As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test out numerous riflescopes over the years. However, few have impressed me as much as the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope. This powerhouse optic has quickly become a favorite among precision shooters and hunters alike, and for good reason. Let’s dive into what makes this scope stand out from the competition.
Crystal Clear Optics
The first thing you’ll notice when looking through the Razor HD Gen II is the exceptional clarity of the glass. Vortex has truly outdone themselves with the optical quality here. The APO optical system with extra-low dispersion glass delivers stunningly bright and sharp images, even in low light conditions.
On a recent whitetail hunt, I was able to clearly spot a buck at 300 yards in the fading evening light when my buddy’s lesser scope was struggling. That level of light transmission and clarity can make all the difference when it counts.
Robust and Reliable Construction
Built like a tank, the Razor HD Gen II features a 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube that’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The distinctive bronze anodized finish not only looks great, but also provides extra durability and scratch resistance.
- The Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 is perfect for precision shooting and tactical operations. The L-TEC Turret System has a locking mechanism preventing accidental adjustments. A visual rotation indicator allows shooters to track of revolutions on the turre.
- EBR-7C is made for long-range competition shooting/hunting. A windage tree in the lower quadrants is for fast wind/elevation corrections. Numbers on the lower stadia have moved outside the windage dots for less obstruction around the vertical stadia.
Weighing in at 48.5 ounces, it’s certainly not the lightest scope out there. But that extra heft translates to rock-solid reliability that can handle serious recoil and harsh field conditions. I’ve banged this scope around on multiple hunts without any loss of zero or performance.
Precise Adjustments
The turrets on the Razor HD Gen II provide positive, audible clicks that you can count on. With 25 MOA of adjustment per rotation, it’s easy to quickly dial in your elevation for long range shots. The L-Tec turret system also features a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
I particularly appreciate the visual rotation indicator that lets you easily keep track of your turret revolutions. It’s a small touch, but one that can prevent frustrating mistakes when making adjustments on the fly.
First Focal Plane Reticle
As the name implies, this scope utilizes a first focal plane reticle design. This means the reticle size changes as you adjust magnification, allowing for consistent holdovers and ranging at any power setting. For long range precision work, it’s hard to beat FFP.
The EBR-7C reticle itself is a versatile design that provides useful reference points for holdovers, ranging, and windage corrections. Once you spend some time behind it, this reticle becomes an invaluable tool for stretching your effective range.
Impressive Magnification Range
With a 4.5-27x magnification range, the Razor HD Gen II can handle everything from close-in brush hunting to extreme long range target shooting. The generous 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, maintaining a bright sight picture even at max magnification.
I’ve found the sweet spot for most of my hunting to be in the 10-18x range, which provides an ideal balance of field of view and target acquisition speed. But it’s nice knowing I can crank it up to 27x when I need extra precision for those longer shots.
Real World Performance
Numbers and specs are one thing, but how does the Razor HD Gen II actually perform in the field? In my experience, it’s been nothing short of exceptional.
The glass clarity and light transmission allow me to hunt longer into the evening than ever before. The positive click adjustments make dialing for distance a breeze. And the bomb-proof construction means I never have to baby this optic, even in harsh conditions.
On a recent elk hunt in the Rockies, I was able to spot and range a bull at just over 800 yards using only the reticle. A few quick dial adjustments later and I was able to make a clean, ethical harvest. That level of precision and confidence is exactly why so many serious hunters and shooters choose the Razor HD Gen II.
The Bottom Line
Is the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescope perfect? No optic is. The weight may be a bit much for some, and the price tag certainly isn’t cheap. But in my opinion, you’d be hard pressed to find a more capable and well-rounded scope in this class.
For the serious hunter or long range shooter looking for top-tier optical performance and unwavering reliability, the Razor HD Gen II is tough to beat. It’s an investment, to be sure. But one that will serve you well for many years and hunting seasons to come.
If you’re in the market for a premium riflescope that can do it all, I highly recommend giving the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II a serious look. Your eyes (and your targets) will thank you.