Vortex Experts ... Razor HD or Viper HS?

[Fungunnin]

Both of these scopes are on sale for within $50 of each other
Razor HD LH 2-10x40 1" $399
Viper HS longrange 4-14x44 30mm $349
Thoughts?

[benhuntin]

Razor is a lot better glass. Beyond that it is preference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[northwesthunter84]

I have the Razor HD LH 3-15x42.  I really like the glass.  I have looked at the Viper but I thought the Razor was significantly more crisp and clear.  Also I would look at your application. 3-9x is typical magnification and great 600 yards and less.  That 2x might be nice if hunting thicker timber.  If you want a little more magnification than go with the Viper, but rember the Razor is Vortex top of the line glass.  Plus the Razor will be a lighter weight scope <1 lb.  Thats my input.  I just looked at the sale.  I also really like that G4 reticle.  The center dot is nice and the subtensions are good.

[b23]

I bought a couple of the Razor HD LH 3-15x42 when Cabelas had them on sale a few months ago and have been very pleased with their optical quality and that is coming from someone who is no particular fan of Vortex rifle scopes. 

The turrets track well but the clicks could definitely be more positive, they're a little on the mushy side.

I compared mine to the Zeiss HD5 and VX6 (not the HD model) I have and, optically,  the Razor HD LH is on par with either of those scopes.  My dad has a HS-T and a HS on a couple of his guns, IMO, there is no comparison between the Razor HD LH and either of those two scopes.

[Larry S.]

Where the heck are these on sale at that price???

[crazywednesday]

Where the heck are these on sale at that price???

Yeah that!

[northwesthunter84]

@crazywednesday Cabela's has it in the bargin cave right now.

[T-Dozzer]

I think the razor glass is made on japan & viper is from the phillapines.

[yakimanoob]

All other things being equal, absolutely go for the Razor.  I haven't used those exact scopes, but having looked through various other Razor/Viper combos, the Razor is a huge step up. 

But it does depend on your hunting style.  For the vast majority of situations in Washington state, I would take the 2-10 over the 4-14 hands down. 

So if it were me, there's be no second thought about getting the Razor. 

[Stein]

I have the Viper and it is OK glass but not great, especially at full magnification.  In fact, I don't think it is much better than their Diamondback glass that is on my Daughter's rifle.

I would go with the Razor for sure unless you want the configuration of the Viper.  Either way, a bunch of scope for that money and the bullets seem to go where the crosshair aims.  I haven't had any problem with mine.

[Oh Mah]

I would get the 30 mm 4-14x44.In Yakima at Cabelas you get a sweet Vortex hat if you buy Vortex glass right now.  I just ordered the Vortex Viper Gen 2 5-25x50 EBR 2c M.O.A and got a free hat.The 30 mm has so much more surface area to hold that scope tight plus more adjustment.

[birddogdad]

if you are military or LEO, vortex gives a great discount direct too!

[Alchase]

I think the razor glass is made on japan & viper is from the phillapines.

China, Ar15.com has a "New Product" post from the Vortex Rep with all the details. In the discusion that folows they give a decent comparison of the Raptor, Strike Eagle and the Griffin.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/RAPTOR-takes-flight-1-6x24-first-focal-plane-399-lifetime-warranty-/124-726888/

[TheSennett]

I picked up the viper hs from sierratrading. Decent price are $349.99. So far I'm a fan. Much better quality than the 3-9 Nikon that came with the gun. As someone already mentioned, it does lose a little on the high-end of the magnification. However, not enough for me to really gripe for the price and for vortex warranty.  If you need/want higher magnification, the answer seems pretty clear --- viper.  If you want the best glass, sounds like razor is where it's at.

If you are in Spokane, I'm likely shooting at the mica range Monday after work and you could take a look at the viper.

Also, I had sharp shooting in Spokane mount my scope after Cabela's screwed it up. Wish I had just gone there first...


Edit --- just saw OP is in Seattle, so my offer re: the Mica range won't do you much good.  Good luck with your choice!

[Antlershed]

I think the razor glass is made on japan & viper is from the phillapines.

China, Ar15.com has a "New Product" post from the Vortex Rep with all the details. In the discusion that folows they give a decent comparison of the Raptor, Strike Eagle and the Griffin.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/RAPTOR-takes-flight-1-6x24-first-focal-plane-399-lifetime-warranty-/124-726888/

The Viper PST Gen II is made in the Philippines.