Rifle Scopes Vortex Razor HD LHT (HSR-5i) vs. PST Gen2 (EBR-7C) 3-15x

[Cmiracle]

Hello all,
My 18" 5.56 dmr-ish build is nearing completion. I'll mostly be slinging Sierra 77gr handloads out to 550yds on the local range, but I'm also interested in trying the PRS regional club matches at Triple C in Cresson. This will be my first 'long range' setup that I'll be using to learn MIL ranging, ect. on, and I plan on taking it to some classes in the future. A large-frame AR or decent bolt gun isn't in the cards yet.

As for the scopes, I'm really liking the lighter weight of the LHT, but would the HSR-5i be more limiting than a Christmas tree style reticle? The LHT also lacks windage, but I like that sleeker style with one less thing to bump off zero while carrying the gun around?

Finally, to throw a wrench in there, is either of these scopes worth the ~$300 upgrade over an Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 2.5-15X50, which also has a christmas-tree reticle?

 

[Rob01]

Get this scope.

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2D MRAD (FFP) PST-5257

SPECIAL OFFER: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2D MRAD (FFP) PST-5257 for sale now, only at EuroOptic.com! Best prices on Vortex Optics - call now at 570.368.3920.

www.eurooptic.com

 

[spife7980]

If you’re wanting to shoot the regional prs you’ll enjoy the scope rob linked much more than the lgt.
If you’ll really be using the scope much more in the wee hours of morning and night then go for the hunting scope I guess.

 

[Luke G]

PST out of those two options.

The LHT is a great scope but not for the uses you are describing. If it was a lightweight hunting rifle then LHT all the way.

For PRS or any kind of ranging you will want a first focal plane scope and not a second focal plane scope that way recitals stays true to size no matter the magnification.

 

[Cmiracle]

PST does seem like the way to go.

Get this scope.

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2D MRAD (FFP) PST-5257

SPECIAL OFFER: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2D MRAD (FFP) PST-5257 for sale now, only at EuroOptic.com! Best prices on Vortex Optics - call now at 570.368.3920.

www.eurooptic.com

That does seem like a great deal, it's only $100 more than the 5-25x Strike Eagle. Why 5-25x over 3-15? All of my shooting experience is behind irons or a 1-6x, so 5-25x seemed like alot for a .223?

 

[Rob01]

You can dial a 25x down to 15x but not the other way around If you needed more power

 

[nightman89]

Since you are just wanting to shoot matches and not take it hunting, grab the 5-25 PST II. It will do everything you need, and at the price linked its a great deal.

 

[Guthwine]

I am on the other side looking for a hunting optic. I know the Viper and I was looking at the Razor 3-15 LHT for my hunting rifle. Is there a significant difference in the image quality between the two from Viper to Razor?

 

[Gunner2590]

I have a Razor HD LHT and just recently got a Viper PST Gen ii 5-25. I haven’t compared side by side yet but will try and look through both tomorrow and give you my opinion.

 

[Glassaholic]

The PST II 3-15x44 and 5-25x50 are surprisingly good optics for under $1k. With Vortex warranty you can’t go wrong even if the scope does. Like others mentioned, for the type of shooting you’re looking at you’d be best served by FFP.

 

[Cmiracle]

With the PST II 3-15x44 and 5-25x50- is the reticle thicker on the 3-15x44? How usable is it on the 3-5 range compared to the 5-25x50 on 5 power?

 

[Slevin182]

PST 5-25 with the mil reticle. Truly great scope for the money.

 

[jooleyen]

I have a Razor HD LHT and just recently got a Viper PST Gen ii 5-25. I haven’t compared side by side yet but will try and look through both tomorrow and give you my opinion.

Did you ever compare them?

 

[GreenMushroom]

I have an lht 3-15 and a pst2 3-15. They're kind of apples and oranges. What specifically were you wondering about?

 

[jooleyen]

I have an lht 3-15 and a pst2 3-15. They're kind of apples and oranges. What specifically were you wondering about?

Really just the glass. I see they are meant for different purposes. It seems like a pretty niche scope that has maybe two or three other competitors, so not like I have much choice, but I was hoping someone would say it’s more comparable to a razor gen ii than the viper line. I had a Midas tac for $550 (I’ve heard equal glass to viper pst gen ii) and would hate to hear that an extra $450 for the LHT doesn’t buy me any more optical clarity.

 

[GreenMushroom]

I've never looked through one of the high mag g2 but the lht glass is nice. Comparable to my other Japanese scopes. It's better than the Viper. The vipers glass is very functional though. Plenty good enough for it's intended purpose. A bigger deciding factor is the Viper is a big heavy scope. My lht is the 50mm objective and it's 20oz which makes for a very handy rifle.

 

[GreenMushroom]

Honestly though I'm probably going to unload both and get on the pre-order for a LRHS2. If you don't care about illumination I'd take a look at those. Looks like a lot of scope for the $.

 

[Wagonhouse]

The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 checked all the boxes for me personally and I have enjoyed it so far. I went with which reticle appealed to me and my needs first, weight was second, then budget. Midway was running a great deal I couldn’t pass up so pulled the trigger on it.