Vortex Razor G. II & N.F. ATACR - two peas in a pod?

[Danehunter]

Long Range Hunting is advertising the Nightforce ATACR (5 -25) at $2,399. and Midway sells the Vortex Razor Gen. II (4.5 - 27) at $2,499.

I think here we are looking at two very similar scopes both in features, price and quality.

Any thoughts on either as a long range hunting scope? i.e. reticle choices etc.

(Full Disclosure: I'm trying to decide on one to replace my old Burris Black Diamond 30 mm., 3 - 18 X 50 scope.)

 

[ZSteinle]

I've used both. Major difference would be color, turret height, 1st focal plane vs 2nd, and weight. I would put them in the same league you just need to decide what features you want.

 

[Danehunter]

Hmmm... Both are first focal plane and both have "Christmas tree" type reticles available.

I see the differences in, as you said, color and turrets. I kinda like Vortex's turrets system for their style of zero stop.

The question is has Vortex improved their click accuracy & repeatability out past 4 mils and back since the Gen. I scope?

 

[dah605]

The 1st focal plane ATACR is $2,813. The 2nd focal plane is $2,399 on Len's store.

The Vortex is 48oz and the ATACR is 38oz.

I have 2 of the original F2 ATACRs and they are awesome. I've looked through a Razor Gen II and the optics are very comparable. I was after 2nd focal plane, so that pushed me towards the NightForce.

-David

 

[Danehunter]

David,

Nice to know the optics between the two are about equal in quality. In that price range it's what I would expect.

It is interesting that the Viper Gen. II is 10 oz. heavier. I'm looking to lighten my load with my Browning .300 Win. Mag. A-Bolt and 10 oz. is a lot. That leans me toward the ATACR. Thanks for the heads up.
(Could that extra 10 oz. in the Viper II be mostly glass. Is its tube thicker therefore heavier?)

I'll look for reviews that show cutaways, if they exist.

 

[Jay03]

That vortex is a beast at 3 pounds! That alone would have me going with the nightforce as everything else seems pretty on par except the reticle plane. And thats what I did, still waiting for the ATACR MOAR-T to show up.

 

[Danehunter]

Jay,

I just re-read an article in Sniper magazine on the Vortex Razor Gen II.

Seems that in a scope this short to bend light more gradually (to avoid color shifts) there four objective lenses.

In addition the turret internals are steel, adding yet more weight.

So the mystery of where the additional 10 oz.comes from is solved. Great glass, durable turrets and a heavy scope.

Personally I'd pay a bit more for titanium turret innards but machining titanium is 'spensive.

 

[406precision]

I own both the Gen 2 would be my pic based on reticle and locking turrets. The 3x18x50 is **** hard to beat, but if your looking for a scope to put on a 6lb rifle there are other options I'd explore.