By Cory Ross
When it comes to optics, I can be a bit pretentious. I appreciate quality optics and I’m not afraid to invest a few dollars in them—especially when it comes to precision. The fact that I’m heavily invested in precision shooting explains why I’m so interested in optics.
The Vortex Razor Gen III 6-36×56 has been my primary optic for my 6mm BR competition rifle since it was introduced. It’s an excellent optic for PRS and similar competitions. However, it’s not really a great do-all optic. It’s large, heavy, and the magnification range is too high to be a practical hunting or “tactical” optic.
There is, of course, the 1-10×24 option, which is also great, but it serves a more specific purpose. There needed to be something in between and as it happens, Vortex agreed with that logic and has introduced the Razor Gen III 4-24×44 and it may be the perfect optic.
Specs
The new 4-24X model has impressive specs, even for an optic at this tier. It has everything you’d want in a precision riflescope while maintaining a compact footprint that’d be at home on a long-range hunting rifle, or on a DMR-style AR.
- Models: RZR-42402 (MRAD), RZR-4201 (MOA)
- Reticle: EBR-7D
- Illumination: Yes
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
- Field of View @ 100 yards: 30.9’ – 5.3’
- Turrets: L-Tec+
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 46 MRAD, 158 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 25 MRAD, 86 MOA
- Parallax Settings: 15 yards- ∞
- Length: 12.5 inches
- Weight: 32.3 ounces
- Tube Diameter: 34mm
For shooters, the most noticeable specs include the 46 Mils of vertical adjustment, the 15-yard parallax setting, and the 32.3-ounce weight. By comparison, the larger 6-36×56 weighs 45.1 ounces, has only 36.1 millimeters of travel, but features a parallax setting of 10 yards. That makes the 4-24 a perfect optic for NRL22, PRS-22, and even forms of ELR shooting, especially 22-ELR events.
For those who demand the most magnification possible, it’s just not practical. For bench-only shooting, sure, but not in a practical competition environment. As someone who has shot PRS matches, I’ve rarely used magnifications above 20X, and most of the time, I stay in the 16-18X range. Anything higher, and you lose your field of view and your ability to acquire the next target quickly.
Features
This new variant of the Razor Gen III line will be the most versatile model in the line. I’m pleased that it retains all the features of its larger counterpart, while reducing weight and length as mentioned above. The features are as follows:
- CLASS LEADING HD OPTICAL SYSTEM: Stunning resolution and class-leading field of view combine to create our most advanced optical system.
- FIRST FOCAL PLANE EBR-7D RETICLE: The Scale of the EBR-7D reticle remains in proportion to the zoomed image. Constant subtensions allow for accurate holdovers and ranging at all magnifications, while the EBR-7D reticle is useful for long-range shooting.
- L-TEC+ ZERO SYSTEM: The L-Tec+ Zero System is easy to use with all captive parts and only one set screw, making zeroing quick and simple. Once set, it also allows for more travel.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: A compact, rugged design that minimizes weight without sacrificing performance
Of the list above, my favorite features are the turrets and the L-Tec+ zero system. This is what differentiates the Gen III from any other optic I’ve used. The ability to switch between mechanical clicks is a major advantage for establishing a true zero.
Zooming Out
I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with this optic while working on an upcoming PRS article. During that time, I’ve started to think that it might be the perfect optic. Its form factor surpasses others in the Vortex lineup. Compared to my Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18, it’s six ounces heavier, but offers a greater magnification range and 17 more Mils of adjustment range.
The Razor Gen III is Vortex’s flagship tactical optic. As their top model, it carries a price – $2,799.99 – that reflects that. That’s a lot of cash, but if you are a serious shooter and demand the best, it might well be worth it. And as always, the Razor Gen III 4-24×44 is backed by the industry-leading VIP Warranty.