Little background info...I'm looking at getting my feet wet in the precision rifle scene. I don't want to get crazy right out of the gate so I'm trying to get a good scope at a decent price. I have a buddy that raves about Vortex but I was curious what others think. I would like to spend around $1,500 - $2,000 and get a respectable scope. Right away I'll probably be hitting the local range and shooting up to 1,000 yds. If I really enjoy the experience I will probably upgrade equipment if necessary. Just a newbie looking for some advice.
Rifle Scopes Vortex Scopes - whats the general consensus
- Thread starter Ewalk02
- Start date
Razor 2. Don’t look back. It’s everything you’ll really ever need.
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I don't think you can go wrong with the gen 2 razor. Especially for what you can get them for now.
Call Scott at Liberty Optics or CS Tactical in no particular order and they'll hook you up.
Call Scott at Liberty Optics or CS Tactical in no particular order and they'll hook you up.
Vortex scopes are nice. Some people love them. Some hate them. I have had a few. I liked them for there price point and features. I haven't been on in a while but a little while ago people where selling them CHEAP on the PX section. They sell for a lot less then MSRP so dont pay full price. I have only had real experience with there razor line of scopes. I have their razor spotters gen 1 and viper hd binos. I really like them for my purposes. Only down side to the razor gen 2 scopes in my opinion is weight. But if it's a range toy and not a walking around rifle, that shouldnt matter. IMHO if you are able to go 2k on a used scope here you will get something much better then a vortex scope.
If I were going to buy a scope in your price range, it would be a Razor gen2 or an Athlon Cronus.
I thought my Viper PSTII 1-6 was a good LPVO. Then I bought a used Razor gen2 3-18. What a mistake the PST was. The Vortex is amazing for what it is. The eye box feels more forgiving and it’s clear as day.
And if the rifle jams you can beat a fucking Elk to death with a razor.
And if the rifle jams you can beat a fucking Elk to death with a razor.
With a “no questions asked” warranty, there’s no question that the replacement cost has already been built into what you’re paying. Maybe 1 in 10 guys uses it, but it’s probably driving up the cost of the scope by 20%.
Absolutely
I had problems with several pst 2 scopes. Wouldn’t buy another bit my razor is rock solid andif weight isn’t a concern I think it’s hard to beat for the money.
Now the minor I mentioned earlier is a better scope. I would be purchasing one through the euro optics deal but I bought a new nightforce right before they announced the promo.
I had problems with several pst 2 scopes. Wouldn’t buy another bit my razor is rock solid andif weight isn’t a concern I think it’s hard to beat for the money.
Now the minor I mentioned earlier is a better scope. I would be purchasing one through the euro optics deal but I bought a new nightforce right before they announced the promo.
As it is with any manufacturer. It comes down to Vortex having a large line from very inexpensive to the top Razor II scopes. Most of the people you see talking bad about Vortex bought one of the cheap line and had an issue and they make an assumption and say all Vortex sucks. Nothing could be further from the truth. You buy something cheap in this sport and you definitely could have an issue but again even if you do Vortex will take care of it for the life of the optic whether you are the original owner or not. Also even if accidental damage.
In the price range you are looking the Razor II scopes are excellent. They are highly used in PRS style matches and rarely have issues. People don;t use scopes in matches that have issues or don;t track. Too much money is spent to shoot matches to take chances. I have used them in matches since they came out and never an issue. They have excellent features like the locking knobs and clickless zero which allows a perfect zero. Also a great selection of usable reticles. Now with the price drop this past year it's a no brainer in the price range you are looking.
I wanted to get a decent scope, and stay below the $2k MSRP number for trying out the Production class for the PRS. That put me in the Razor HD first gen, 5-20x50. (It's MSRP is $1,999). Due to the killer vet discount you can get through Expert Voice, I got it for significantly less than that price, and it has been awesome for me so far. Still limited experience, but I can find nothing wrong with it and very happy I chose the model.
I would have bought the 2nd gen. if I didn't place the cost constraint on myself.
I would have bought the 2nd gen. if I didn't place the cost constraint on myself.
I have switched from Vortex to Riton. I think their 4-32x56 is easier on the eyes, lighter, costs less and just flat out performs very well. They are about half the cost of the Gen2 Razors also, you can find new ones for $715-900 right now. They have a great warranty program, just ship broken scope back and they ship you a new one within 24-48 hours.
They are in my opinion best bang for the buck. They have scopes in the entry level class all the way to the premium class. They're not the best but they offer the best glass for my budget for a middle class guy. It made me feel better when a buddy said he couldn't tell the difference between his NF ATACR 5-25x56 and my Razor Gen II 4.5-27x56. Had to use their warranty twice when I damaged my optics from my own stupidity and clumsyness.
60% of all of my optics are Vortex.
-Razor gen II 4.5-27x56
-Razor AMG 6-24x50
-Razor gen II 1-6
-Razor HD LH 3-15x42
-Viper PST 1-4
-Viper PST XBR
-Vortex Venom red dot
-Vortex Strikefire II
-Vortex Spitfire 3X
-Vortex Sparc II
60% of all of my optics are Vortex.
-Razor gen II 4.5-27x56
-Razor AMG 6-24x50
-Razor gen II 1-6
-Razor HD LH 3-15x42
-Viper PST 1-4
-Viper PST XBR
-Vortex Venom red dot
-Vortex Strikefire II
-Vortex Spitfire 3X
-Vortex Sparc II
Yeah you’re right, the LPVO is a different layout scope than say the 5-25. In general from the PSTII scopes I’ve played with, they don’t compare to the Razors. They’re good for the money, but they aren’t necessarily good with the options out there today. but yeah that’s not a straight comparison. It did make me appreciate what a GOOD scope is.
I have pst gen 1 and pst gen 2. They’re below your price range but I have never had a problem with either one tracking or glass quality.
Any experience with the EBR-2D MRAD reticle on the PST Gen II? I couldn’t find a lot of information out there on it. I picked one up a while ago on a EuroOptic sale and am currently saving up for a Tikka CTR to put it on. I’m new to the PRS game, so any input is greatly appreciated!
The 2D reticle is a good reticle. It has good hold points. Similar to the 2C but with a couple differences. First the center is closed which is more personal preference. Second is only the main horizontal and verticals crosshair lines are illuminated. Not the whole Christmas tree area like the 2C. Again not a big deal as some don't care for illumination anyways. All in all you will be fine in PRS matches with the 2D reticle.
Thanks for the input! I based my purchase on the closed center (wasn’t a fan of the open center either). The illumination part I did not know! I definitely agree that it’s probably not a big deal as 99% of my shooting will be done in daylight. I’m very excited to get into the long-range stuff and try out some PRS.
Razor is a fantastic scope for the money when it comes to build quality, optical performance, mechanical tracking, and control ergonomics. My only complaint is that they don't have an unobtrusive reticle with a floating dot. I had a PST2 with the open center 2C and I couldn't get used to it. I had an AMG with the floating crosshair and decided the surrounding part was far too busy. Tried a buddy's AMG with the floating dot and the surrounding stuff still bothered the heck out of me. But lots of folks love them and the reticles too - I think I'm in the minority with not liking Vortex's reticle designs.
Bottom line - the razor is one of the best scopes out there for the money, but make sure you pick a reticle you like in whatever scope you get. Try to look through as many in person as you can before buying. Otherwise you'll try out a buddy's at the range and decide you like it better and it will cost you way more to switch at that point.
Bottom line - the razor is one of the best scopes out there for the money, but make sure you pick a reticle you like in whatever scope you get. Try to look through as many in person as you can before buying. Otherwise you'll try out a buddy's at the range and decide you like it better and it will cost you way more to switch at that point.
There are several, quality, japanese made scopes that begin a bit lower than your price point and move up.
Sightmark pinnacle series is a damn fine scope, not quite as refined as some, but the price difference is substantial.
Primary Arms Platinum series is right at 1500 and is another fine scope.
Bushnell makes several
Sightron SVSSED
Vortex
Athlon
and several others.
Your price range dictates Japanese manufacture.
We have several hide vendors that will take the time and discuss with you.
I've talked to Mike at CS Tactical in the past.
Doug at Cameraland
and
Scott at Liberty Optics
Sightmark pinnacle series is a damn fine scope, not quite as refined as some, but the price difference is substantial.
Primary Arms Platinum series is right at 1500 and is another fine scope.
Bushnell makes several
Sightron SVSSED
Vortex
Athlon
and several others.
Your price range dictates Japanese manufacture.
We have several hide vendors that will take the time and discuss with you.
I've talked to Mike at CS Tactical in the past.
Doug at Cameraland
and
Scott at Liberty Optics
No problem. The main crosshair does have illumination so you have that at least and it will take care of most anytime you would be using it anyways. Enjoy the scope. They sold at a good price.
IMHO, the best Japanese scope in this price range, if you like unobtrusive floating dot reticles, is the Delta Stryker. I have the 4.5-30x56 with LRD-1T and I'll probably never get rid of it. I didn't like the reticle very much on paper, but looking through the scope, it's just perfect. Better optics than the Cronus (similar to the Razor Gen 2) and good controls. Admittedly, you are sacrificing warranty service compared to Vortex if you life in the US, but it should be on any list of best Japanese optics in this general price range.
I've never seen one, but have heard nothing but great things.
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