I love my multi-tool, so much so that I have a few. The Leatherman armbar, Gerber, and a full feature Leatherman, too. I like things that are versatile. When gear is versatile, you can use it for many things thus maximizing its utility. In shooting sports, this versatility can be hard to find. For example, a set-up intended for target/bench shooting will likely tend to be heavy, so not particularly suited to carrying for miles through the brush. Conversely, a lightweight hunting rifle with a sporter barrel is probably not going to retain its accuracy during extended sessions on the bench.
When it comes to optics, there are also challenges and compromises related to what works best for any given use case. Between the weight, the reticle selection, the layout of the controls, and the magnification range there are many opinions on what is the "best" for the "use". With the release of the LHT line of scopes, Vortex may have struck gold and found the sweet spot in producing a cross-over scope that is well suited in the mountains or at the range.
There are a couple of LHT models; there is a 3-15 (currently second focal plane or SFP) and a 4.5-22 in the first focal plane (FFP). The 3-15 does have some reticles with bullet drop compensators, but I am not a fan of these in the 2nd FFP as they are only accurate at one magnification (usually the highest). This means that on 1/2 magnification (say 7.5) the subtension values are doubled, which often renders them useless for practical hunting purposes. There is one fairly uncluttered reticle (the G4i BDC) that I could probably live with in the SFP.
The HSR-5i reticle would have a lot to offer (and I like the uncluttered top half) in the FFP, but-to me- is value is really diminished in the SFP. The G4i BDC (below), while not ideal, is a better executed reticle in the SFP and also features a 50mm objective instead of a 42mm in the scope above.
But, I ramble... This article not about the scope I didn't buy, but the one I did, the Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 with the XLR-2 MRAD reticle. The glass on this scope is excellent and compares favorably with my Leupold VX5-HD and in general, the choices Vortex made just make sense. Locking elevation and capped windage (which I prefer in my hunting scopes) but includes a Christmas tree reticle to make holds straight forward and repeatable. Parallax adjustment on the left makes sense and Vortex ditches the illumination knob for a pushbutton (again a la the Leupold).
This is my only gripe about the whole package; the illumination control and setting. There is no click sound or feeling that lets you know you pushed the button so it kind of leaves you guessing where you are. Also, on the dimmest setting the illumination is pretty bright at high magnification, I would have liked maybe 3 more progressively dimmer settings to make the most of the illumination. But-during the day at least-if it is too bright I can just turn it off.
The magnification range also makes sense, and has a range that lends itself to use both in the field and for target shooting.
The magnification ring is smooth, but not "fast" so it does have to travel to get it where you want it, but is still reasonable. The traditional Vortex switchview throw lever will not work on the mag ring, but there are aftermarket options if you want a throw lever (I almost always use one).Turrets are well made and function as they should and you get a lens cover and a sunshade in the box. All of these features come in at a svelte 23 oz. which is pretty impressive and puts this scope in competition with any of the "lightweights" which might be called sub 25oz. Historically I have tried to keep my scopes around 30ish oz., but as I have been getting lighter that number is changing. With my Browning X-Bolt Pro (pictured above) that put this 6.5PRC at 7.5 pounds all in and it feels great.
Overall, the design choices are smart and functional with the eyepiece being more ergonomically shaped and a lot less chunky than the PST GEN II line. All in all there is a lot to love in a 23 oz package and Vortex really made thoughtful choices to make a scope that really can pull double duty as a hunting scope that is capable of being used for target shooting, too. MSRP was originally around $2,000 but they are trading for around $1500 and you might get lucky on a sale. Headed to the field in a couple weeks... will let you know how it goes. While you are here, don't for get to check out our store at Shop.VallhallaOutfitter.com.
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