Introduced by Vortex in 2017 as an evolution of the original Razor HD Gen II series, the Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Riflescope represents one of the company’s premier low-power variable optics (LPVOs), designed for professional users, competitive shooters, and serious enthusiasts. The Gen II-E incorporates a lighter overall design while retaining the rugged construction and exceptional optical quality that made its predecessor a benchmark within the LPVO market. With its true 1x magnification, daylight-bright illuminated reticle, and versatile 1-6x zoom range, the optic is well suited for close-quarters engagements while providing enough magnification for precise shots at intermediate distances.
With an overall length of approximately 10.1 inches, the Razor HD Gen II-E provides a compact yet robust optic ideally suited for AR-platform rifles, patrol carbines, competition rifles, or hunting applications. Its one-piece housing is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and incorporates a 30mm main tube with a 24mm objective lens.
Its adjustable eyepiece assembly provides the optic’s 1-6x magnification range while maintaining approximately four inches of consistent eye relief, allowing shooters to rapidly transition between close-range targets and more distant engagements without compromising comfort or sight picture. The optic is argon gas purged and fully O-ring sealed to provide waterproof and fog proof performance, ensuring reliable operation across a range of environmental conditions including rain, humidity, dust, and rapid temperature changes.
Both the elevation and windage turrets are low-profile and capped to prevent unintentional adjustment during movement or transportation while still allowing precise zeroing when necessary. Adjustments are tactile and repeatable, utilizing 0.2 MRAD or ½ MOA increments depending upon the selected reticle configuration. The optic employs a fixed parallax setting optimized for practical engagement distances commonly encountered with LPVO-equipped carbines.
The reticle is glass-etched and positioned in the second focal plane, allowing the illuminated center aiming point to maintain a consistent appearance regardless of magnification. Depending on configuration, reticle options include the JM-1 BDC, VMR-2 MRAD, and VMR-2 MOA designs. The lenses utilize Vortex’s XR™ Plus fully multi-coated optical system to maximize brightness and image clarity, while Armortek® exterior coatings protect exposed lens surfaces from scratches, dirt, and oil. Reticle illumination is powered by a single CR2032 battery, providing extended runtime suitable for prolonged field or competition use.
The illumination system utilizes an 11-position rotary dial with multiple daylight-bright intensity settings and OFF positions located between each brightness level for rapid return to preferred settings. The illuminated center aiming point remains highly visible in bright daylight while allowing lower settings to be used in low-light conditions without excessive light bloom.
Features within the Razor HD Gen II-E include Vortex’s premium HD optical system designed to deliver high resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness, and clear light transmission. High-density, extra-low dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration while providing color fidelity and image contrast throughout the magnification range. The eyebox and eye relief contribute to rapid target acquisition.
Editor’s Note: For the purposes of this review, the Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 was paired with a lightweight cantilever scope mount from ADM, although the mounting solution did not influence the performance evaluation of the optic itself.
Specifications:
- Magnification…………….1-6x
- Eye Relief…………………~4.0″
- Field of View (@100 yd)…~115.2′ (1x magnification) – ~20.5′ (6x magnification)
The Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 is currently available in a matte black finish with multiple reticle configurations, including the JM-1 BDC.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With an MSRP of approximately $2,199.99, the Razor HD Gen II-E occupies the premium segment of the LPVO market while offering professional-grade optical performance and exceptional durability. Comparable optics include the Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 ($2,800), Leupold Mark 6 1-6×20 ($2,199), and Steiner T6Xi 1-6×24 ($1,954.99). While several competing optics offer greater maximum magnification or first focal plane reticles, the Razor HD Gen II-E provides a high degree of optical clarity, a forgiving eyebox, and one of the brighter illuminated reticles available in its class. Although its purchase price represents a significant investment, the combination of proven reliability, optical performance, and Vortex’s VIP Warranty makes the overall value favorable for professional users and serious enthusiasts.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Throughout the evaluation period, the Razor HD Gen II-E proved comfortable to use across a variety of shooting positions, including standing, kneeling, and prone. The generous eyebox allowed for rapid sight acquisition with minimal head movement, while the approximately four inches of eye relief accommodated both unsupported and supported shooting positions comfortably. The “E” model was noticeably lighter than the original Razor HD Gen II, reducing its overall impact on rifle weight and balance. The magnification ring operated smoothly, but the optic does not include a throw lever, and the inherent resistance of the ring made rapid magnification adjustments slightly more difficult, particularly when transitioning quickly between 1x and 6x. Optical clarity remained excellent throughout the zoom range, with minimal color aberration and consistent image definition that reduced eye strain during prolonged observation. The daylight-bright illuminated center aiming point remained visible under varying lighting conditions, although its apparent brightness and definition were noticeably reduced in areas of direct sunlight.
- Durability – Good (4/5): During testing, the Razor HD Gen II-E demonstrated the robust construction expected from Vortex’s premium-duty optic line. Its one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube consistently maintained zero despite repeated recoil and rough handling, while the internal erector system incorporates anti-galling materials and a stainless-steel offset coil spring designed to withstand elevated stresses while maintaining tracking precision. The argon-purged, O-ring-sealed construction effectively prevented internal fogging during significant temperature fluctuations, including periods of elevated Missouri humidity, while the ArmorTek® exterior lens coating provided additional resistance against scratches, oil, and dirt. Vortex also utilizes a hardened steel interface within the turret system to reduce deformation and galling at the erector contact point, supporting long-term adjustment repeatability. Basically, no matter how much you manipulate the turrets, they remained solid and rigid. Minor cosmetic wear did develop on exposed surfaces and turrets during normal use, but remained superficial and had no impact on structural integrity or optical performance. Throughout the evaluation period, turret tracking remained repeatable, the illumination system operated reliably, and no loss of zero or mechanical issues were observed. The optic is further supported by Vortex Optics’ transferable VIP Warranty, providing repair or replacement coverage should the optic require service due to damage or defects.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): On the range, the Razor HD Gen II-E performed largely within expectations for a premium LPVO, although it did not provide the level of optical performance that would be considered exceptional. At the 1x setting, the optic provided a usable field of view for rapid target acquisition and allowed effective both-eyes-open shooting at close distances from approximately 5 to 100 yards. Reticle illumination was notably bright, providing a clearly visible aiming point in daylight and allowing the optic to function similarly to a red-dot sight at minimum magnification. At the opposite end of the magnification range, 6x provided sufficient magnification for engaging targets out to and beyond 300 yards, although the increased magnification did not produce a dramatic improvement in image detail compared with what might be expected from other premium optics in this category. Optical performance remained generally consistent throughout the magnification range, though some distortion became apparent toward the outer edge of the field of view at higher magnification. The effect presented itself as a mild “fisheye” or curvature around the perimeter of the image and was most noticeable when transitioning the optic across the target area rather than while maintaining a centered sight picture. While noticeable, the distortion did not interfere with target identification, aiming, or engagement during testing. Turret adjustments remained secure beneath the protective caps, and tracking was repeatable throughout repeated firing strings, with no observable point-of-impact shift attributable to the optic. Overall, the Razor HD Gen II-E provided dependable and predictable range performance, with bright illumination and reliable mechanical function representing its strongest characteristics, while its optical performance was good without necessarily standing out as exceptional among premium LPVOs.
- Weight – Average (3/5): One of the primary design improvements incorporated into the Razor HD Gen II-E was a reduction in overall housing mass. At approximately 21.5 ounces, the Gen II-E is nearly four ounces lighter than the original Razor HD Gen II at 25.2 ounces, reducing the amount of mass added above the rifle’s bore axis while retaining the robust construction expected of a duty-oriented LPVO. In practical use, the reduction in mass contributed to a more neutral rifle balance and minimized the tendency for the optic to make the rifle feel top-heavy or cumbersome during extended periods of shooting and/or movement. Although a difference of several ounces may appear minor in isolation, weight positioned high on the receiver can have a greater effect on perceived handling and transition speed than its absolute mass would suggest. Compared with other premium LPVOs, the Razor HD Gen II-E occupies a middle ground in terms of weight. At 21.5 ounces, it is slightly heavier than the Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 at approximately 21 ounces and the Steiner T6Xi 1-6×24 at approximately 20 ounces, while remaining considerably heavier than the 17.6-ounce Leupold Mark 6 1-6×20. The additional mass reflects, in part, the Gen II-E’s larger optical system, robust one-piece aluminum housing, and associated mechanical components. From a field-use perspective, the weight represents a reasonable compromise between durability, optical capability, and rifle handling. While lighter minimalist 1-6x optics can provide a further reduction in overall system weight through simplified construction or smaller lenses, the Gen II-E’s 21.5-ounce weight remains competitive within the premium-duty LPVO category without introducing a significant handling penalty.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/razor-hd-gen-2-e-1-6×24-riflescope+reticle-JM-1~BDC
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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