AllOutdoor Review: The Vortex Razor 1-10×24 FFP
Nicolas Lenze 05.02.23
I’ve used many of the low power variable optics from Vortex. One of my favorites has been their Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP. That scope is far from their most expensive, yet the glass clarity and quality of parts are impressive. My buddy Dave from MODTAC happened to have a more expensive model lying around, so I took the opportunity to spend a few afternoons with it. The Razor series is a premium line with a matching price tag, but is it worth it over the Strike Eagle? In this review, I’ll be going over the features, as well as the pros and cons of the Vortex Razor 1-10×24 FFP LPVO.
Vortex Optics Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Vortex Optics Debuts Razor HD 4000 GB Ballistic Laser Rangefinder (LRF)
- AllOutdoor Review – Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm FFP EBR-7C MRAD
- TFB AllOutdoor: Vortex Defender CCW Red Dot 3 MOA
Vortex Razor 1-10×24 FFP: Specifications
- Length: 10.1”
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Magnification range: 1-10x
- Brightness settings: 11
- Materials: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Weight: 21.5 oz
- MSRP: $3,599.99
Sharpening The Razor
The Vortex Razor 1-10 has a tube diameter of 34mm, which brings in a ton of light. The color of the body is a nice vacation from black, on black, on black. There are 11 illumination settings, with an off setting between each level of brightness. In order to change the brightness, you pull out the dial, unlock it, then replace it to lock in the desired setting.
On the topic of brightness, LPVOs are known for having issues with their brightness in daylight. That’s not the case here. This thing gets very bright, and I wish my Strike Eagle was in the same league. This image doesn’t do it justice but I tried.
Dial clicks are very positive. I’ve used LPVOs that feel like red dots with scope capabilities. The Razor feels more like a scope that has red dot capabilities.
Shaving From 1 to 10x
I have the Razor mounted on an AR-15, which is almost as good a match as my wife and me. However, this scope would serve well on a midrange bolt gun, too. I did some close-up, tactical-style shooting, as well as some distance shooting on steel at about 240 yards.
As I mentioned, the reticle illumination is bright and easy to acquire quickly. Using the Razor up close is a breeze. For me, a simple red dot is still faster, but considering the range of applications, it’s well worth the fraction of a second. Being a first focal plane optic, the Christmas tree disappears at 1x, leaving you with a clear sight picture. When it’s time to reach out, the reticle will get larger, revealing the rest of the reticle. The Razor can be had in MOA or MRAD. To magnify your target, rotate the buttery-smooth throw lever.
I’ve used levers that are too stiff and ones that are too rough. This one fit right in the middle. The lever will offer some resistance, but not so much that you have to force it. Throwing the lever to somewhere between 8x and 10x, I put some rounds on steel, braced off a tire.
Making hits at 240 was no issue at all. With an AR-15, even with a shorter barrel, this isn’t a difficult shot to make, but the design of the reticle made it even easier. Some Christmas tree reticles can get distracting. I don’t feel that this is the case with the EBR-9 (Enhanced Battle Reticle) reticle.
The Aftershave
The Vortex Razor 1-10x is clearly built with the highest standard of quality in mind. I didn’t feel the need to be delicate, as I do with most inexpensive scopes. The robust build and attention to detail made using the Razor a real treat. Vortex did a great job designing the scope, all the way down to the beautiful knurling on the turret caps.
Shooting up close, as fast as you can, is a lot of fun, and how I do a lot of my shooting. However, with the Razor, I had even more fun stretching things out. I think this would make a great hunting scope if you’re shooting at distances that make sense for a 10x. I like having the ability to find my target on low magnification, then quickly zoom in to land a precise shot. The eye box gets a little tricky at full power, but that’s not an issue unique to the Vortex Razor.
So, is it worth the money? I think the answer to that is another question. What’s at stake? If this is going on a fighting rifle, a hunting rifle, or a high-level competition gun, then yes. If this is going on a bench rest gun that’s only shooting 50 rounds in an afternoon or a safe queen, then no. This LPVO is one of the best I’ve used (except for one that I used at Vortex HQ that I can’t talk about). If I had the funding for a scope like this, I’d buy it in a heartbeat.
I can’t imagine, after buying a Razor, that I’d ever regret it. This is a lifetime scope and not one that I’d be selling or trading. Investing in quality gear is something that we should all be doing, within our means, of course.
If you’d like to see all of the details directly from Vortex, be sure to take a look at the product page on the Vortex website. Don’t forget to follow along on their social media pages. Vortex can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Keep your glass clean and your powder dry!
