Rifle Scopes Vortex Razor HD VS US Optics

HotAirBaloonInstructor

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Minuteman
May 22, 2012
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I'm nearing completion on my latest build which is a "semi-precision-ish" AR15 in .223 Wylde. I'm pretty sure I've finalized all other components selections except for GLASS.

I really like the idea of a variable zoom optic and having tried some 1-4 offerings, there isn't enough ass, in my opinion (might as well have a fixed 4x ACOG).

So, 1(ish)-6x it is. I believe I've narrowed my choices between the Vortex Razor HD Gen II and US Optics SR-6 1.5-6x DFP. They are close in price (+/- 1500) and that's about what I want to spend. I've been able to finger fuck a Razor HD II 1-6x and the glass was awesome. I was under the impression that USO was one of the best brands out there unless you step it up to a S&B or something similar. Correct me if I'm wrong. I like the dual focal plane and the reticle looks good in the USO. Just trying to get some input from The 'Hide.

Going on a 16" Lothar Walther medium contour 1:8 twist barrel with a free float rail. Will be doing some shooting from a bipod or a couple sandbags to 600.

In short, looking for good, clear glass and a no bullshit reticle. Really need to stay close to that $1500 mark.
 
All that I can say is that I LOVE my razor. I shoot 3 gun with it and I moved to that from a burris TAC30. Pretty big step. The red dot is awesome and the "eye box" is like watching a big screen TV. If you put your hands on one, you'll know what I'm talking about. I can't really speak for the USO, but I do have another buddy who had the 1.5-6 USO and he just installed a Vortex Razor HD in it's place. We'll see how he likes it in comparison. I put my hands on his USO and it is nice. I believe that the USO is quite a bit more. I got my Vortex from Euro optic and they gave me a hide discount. Mine was $1259 shipped. Not too bad IMO. Just figured I'd put the price out there in case you were still searching for a place to buy. Also, I had the scope in two days with enough time to mount it, get it sighted in and use it in a match. GREAT scope for the 3 gun stuff. And I kind of lucked out with the reticle. I put the data in the vortex program, and I'm within 10 yards all the way to 600 with their reticle holds and my hand load. I'm pretty excited about that.

I'll say one last thing. If you're having second thoughts about vortex's quality, don't. It's a top notch scope. Good luck in your decision.
 
I have no issue with SFP because I'd run it with a cat tail. Put a MRAD, CQB dot at 1x to mil slash for 6x (a non-gamer reticle) and I'd consider one without issue. MOA gamer reticle makes this a pass for now.
 
Haven't had that USO but have the Razor. Just got back a little while ago from my first range trip. Zeroed very easily. I set the cross hair zero at 200 yards as instructed and it hit right on at 50 and 200 and was about 2" high at 100. I only have out to 400 yards but hit the 8" plate at 400 by just putting the 400 yard hash line on it. Not alot of time behind the scope but initial impressions is that it's an excellent optic.
 
Yes it's a totally different scope.

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Not what you asked about and it might be a bit out of your budget but take a look at the USO SR-8 1-8x. I've had the chance to play around with one and I was really impressed with the performance and the reticle for when you need higher power. With that said, I personally find my USO glass to be brighter/crisper than my Vortex glass. It's not a slam on Vortex by any means as I think they make an excellent product as well.
 
Not what you asked about and it might be a bit out of your budget but take a look at the USO SR-8 1-8x. I've had the chance to play around with one and I was really impressed with the performance and the reticle for when you need higher power. With that said, I personally find my USO glass to be brighter/crisper than my Vortex glass. It's not a slam on Vortex by any means as I think they make an excellent product as well.

Do you have a razor? I haven't looked at the 1-8 price, but I would bet that it's close to twice the price as the razor.
 
Do you have a razor? I haven't looked at the 1-8 price, but I would bet that it's close to twice the price as the razor.

It's about a $600 difference, Vortex $1400 vs Sr-8 $2000. IMO, it'd be worth saving up a bit longer and going with the USO SR-8. If thats not an option then as others have said already, either the USO 1-6x or the Vortex is a good optic to go with but I am biased toward the USO glass.
 
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It's about a $600 difference, Vortex $1400 vs Sr-8 $2000. IMO, it'd be worth saving up a bit longer and going with the USO SR-8. If thats not an option then as others have said already, either the USO 1-6x or the Vortex is a good optic to go with but I am biased toward the USO glass.

I hear you man. I figured that the 1-8 would be $2500 for sure.
 
The USO SR-8c starts at $2495 and the SR-8s starts at $1995. If you wanted an illuminated dot like the Vortex for an apples to apples reticle comparison it would be the SR-8c and start at $2495.

The Vortex can be had under the $1399 list price if you call as can the USO through dealers.
 
"i really just want good glass." Then maybe a Vortex will work,, but if you want the best...

Dude, U.S. Optics uses Schott glass...the best there is, period end of story. Don't get me wrong, I really like and use Vortex scopes but they are no doubt Jap glass {which is getting better every year} and made in the Pillifines. Schott glass is the best state of the art optical glass on this earth...it's what they use in spy satellite camera lenses.