I could not find the answers after searching Vortex.com, or this site, so I figured I would ask. I've kindof come full circle to looking at the G2 Vortex after playing with a bunch of other stuff.

-Why is it so bloody heavy? It's not long. The turrets aren't huge. The tube isn't 50mm or anything. Glass is glass...aluminum is aluminum...so is Vortex using glass lenses that are stoopid thick? Is the main-tube very thick? Combo of both? Your Strike Eagle is much lighter....why?

-How waterproof is it? Down to what depth? No, I do not plan on diving with my optic, but this usually says more about the integrity of the system used to me than dictating my uses. So what's the depth tested, and to what time?

-How long is battery life on maximum? The website said "150 hours on a medium setting"...I am curious about all-out.

-I recall reading about Vortex impact testing. This is capable of living indefinitely on a SCAR17 7.62, correct? Also, was SIDE IMPACT tested? That is what really kills tube-optics from what I understand, as well as counter-recoil like the SCAR's heavy bolt carrier slamming forward.

-Is the mag ring still stoopid stiff, or did that get ironed out?

-Is there any polymer, or is it 100% metal, including the occular ring?

-Is the scope waterproof with the turret caps OFF, or ONLY when in place? If it is still waterproof, is it still to the same depth as stated above, or just "splash-proof"?

-How durable are your lens coatings? Do they meet /mil requirements like Nightforce and Leupold? I know CAG and others have used the Vortex, but then, they've used all sorts of stuff. They get what they ask for. Doesn't mean it always "meets the letter of the law" regarding abrasion resistance, etc on lens coatings.

-This scope is made in Japan, or America? I am feeling like it's a combo, can you expound loosely on that?

-Is the reticle etched glass, or is it wire? How does the illumination work (reflection,holograph, fiber optic?)?

Thanks for taking the time.

I'll answer to the best of my ability haha.

Just an update. I've contacted Vortex, and they will answer the questions, they are actually taking the time to get real answers from engineering instead of just spouting off. Props to them, and I don't want people seeing their lack of immediate response and taking it negatively.

Thanks for the insight on what makes the Razor HDII tick.

Awesome, and thank-you Vortex!

Your response does lead to a few other questions, however.

You have differentiated quite specifically between civilian, and military scopes.

-Are the civilian scopes made the same way, using the same methods, materials, etc. or do you have a shadow-line like Leupold and Nightforce do, that go only to the military, and use hand-picked glass, glued-in lenses, and other features not on the civilian line. To help demonstrate what I am talking about, here is a link to what I call "the shadow line" of NXS optics made specifically for the military by Nightforce:
Does Vortex do similar?

If Vortex does, is the data you gave me applicable to the military, or civilian scopes, or both?

I have always heard that wire reticles are inferior and break, and that is why etched reticles are preferable. I know you are not going to say, because it would reveal IP, but is the "way you do wire" different from the way it was done that spawned the mindset I have towards it?

So in. I'm wanting a 1-6x and the Razor is at the top of a very short list.

You'll be impressed once it's on your gun.

Yup, this optic makes the AR it's on my favorite rifle because the scope is so nice. I'm now hooked on premium optics, Razor HD AMG is next on the list.

+JohnDough - I'll answer these as much as I'm able.

The data I provided is applicable to all Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24 riflescopes. 

Today, wire reticles are lightyears ahead of where they were 20 years, or even 10 years ago. They are incredibly durable, and in many cases do the job just fine. The main reasons why you see etched reticles today is 1) "Floating" features that cannot be done with a wire reticle. 2) Illumination of multiple features.

-RJ

Thank-you!
Totally makes sense.

Yes, I know you "can't" answer specifics about the use of the wire reticle, but you told me what I wanted to know. I'm not trying to build anything in my garage, just wanted to know it was 'tuff.

I feel like at this time, you guys have dropped a "budget" 1-8, and I might be kicking myself if I do not at least wait until SHOT '18 to buy another scope. Based on the data of the 1-6 HDII, though, if you guys release something at SHOT in the 1-8 platform, I'll buy it. If not, I'll snag a Razor. I just feel like I owe it to myself to wait until SHOT!

PS. I posed similar questions to Leupold, and was given a LOT more dancing than necessary. I did the same with Trijicon, and they were just as helpful as you, but I prefer your answering data to theirs. Kahles has responded with a game of E-mail tag between me, Swarovski, and Austria. Everything I have gotten on the K16i has been from industry professionals, Jeff Huber, and other behind the scenes types "who would know". Not really Kahles' fault per se, that, but it DOES show the benefits of an America company, when you live in America.

Awesome - I'm glad we could help! In regards to working with us, we're always happy to help! Thank you for your support! 

Thanks!

Lots of friends in the industry, and they all have the same things to say. Vortex are good people!

Hopefully I don't step on OP''s thread but I have a question.

If I make a minor diopter adjustment with my Razor 1-6 is that going to effect my zero?

@VortexOptics

I certainly am! Awesome optics, even though a bit heavy. Highly recommended!

No, that won't affect zero at all. Sorry for the wait on your question. Let us know if you need anything else. Thanks.

I feel like I should be saying "your weapon has made the cut. Please present it to the judges."







Addicted to razors ^

Thanks for the response.


My best finish at a recent 3-gun match was on the long range stage, but that was the ONE stage I forgot to turn on my camera for.


One shot to hit the target at 477.

One of your sponsored shooters hooked me up with some nice Vortex swag as well.

I think I have had my Razor since 2013 and it has been exceptional. Still on the original battery, but I don't leave it on for long periods of time.

Awesome! That's great to hear! 

In response to this, I ended up buying a Kahles K16i some time ago. However, I sold that same optic to fund something else (non-firearm related), and partially because I simply don't like horse-shoe and dot, etc. I found. I want ONE SINGLE BRIGHT "AIMPOINT" for close and fast. Or rather, my brain and eyes do.

Now we have the "E" model, which is significantly lighter than the former. We also have the NX8 on the market. I am a HUGE fan of Nightforce, but the eyebox on the NX8 is fighting with the form factor big time for this intended use (12.5" SBR).

The Kahles scopes are great, but none offer a clean mil-based reticle with ONE dot. The 3GR is close, but no cigar. I hate the 2nd dot. That leaves me with the MK6, NX8, and HD2-"E" as contenders. I have already owned a MK6, and was not impressed with Leupold's quality control.

---Are the optics, illumination, etc. visually/functionally better on the new "E" series?
---I wish you guys had made a proper integrated throw lever like Minox and Kahles, but in lieu of that (I have no affiliation with Aadland other than as a customer), this looks like it is going to be great: Properly interfacing throw-lever
---How is the "Dot" "Attatched" to the center of the cross-hairs? It looks off-center in some of the videos I have seen that review the optic. Here is a screen-shotted example. I did not "cherry pick" this nanosecond of footage. It appears this way in 100% of the video, at all magnifications. It is obviously skewed low and left from the shooter's perspective. This is a non-issue, but my question is: Could it physically dissociate further? That could be an issue, or is it "part of the wire"?:

---Exactly how much torque is this thing supposed to be mounted with? I know 15 is your normal recommendation, but this being a bit of a warhorse, is that a "hard number" or will it tolerate 25 in-lb in a NF Unimount?

Thanks.

May I ask, what is the exit pupil measurement on 1x and 6x?

14mm and 4mm respectively.

Hope this helps!

Wow. The NX8 is 7.9mm and 3mm. That's a brutal difference on 1x.

For comparison, the exit pupil on the Z6i is 9.6mm and 4.0mm, respectively.

The NXS 1-4 which I recall having an absurdly generous eyebox on 1x is 16mm, and that's a 1-4.

If your data is correct, and I have no reason to imply it's not, that's some damn wizardry you guys have going on.

My choice of NX8 vs. Razor HD 2 is going to be tough.