Introduction
It would be hard to have a conversation about modern sport and shooting optics without mentioning Vortex Optics. Few companies have done more to bring the features shooters want at a reasonable cost than the folks at Vortex. I remember when I was much younger, getting my first Vortex PST riflescope with a serial number of 000004. My experience with that scope and many others since have solidified my opinion of the product line. Today we are taking a look at a new to me rifle scope from company, the Vortex Optics Gen III Razor 6-36×56.
With a wide variety of optics from inexpensive scopes made in China to top notch scopes made in Japan, there is something for everyone. The extremely successful line of Vortex Razors has long held the standard as the most desireable Vortex optic to have. I’ve used the Gen I, Gen II and now the Gen III scopes, and I’m excited to share my results.
The Third Generation Razor
The evolution of the Razor line has brought a great deal of advancement. Whether it be the reticle options or the mechanical features, Vortex has put their best options into the Razor line. Built on a robust 34mm tube, the Razor 6-36 boasts a massive erector assembly with a first focal plane EBR-7D reticle.
Ten MRAD per revolution of the turrets gives the Gen II Razor quite the spread with maximum elevation travel of 36 MRAD. The locking turrets have a very interesting zeroing feature that makes for quick and precise zeroing of the turret without the disassembly typically needed. Standard features like illuminated reticle and a side focus/parallax adjustment round out the operation of the Razor.
To increase value, there are other included accessories as well like the typical sunshade, Defender rubberized flip-caps and an aluminum throw-lever. And of course the tools you’ll need to adjust and zero the scope.
Specifications
| Vortex Optics Gen III Razor 6-36×56 | |
| Length | 15.3 Inches |
| Weight | 45.1 Ounces |
| Power Magnification | 6-36 X |
| Tube Diameter | 34 Millimeter |
| Objective lens Diameter | 56 Millimeter |
| Reticle Focal Plane | 1st Focal Plane |
| Turret Click Value | 1/10 Milradian |
| Turret Travel per Rotation | 10 Milradian |
| Total Turret Travel | 36.1 Milradian |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 Inches |
| Reticle | EBR-7D MRAD Glass Etched Reticle |
| Lenses | XR Coated HD lenses |
| Battery | Lithium CR2032 cell |
On the Range
For testing the Razor Gen III, I would mount it to a Desert Tech SRS M2. The SRS does particularly well in the heavy hitting 338LM, and if the Razor could perform well with a heavy hitter it would certainly do for my day to day shooting.
Mounting
To mount the big Razor, I would use a set of Vortex 34mm rings, just to keep things uniform. Setting the rings on the 30 MOA tapered rail of the SRS would give me the ability to get better use of the Razor’s 36 MRAD of travel.
After leveling the scope, I torqued the screws down to ensure a solid connection. I then pulled the bolt from the rifle so I could boresight the rifle using my toolless method. With the rifle and scope ready for the range, I grabbed some 338 ammo and my Athlon Velocity Pro Chronograph and headed to the range.
Zeroing
The first shot from the rifle was on paper as I expected, but would require refinement. This is where the Gen III turrets would come in very handy. In the tops of each turret there is a finger adjustable sub-turret, basically a turret within a turret. With the simple loosening of a single screw, you can unslave the inner turret from the main outer turret. With clear graduations marked on the end, you can adjust the exact amount needed to zero the rifle. All this while the main turret stays locked on zero.
Both the elevation and windage turret have a push/pull locking feature. This is a tried and true feature for many manufacturers, and it works well here too.
After zeroing the scope, I fired a few shots to confirm zero. I aimed at the bullet hole from my first shot, and to my great satisfaction, the hole only slightly opened after my second shot. With zero confirmed I figured I would attach the throw-lever to assist in switching back and forth while viewing targets.
Optical Clarity
With the scope mounted and zeroed, I started paying great attention to what I was seeing downrange. It didn’t take long to really appreciate the optical clarity of the Gen III Razor. Using 36X for shooting groups at 100 yards almost seems like cheating, picking which side of a bullet hole I was going to aim at. This of course after adjusting the diopter at the rear of the occular housing.
Picking out distant objects also assured me of the detail visible through the Razor. The fine points of the EBR-7D reticle allowed very precise measurements and placement on target. This was even more appreciable because of the accuracy of the SRS, making tiny differences apparent on paper. Looking at equipment in the distance you could see details like flaws in paint and textures in welds from great distances.
One thing that was really impressive was how clear the razor was even at max power. Most scopes, even those in the top end of quality suffer varying amounts when they are at maximum magnification. The Razor seemed to be less affected by this phenomenon, as even at max-power it provided a great image.
Pros and Cons
There were only a few things I found that I disliked about the Gen III Razor. First off, it does feel a bit heavy. But that’s a very subjective, this could be seen a good thing for competitors that like adding weight. Ten ounces heavier than some of its competitors.
My one gripe about the turrets was the push/pull locking feature. The click isn’t quite as definite as I would have preferred, certainly not a deal breaker but worth noting.
On the positive side, the Razor is a beast of a scope. It has amazing power and feels like you could drive nails with it. The image and clarity are outstanding, making long-range engagements easier. The turrets are precise and reliable making corrections perfectly, as well as with the reticle. It does all this for less than some of its close competitors like the Nightforce ATACR 7-35 and the Kahles K328i.
Report Card
Optical Performance (A)– the edge to edge clarity at all power settings was beautiful, the bright clear image was sharp at every power setting.
Turret Execution (B+)– very large and strong turrets with positive and audible clicks, very defined for accurate corrections, and bonus points for the zeroing feature.
Reticle (A)– I’ve always liked the EBR reticles, and this one is a perfect blend of versatility without being too obtrusive.
Durability (A)– This scope feels like it’s overbuilt, and made to last like a tank.
Accuracy (A)– Click values and reticle movement are on point, allowing for perfect corrections
Value (A)-With a street price around $2999, the Razor offers comparable performance to the ATACR 7-35 and K328i for significantly less.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always liked the Vortex Optics brand, and the Gen III Razor only gives me more reason to like them. The Razor 6-36×56 might not be what most consider an entry level scope, but it gives a shooter nearly everything you could ask for and at a reasonable price. Whether it be for a PRS competition rifle, or for a police sniper rifle, the Gen III Razor gives the steady and accurate performance you seek.
1 thought on “Vortex Optics Gen III Razor 6-36×56”