Really beefy. 35 mil tube looks like a damn sewer pipe. The bronze/brown/gunmetal mixed style color is a little weird, but looks pretty sexy in person. The "made in japan" engraving on the bottom instinctively makes me want to whip it into a concrete wall with disgust... but such is the world we live in.

Unlike the fiber optic in the turret, the little fiber optic that is suppose to illuminate the power ring is kinda worthless in my opinion. I can also see it getting ripped off. Maybe it works with night vision on or something... I dont know. ... but it definately feels and looks weak sauce. Skip this step and use the money you save to improve on some of the other things I've listed.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Accessories - </span>
The flip caps that come with the scope are a joke. I've got to order some butler creeks for this thing for sure. The front cap actually flops down enough to hinder the view through the scope, so I'll have to rotate it to the side or something until the butler creeks show up. Its a petty bitch, sure... but if you are going to throw in scope caps along with a $2000 scope... they damn well better be nice. At least if it did not come with any, I would have ordered butler creek caps along with the scope like I do for every other scope I buy. It came with a bubble level that clamps onto the scope. I'd much rather see one that went on the base. It also comes with a sunshade and ARD. The sunshade, well... its a damn sun shade that screws into the end.

The ARD is not a screw-in type. It is meant to get sandwiched in between the scope and the flip cap. Cheesy and dissapointing. If I had any advice to vortex it would be to lower the price of the scope, and leave out the extra shit that sucks... OR... include the RIGHT shit so we don't have to toss this crap in a drawer and buy the right stuff after the fact anyway.

Well thats all folks. These are just my first impressions. Hi-res pictures and range report to follow.

 

[orkan]

pics

On with the pictures! The "through the scope" pictures are looking at my neighbors house, which is exactly 1 mile away. I wonder if he'd let me hang a steel plate on his door and cover his house in shoot-n-see's? haha

First, here is a picture the illustrates what I was talking about with the reticle illumination. As you can see, the horizontal blooms, but the vertical is quite faint. My camera settings were a little off there, but I assure you the same effect happens when I am looking through it. The image isn't that grainy though.

Here is a nice shot of the illumination set on the highest level.

The next few images are with illumination turned off, at the different power settings.
20x

15x

10.5x

8x

5x

Here are some shots through my Nightforce 5.5-22x50. Only a couple turned out right, as it was very hard to get the camera steady on the gun. Both are at 22x.

Here are some daytime shots of the same. Like a dumbass, I forgot to get some pics through the nightforce during the day. Sorry about that.
5x

10.5x

15x

20x

... and here's some pics of the scope, all of which I'm sure you've seen before.

This is a shot to show the size comparison between the two scopes.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Reserved for range report

 

[rksimple]

Re: pics

Nice review. In my limited time fingering it, I had almost the same conclusions, especially with regard to the reticle. And you've brought up some other good points as well re: the power ring and the caps. Look forward to the range report.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: pics

Damn...

 

[orkan]

Re: pics


Overall I like the scope... but if it can be improved... I'm not going to hold back. I'm going to list the things I'd like to see improved. Its still a better scope for me than my current nightforce, due to the mil/mil FFP.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: pics

orkan,

Great review, well done. I liked your comment about the Glass, it's damn good rifle sight, not a telescope.....

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I liked your comment about the Glass, it's damn good rifle sight, not a telescope..... </div></div>

Yes sir! People get too caught up on this "glass" crap. It has merrit, but isn't the biggest thing I look for in a scope.

 

[jasonk]

Re: pics

Thanks for the review....as for the other comments, from everyone, I edited what I thought was best for the thread and the hide.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Thanks jason. Sorry if I pissed off the "politically correct" masses.

hehehe

 

[netranger6]

Re: Vortex Razor 5-20x - yet another review

Lol. I like your review man, seriously.

 

[jasonk]

Re: pics

I appreciate it orkan, I felt it was going to continue to spiral and I thought it best to just eliminate the drama so that the important stuff (your review) could be shared by all.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: pics

Nice objective review. I found it interesting that you compared the glass to NF stating it was "as good or slightly better" just goes to show how subjective glass is to ones eye.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just goes to show how subjective glass is to ones eye. </div></div>

Thats why I didn't spend much time on it. EVERYONE views this topic differently, so it is wasted effort to comment on it much.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: pics

Okran....overall are you satisfied with the scope? Are you going to keep it? Are you going to send it in the have the screw checked for locktite? What's your plan?

 

[hunter223]

Re: pics

orkan, I thought the same thing too about the mag ring. BUT, since I've had it, I've dropped my rifle once climbing a stupid hill and hit it on some rocks once I got over it. Both times the scope took a decent whack on the mag ring and the hits left not so much as an indention in the rubber. They were pretty decent pops too so I was pleased that the rubber stood up to that.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Trevor, I'm not sure of my plan yet. I'm going to mount it, and get some rounds down the tube. I'm going to keep it, but I'm unsure as to whether I'll send it in yet. I need to call vortex and see about getting a replacement elevation cap that has the correct numbers on it, so I might talk with them about the loctite issue then.

Hunter, that is re-assuring, but it still doesn't make me feel any better. I mean its unlikely that if I did tear it, that I'd be able to replace it myself. I just don't like that AT ALL. While it may be OK, it could be so much better.

Sam? What say you about the loctite thing? How do I know if this thing has the loctite? Do you know a range of serial numbers that are affected, or is it just a crap shoot of some guy not doing his job that day?

 

[jasonk]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really need to mount it on a gun before I go mouthing off too much...

<span style="font-weight: bold">Ocular - </span>
The eyebox is very difficult to get used to. It seems that no matter where I position my eye, I always get a shadow on the edges somewhere instead of a nice defined circle that fills the ocular bell. </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trevor, I'm not sure of my plan yet. I'm going to mount it, and get some rounds down the tube. </div></div>

I missed in the first read of the review that it's not on a rifle yet, I'll be interested to see if the eye box is easier to get right when you've got a stock to lay your head on to help you get lined up. I'm terrible at holding scopes up and just looking through them, I shake like a drunk at detox.

 

[AJBello]

Re: pics

I'd bet that the shadowing issues will greatly decrease once it's mounted. I didn't really have any problem except at high magnification. At 20X, is was the most sensitive scope I recall in that regard. But at lower powers it seemed to be fine.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

I figured I'd get jumped about that.

It'll be going on a rifle as soon as scott gets the seekins base to my door.

 

[montana3gunner]

Re: pics

orkan, thanks for taking the time to write this review.

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trevor, I'm not sure of my plan yet. I'm going to mount it, and get some rounds down the tube. I'm going to keep it, but I'm unsure as to whether I'll send it in yet. I need to call vortex and see about getting a replacement elevation cap that has the correct numbers on it, so I might talk with them about the loctite issue then.

Hunter, that is re-assuring, but it still doesn't make me feel any better. I mean its unlikely that if I did tear it, that I'd be able to replace it myself. I just don't like that AT ALL. While it may be OK, it could be so much better.

Sam? What say you about the loctite thing? How do I know if this thing has the loctite? Do you know a range of serial numbers that are affected, or is it just a crap shoot of some guy not doing his job that day? </div></div>

orkan,

We are currently putting together a list of serial numbers to determine which scopes will be replaced with properly loctited models. It isn't finished yet, but as soon as it is we will make sure that our customers know so they can get things corrected.

We will also be sending people replacement elevation caps with the correct markings, in addition to a longer 0.5mrad line between numbers. These aren't completed yet though, but as soon as they are we will let people know.

Sorry for the hassle, but we're going to do everything we can to make things right as soon as possible.

Thanks also for the review. Know that we are still listening to our customer feedback and that it is very important in our future product development decisions.

If you need anything at all just let me know.

-Sam

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Pics added. I'm not sure why the last few won't embed like they are suppose to...

They will still work if you click on them.

Here is the razor at 20x, vs the nightforce at 22x:

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Oh, and Sam... thanks very much for your diligence here on the hide. Your activity here was a HUGE reason for me buying this scope so early and giving it a good run through.

I am confident you will make it right.

I like what you are doing with the caps. Not only do you fix the mistake, but you take this opportunity to improve them as well. Very well done.

It is also very apparent by your attitude that you actually do care what people think, and are prepared to make changes based on that feedback. I didn't pull any punches in this write-up, and you handled it very well.

Do you care to comment about the rubber power ring?

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh, and Sam... thanks very much for your diligence here on the hide. Your activity here was a HUGE reason for me buying this scope so early and giving it a good run through.

I am confident you will make it right.

I like what you are doing with the caps. Not only do you fix the mistake, but you take this opportunity to improve them as well. Very well done.

It is also very apparent by your attitude that you actually do care what people think, and are prepared to make changes based on that feedback. I didn't pull any punches in this write-up, and you handled it very well.

Do you care to comment about the rubber power ring? </div></div>

Thanks, I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Regarding the rubber power ring, I have had one of the earlier prototypes in the hands of a Marine sniper instructor since earlier last year. The only thing he mentioned was that it wasn't glued down enough, but the rubber itself was holding up just fine. That was before production, so we made sure to address how the power ring was cemented to the aluminum chassis underneath before production started.

If it comes down to it and the rubber starts deteriorating we will of course take care of it, but even if that did happen the chassis underneath is aluminum, so it won't really affect the function of the scope. We did choose a very high quality synthetic rubber though, so I expect it to last.

I guess the bottom line is if anything ever does happen to it you can count on us to make it right.

-Sam

 

[AJBello]

Re: pics

Sam & orkan -

I suppose the power ring thing just goes to show how widely personal preferences vary. I personally thought it was executed well and had no objection to the rubber (even noted that in my review). I certainly wouldn't be <span style="font-weight: bold">opposed</span> to a knurled metal one either (such as USO's), but the rubber didn't concern me. I REALLY liked the raised / angled number on the back of the ring. Very nice touch. When I was cranking to different powers while prone behind the rifle it was really easy to peak over the top and see where I was.

RE the tru-glo rods, I could do without the one on the ocular as well. I don't really see any practical reason for it, and I think it actually blocks the nice feature of the raised / angled numbers. A nice solid white indicator line marked on the ocular would be my preference there. The tru-glo in the elevation turret... I could see how that one could be handy, and can't think of any downside to it. It's also protected by the turret so I wouldn't have concerns of it being ripped off like I would about the ocular rod.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sam@Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess the bottom line is if anything ever does happen to it you can count on us to make it right. </div></div>

Good enough for me.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AJBello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I REALLY liked the raised / angled number on the back of the ring. Very nice touch. When I was cranking to different powers while prone behind the rifle it was really easy to peak over the top and see where I was.

RE the tru-glo rods, I could do without the one on the ocular as well. I don't really see any practical reason for it, and I think it actually blocks the nice feature of the raised / angled numbers. A nice solid white indicator line marked on the ocular would be my preference there.</div></div>

I agree 100%. Sam, what is that little fiber optic on the ocular suppose to do?

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sam@Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess the bottom line is if anything ever does happen to it you can count on us to make it right. </div></div>

Good enough for me.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AJBello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I REALLY liked the raised / angled number on the back of the ring. Very nice touch. When I was cranking to different powers while prone behind the rifle it was really easy to peak over the top and see where I was.

RE the tru-glo rods, I could do without the one on the ocular as well. I don't really see any practical reason for it, and I think it actually blocks the nice feature of the raised / angled numbers. A nice solid white indicator line marked on the ocular would be my preference there.</div></div>

I agree 100%. Sam, what is that little fiber optic on the ocular suppose to do? </div></div>

It's really just an indicator marker for what magnification you are on. The design is a little different on the PST's and I like it a little better because I think the fiber is more protected.

-Sam

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

In regard to the illumination, is anyone else seeing this problem? If you look at the first pic, you can clearly see the vertical is barely lit, while the horizontal is bright.

Not many of these scopes out there yet, so I'd like to know if it is just my scope, or if this is going to be normal.

 

[srv656s]

Re: pics

Thanks for taking the time to write this up and post it. Looking forward to the range report.

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In regard to the illumination, is anyone else seeing this problem? If you look at the first pic, you can clearly see the vertical is barely lit, while the horizontal is bright.

Not many of these scopes out there yet, so I'd like to know if it is just my scope, or if this is going to be normal. </div></div>

That does sound odd. It is something we can look at and check for you. Just let us know. Thanks!

-Sam

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: pics

Here are your pics.... maybe you had too many in one post, all I did was copy and paste.

10.5x

15x

20x

... and here's some pics of the scope, all of which I'm sure you've seen before.

This is a shot to show the size comparison between the two scopes.

 

[jasonk]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In regard to the illumination, is anyone else seeing this problem? If you look at the first pic, you can clearly see the vertical is barely lit, while the horizontal is bright.</div></div>

Do you notice it when looking through it or just in the pics? Curious if it could be the camera playing tricks.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: pics

BAY Window Reviews are by far my ultimate favorite, however it should be required you have a bottle of Windex in the photos some where to show your commitment to providing the very best detail as possible.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On with the pictures! The "through the scope" pictures are looking at my neighbors house, which is exactly 1 mile away. I wonder if he'd let me hang a steel plate on his door and cover his house in shoot-n-see's? haha

First, here is a picture the illustrates what I was talking about with the reticle illumination. As you can see, the horizontal blooms, but the vertical is quite faint. My camera settings were a little off there, but I assure you the same effect happens when I am looking through it. The image isn't that grainy though.

Here is a nice shot of the illumination set on the highest level.

The next few images are with illumination turned off, at the different power settings.
20x

15x

10.5x

8x

5x

Here are some shots through my Nightforce 5.5-22x50. Only a couple turned out right, as it was very hard to get the camera steady on the gun. Both are at 22x.

Here are some daytime shots of the same. Like a dumbass, I forgot to get some pics through the nightforce during the day. Sorry about that.
5x

10.5x

15x

20x

... and here's some pics of the scope, all of which I'm sure you've seen before.

This is a shot to show the size comparison between the two scopes.

</div></div>

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Thanks lowlight, I knew someone would jump me on that as well... However... it was night time and my windows are literally frozen shut due to the recent blizzards/ice storms. On top of that, it was -15 wind chill out there. I didn't need to go out that bad just to take some pictures. Looks pretty damn good, even through the windows though.

The pictures were to show the RETICLE... not the "glass."

In regard to the illumination... no, it does it when I look through the scope. Its not a camera trick.

 

[Arch]

Re: pics

Still, pretty good pics through a telescopic sight.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Update... I have since got the scope mounted, and have spent a few hours behind it. I verified the eyebox "shadowing" effect I had been noticing, and it is indeed there. It seems there is no place I can put my eye that will give me a crisp picture to all edges of the ocular.

Look at the daytime images through the scope above. See that shadowing that is predominately in the lower left of the ocular? That is exactly what I experience in the scope. If I get off to the right side a ways, it goes away, but then of course I get a shadow on the right side... as I would expect. When centered up behind the optic, the image is exactly as you see it in the pictures above.

This is annoying. It makes you second guess your cheek weld. The disturbing part is that this condition exists at ALL powers, not just 20x where I would expect it. It doesn't cause the scope to malfunction, but it is indeed distracting.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: pics

I just thought I would share my thoughts on the scope since I took some time to look it over pretty good. Since so much has already been said I didnt see the point in starting another thread for this.

NOTE: These are just my thoughts and observations...Nothing more.

I loved the apprearance and feel of the scope as soon as I seen it and felt it. It certainly feels like a sturdy optic that you could easily use as a hammer without hurting it.

The turrets felt really good with nice audible clicks that were pretty crisp. I did however notice that the windage turret felt much better to me than the elevation turret. The windage turret was noticably more crisp with almost no slack after the click at all. Not sure why they would be different, but there was a distinct difference.

I had issues with getting a good full sight picture without any shadowing at all powers. Now, im not a top marksman and im sure my form and technique is lacking, but I just had a problem with it more so than I do with my other optics.

The recticle was really nice, but the dots underneath were unable to be seen easily until 8X-9X magnification or higher. and I am young with great vision.

Illumination knob was very very stiff on mine to the point that I feel it would be an issue if having to adjust power or turn on/off while prone without breaking cheek weld. Maybe this was just a issue on the particular unit I had.

Lastly....I had the same issue as AJ did with the elevation turret locking up, only I never fired a shot with it on the rifle. I ran the elevation turret throught its adjustment range several times while looking over the scope and it worked great, however the last time I ran it up and started to bring it back down it locked up about two turns down from the top and froze solid. I could go back up with it, but once it hit 2-2.5 turns down from the top it locked up.

The Vortex rings that were provided were awesome. Very nice fit and finish overall. Also the bonus bubble level ring top was a nice extra value.

Overall I think this is a great scope that just needs to have a few very minor tweeks done to it and it will be great. I will be sending this one back for a refund, but honestly I do plan to buy another one in the future once some revisions have been made to it.

I tried to keep this short because there isnt alot to say that hasnt already been said. I think I covered the main points considering that I never actually got to shoot with it.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

I also had a stiff illumination knob. I liked it though, because I know it will break in, and be nice and tight still. I'd actually consider that a positive. You won't accidentally drain your battery.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

For those that missed it, the EBR-2 reticle has an open center. I've had a few ask for clarification. Vortex, you really need to update the reticles on your website. It isn't that hard, and I even did one for you.

Sam, I'm curious... are all the EBR reticles open in the center?

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For those that missed it, the EBR-2 reticle has an open center. I've had a few ask for clarification. Vortex, you really need to update the reticles on your website. It isn't that hard, and I even did one for you.

Sam, I'm curious... are all the EBR reticles open in the center?

</div></div>

I'll make sure to let the web team know so they can update the website.

No, not all of the EBR reticle have the open center. Just the EBR-2. The EBR-1 and EBR-3 have closed centers.

-Sam

 

[19818119]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lastly....I had the same issue as AJ did with the elevation turret locking up, only I never fired a shot with it on the rifle. I ran the elevation turret throught its adjustment range several times while looking over the scope and it worked great, however the last time I ran it up and started to bring it back down it locked up about two turns down from the top and froze solid. I could go back up with it, but once it hit 2-2.5 turns down from the top it locked up.
</div></div>

Have Vortex identified how many of their scopes might be affected by this? Frankly I don't like the fact that failure to add a bit of locktite renders a scope useless!

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: pics

I'm not sure. I know Sam was going to try to compile a list range that the affected units were pobably in.

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rath</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lastly....I had the same issue as AJ did with the elevation turret locking up, only I never fired a shot with it on the rifle. I ran the elevation turret throught its adjustment range several times while looking over the scope and it worked great, however the last time I ran it up and started to bring it back down it locked up about two turns down from the top and froze solid. I could go back up with it, but once it hit 2-2.5 turns down from the top it locked up.
</div></div>

Have Vortex identified how many of their scopes might be affected by this? Frankly I don't like the fact that failure to add a bit of locktite renders a scope useless! </div></div>

I can understand that you might be worried, but honestly it's an extremely simple issue and the zero stop is very sound and extremely robust when the proper loctite is used. The stop pin screw, once loctited, is for all intents and purposes welded in place and isn't going anywhere.

It has to be heated to 500 degrees while applying torque for it to move.

We've since taken measures to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

-Sam

 

[Magnumdood]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sam@Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has to be heated to 500 degrees while applying torque for it to move.

We've since taken measures to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

-Sam </div></div>
The top two tech's heads are mounted on pikes at the entrance to the production facility; both have dried red Loc-tite solidly filling their nasal passages and mouths, their faces frozen in masks of terror as they tried futilely to get a breath by all that red Loc-tite.

I doubt the red Loc-tite will be forgotten again...<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">ever</span></span>.

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

Yeah, you guys really need to get a grip when it comes to this stuff.

My review, was to let vortex know of the things I found to be important to address. This wasn't to be some kind of lynch mob shit. Sam was johnny on the spot with responses and solutions.

We talk. He listens, and modifies his companies behavior accordingly.

NOT we talk, he listens... then we keep talking about the same shit. Everyone can error.

After spending a couple hundred rounds, and several hours behind this scope, I can safely say it is my favorite. Those of you with doubts... buy one. If you don't like it, people will line up to buy it off you.

All this speculation and rhetoric serves no one. Unless you are willing to pony up the cash and get one to evaluate for yourself... you aren't helping anyone.

I ordered a second one. ... and it is likely that I'll have a few more before long. It is the most feature-rich rifle sight you are going to find for the money. PERIOD.

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magnumdood</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sam@Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has to be heated to 500 degrees while applying torque for it to move.

We've since taken measures to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

-Sam </div></div>
The top two tech's heads are mounted on pikes at the entrance to the production facility; both have dried red Loc-tite solidly filling their nasal passages and mouths, their faces frozen in masks of terror as they tried futilely to get a breath by all that red Loc-tite.

I doubt the red Loc-tite will be forgotten again...<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">ever</span></span>.
</div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">THAT</span> is funny...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: orkan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah, you guys really need to get a grip when it comes to this stuff.

My review, was to let vortex know of the things I found to be important to address. This wasn't to be some kind of lynch mob shit. Sam was johnny on the spot with responses and solutions.

We talk. He listens, and modifies his companies behavior accordingly.

NOT we talk, he listens... then we keep talking about the same shit. Everyone can error.

After spending a couple hundred rounds, and several hours behind this scope, I can safely say it is my favorite. Those of you with doubts... buy one. If you don't like it, people will line up to buy it off you.

All this speculation and rhetoric serves no one. Unless you are willing to pony up the cash and get one to evaluate for yourself... you aren't helping anyone.

I ordered a second one. ... and it is likely that I'll have a few more before long. It is the most feature-rich rifle sight you are going to find for the money. PERIOD. </div></div>

Now, that is saying something....

 

[VortexSam]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magnumdood</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sam@Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has to be heated to 500 degrees while applying torque for it to move.

We've since taken measures to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

-Sam </div></div>
The top two tech's heads are mounted on pikes at the entrance to the production facility; both have dried red Loc-tite solidly filling their nasal passages and mouths, their faces frozen in masks of terror as they tried futilely to get a breath by all that red Loc-tite.

I doubt the red Loc-tite will be forgotten again...<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">ever</span></span>.
</div></div>

We've been looking to hire a person to help the engineers at Vortex effectively communicate better with the production staff.

This person would need to have good relational skills and be able to effectively communicate engineering requirements in manner that uses positive reinforcement, a friendly attitude, as well as compassion and tolerance to job place diversity.

If you are interested in a job, we'd very much like to hire you.

-Sam

 

[orkan]

Re: pics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sam@Vortex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> as well as compassion and tolerance to job place diversity.</div></div>

Shit, I was looking good right up until that point! lol

 

[LibertyOptics]

Re: pics

Orkan,

Just one question, is that sight picture with the reticle centered in the scope tube or at the extremes of elevation?? This type of vignetting is pretty common when you have the elevation knob cranked at one extreme or another. Just asking, to cover all the bases.

Scott