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Rifle Scopes NF F1, Razor, or other?

DarkKnight

DarkKnight

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 25, 2008
64
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Jacksonville, FL
I am looking to buy a new optic in the very near future. I was originally going to get an optic for my SPRish type rifle, but have now almost saved enough to get a better one. I will have about $2000-2200 and have been looking at the F1 and Razor. It will be used for shooting to around 800 primarily, but to 1000 on occasion. Possilbly some tactical comps in the future. What you guys think?...Thanks
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

if you don't mind having 15x, which btw is totally enough power, then go with the F1. Plus, it has 10 mils per turn and rings are included.

If you think you "need" more power, go with the Razor
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

I would add the march ffp to that list. It is in the same price range without illuminated reticle. If you could get them side by side to compare in outdoor light would be ideal. Btw I have the f1 and the march, I have looked through the razor but not shot with one.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

It's a tough decision. They both obviously have great reviews and large followings. Is the Razor's low end sufficient for tactical matches?
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkKnight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking to buy a new optic in the very near future. I was originally going to get an optic for my SPRish type rifle, but have now almost saved enough to get a better one. I will have about $2000-2200 and have been looking at the F1 and Razor. It will be used for shooting to around 800 primarily, but to 1000 on occasion. Possilbly some tactical comps in the future. What you guys think?...Thanks</div></div>

F1 and don't look back!
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

hard to go wrong either way. what caliber are you shooting? if you want more magnification, go with the razor, if 15x with do the trick, go with the f1.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkKnight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking to buy a new optic in the very near future. I was originally going to get an optic for my SPRish type rifle, but have now almost saved enough to get a better one. I will have about $2000-2200 and have been looking at the F1 and Razor. It will be used for shooting to around 800 primarily, but to 1000 on occasion. Possilbly some tactical comps in the future. What you guys think?...Thanks </div></div>

They are both good scopes so choose by the features you would prefer.

I chose the F1 because I like 10 mil knobs and was able to get a Horus H-58 reticle. 15X is fine for most applications but I would have liked more. I don't appreciate the whole ocular turning with mag (sometimes the ring that holds the ocular in place comes loose) or the antiquated illume system. To me the glass is better on the F1 and it's not a big heavy scope.

The Razor has a lot going for it. I think the ZS system and the ability to set the zero between clicks is well done. I don't like the tall knob but the click action is distinct. 20x is good. It could use a upgrade on the glass. EBR2 reticle is great. 36 mils elevation is ideal for ELR.

If the Razor had 10 mil knobs I would have chose it instead.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Opticsspecialist, it will be going on my Rem 5R in 308...I have a Leupy 4x14 M5 on there now and will prob he moving that to my Sprecce rifle in 5.56.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkKnight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking to buy a new optic in the very near future. I was originally going to get an optic for my SPRish type rifle, but have now almost saved enough to get a better one. I will have about $2000-2200 and have been looking at the F1 and Razor. It will be used for shooting to around 800 primarily, but to 1000 on occasion. Possilbly some tactical comps in the future. What you guys think?...Thanks </div></div>

"New" as in brand spanking new or "new" to you? For this much money you can buy a used Premier Heritage 5-25 in excellent condition. Premier Heritage scopes have excellent glass quality easily on par with the best European scopes and a world class reticle in the Gen2XR which is suitable for medium to long range target and tactical use. PH scopes are mechanically excellent with great easy to adjust no-tool knobs and very tactile clicks on par with S&B PMII.

As good as the F1 is (it's pretty good but the glass is not on par with the best Europeans) it lacks top end at very long range and the Razor is not in the same league optically as even the F1. Both the F1 and Razor HD scopes are very good mechanically but IMO neither has a great reticle for FFP use.

HTH!
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

5X is plenty low for a tactical match, can't remember the last time I even went under 8x.

Of those two, I'd go with the Razor, there are times where 20x is way more important on the high end than the extra 2x on the low end. The Razor is a great value for the money at the $2k price point.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Thank you Gentlemen....It seems in the 20x range that the Razor is prob the best buy and has good reticle options.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Many will say 15x Magnification is Enough but I've been down that road before. Sooner or Later you'll find yourself wanting more and more Magnification. I'd rather have too much than not enough. NF are Great Scopes (As mentioned by many here). But in this comparison, I'd go with the Razor Too. Their used by many top shooter and proven it's reliable and accurate enough for the best of the best...
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Two winners you are considering. I do concur in the samples I've reviewed the NXS F1 glass does seem a bit better, and the FOV (both set at 5x) favors the NXS also. It's a great scope by Nightforce. Their best ever, IMO.

The Razor is a superb value and a top notch scope all around. Excellent reticle choices in a conventional 4x zoom FFP platform. Tough, reliable, backed by friendly and prompt service in the unlikely event you will ever need it.

I am of the camp that 15x with superb glass and reticle is more than enough to be successful at 1000+ yards. To each their own.

When the Razor arrives with 10mil knobs the lines will blur even more! I'm really curious to check out the knob clicks on those.

Scott
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

scott i played with one and it was REALLY nice.. just wait. i know i'm having a hard time, lol. i got two of the first run with my name on em.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

How long before the new Razor comes out?....If not too long I might just wait a bit....I've also been considering saving a little more and trying to pick up a used Premier or S&B. I got to check out a fellow hide members S&B 5x25 this weekend and fell in love.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

i have a 5-25 and a few razors, the S&B is nicer no doubt but the razor is about 1500 dollars less, at that point you can almost afford two of them for hte price of one S&B so its really what you are looking for. I was told by vortex the new turrets are slated for mid summer. so it is still a few months out. i also have a High speed F1 and love the scope. there are a lot of good options out there. but i will say i will most likely have 5 razors before i'm done.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

It would be nice to have a S&B, but I have one Razor, and really like it.
For the price they are hard to beat.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

they really are great scopes. the EBR2b is one of my favorite reticles bar none
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

all my vortex as of a month or two ago
100_5647.jpg
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Very nice rifles you have there, Sir....I'm just getting started with precision rifles and shot to 800 Saturday for my first time. It is addicting for sure.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

thats hard to say, if vortex offers the turrets as a upgrade later then i would buy now if you can find them in stock. they are a great piece of glass. problem most have been having is finding them in stock currently i think last time i talked with vortex they were a few weeks out still on PST"s and razors.

the 5 mil turrets aren't bad by any means and have been great for me for the last two years. but 10 mil would put that scope over the top IMO.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Does anyone know if the 10 mil turrets will be offered as an upgrade on the Razor when the new one comes out?
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

I'm rough on my gear so I put my eggs in the Nightforce basket.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

I have both [ Razor,F1 ] and am having a very hard time deciding which one to keep. My Razor is one of the early ones with the upgrade. The F1 is new and has the MD 2.0 reticle. Both feel sledge hammer tough, have good solid zero stops, and very crisp clicks. If you need the 20x The razor is the way to go.If 15x is enough, you have a tough choice. If at all possible see both in person and check them out to see which suits you best. Either way its a win/win.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Like most have said, they both are great. I went through the same decision a few weeks ago with the Razor eventually winning out due to the warranty/reputation for customer service. I had some questions about the windage turret and emails to Vortex customer service were answered within an hour; I was pretty impressed with their responsiveness.
I pm'd Chris from SportsOptics here and received a pretty good price - highly recommend if you go with the Vortex.

Mounted:

DSCF0509.jpg
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

I emailed Vortex last night about 7:00 and received a reply this morning before 8:00. I asked them about the rumors on the turrets his reply was (We are always seeking ways to improve our products but right now these are just rumors)
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

I have 2 Razors in EBR-2B. I wanted the 10 mil turrets also, but the more I run these scopes in comps the more I find its not as big of a deal.

Reason is it has a large knob has nice distance between marks, this cuts down on the chance of mistake due to the tighter marks on the NF type turret. I can look to make sure its on the correct dope without have to break check weld. Also above each mil number is the next number, so there is no guessing or adding.

Say wanna dial 8 mils, just crank it to 5mils reference the next set of numbers put it on 8 and send it.

These are just my opinions and some may find it different. This is not saying Razor is better than NF either.

If Vortex decides to put the 10 mils turrets on them that would be great, I just hope that they will keep the mark spacing generous and not clutter it.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

oh yeah the 5 mil turrets are very easy to use and don't hinder you that much. like you said for comps its a little faster i think having those definate clicks and big numbers.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkKnight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know if the 10 mil turrets will be offered as an upgrade on the Razor when the new one comes out? </div></div>

If they follow suit with the Occular upgrade that happened in 2011 then I'd hedge my bets and say "Yes"

I heard the rumors about new turrets and just decided that I'm going to get the scopes now, if/when upgraded turrets are available then I'll ask for an upgrade.

Until I hear it from the horse's mouth though, I'm going to keep trucking with the current setup.

I'm running the EBR-1 in MOA/MOA so I got the 15MOA/turn turrets on mine.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkKnight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know if the 10 mil turrets will be offered as an upgrade on the Razor when the new one comes out? </div></div>

If they follow suit with the Occular upgrade that happened in 2011 then I'd hedge my bets and say "Yes"

I heard the rumors about new turrets and just decided that I'm going to get the scopes now, if/when upgraded turrets are available then I'll ask for an upgrade.
Got an email from Vortex this morning these are only rumors they have no plans on doing this at this time
Until I hear it from the horse's mouth though, I'm going to keep trucking with the current setup.

I'm running the EBR-1 in MOA/MOA so I got the 15MOA/turn turrets on mine. </div></div>
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Got an email from Vortex this morning. these are only rumors they have no plans on changing the turrets.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yellowjacket</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got an email from Vortex this morning. these are only rumors they have no plans on changing the turrets. </div></div>

Guess that there's no reason for me to worry "should I buy now or later" then. Glad I got my latest one now.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

i had a nxs, and sold it now waiting on my razor hd, you made a great choice, also have a uso on the way, will let you know what i think of it
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

good luck, i was lucky enough to find a new one in the classifieds here, but checked on liberty optics, and they were out of stock for possibly the year
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

i believe they are expected to be back in stock in the next month... but i'm not a vortex rep so don't shoot me when they are not.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Haaa.....thx joe....gives me time to save for my stock, which would be a whole different thread in itself...lol
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

If you're not hung up on illumination, take a look at the Bushnell HDMR with G2 reticle. Im VERY happy with the 3 I have now, so much in fact, I have 4 more on the way.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmRM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're not hung up on illumination, take a look at the Bushnell HDMR with G2 reticle. Im VERY happy with the 3 I have now, so much in fact, I have 4 more on the way. </div></div>

4 more? holy crap.

I need to drive over to vortex and check out the HD in person. That being said have you compared the HDMR to the F1 in terms of glass quality? which is better?
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

I have and would give scope quality to the vortex BUT the HDMr is a great scope and a good deal cheaper. Personally I'd rather have my f1 and razor but I might add a couple hdmr's just to keep things interesting
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

Ive compared the HDMRs to my personal F1s. They easily hang. Moreover, I find the reticle more usefull than any other reticle out there, including my beloved MLR2. I honestly cant say one is better than the other. They both rock, and Id be happy to run either, just so happens Ill have waaaaaaay more HDMRs than F1s.

Compared to the Vortex Razor... My sample is pretty small with the Razors. I owned one and have used another, in both instances Id take a HDMR every time, and 2x on Sunday.

If I may toss in the 5-20 SS into this comparison. I personally would rank it above the Razor, and below the HDMR. I dont exactly care for the diamond reticle, but its ok. Glass is fine, and it works, and works well. Biggest draw back for me is the 10mil per turn turrets. Fuck, I hate them. Not just the SS in particular, but all "high speed turrets", even my MTC S&B!!

Ive been running the HDMRs on my comp rifles for a while now. I run them damn hard. Not an issue to date. Glass is great, AWESOME reticle, tough, tracks and repeats. What else can I ask for? Not to mention at the price, (which means nothing to me(not in the rich snobbish way, for I am faar from that)) I can put on on every fucking rifle I own! LOL!

In the end, buy the scope that you feel best suits your needs. None of the mentioned will put you in a bad way. Just so happens that the HDMRs fit the bill for me.
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

just got my vortex razor hd yesterday, i`ve been told the rings are made by seekins precision, does anyone know if this is true?
 
Re: NF F1, Razor, or other?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chris m</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just got my vortex razor hd yesterday, i`ve been told the rings are made by seekins precision, does anyone know if this is true? </div></div>

From this thread:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2112304

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heatseekins</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We are making 30 and 35mm rings marked vortex on the cap. If they look like our rings they are, its not a secret
smile.gif
</div></div>

John
 
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