Rifle Scopes What would you buy?

[mrobles3808]

If you’ve been behind both the razor hd and mark 5 (reticle aside) which do you prefer?

I’ve been behind the razor multiple times, I like it, but..... something about vortex makes me not want to have to send it to CS for service.

 

[htowncoog]

What’s wrong with Vortex CS? In my experience they are usually pretty helpful and fast.

 

[patriot07]

Vortex has set the bar in the industry for CS. If you don't want to send it in to Vortex, then you SURE don't want to send it to Leupold.

 

[mrobles3808]

What’s wrong with Vortex CS? In my experience they are usually pretty helpful and fast.

I should have explained myself better. I agree, Vortex CS has set the bar and has influenced everyone else in a positive way.

My fear is to have to send it in for repair in the first place. I understand not one optic is completely bomb proof, it just seems they have a very large amount of optics in transit for repair and back to customers as compared to other competitors.

 

[WtxShooter]

I understand your point, but would also consider that on their Razor line, the quality control standards are much higher than their entry levels. I’ve used their CS on a PST, and it was amazing as far as the service. I’ve had 3 Gen II razors, and an AMG. I’m 10 times harder on those and have never had an issue one. Very solid scopes. I just can’t seem to mesh at all with any Leupold optic. Not sure why.

 

[patriot07]

They also sell way more scopes than any other company, and the Razor is the flagship of their fleet.

Buy the Vortex, stop worrying, and start shooting.

 

[Bender]

Flip a coin. Both great scopes!

 

[THEIS]

They also sell way more scopes than any other company,

Hi,

What source are you getting that information from?

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Hippy_Steve]

I've been behind both. I liked the feel of the elevation and windage adjustments on the Mark 5 more than the Razor. I think glass quality is equal. What sold me on the Mark 5 was the size and weight (i have the 3.6-18). A downside to the Mark 5 is the 35mm tube, which limits your mount options.

 

[pell1203]

Still warm. Straight out of his ass!

 

[Winny94]

They also sell way more scopes than any other company, and the Razor is the flagship of their fleet.

Buy the Vortex, stop worrying, and start shooting.

Leupold sells more scopes as a whole.

 

[patriot07]

Leupold sells more scopes as a whole.

I saw some data somewhere recently that suggested that Vortex sells more scopes than anyone, bar none. Maybe that's incorrect. But I know I see a whole lot more Vortexes and the range than any other brand. Only other brand that's even in the ballpark is Athlon. It's only occasionally that I see a Nikon, Leupold, or SWFA out there. I never see any of the real expensive stuff (NF, S&B, etc.).

 

[htowncoog]

I saw some data somewhere recently that suggested that Vortex sells more scopes than anyone, bar none. Maybe that's incorrect. But I know I see a whole lot more Vortexes and the range than any other brand. Only other brand that's even in the ballpark is Athlon. It's only occasionally that I see a Nikon, Leupold, or SWFA out there. I never see any of the real expensive stuff (NF, S&B, etc.).

I see more Vortex and Nikon in my area. Also see a bunch of primary arms since they are local for us here in Houston.

 

[THEIS]

I saw some data somewhere recently that suggested that Vortex sells more scopes than anyone, bar none.

Hi,

Yea if that was correct then Vortex would definitely make sure that was highlisted not only on their website "About Us" section but every piece of marketing brochure they print.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[Thriller]

Personally, I would scrap a few more bucks up and buy American. Best of luck.

T

 

[bschneiderheinze]

Vortex amg is American

 

[Konarex]

My Leopold Mark 5 was defective the day I bought it. It wouldn't track. It was sent in for repair 6 weeks ago. Bummer.

 

[patriot07]

Hi,

Yea if that was correct then Vortex would definitely make sure that was highlisted not only on their website "About Us" section but every piece of marketing brochure they print.

Sincerely,
Theis

Then we should be able to tell for certain who the top scope seller is then? Just find whose marketing says they are and bam.

 

[bman940]

I think all scope manufacturers realize to stay on top you need to keep making scopes that shooters want. Having been doing work with Nikon for almost 10 years now I have seen quite a scope evolution. You guys have been asking for many of the great features Nikon put into the BLACK FX1000 line for quite a while. Like so many folks money always comes into play. Nikon kept that in mind and tried to give you what you need for a great price. I just recently bought 2 and have yet to mount them up, but both will ultimately end up on 6.5 cm's. The great thing about so many scopes being available to everyone is that you can look down the tubes, do your research and buy the optic you think will fit your needs the best.

 

[mtnhickorynut]

EXACTLY this:

I understand your point, but would also consider that on their Razor line, the quality control standards are much higher than their entry levels. I’ve used their CS on a PST, and it was amazing as far as the service. I’ve had 3 Gen II razors, and an AMG. I’m 10 times harder on those and have never had an issue one. Very solid scopes. I just can’t seem to mesh at all with any Leupold optic. Not sure why.

Had experience same as WtxShooter - early PSTs had some initial issues and Vortex took care of it quickly. The big "L" has many followers who believe in the optics god in Oregon. Yes, they keep making me look through them at the range, no, they don't win me over.

Have to admit I've had the same good service from BSA too. Yeah, sure, the replacement broke too, but, hey it was two 'entry' level scopes for the price of one (or was it really).

 

[Greene]

Guess the real question is what your intended use is for the optic? Are you just recreational, competition, hunting etc... I have ran Razors for few years now in PRS type comps. They have flown, been tossed around in vehicles, bounced off barricades, shot in rainy cold muddy matches etc... So far so good, any manufacturer can have issues as its all man made. I don't have the time on Leupold as others. The things I like about the Razor is the large easy to dial and read turrets, eye box is fairly forgiving, And having driven NF, Kahles, Bushnell. The razor has the features that suites me the best. Each person is different and your preferences may be different than mine. But if your liking the layout of a Vortex better, I'd take that gamble..

 

[Luvman]

I recently struggled with the same decision. I went the with razor as it’s been around quite a while.

 

[garmil]

Hi,

Yea if that was correct then Vortex would definitely make sure that was highlisted not only on their website "About Us" section but every piece of marketing brochure they print.

Sincerely,
Theis

I don't see Leupold claiming it on their website?

As for the question, I'd go with the Vortex.

 

[patriot07]

I don't see Leupold claiming it on their website?

As for the question, I'd go with the Vortex.

Yeah, I said the same thing - no response. It was a naive comment.

As for the actual topic, the Razor is the obvious answer. As for who sells the most scopes, I can't find the article I read that had some info suggesting Vortex sold the most. So we can disregard. Didn't realize something so benign would be questioned so seriously. Some of the guys on here are flat out ridiculous. It's a forum and 99.99% of what is said is opinion. Acting like you have to have verifiable proof like this is a court of law is just comical. But that's 2018 for you...

edit: I should qualify my comments - when I said Razor was the obvious choice, I was speaking in reference to the primary concern with Vortex being warranty service. If you have other concerns, that's up for debate. But that wasn't the way I took the OPs original post.

 

[Poorboyr]

Both scopes will probably work fine for your use. I’ve used both. I personally do not care for any vortex products. I’m not going to get into details why, but I think there are better scopes for what you get. I currently have a mark 5 mounted on a gas gun and run it hard. Never had an issue. Leupold is a great company who stands behind their products as does vortex. I will tell you the biggest difference between the two is the weight. The leupold scope is lighter. Try to get behind both and see which one your eye likes better. Good luck on your purchase.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Hi,

Yea if that was correct then Vortex would definitely make sure that was highlisted not only on their website "About Us" section but every piece of marketing brochure they print.

Sincerely,
Theis

By that theory, someone has to sell the most and would put it on their brochure.

So, who has it on their brochure since it’s not vortex?

Sincerely,
Logic ?

 

[Geno C.]

By that theory, someone has to sell the most and would put it on their brochure.

So, who has it on their brochure since it’s not vortex?

Sincerely,
Logic ?

That answer is simple; Ford ?

 

[koshkin]

In terms of volume, Vortex is easily the largest company in the world right now. Leupold used to be, but that was a few years ago. Now, Vortex has a bit more than double the revenue of Leupold.

I am not exactly sure who else is in the top five, but I would guess Bushnell. Not sure about Zeiss and Nikon. The fastest market share growth is likely Sig.

The fact that Vortex is the largest right now is not real important by and large. What is important is how quickly this stuff can change even in a fairly mature and saturated market like sporting optics.

On to the original question: both are good scopes. I prefer Mark 5 weight and Razor HD reticles.

If you are looking for a compact scope, go with the Mark 5 3.5-18x44. I liked it a lot.

If you are looking for something with more than 20x of magnification, I would really consider the Vortex AMG 6-24x50 as well.

ILya

 

[fdkay]

If memory serves, when the HMFIC went to Oregon and spoke with Leupold, as well as taking the factory tour, he was told they sell meore scopes then the next 3 or 4 manufacturers combined.

 

[supercorndogs]

In terms of volume, Vortex is easily the largest company in the world right now. Leupold used to be, but that was a few years ago. Now, Vortex has a bit more than double the revenue of Leupold.

I am not exactly sure who else is in the top five, but I would guess Bushnell. Not sure about Zeiss and Nikon. The fastest market share growth is likely Sig.

The fact that Vortex is the largest right now is not real important by and large. What is important is how quickly this stuff can change even in a fairly mature and saturated market like sporting optics.

On to the original question: both are good scopes. I prefer Mark 5 weight and Razor HD reticles.

If you are looking for a compact scope, go with the Mark 5 3.5-18x44. I liked it a lot.

If you are looking for something with more than 20x of magnification, I would really consider the Vortex AMG 6-24x50 as well.

ILya

Isn't that the truth. I remember when Vortex just showed and people weren't sure if they would last.

 

[koshkin]

If memory serves, when the HMFIC went to Oregon and spoke with Leupold, as well as taking the factory tour, he was told they sell meore scopes then the next 3 or 4 manufacturers combined.

I am not sure when that was. Ten years ago, that may have been the case.

ILya

 

[fdkay]

I am not sure when that was. Ten years ago, that may have been the case.

ILya

I don't think it was that long ago, maybe 5 or 6 years.
It was during the whole "leupold is nothing but rebadged chinese optics" bullshit.

 

[koshkin]

I don't think it was that long ago, maybe 5 or 6 years.
It was during the whole "leupold is nothing but rebadged chinese optics" bullshit.

That is the original point I was making. 6 years ago Leupold probably was the largest. While they were resting on their laurels, the competition wasn't. Leupold is wide awake now, but it is very different competitive landscape than it was a few years ago.

They should all be really worried about companies like Sig: well funded and supported with a large company behind them and companies like Athlon: small, agile and rapidly growing.

Then there is the Burris/Steiner duo with Beretta money behind it. They need some marketing help, I think, but they are well positioned to make some serious impact too.

Vista Outdoors (Bushnell/Weaver/Tasco/Simmons/Millett) is the company that baffles me the most. They are well positioned, but I can't quite figure out what they are doing.

ILya

 

[BurnOut]

Vista Outdoors (Bushnell/Weaver/Tasco/Simmons/Millett) is the company that baffles me the most. They are well positioned, but I can't quite figure out what they are doing.

ILya

Don't feel too bad, neither can they...

 

[Mr. Z]

Vista Outdoors (Bushnell/Weaver/Tasco/Simmons/Millett) is the company that baffles me the most. They are well positioned, but I can't quite figure out what they are doing.

ILya

1 million $100 scopes is $100,000,000.
And I would be willing to say that most one weekend a year whitetail guys don’t know shit about shit and they love their duplex 3-9x40.

 

[Geno C.]

1 million $100 scopes is $100,000,000.
And I would be willing to say that most one weekend a year whitetail guys don’t know shit about shit and they love their duplex 3-9x40.

But it only takes 50,000, $2,000 scopes to add up to the same amount

 

[12parsecs]

I’m selling my gen I razor because I upgraded to the mark 5. I think the locking turret is nice and the extra 6mm on the objective. My biggest reason for the upgrade is the weight. The mark 5 is noticeably lighter.

 

[beetroot]

That is the original point I was making. 6 years ago Leupold probably was the largest. While they were resting on their laurels, the competition wasn't. Leupold is wide awake now, but it is very different competitive landscape than it was a few years ago.

They should all be really worried about companies like Sig: well funded and supported with a large company behind them and companies like Athlon: small, agile and rapidly growing.

Then there is the Burris/Steiner duo with Beretta money behind it. They need some marketing help, I think, but they are well positioned to make some serious impact too.

Vista Outdoors (Bushnell/Weaver/Tasco/Simmons/Millett) is the company that baffles me the most. They are well positioned, but I can't quite figure out what they are doing.

ILya

Hey ILya, have you spent much time with the 5-25x56 Mark 5?

Have read your reviews and posts about the the 3.6-18 and know that you like it, but haven't seen any comment on the 5-25.
Would be keen to hear/see your review on it.

 

[koshkin]

Hey ILya, have you spent much time with the 5-25x56 Mark 5?

Have read your reviews and posts about the the 3.6-18 and know that you like it, but haven't seen any comment on the 5-25.
Would be keen to hear/see your review on it.

I have not done a thorough test. It seemed like a very decent scope when I looked at it briefly.

Maybe later in the year.

ILya