Rifle Scopes Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x

[beetroot]

@beetroot

Trijicon also has a new 2-10 on the market. I’m pretty interested in that as well. Not as a direct competitor to the R3, but as a standalone optic in its class.

Trijicon Credo 2-10x36 FFP w/ Red MRAD Precision Tree, 30mm, Matte Black Riflescope 2900038

FREE SHIPPING on Trijicon Credo 2-10x36 FFP w/ Red MRAD Precision Tree, 30mm, Matte Black Riflescope 2900038

www.eurooptic.com

Yeah ive seen that, not too impressef by the FOV specs but will be interesting to see reviews once its out.

 

[g22rmr]

Several Vortex reps at shot show quoted a ship date of April 2020. Anyone have different information?

 

[DairyDictator]

I'm extremely excited to see the reticle on this. Anybody know if they got one in the showroom yet?

This would make a great scope for a DMR type build and if the reticle is crazy think it should be good out to 800 yds on decent size targets.

The center would be SOO much more useful if they used a chevron instead of a dot. I wish someone made a reticle like Primary Arms, but with mil subtensions not BDC.

 

[45custom]

Do you know the estimated battery life?

Nvm... Recoil quoted 2.4 years on setting 6, constant on.

I will no longer worry about 1x non illuminated.

Vortex has said it's actually 211 hours on setting 6, from the arfcom thread. That's still pretty decent but you do need to be conscious of the battery life if you leave it on.

 

[Rob01]

Several Vortex reps at shot show quoted a ship date of April 2020. Anyone have different information?

Nothing different. That is also what I was told. Waiting for mine patiently

 

[Shaun755]

Several Vortex reps at shot show quoted a ship date of April 2020. Anyone have different information?

that’s what they told me... they did send one out to demolition Matt he had been messing with it on his YouTube page

 

[Killswitch Engage]

I'm extremely excited to see the reticle on this. Anybody know if they got one in the showroom yet?

This would make a great scope for a DMR type build and if the reticle is crazy think it should be good out to 800 yds on decent size targets.

The center would be SOO much more useful if they used a chevron instead of a dot. I wish someone made a reticle like Primary Arms, but with mil subtensions not BDC.

 

[Shaun755]

Well crap .. I kinda like that reticle...

 

[Killswitch Engage]

Well crap .. I kinda like that reticle...

its awesome

 

[Shaun755]

its awesome

Well at least I have an excuse to try to get my hands on one!

 

[g22rmr]

Anyone have thoughts on the mount they are planning on using with their 1-10x?

I'm planning on getting the Scalarworks Leap over the Geissele mount as it's lighter, auto leveling and completely snag free.

Scalarworks Leap Mount for 30mm Scopes

The Scalarworks Leap Mount is the lightest, strongest, and easiest to use quick-detach 30mm Scope mount in existence.

scalarworks.com

I do like the color and the return to zero may be more precise on the Geissele, as it was tested with a laser further than the Scalarworks.

Super Precision® - AR15 / M4 Scope Mounts

Click Here to review our DDC (Desert Dirt Color) disclaimer before purchasing.

geissele.com

 

[502Chevelle]

There is a lot of innovation going on with those mounts. Someone has put their thinking cap on.

 

[koshkin]

Anyone have thoughts on the mount they are planning on using with their 1-10x?

I'm planning on getting the Scalarworks Leap over the Geissele mount as it's lighter, auto leveling and completely snag free.

Scalarworks Leap Mount for 30mm Scopes

The Scalarworks Leap Mount is the lightest, strongest, and easiest to use quick-detach 30mm Scope mount in existence.

scalarworks.com

I do like the color and the return to zero may be more precise on the Geissele, as it was tested with a laser further than the Scalarworks.

Super Precision® - AR15 / M4 Scope Mounts

Click Here to review our DDC (Desert Dirt Color) disclaimer before purchasing.

geissele.com

I mounted mine into a 34mm Aadmount.

Both Scalarworks and Geissele seem to be made to the mil-std-1913 spec (where the mount squeezes the rail from the sides with four datum surfaces), rather than NATO (three datum surfaces where the mount is pulled down onto the top of the rail when you tighten the screws). In principle, both work just fine if everythign is in spec, but I had better luck overall with the Stanag standard that defines the datum surfaces in a smarter way.

Here is a good description of the difference: https://www.thomasmechanicaldesign.com/the-mitch-blog/picatinny-and-nato-rails-gdt

I have seen Scalar Works mounts, but I have not had a chance to test one. They look pretty and have a bunch of clever features, but they still seem to adhere to 1913 framework

I have a 30mm Geissele mount here and, honestly, I like it quite a bit. I have the new Delta Stryker 1-6x24 in it and the combination works very nicely and comes back to zero pretty well.

Aadmount is still a little slicker and given that I am not planning to be removing it any time soon or with any regualrity, I like the flush T25 screws. If I do need to remove it, it comes back to zero exceptionally well.

ILya

 

[The DFC]

Anyone have thoughts on the mount they are planning on using with their 1-10x?

I'm planning on getting the Scalarworks Leap over the Geissele mount as it's lighter, auto leveling and completely snag free.

Scalarworks Leap Mount for 30mm Scopes

The Scalarworks Leap Mount is the lightest, strongest, and easiest to use quick-detach 30mm Scope mount in existence.

scalarworks.com

I do like the color and the return to zero may be more precise on the Geissele, as it was tested with a laser further than the Scalarworks.

Super Precision® - AR15 / M4 Scope Mounts

Click Here to review our DDC (Desert Dirt Color) disclaimer before purchasing.

geissele.com

I already have the Scalar works in hand for it to go on my KAC-LPR.

 

[Happiness Is A Warm Gun]

Great info about the mounts. I have only owned or even really knew about the older style like geissele. What would be some examples of the NATO style?

 

[phlegethon]

the mil-std-1913 spec (where the mount squeezes the rail from the sides with four datum surfaces), rather than NATO (three datum surfaces where the mount is pulled down onto the top of the rail when you tighten the screws). In principle, both work just fine if everythign is in spec, but I had better luck overall with the Stanag standard that defines the datum surfaces in a smarter way.

Here is a good description of the difference: https://www.thomasmechanicaldesign.com/the-mitch-blog/picatinny-and-nato-rails-gdt

I’m constantly amazed by how much I learn from your posts.

 

[koshkin]

Great info about the mounts. I have only owned or even really knew about the older style like geissele. What would be some examples of the NATO style?

Aadmount and a bunch of others. You can easily tell by looking at which surfaces touch after you have attached the mount to the rail.

To the best of my knowledge, the US Army still requires the 1913 STD for some silly reason (probably institutional inertia), so Geissele mount made for government contract submission had to be made that way and I assume other mount that were submitted for the military's consideration are the same way.

They are still good mounts made by good companies. However, STANAG 4694 is simply a better standard to adhere to from a technical standpoint.

ILya

 

[koshkin]

I’m constantly amazed by how much I learn from your posts.

That is a kind thing to say. Thank You.

ILya

 

[dlm1984]

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the new Razor. I was very impressed by the samples I handled at SHOT and GAOS. I'm not sure where it fits in my collection, and I need some time to compare it to my ATACR, but it definitely had a forgiving eye box. I thought the one got a bit dark at higher magnification, but again, I really need more time behind the optic to give it a fair evaluation.

 

[hk dave]

I think it’s a perfect match for a large frame AR. Def a perfect match for my SCAR 17.

 

[schlaiek]

anyone planning on putting their R3 on a bolt gun or something other than an AR? I'm really curious what Vortex is going to bring out this year - the R2 offerings, while still very viable are showing their age imo. something to compete with the NF 7-35 would be great.

 

[Langford]

A 3.5-35 Gen 3 razor would be insane, but even if they didn’t stick to the 10x magnification, I’d love to see a higher power gen 3.

 

[RTV]

A 3.5-35 Gen 3 razor would be insane, but even if they didn’t stick to the 10x magnification, I’d love to see a higher power gen 3.

If they could release a 2 or 2.5 to 20 without all the issues of the NX8 I would be all over that like a bee on hunny... if they could drop the weight down a bit that would really seal the deal.

 

[Happiness Is A Warm Gun]

Aadmount and a bunch of others. You can easily tell by looking at which surfaces touch after you have attached the mount to the rail.

Great! Thanks for the info. I will be on the lookout in the future.

 

[DairyDictator]

anyone planning on putting their R3 on a bolt gun or something other than an AR? I'm really curious what Vortex is going to bring out this year - the R2 offerings, while still very viable are showing their age imo. something to compete with the NF 7-35 would be great.

What do you mean by showing it's age? The glass clarity and reticle choice seems to be keeping up very well as compared to other offerings. Glass clarity is based on my admittedly short time behind the ATAC-R. The only things I would very much like to see changed are the turret design and take about 10oz off it.

 

[The DFC]

What do you mean by showing it's age? The glass clarity and reticle choice seems to be keeping up very well as compared to other offerings. Glass clarity is based on my admittedly short time behind the ATAC-R. The only things I would very much like to see changed are the turret design and take about 10oz off it.

What would you like changed about the Gen2 turrets?

 

[Tyler Kemp]

Bout to wrap up my preorders on these, just an FYI

Free extra lever, billet rail level, 99% off mount or rings:

Razor HD GEN III 1-10x24

Razor HD GEN III 1-10x24 (Includes Free Billet Rail Mounted Level and Pro Series Lever). Take 25% Off Rings and Mounts. Includes Free Shipping!

mkmachining.com

 

[scharfschutze762]

Aadmount and a bunch of others. You can easily tell by looking at which surfaces touch after you have attached the mount to the rail.

To the best of my knowledge, the US Army still requires the 1913 STD for some silly reason (probably institutional inertia), so Geissele mount made for government contract submission had to be made that way and I assume other mount that were submitted for the military's consideration are the same way.

They are still good mounts made by good companies. However, STANAG 4694 is simply a better standard to adhere to from a technical standpoint.

ILya

STANAG is better when your rails are not in spec like what seems like half the market that claims to be M1913 STD spec rails. Ive been in factories where they claim M1913 STD but totally out of spec and didnt even have certified M1913 gauges to validate the end product.
SOCOM and several other high profile agencies requires 1913 STD and I assure you its not from institutional inbreeding or what you may perceive as silly. This standard forces the companies to adhere to exact standards and forced out a bunch of big name companies that were not doing what they were suppose to and tried to lay blame on someone else.

 

[schlaiek]

clarification. by showing it's age.
when the R2 was released, in my opinion it broke new ground in terms of a value proposition. 6x erector, solid glass, good eyebox, FFP, etc, etc. since then, many other companies have released products with similar specs and the street price of the R2 has fallen to accommodate it's place in this market.

think about the offerings of S&B, Nightforce, and Steiner when the R2 was brand new vs. today. S&Bs have come down in price, the Steiner M7 costs much less than the M5, and Nightforce has 2 lines of well received FFP scopes. that is a lot of evolution in the marketplace since the R2 was the new hotness. Bushnell and Burris have both stepped up their game and new companies like Athlon are using a model that looks a lot like what Vortex did.

I'd like to see an expanded line of Razor 3s with all of the good qualities of the R2 but with a a 8x or 10x erector and less weight.

 

[DairyDictator]

What would you like changed about the Gen2 turrets?

I prefer the PST gen 2 design over the razor turrets. The turret locks are too easy to engage accidentally and tough to disengage quickly. This isnt a big deal on the windage knob, but has cost me a shot or two on the clock due to the elevation stop. I like the ability to zero between click a lot, but having the zero stop always set at .5 mil below is useless and annoying to me. The option of not having it is nice. Needing a screwdriver to zero is annoying. The PST has an inner turret that doesnt require tools to adjust after the cap is removed.

If they found a way to add a non invasive turret lock to the PST turret it'd be a real winner in my eyes.

 

[koshkin]

STANAG is better when your rails are not in spec like what seems like half the market that claims to be M1913 STD spec rails. Ive been in factories where they claim M1913 STD but totally out of spec and didnt even have certified M1913 gauges to validate the end product.
SOCOM and several other high profile agencies requires 1913 STD and I assure you its not from institutional inbreeding or what you may perceive as silly. This standard forces the companies to adhere to exact standards and forced out a bunch of big name companies that were not doing what they were suppose to and tried to lay blame on someone else.

One of the problems with the 1913 standard is that it does not define the rail dimensions terribly well (the guy whose sight I linked to explains it quite well).

The NATO standard has a stricter tolerancing scheme for the rail.

Aside from that, three datum surfaces is going to be a more consistent way of attaching a mount to a rail than four datum surfaces simply from a tolerance stack up standpoint. That's fairly fundamental geometry.

All that aside, in the civilian world, I have no means of making sure that whatever rail I am using is within spec or not. As you correctly pointed out, there is a lot of out of spec stuff in the market. With a STANAG clamp design, I have a much better chance of it workign correctly. I've seen too many rails where you see the mount start tilting sideways when you tighten the clamp.

ILya

 

[scharfschutze762]

You make some valid points and I have zero hesitation using high quality STANAG mounts such ERA TAC or Badger on my personal stuff from having positive experience regardless of how much some of my colleagues are against it.

 

[Rob01]

I prefer the PST gen 2 design over the razor turrets. The turret locks are too easy to engage accidentally and tough to disengage quickly. This isnt a big deal on the windage knob, but has cost me a shot or two on the clock due to the elevation stop. I like the ability to zero between click a lot, but having the zero stop always set at .5 mil below is useless and annoying to me. The option of not having it is nice. Needing a screwdriver to zero is annoying. The PST has an inner turret that doesnt require tools to adjust after the cap is removed.

If they found a way to add a non invasive turret lock to the PST turret it'd be a real winner in my eyes.

That's a lot of personal preference and not really a scope issue. I have lost points with scopes with non locking turrets that spun on me during a stage. And the knobs are pretty easy to grab and pop up to unlock on the Razor. I have a few and no issues just reaching up and popping up.

The Razor comes with a multi tool which has all the tools needed to zero. I keep one in the stock pack of each rifle. Also you do need a tool on the inside of the PST knob to loosen the three screws on the under knob so you get the clickless zeroing. Just like the Gen 1 Razor set up.

The .5 mils below the zero has never been an issue as with a 100 yard zero you only have to dial up but with my rimfire set up I need to dial .2 below. S&B had .6 mils under their stop on the PMIIs I used before the Razors so that wasn't an issue when I went to the Razors.

As I said a lot of personal preference and I think your knob will loosen up with use if it is stiff to pull up.

 

[TripleBull]

There's a Gen3 review in the new AR-15 magazine:

Maybe "preview" is more accurate. Beckstrand liked it mucho.

 

[The DFC]

There's a Gen3 review in the new AR-15 magazine:

View attachment 7250376

Maybe "preview" is more accurate. Beckstrand liked it mucho.

I can't remember the last time I bought a magazine-or even thought of a magazine

 

[TripleBull]

I can't remember the last time I bought a magazine-or even thought of a magazine

I thought of the above while reading it sitting on the crapper.

Magazines are still viable.

Not good to wipe your ass with your phone.

 

[koshkin]

I thought of the above while reading it sitting on the crapper.

Magazines are still viable.

Not good to wipe your ass with your phone.

I wrote a piece on prismatic scopes for that issue. If you do plan to wipe your ass with some pages from that magazine, I would consider it a personal courtesy if you chose some other pages, not the ones that I wrote.

Thanks
ILya

 

[TripleBull]

I wrote a piece on prismatic scopes for that issue. If you do plan to wipe your ass with some pages from that magazine, I would consider it a personal courtesy if you chose some other pages, not the ones that I wrote.

Thanks
ILya

I read it!

I only use subscription cards to wipe, and only when out of TP.

I share magazines but get them back and archive. Your work will endure.

 

[koshkin]

I read it!

I only use subscription cards to wipe, and only when out of TP.

I share magazines but get them back and archive. Your work will endure.

Appreciate it.

I make no guarantees about the rest of the content there, but the stuff I write for them is the best I can do and they virtually do not edit my stuff. I am pretty happy about that.

ILya

 

[502Chevelle]

I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a 1-8 from grateful Doug, but just didnt have my ducks in a row to pay for stuff right now (new rifle build, new truck, life insurance due, etc) just wasn’t the right time. Now y’all get this thread going about this scope and I think I’m going to have to get one, even if I have to wait a few months. Y’all should feel guilty as hell for making me spend this money. It’s all your fault.

 

[Killswitch Engage]

anyone planning on putting their R3 on a bolt gun or something other than an AR? I'm really curious what Vortex is going to bring out this year - the R2 offerings, while still very viable are showing their age imo. something to compete with the NF 7-35 would be great.

 

[JayseM_SportOptics]

Pretty nice package all-in-all. They really did get alot packed into that package all while keeping the weight relatively low. The 1x is pretty good, albeit not quite as good as the 1-6. The 10 power is good, but the eye box is pretty small, but that should be expected. We're currently taking preorders as well and I anticipate these things to be pretty hot for awhile. I still need a little more time behind it, but first impressions are good.

 

[Midwest Optics]

Cant wait to get my hands on one of these. Should be a nice upgrade

 

[Sabre672]

crappy cellular pictures. For reference the building is @ 1444 yards...

 

[SkyScrapin]

Anybody care to take through the lens pics at 4x or 5x? Illum vs. not.

 

[Lil Casino]

Seeing pics is making me impatient... Any reviews coming from the fellas who already have them?

 

[corey4]

Nice kestrel in the second pic ?

 

[koshkin]

Anybody care to take through the lens pics at 4x or 5x? Illum vs. not.

I posted pictures on 6x on my Instagram account.




ILya

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I just completed a short write up for a publication but I'm hoping to do a more in depth review for another soon. That being said here are a couple thoughts of mine on this scope.

1. It's pretty awesome for a recce, SPR, or DMR type of rifle.

2. The one that I have is the MOA version with the BDC reticle but I actually dig it. If I tune the zero at 50 yards to equal a true zero between 200-225 depending on the cartridge I can get the hold overs to line up pretty good, generally within 1/2 MOA or better. So far I've run the numbers and so far I can make this reticle work with 77gr OTM, 75 BTHP, 55gr FMJ, etc...most common 5.56 basically. This is the magnification on 10X.

3. The segmented reticle and center dot are actually pretty cool because they're partially see through so it won't obscure the target behind if you need more precision. That being said the dot is only 1 MOA but it's still cool nonetheless.

4. Down on 1X I'm as quick with it as I am with a red dot. FOV is good, I don't have any experience with the 1-6 so I can't compare it honestly. I don't think it will hold you back though. This picture is on 1X with the illumination on 6 or 7, can't remember, the target is about 5-7 yards away.

5. Illumination...so none of the settings are really NV or low light settings. Setting 1 is almost too bright at night until I started to think about this in the context of being used on a HD rifle or possibly a duty gun where it's likely you'll have a white light. If you're on setting 1 and you hit something with a white light there's a low probability that you'll wash out the dot and potentially lose your aiming point. If you're going to use this optic with a clip on NV set up then you're probably not going to be using the illumination anyway. In normal day light conditions the 7 setting is probably the optimal one, that's what I kept it on most of the time but in bright day light you may need to up it to 8. The 11 setting might be for shooting into the sun? I dunno...

6. Tracking was spot on, I tested it up to 30 MOA and back to zero with no issues. Overall, the fit and finish feels great, no complaints there.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

The 11 setting might be for shooting into the sun? I dunno...

lol!