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Vortex 5-20x50 Riflescope
At Vortex Optics, the need for high-performance,
precision optics is the driving force behind all
that we do.
That’s why we carefully built the Razor HD riflescope
TM
to provide shooters with the ultimate long range tactical
riflescope. Built on an incredibly tough one piece 35mm
main tube and using a state-of-the-art optical system
and erector mechanism, the Razor 5–20x50 delivers
superior accuracy and rugged reliability under the
harshest conditions.
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vortex Service and Repair Policy . . . 20
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The Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 Riflescope
RZR Zero Stop and Elevation
Adjustment Knob
Objective Lens
Side Parallax Focus
Magnification
Adjustment Ring
Radius Bar
(3) Turret Cap
Retaining Screws
Windage
Adjustment Knob
Zero Reference
Line
MagView
Reticle Focus
Illumination Knob
and Battery Cover
Razor 5–20x50 Riflescope Specifications
Waterproof Yes
Fogproof Argon gas purging
Length 15.8 inches (402 mm)
Mounting Length 6.9 inches (175 mm)
Weight 35.2 ounces (1000 g)
Eye Relief 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Field of View 5x: 22.0 feet /100 yards (4.2°)
20x: 5.76 feet /100 yards (1.1°)
Recoil Tested Rated for .50 BMG
Battery CR2032
(Eyepiec e) (Sunshade)
1.7”
(43mm)
4.0” (102mm)
2.5”
(64mm)
6.9” (175mm)
Adjustment Specifications
Reticle Style EBR 1 - MOA EBR 2 - MRAD
Windage 125 MOA 36 mrads
Elevation 125 MOA 36 mrads
Per Rotation 15 MOA 5 mrads
Per Click 1/4 MOA 1/10 mrads
Accessories included with the Razor HD
Flip cap lens cover with killFLASH
4-inch sunshade
35mm bubble level
2mm hex wrench
15.8” (402m m)
2.9”
(74mm)
4.9” (125mm) 4.0” (102mm)
®
ARD
2.3”
(58mm)
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Riflescope Adjustments
Windage and Elevation Adjustments
Vortex 5–20x50 Razor riflescopes incorporate precision
finger adjustable elevation and windage knobs with audible
and tactile clicks.
To make adjust ments:
Elevation
Adjustment Knob
1. Turn the adjustment
knob in the appropriate
direction: Up/Down or
Left/Right as indicated by
the arrows.
2. Move the knobs in the
direction you wish the
Windage
Adjustment Knob
bullet’s point-of-impact to change.
Depending on which version you have purchased, your Razor
5–20x50 riflescope will feature adjustments scaled in MOAs
or mrads. If you are unsure of which scale is used, reference
the top of the adjustment turret.
MOA Adjustments
Most shooters are familiar with the minute–of-angle
(MOA) system commonly used in hunting riflescopes.
MOA measurements are based on degrees and minutes: 360
degrees in a circle, 60 minutes in a degree, for a total of
21,600. When comparing MOAs and mrads, 3.44 MOAs
are equal to 1 mrad. These angular measurements are used
for ranging and correcting for the bullet’s trajectory drop in
riflescopes.
Each click will move the point-of-impact 1/4 MOA. 1/4
MOA closely corresponds to .26 inches at 100 yards, .52
inches at 200 yards, .78 inches at 300 yards, etc.
Example: At a 100 yard sight-in distance, it will take four clicks of
the knob to move a bullet’s point-of-impact 1.05 inches.
MRAD Adjustments
The milliradian (mrad for short) is a form of angular
measurement similar in concept to a degree although much
finer. A degree is 1/360 of a circle; a milliradian is 1/6283 of
a circle.
If the adjustment is in MOAs,
the turret will display
“1 Click = ¼ MOA”.
Each click will move the point-of-impact 1/10 mrad. 1/10
mrad equals .36 inches at 100 yards (1 cm at 100 meters), .72
inches at 200 yards (2 cm at 200 meters), 1.08 inches at 300
If the adjustment is in mrads,
the turret will display
“1 click = 1/10 mrad”.
yards (3 cm at 300 meters), etc.
Example: At a 100 yard sight-in distance, four clicks will move the
bullet’s point-of-impact 1.44 inches. At 100 meters, four clicks will
move the point-of-impact four centimeters.
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Reticle Focusing
Parallax Adjustment
Vortex Razor riflescopes use a fast focus eyepiece designed
to quickly and easily adjust the focus on the riflescope’s
reticle.
Try to make this
particular adjustment
quickly, as the eye will
try to compensate for an
out-of-focus reticle.
Adjust the reticle focus
To adjust the reticle focus:
1. Look through the riflescope at a blank white wall
or up at the sky.
2. Turn the eyepiece focus knob in or out until the reticle
image is as crisp as possible.
Note: Once this adjustment is complete, it will not be necessary
to re-focus every time you use the rifl escope. However, because your
eyesight may change over time, you should re-check this adjustment
periodically.
The Razor HD 5–20x50 riflescope uses a side focus parallax
adjustment which, when
properly set, eliminates
parallax errors. Properly
setting a side focus parallax
adjustment is a quick
procedure. When properly
set, the target image should
be sharp and crisp.
To set the parallax:
1. First, be sure the reticle is
correctly focused (see Reticle
Focusing).
2. As accurately as possible,
Parallax is a phenomenon that
results when the target image
does not quite fall on the same
optical plane as the reticle within
the scope. When the shooter’s eye
is not precisely centered in the
eyepiece, there can be apparent
movement of the target in relation
to the reticle, which can cause a
small shift in the point of aim.
Parallax error is most problematic
for precision shooters using high
magnifi cation.
match the yardage number
(distance you are shooting) on
side focus parallax adjustment
knob to the indicator arrow on
the scope body.
3. Check the setting for
accuracy by moving your head
back and forth while looking
through the scope. The setting
is correct if there is no apparent
Adjust the side parallax knob
movement between the reticle
and target. If there is apparent movement, adjust the focus knob
slightly until the movement is eliminated.
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Turret Rotation
Vortex Razor riflescopes incorporate the Radius Bar to
visually assist in keeping track of
Radius Bar
turret rotations. By watching the
position of the bar while making
elevation adjustments, the shooter
is able to quickly track full, half and
quarter rotations. To get the most
benefit from the Radius Bar, the “0”
mark on the turret must be indexed with the zero reference
line on turret post.
Illumination Adjustments
The Vortex Razor HD 5–20 x 50 riflescope uses a variable intensity
reticle illumination system to aid in low light performance. To
activate the illumination, rotate the adjustment knob in a clockwise
direction. The illumination knob allows for 11 levels of brightness
intensity; an off click between each level allows the shooter to turn
the illumination off and return to a favored intensity level with just
one click. The top setting (11) is visible in the daytime, depending on
the background color. Settings below 11 are for low light use when
the user’s eyes have adjusted to lower light levels. Lowest settings are
for use with night vision devices.
To cha nge batter ies:
Battery Cap
1. Unscrew the outer cap with a coin.
2. Remove the CR2032 battery.
3. Replace with a new CR2032 battery.
Variable Power Adjustments
To change magnifications, turn the
MagView
magnification ring to the desired
level. The Vortex MagView system
will provide a low light reference
for magnification level.
RZR Zero Stop Adjustment
Vortex Razor 5–20x50 riflescopes incorporate the RZR
Zero Stop feature. After the rifle
is sighted in, the RZR Zero
Stop allows fast, easy return to
the original zero point when
large multi-revolution elevation
corrections have been dialed into
the riflescope.
Without a zero stop, the shooter must pay very careful
attention when dialing large corrections needing multiple
revolutions of the elevation knob. If the shooter loses track of
the number of revolutions, the original zero point may become
lost. Because of the RZR Zero Stop, the elevation knob on
Vortex Razor scopes can be quickly spun back to the original
zero without having to carefully count revolutions. Once the
RZR Zero Stop is set, the elevation knob will stop turning at
the original zero point when being returned from a temporary
elevation correction. Learn how to adjust the RZR Zero Stop
in the Bore Sighting and Range Sight-in sections.
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Riflescope Mounting
To get the best performance from your Vortex Razor
riflescope, proper mounting
is essential. Although not
difficult, the correct steps
must be followed. If you
are unsure of your abilities,
it would be best to use
the services of a qualified
gunsmith.
Centering of the Reticle
The Vortex Razor HD riflescope is pre-set from the factory
with the reticle in the center of the adjustment ranges. This is
the best position to begin sight-in.
If you have changed the settings and wish to reset the
reticle to the center, this can be done easily:
1. Loosen the elevation turret cap retaining screws and remove
the elevation cap.
2. Loosen the eleveation zero stop lock screws.
3. Turn the windage and elevation turrets clockwise until
stopped.
4. Turn windage and elevation turrets counter-clockwise 4.25
full rotations to approximately center the reticle.
Rings and Bases
Mount an appropriate base and matching rings to your rifle
according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The Vortex Razor
5–20x50 riflescope requires 35mm rings.
Vortex Optics highly
recommends using the
matched Vortex Optics
Omega 35mm precision
ring sets which may
be purchased from
an authorized Vortex
riflescope dealer. These
rings will mount to
any quality Weaver or
Use 35mm rings for the Razor 5–20x50
Picatinny type base.
If using aftermarket rings, use the lowest ring height that
will give complete clearance of scope and rifle—avoiding
any contact with barrel, receiver, bolt handle or any
other part of the rifle. A low mounting will help assure
proper cheek weld, aid in establishing a solid shooting
position, and promote fast target acquisition.
At this point, the riflescope is ready for bore sighting (see
Bore Sighting section).
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Eye Relief and Reticle Alignment
Bubble Level
Place the riflescope on bottom ring halves and loosely
install the upper ring halves. Before tightening the
scope ring screws, adjust for maximum eye relief to
avoid injury from recoil:
1. Set the riflescope to the middle of its magnification range.
2. Slide the riflescope as far forward as possible in the rings.
3. While viewing through the riflescope in a normal
shooting position, slowly slide the riflescope back towards
the shooter’s face—paying attention to the field of view.
as the full view is visible
, stop.
Just
4. Without disturbing the front-back placement, rotate the
riflescope until the vertical crosshair exactly matches the
vertical axis of the rifle. Use a reticle leveling tool, hanging
weight on a rope (see next page), or an adjustable set of
feeler gauges for this procedure.
Use of an adjustable set of feeler
gauges between a one-piece base
and fl at bottom section of the
rifl escope to square the rifl escope
(and reticle) to the base.
After the riflescope is in the rings and the reticle matches
the vertical axis of
the rifle, the bubble
level may be mounted
Vertical Reference
to the riflescope
tube. Attach the level
to a location on the
scope tube that allows
Bubble Level
good visibility while
in shooting position
and does not block
view of parallax or
windage knobs. Most
shooters will prefer
mounting the level on
the forward section of
the riflescope tube.
Confirm the vertical orientation of the reticle.
1. Confirm the vertical orientation of the reticle by hanging
a weight from a heavy cord at a distance out in front of the
riflescope.
Square the riflescope to the base.
5. After aligning the reticle, tighten and torque the ring
screws down per the manufacturer’s instructions.
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2. Visually level the bubble between lines and tighten screws
using thumb and forefinger on short end of hex wrench.
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Bore Sighting and RZR Zero Stop Preparation
Initial bore sighting of the riflescope will save time and
money at the range. This can be done by removing the bolt
and sighting through the barrel on a bolt action rifle, or
using a mechanical or laser bore sighter.
Preparing the RZR Zero Stop for setting:
1. Begin by turning the elevation knob clockwise until it stops.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the three elevation turret cap
retaining screws.
3. Lift the elevation turret cap up and off the
(3) Turret
Cap Screws
turret. This will reveal the scale markings to
be used for sight in.
Sight-in Adjustment
Scale
4. Next, loosen, but do not remove, the three elevation zero stop
lock screws.
(3) Zero Stop
Note: No initial adjustments are necessary
Lock Screws
on the windage knob.
If using a mechanical or laser bore sighter, set up
using the manufacturer’s instructions. Make windage
and elevation adjustments until the reticle crosshair
is aligned with the adjustment pattern or laser dot.
Note: You will not feel “clicks” as the elevation knob is adjusted—
this is normal. The “clicks” will return after fi nal zero stop is set at
the rifl e range. Use the graphic number scale to track adjustments.
Bore sighting a bolt action rifle can be done without a
mechanical or laser bore sighter:
1. Place the rifle solidly on a rest and remove the bolt.
2. Sight through the bore at a target approximately 100
yards away.
3. Move the rifle and rest until the target is visually
centered inside the barrel.
4. With the target centered in the bore, make windage
and elevation adjustments until the reticle crosshair is also
centered over the target.
Important
Do not re-tighten elevation zero stop lock screws or replace the turret
cap at this time; these will be tightened after the fi nal sight-in.
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Range Sight-In and RZR Zero Stop Set
After the riflescope has been bore-sighted, final
sight-in and RZR Zero Stop set should be done at the
range using the exact ammunition expected to be used
while shooting. Sight in and zero the riflescope at the
preferred distance. 100 yards is the most common
zero distance, although a 200 yard zero may be
preferred for long distance applications.
Be sure the reticle is in focus (see Reticle Focusing) and
set the parallax adjustment to match the distance being
used for sight-in:
1. Following all safe shooting practices, fire a three-shot
group as precisely as possible.
2. Next, adjust the reticle to match the approximate
center of the shot group (see section on Windage and
Elevation Adjustment). As previously noted in the section on
bore sighting, the elevation turret cap turret should be removed
and zero stop lock screws should be loosened.
3. If the rifle is very solidly mounted and cannot be
moved, simply look through the scope and adjust the
reticle until it is centered on the fired group.
4. Carefully fire another three-shot group and see if the
bullet group is centered on the bullseye.
This procedure can be repeated as many times as
necessary to achieve a perfect zero.
After satisfactory zero has been obtained, the RZR zero
stop can be set:
1. Re-tighten the three zero stop lock screws. Do not over tighten:
thumb and forefinger on the short end of supplied hex wrench
will be sufficient.
2. Replace elevation turret cap, being sure to align “0” mark
on cap with the zero reference line on scope body. Push the cap
straight down and avoid turning while doing this.
3. Be sure the cap is fully down and re-tighten elevation cap
retaining screws. Do not overtighten: using thumb and forefinger
on short end of hex wrench will be sufficient.
Note: To re-zero for a different load, repeat complete bore sighting and range
sight-in procedures. It is important to always begin any sight-in adjustments
by turning elevation turret clockwise until fully stopped.
Re-Indexing Zero Mark on Windage Knob
If desired, the windage knob may be re-indexed to zero after
sight-in. This will allow an easy return to the zero point if
temporary windage corrections are dialed in the field.
1. After completing the final sight-in, fully loosen the three
windage turret cap retaining screws and carefully pull the turret
cap straight off. Re-position with the “0” mark on the cap aligned
with the zero reference line on the turret post and push the cap
straight down. Avoid rotating while pushing down.
2. Be sure the cap is fully down and re-tighten windage knob
retaining screws. Do not overtighten: using thumb and forefinger
on short end of hex wrench will be sufficient.
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Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Cleaning
The Vortex Razor riflescope requires very little
routine maintenance other than periodically cleaning
the exterior lenses. The exterior of the scope may be
cleaned by wiping with a soft, dry cloth.
When cleaning the lenses, be sure to use products that are
specifically designed for use on coated optical lenses.
• Be sure to blow away any dust or grit on the lenses
prior to wiping the surfaces.
• Using your breath, or a very small amount of water or
pure alcohol, can help remove stubborn things like dried
water spots.
Lubrication
All components of the Vortex Razor HD are permanently
lubricated, so no additional lubricant should be applied. If
possible, avoid exposing your Vortex riflescope to direct
sunlight or any very hot location for long periods of time.
Please check the following items prior to returning a
rif lescope for service.
Many times, problems thought to be with the
scope are actually mount problems. Verify use of
correct base and rings for the rifle and that these are
correctly oriented and tightened. The scope should not
twist or move in the rings.
Insufficient windage or elevation adjustment range
can indicate an incorrect base, alignment problems
with mount holes drilled in base or rifle’s receiver, or
alignment problems with barrel and receiver.
If the rifle is failing to group well, there are several
things to easily check:
• Be sure the rifle’s action is bedded correctly, and all
mounting screws are properly tightened.
• The rifle’s barrel and action should be clean and free
of excessive oil or copper fouling.
Note: Other than to remove the turret caps, do not attempt to
disassemble any components of the rifl escope. Disassembling of
rifl escope may void warranty.
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• Also, some rifle/ammunition combinations simply
don’t work well together—try shooting different
ammunition and see if accuracy improves.
• Over torquing rings.
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Vortex Service and Repair Policy
Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
Vortex Optics wants you to shoot
and use your Razor HD riflescope
under any conditions with
complete confidence—that’s why
our warranty is straightforward
and simple:
Unconditional Lifetime
• Fully transferable
Warranty
• No warranty card needed
• No receipt needed
Rest assured, if this riflescope should ever require repair, all
you need to do is contact Vortex for absolutely free service.
Call 800-426-0048 or e-mail service@vortexoptics.com.
Vor tex O pt ic s
2120 West Greenview Drive
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562
USA
Patents Pending on MagView System, Radius Bar, RZR Zero Stop
Dual Use for Shooting Tactical / Hunting
vortexoptics.com
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