One Scope to Rule Them All: Vortex Razor HD LHT
Morgan Rogue 02.09.23
I worked at a sporting goods store for a while and before working there, I had zero knowledge about what made a scope a good scope. I knew scopes existed, but at the time hadn’t done much hunting or anything else that really required a scope. We mostly had red dots on our firearms.
However, I was trained on scopes and how to educate the public on what makes a good scope.
For the most part, it’s the glass. The glass makes the difference. I mean, if you can’t see out of the glass, then the scope is kind of pointless.
Of course, there are some other major differences between each company and each scope that makes each one unique.
Vortex in particular has always been a stand-out in the optic world because of their crystal clear glass and their lifetime warranty.
We own Vortex binoculars and Vortex range finder, have had both of them for years and have never had any reason to do a warranty on them. They are durable, crystal clear glass, and a no-brainer to operate. When it comes to the outdoors, you want rugged gear to go with your rugged lifestyle. Our binoculars and range finder have been with us all over the place and in all kinds of conditions and they’ve continued to hold up over time.
I had the opportunity to try out the Vortex Razor HD LHT. I attached it to the Ruger SFAR for a lightweight scope option.
Let’s take a look at some specs:
- 3-15x magnification
- Parallax setting is 20 years to infinity
- Field of view is 100 yards
- The HSR-5i reticle can be used to determine ranges, holdovers, windage corrections and moving target leads. The fine center crosshair provides the optimum balance between precision aiming and low light visibility
- Weight: 19.1 oz
- Length: 13.3 inches
- Eye relief: 3.8 inches
You know the best part about this scope that isn’t even talked about on their website? No tools are needed for adjustments! The only tool you need is to mount it on your rifle, but when it comes to actually adjusting it, no tools are needed. Those are the types of scopes I buy nowadays. I’m not messing around with having to carry and use extra tools out in the field. I truly believe every scope needs to be tool-less.
In saying that, The Razor comes with a locking elevation turret and capped windage. This allows me to dial in my elevation adjustment while still having protection from accidental adjustments on both turrets. But even these don’t require any tools to unlock or adjust.
It’s a simple scope with just enough features to get the job done and get you what you need. The reticle isn’t busy or distracting which makes it an ideal choice for hunting purposes because you can clearly focus on what you’re aiming at.
I don’t know if Vortex planned it this way or what, but I had to do just a tiny bit of adjusting to get the rifle zeroed in. Obviously, it’ll be different for every firearm and adjustments are always needed, but I was impressed with how ready to use right out of the box it was.
One feature I was really surprised by is the illuminating dot. It’s like a scope and red dot combined into one. When I peeked my eye through the glass and saw that, I remember smiling because I absolutely love that feature.
I feel the 15x power is plenty for any hunting purposes, actually probably overkill, to be honest. I won’t argue with more magnification, though. It’s great to have options!
Only thing missing? Integrated lens caps. I am not a fan of lens caps that have to be completely taken off in order to use it. Sure, I can put them in my pocket. Or they might just end up on the ground and lost forever. Integrated lens caps are a big deal for me.
Overall, because it’s lightweight, easy to adjust, the illuminating dot, and of course, the beautiful crystal clear glass; this is a winner.
The Vortex Razor HD LHT really is, ‘one scope to rule them all’.
MSRP: $1,799.99
