GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD Gen II

By Johnny Mack

The Vortex Razor HD Gen II is a power house of an optic. Whether you are competing in a PRS match or out in the wild pursing game, this scope has the ability to do it all. With all things in life, there are pros and there are cons. Hopefully this article will help you figure out if this is the right scope for you.

While on my November deer hunt, I experienced first hand the importance of having high quality glass and why paying more for better optics is a difference maker. My hunting partner and I were chasing whitetail bucks on a day when it was absolutely dumping snow. Visibility was not good and we were fighting falling snow and heavy fog the entire time. When we spotted a shooter buck that was around 200 yards off it was go time.

My hunting partner’s rifle was topped with a Vortex Viper PST Gen II (which is a great scope, click HERE for review) and mine with the Razor HD Gen II. We both could barely make out the buck with our naked eye. When it came time to shoot, he could not find the buck in his scope, while I was able to pick it up clearly and quickly. The rest as they say is history (see pictures below).

ABOUT THE SCOPE

Not all scopes are created equal.  In the world of optics, you generally get what you pay for.  One thing that sets Vortex apart from other companies, besides their VIP warranty, is their dedication to create quality products for every price level.  There is a common saying in the shooting community: your glass (optics) should match your gun and I would agree. That is why when it came time to top my new rifle with an optic, I chose the Razor HD Gen II. Below I cover the pros and cons of the Razor HD Gen II.

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PROS

• The turrets have a very positive and firm click.
• The glass is phenomenal.
• The EBR-7C reticle is arguably the best reticle on the market for long range precision.
• The sub-tensions throughout are solid and hold very well.
• The bronze color screams top notch!
• Illuminated reticle.
• First Focal Plane (FFP) for those of you who appreciate shooting at longer distances.

CONS

• It’s heavy – If you are looking for a lightweight, ounce counting scope, this one might not be for you.
• Price – It is not cheap. FFP scopes never are. However, I also would not have filled my deer tag this year if I had a scope with lesser quality glass.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model – 4.5-27 x 56mm

MSRP – $2899.99 Retail – $2499.99

Field of View @ 100 yds – 25.3′ – 4.4′ (dependent upon magnification)

Eye Relief – 3.7″

Tube Diameter – 34mm

Length – 14.4″

Weight – 48.5 ounces

Adjustment Graduation – 1/4 MOA

Travel per Rotation – 25 MOA

Max Elevation Adjustment – 71 MOA

Max Windage Adjustment – 34 MOA

Parralax Adjustment – 32 yards to Infinity

The Vortex Razor HD Gen II is made in the Japan.

YOUR NEXT SCOPE

If you are interested in getting your hands on a Vortex Razor HD Gen II, I highly recommend them.  The features and quality of the scope are well done.  Being able to trust your optic’s durability and it’s ability to track properly when dialing for distance and windage is something that should not be forgotten while in search of your next scope.

If you want to know more about the Vortex Razor HD Gen II and our experience with it, feel free to ask by clicking HERE.  In the meantime make sure to go subscribe to the Washington Backcountry YouTube channel, check out The Soulful Hunter Podcast and follow us on social media.  Knowledge is power and MENTORSHIP IS CONSERVATION.