Although I am a dedicated shooter and firearms collector, my true passion is precision rifle shooting. I’m deeply interested in the sport’s history (Carlos Hathcock, Creedmoor Range, the CMP, etc.), and my love for precision rifles and the gear that goes with them really gets my adrenaline going.
Naturally, I get unreasonably excited when new products are released. Vortex Optics, a personal favorite for precision rifle optics, has introduced a new reticle for its flagship Razor Gen III line. The VMR-5 FFP reticle replaces the traditional Christmas tree subtensions with a cleaner view, giving shooters a new option. Let’s take a closer look.
Specs
The reticle is currently only available for the Razor GEN III 6-36×56, which is Vortex’s top dog when it comes to long-range shooting.
The standard specs are as follows:
- Model(s): Razor HD Gen III
- Magnification: 6x-36x
- Objective Bell Diameter: 56mm
- Tube Diameter: 34mm
- Focal Plane: FFP
- Illumination: Yes
- Eye Relief: 3.5”
- Field of View: 5’-3.5’ @ 100 Yards
- Adjustment: .1 mil/.25 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 10 yards – ∞
- Length: 15.3”
- Weight: 45.3 oz.
- Battery Type: CR2032
- MSRP: $4,799.99
Features
Designed for shooters who need serious long-range performance without sacrificing speed or durability, the Razor is ideal for precision shooting, competitions, and MIL/LE applications. It features a 56mm objective, a 34mm tube, and a First Focal Plane VMR-5 (MOA) reticle, with options for VMR-5 (MRAD) and EBR-7D.
The HD optical system offers high resolution and a wide field of view, while XR Plus Lens Coatings enhance light transmission for better low-light visibility. The L-Tec+ Zero System, Micro-Adjust Zero Setting, and exposed locking turrets allow for precise, repeatable adjustments.
Inside, APO lenses correct color across the entire spectrum, with the glass-etched reticle securely sandwiched between two glass layers. The exterior lenses are shielded by ArmorTek, and the Hard Anodized Stealth Shadow finish minimizes glare. The locking side illumination features 10 intensity levels. Additionally, argon purging, O-ring sealing, and aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensure the product is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The VMR-5 Reticle
With the introduction of the VMR-5 alongside the EBR-7D in the Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 FFP lineup, shooters now have the option to choose the reticle that best suits their long-range shooting needs. Designed specifically for PRS and long-range shooters, the VMR-5 reticle offers a clear view that makes spotting hits and misses easy.
Its fine subtensions give you all the information you need in .2 MIL and .25 MOA increments while maintaining a wide field of view. Unlike popular, but cluttered Christmas-tree-style reticles, the VMR-5 gives you a clean, unobstructed view, making target identification and miss detection easier. That’s a big deal in matches where you have to search for your targets. Sometimes, less is more.
Zooming Out
I’ve used the Razor series for years, in all its generations. Each one brings massive improvements, but the one thing it’s always lacked is reticle options. While the EBR-7 is an excellent option, more shooters are switching to reticles with less clutter. The VMR-5 fits that need exactly. I think this will be a popular addition.