Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 Review

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The AR-15 is one of the most versatile firearms platforms in the world, available in a myriad of calibers and configurations. Without the proper optic, though, the AR’s flexibility — for hunting, self-defense, target shooting or plinking — is easily greatly diminished. Is the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 variable magnification rifle scope up to those jobs?

It’s undoubtedly the right magnification. The 1-6x24mm optic is one of the most versatile configurations available, allowing for close to long-range shooting in an all-in-one package.

Over the past two months, I spent some serious trigger time with the Vortex Razor HD Gen II scope. I tested it from close quarters battle distances out to 550 yards. I also mounted it to my rifle for my full-day tactical rifle courses.

The Vortex optic ships from the factory in a matte “stealth shadow” anodized finish, complete with a battery for the red dot function, an Allen wrench, and a cleaning cloth.

The Razor HD Gen II offers shooters the standard elevation and windage ½ MOA adjustment turrets, protected by aluminum covers. It features an 11-setting red dot illumination adjustment. Magnification dials smoothly from a true 1x up to 6x.

The Razor HD is set to a 100-yard parallax with an adjustable diopter focus. The adjustment ring is tighter than Scrooge McDuck but loosens up acceptably after regular use.

There are three available options for the reticle: MOA, MRAD, and BDC. Testing was conducted with the MOA reticle.

The Razor uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which keeps it the same size regardless of magnification. It comes with 4 MOA subtensions which enable easy holdovers, windage adjustment, and distance estimation.

The optic lives up to its “high definition” name. The sight picture was sharp and crystal clear at nearly all distances.

The red dot’s 11 brightness settings feature an “off” click between each. It makes it fast and easy to return to your desired brightness level. A locking feature also prevents accidental adjustment.

The brightness adjustment creates options across the full range of lighting conditions, from zero light (where the reticle would otherwise be invisible) to the brightest Texas sunshine. With the red dot at low zoom, the optic can be used as both an eyes-open reflex sight or, on higher zoom, a squinty-eyed precision optic.

The Vortex Razor HD Gen II lacks the multi-year battery lifespan of regular red dot sights. The battery drained within four days of constant-on use. On the high brightness setting, the red dot bleeds into the vertical crosshair of the reticle, distracting you from your sight picture.

To test the optic, I shot a preliminary zero at 25 yards for a 100-yard zero with my piston AR. After that, I verified my zero at 100 yards, zeroed the turrets, and performed a box test to ensure that optic was tracking correctly.

To check the clarity of the sight picture, I shot my AR at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 550 yards, utilizing the full range of magnification adjustment. Clocking a 15-mph wind at three o’clock, I played with wind drift adjustment subtensions and holdovers as well as adjustment in the turrets.

The Vortex Razor enabled an easy first or second-round hit on all targets (nine-inch diameter steel plates). The crisp, clear picture through the excellent glass and the fine reticle with a small-yet-bright red dot in the center made for positive target engagement and effortless precision.

With an MSRP of $1,999, the Vortex Razor HD Gen II Optic isn’t cheap, especially when you forget to turn the dot off and have to buy Costco-sized battery packs. It’s also a bit on the chunky side at 25.2 ounces (sans mount). But it is the last optic you’ll need if you want a high-quality, lifetime-warrantied, do-it-all optic on your do-it-all rifle.
The Vortex Razor Hi-def Gen II lacks the multi-year battery lifespan of regular red dot sights. The battery drained within four days of constant-on use. On the high brightness setting, the red dot bleeds to vertical crosshairs of the grid, distracting you from the sight picture. To test the optics I took a preliminary zero at 25 yards for a 100 yard zero with my piston AR. Following that, I confirmed my zero at 100 yards, zeroed the turrets, and performed a box test to ensure that optic was tracking correctly. To establish the clarity of the sight picture, I took my AR in 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 550 meters, using the full selection of magnification adjustment.

Clocking a 15 mph wind at 3 o’clock, I played with wind drift adjustment suspensions along with holdovers as well as adjustments in the turrets. The Vortex Razor allowed an easy first or second round hit on all targets. The sharp, clear image through an excellent glass and the nice reticle with a small, but a bright red dot in the center made for positive target engagement and effortless precision. With an MSRP of $1, 999, the Vortex Razor Hi-def Gen II Optic isn’t inexpensive, especially whenever you forget to flip the dot off and must purchase Costco sized battery packs. Additionally, it is a little on the weird side in 25.2 ounces. But it’s the last optic you will need if you desire a top quality, lifetime warrantied, do-all of it select.