New scope purchase

[baeloth]

Hi, I'm planning to buy a lightweight hunting rifle in 308 (probably kimber hunter) trying to decide between Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15×42 or Leupold Vx3i 4.5-15×40. I know they aren't equal product lines, these are two scopes that individuals have recommended. I do know the Leupold is lighter. any and all opinions are appreciated. thanks

 

[gr8fuldoug]

How close is your nearest shot? How far is the farthest?

How about either:

Steiner GS3 2-10x42 - 4A
Magnification 2x-10x
Tube Diameter 30mm
Length 13.5
Weight 18 oz

Steiner GS3 3-15x50 - 4A
Magnification 3x-15x
Tube Diameter 30mm
Length 14.1
Weight 24 oz

Which have German optics assembled in Colorado

 

[Rodéo]

I owned the vortex razor hd lh 3-15x42 and it was a fantastic scope. I regret selling it. I bought the vx3i and returned it. That scope wasn't up to par for the price imo. Maybe I got a poor model but I really was not a fan of the leupold.
I highly recommend the razor hd lh. Thinking of picking up another 1.5-8 or 2-10 model for my next rifle before they're all gone.

 

[baeloth]

How close is your nearest shot? How far is the farthest?

How about either:

Steiner GS3 2-10x42 - 4A
Magnification 2x-10x
Tube Diameter 30mm
Length 13.5
Weight 18 oz

Steiner GS3 3-15x50 - 4A
Magnification 3x-15x
Tube Diameter 30mm
Length 14.1
Weight 24 oz

Which have German optics assembled in Colorado

Thanks for your reply, I hunt in north central Colorado. my closest shots are under 100 yds and my longest shot I've taken so far was 355yds for a pronghorn buck this past season. 300 is the longest lane at the range I go to. I doubt I'll take a longer shot than 400.
I'll take a look at the Steiner, but they're considerably heavier than either the Razor or the Leupold models I'm looking at.

 

[ChrisAU]

I've had both and IMO the Razor is better in almost all regards. If it had better turrets it'd be near perfection. I wouldn't say the Leupold has good ones either though, and sadly these days I trust a Japanese Razor to perform more than I would any American Loopy.

 

[HomerMan30]

The razor is an awesome scope but for the money the vx3i is hard to beat. I really like mine.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I've had both and IMO the Razor is better in almost all regards. If it had better turrets it'd be near perfection. I wouldn't say the Leupold has good ones either though, and sadly these days I trust a Japanese Razor to perform more than I would any American Loopy.

Arent the current Razors made in China though.

 

[ChrisAU]

Arent the current Razors made in China though.

The Razor HD LH is made in Japan, just sold one a few days ago with it clearly marked and I actually emailed Vortex customer service a month ago and they said they still are made in Japan.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I had a razor HD LH, well I still do but it’s not on a rifle, in order to get the bolt of my kimber to clear the scope I’d have to get medium rings and I didn’t want to do that. I also found the g4 reticle a bit tough to pick up in all but the brightest light.

I went back to my vx3i and I’m happier.

 

[Longranger]

Hi, I'm planning to buy a lightweight hunting rifle in 308 (probably kimber hunter) trying to decide between Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15×42 or Leupold Vx3i 4.5-15×40. I know they aren't equal product lines, these are two scopes that individuals have recommended. I do know the Leupold is lighter. any and all opinions are appreciated. thanks

Have you thought about a VX5HD? I know it’s more money but the turrets lock, have a zero stop, glass is really nice and it’s still pretty light.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Have you thought about a VX5HD? I know it’s more money but the turrets lock, have a zero stop, glass is really nice and it’s still pretty light.

I grabbed a vx5 a few months ago when they were on sale at SWFA, I really like it, weighs about 1lb flat and has excellent glass.

 

[wildcat33]

For the conditions you describe I would go for VX5 2-10 or Doug's 2-10 Steiner. 2 power is really nice to have on a hunting gun for that great field of view in dark woods/fast shots.