Vortex Razor HD LHT

[Frogman77]

Most people don't believe me but I've seen just the smack from the palm of your hand on a scope change poi….


it's most often not the scopes fault….

 

[Mike D Texas]

Recently bought one. First thing to take into consideration is that this is a 22oz, $1500 scope with all the compromises this brings with it. With that in mind:

1. The elevation turret clicks are a bit mushy but positive
2. The magnification ring is stiff - so much so that I bought a MK Machining throw lever for it
3. Glass is nice and clear; good clarity and contrast. No CA under normal viewing conditions, but my current location is all browns and greens without any snow.
4. Parallax is stiff but not overly
5. Only the cross is illuminated; not the whole tree. I like this.
6. FOV is a little narrow

Overall I like it a lot. FFP, good mag range (I would have preferred a 4-20 but beggars can't be choosers), light, excellent reticle, good illumination, and the price is good. The other scopes I was considering were Tangent Theta 3-15 Hunter, March SFP 1.5-15, and Leupold MK5 3-18. The March didn't fit (too short for a Defiance Anti-X long action), I didn't like the Leupold reticles, and I didn't like the TT reticle as much as the LHT plus it was a lot more money. TT would have been second choice if the LHT wasn't to my liking.

I have a 4.5-22 LHT and pretty much agree with everything that was said here. If you decide to get one, go ahead and order a throw lever, you ARE gonna need it.

I don't like the push button illumination, I prefer a knob with off position between intensity settings.

I've had bad experiences with Vortex in the past. I've had 100% failure rate on every one of their scopes I've previously owned. This is the first Razor line optic of theirs I've owned so I'm very skeptical, but the scope, on paper, checks a lot of my boxes especially at it's given price point.

 

[5RWill]

I have a 4.5-22 LHT and pretty much agree with everything that was said here. If you decide to get one, go ahead and order a throw lever, you ARE gonna need it.

I don't like the push button illumination, I prefer a knob with off position between intensity settings.

I've had bad experiences with Vortex in the past. I've had 100% failure rate on every one of their scopes I've previously owned. This is the first Razor line optic of theirs I've owned so I'm very skeptical, but the scope, on paper, checks a lot of my boxes especially at it's given price point.

What scopes did you previously own? If they were any of them based out of the Philippines and not Japan there is always a little bit of a risk there. Though I think they quoted a failure rate of the Gen II PST of less than 5%? Someone correct me if that is wrong. Our experiences with the Gen II have been positive but it's a sample size of like 3.

 

[Mike D Texas]

What scopes did you previously own? If they were any of them based out of the Philippines and not Japan there is always a little bit of a risk there. Though I think they quoted a failure rate of the Gen II PST of less than 5%? Someone correct me if that is wrong. Our experiences with the Gen II have been positive but it's a sample size of like 3.

Original Viper, Gen 1 PST (multiple), Diamondback.

 

[5RWill]

Original Viper, Gen 1 PST (multiple), Diamondback.

Yeah i could see those failing a good bit. I've never had the Gen I pst my brother has a 1-4 but we've never really tested it.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I have spent some time shooting behind a Gen 2 PST and it seems to be a much better scope. Just a bit heavy for my liking.

 

[7.62 Gunner]

Just a quick update for any that are interested… I called and spoke to Vortex regarding the test that was referenced from the "Rock Slide" forum. I was told that the actual scope from that test was received by Vortex and that the scope itself completely tested without loss of proper function. Their belief is that it was a failure in either rings, bases of rifle in some fashion.

Anyway just thought you all might like to know that info..

Thanks for posting that
I think it's important to get all the facts in this Era of internet experts

 

[5RWill]

I have spent some time shooting behind a Gen 2 PST and it seems to be a much better scope. Just a bit heavy for my liking.

Gen II is a whole lot of scope honestly. Vast improvements across the board from the Gen I pst.

 

[Axl]

Just a quick update for any that are interested… I called and spoke to Vortex regarding the test that was referenced from the "Rock Slide" forum. I was told that the actual scope from that test was received by Vortex and that the scope itself completely tested without loss of proper function. Their belief is that it was a failure in either rings, bases of rifle in some fashion.

Anyway just thought you all might like to know that info..

What else is Vortex going to say? Don't ALL of their scopes leave Vortex function properly according to them? If so then why do so many Vortex owners lead with " they have an excellent warranty"? LOL

 

[Huntsman66]

Wow!!!!! Are you on rokslide? If so, please post that. The form leg humpers will crap their pants.

Yeah im not on there, but feel free to post it if you like. While speaking to the rep, when I mentioned information about a drop test, he chuckled and said the Rock Slide forum ? I said "yeah" Then proceeded to fill me in on the info I already shared…

Or you can just let them mouth breath…

 

[Huntsman66]

Thank you gentlemen, I truly appreciate all of the words in support and in opposition the the subject matter. In the end I was able to make an informed decision.

Happy shooting!

 

[WYOHTF]

What else is Vortex going to say? Don't ALL of their scopes leave Vortex function properly according to them? If so then why do so many Vortex owners lead with " they have an excellent warranty"? LOL

They do have an excellent warranty. Ex wife had a gun explode a couple years ago, Vortex sent the next model up, no ? asked.

They sent bases and mounts too !

 

[skookum]

ILya elaborated on that guys durability test and basically said he could get any scope to fail using those methods. I wouldn't put stock in just one review.

Having said that we have one and i love it but have had some wandering zero issues. That said the chamber has been screwed up on this gun from the get go. So I'm not really sure if the LHT is at fault here. I'll know more when i get time to shoot it again in the summer.

I'll say there is nothing remotely that comes close to the package it delivers for the money. The glass is very good. Turrets could use some work. Hopefully the durability is there.

I know it was just one sample, I said that. But I have bought Vortex before and I'm really not a fan. When I am investing in glass on a hunting rifle I don't want to wonder if it will have a wandering zero, poor tracking, etc.
. And just like the Rokslide article, I take what Ilya has to say with a grain of salt. I don't belive anyone that pushes a product as much as he pushes Vortex. He may be a specialist in the optics realm, but Doctors sponsored by pharmaceutical companies push drugs every day and I see no difference with him.

 

[5RWill]

I know it was just one sample, I said that. But I have bought Vortex before and I'm really not a fan. When I am investing in glass on a hunting rifle I don't want to wonder if it will have a wandering zero, poor tracking, etc.
. And just like the Rokslide article, I take what Ilya has to say with a grain of salt. I don't belive anyone that pushes a product as much as he pushes Vortex. He may be a specialist in the optics realm, but Doctors sponsored by pharmaceutical companies push drugs every day and I see no difference with him.

That's your prerogative. Nothing wrong there. I don't think ILya pushes anything but what he likes personally. But I'm a fan. That's no secret. The kahles in his review video of high end scopes is mine. Never met the man in person but have talked to him and Bill enough to realize what kind of people they are that i would send a stranger my $3300 optic to review. I hope that doesn't come off as uppity just trying to explain that i do trust the man.

I understand where you're coming from. What vortex did you have if you don't mind me asking? If you have mentioned it i apologize because i didn't see it.

I used to be the same way with leupold though. Then they basically rectified all their mishaps with the mark 6 that left a bad taste in my mouth with the mark 5. Which i absolutely love.

The easy remedy to not wondering if said scope will tract is to basically up the ante and spend the money to ensure a reliable optic. It's a shame that might not be what $1200-1500 gets you this day age unfortunately.