Vortex Takes it up to 10 with its New Razor HD GEN III 1-10X24 Riflescope

Vortex just fired the latest volley in the battle of the low power variable optic war. We expected the company to announce a 1-8 magnification scope for 2020. Instead, we found the Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 waiting for us in the mailroom last night.

The scope was made to engage at distances from CQB to 650 yards, and beyond. With a couple of reticle options outlined below, the Gen III 1-10 mates up well with a 5.56 carbine, but serves just as well on a 7.62/6.5CM battle rifle whether in law enforcement, military, or competition role.

Out of the box and mounted after the sun went down, we've not yet had a chance to hit the range with it. But, the first two things that stood out as we fondled the Razor G3 were its heft, or lack of it, and the smoothness of the erector system.

Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope $1,999.99 atBrownells.com Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope $1,999.99 at Eurooptic.com

At 21.5 ounces, the Gen III 1-10's weight is comparable to other LPVOs and lighter than some 1-6x scopes. And the erector system… that magnification ring rotates as smoothly as a tongue on a stripper pole. That's not to say it'll move without a deliberate push, only that when it's moving, it's easy to get it to where you want it, fast.

EBR-9 MRAD, left, EBR-9 MOA/BDC right.

A third area of interest is the Gen III 1-10's new reticles. At 1x, the illuminated center stands out, uncomplicated and similar to a red dot sight. Cranked up, the EBR-9 MRAD version of the reticle offers an abbreviated Christmas tree with 11 mils of elevation, and the EBR-9 MOA version has a bullet drop compensated elevation scale calibrated for 5.56 NATO ammunition with MOA wind holds. Being first focal plane, the scope offers calibrated hold-overs at any magnification level.

Vortex suggests a $2900 MSRP for the scope, but we're already seeing the street price much closer to $2000. If Vortex's Razor Gen II lineage is an indication of its expected performance, the Gen III's optics and mechanics are spot-on. Look for a full review in the coming weeks as we get some range time with the Razor HD GEN III 1-10X24.

SPECS:

• Magnification: 1-10x
• Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
• Illumination Settings: 11
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
• Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
• Field of View: 116-11.7 ft @100 yds
• Tube Size: 34 mm
• Turret Style: Low Capped
• Adjustment Graduation: 0.25 MOA / 0.1 MRAD
  
• Travel Per Rotation: 25 MOA / 10 MRAD
  
• Max Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA / 30 MRAD
  
• Max Windage Adjustment: 120 MOA / 30 MRAD
  
• Parallax Setting: Fixed @100 yds
• Length: 10.1 inches
• Weight: 21.5 ounces
• Battery Life: 2.4 years (constant on, setting 6)
• Battery: CR2032
• MSRP $2,899.99
• Manufactured: Japan
• Warranty: Unlimited, Lifetime

From Vortex:

Vortex^® Razor^® HD Gen III 1-10×24  Everything is in range. 

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Need a top-tier optical solution for point-blank tactical applications, to putting hits on target at long range – look to the Vortex^® Razor^® HD Gen III 1-10×24.

A highly sophisticated optical design, cutting-edge components and state of the art engineering make the Razor^® HD Gen III 1-10×24 a true “Alpha” in the tactical optics arena. The First Focal Plane optical system coupled with the all-new EBR-9 MRAD and EBR-9 BDC MOA reticles ensure all reticle hold points are usable throughout the complete zoom range. Daylight-bright reticle illumination gives red dot sight functionality on 1x and full use of the data-rich glass-etched reticle on its upper end – no matter the light conditions. Illumination is accessed and activated via the locking illumination dial positioned cleanly on the left side of the turret housing. Features 11 intensity levels with an off-position between each setting.

“When we began this project, we started with a single goal – create the world’s premier low power variable riflescope,” said David Hamilton, Vortex Optics Chief Development Officer. “The list of “Wants”, was robust to say the least. It had to serve users with needs from CQB to long range. We knew it would be challenging. We also knew we wouldn’t quit until we had it right. That’s just in our DNA.”

Optically, the Razor^® HD Gen III 1-10×24 provides incredible clarity, resolution, color accuracy, light transmission and edge to edge sharpness. A highly forgiving eye box delivers an unparalleled sight picture for insanely quick target acquisition. HD glass fully multicoated on all air-to-glass surfaces with Vortex’s proprietary XR^™ antireflective coatings guarantees top-tier optical performance. Exterior glass surfaces are protected by Vortex’s scratch/oil/salt-resistant ArmorTek^® coating. All coatings are applied using the cutting-edge PlasmaTech application process, resulting in unparalleled coating durability.

Compact, stout and built on a 34 mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the Razor^® HD Gen III 1-10×24 will handle the most demanding scenarios. Ultralow-profile capped windage and elevation turrets provide a clean, sleek profile – beneficial for smoothly navigating the physical environment. Scope features 120 MOA/30 MRAD of total travel. Zero-resettable turrets offer 25 MOA/10 MRAD of adjustment per revolution. O-ring sealed and purged with argon gas for absolute waterproof and fogproof performance.

Rapid engagements and technical interior work, to designated marksman responsibilities and damn near everything else, Vortex Optics’ new Razor^® HD Gen III 1-10×24 does it all – and does it better.

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