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rifle scope question - Nightforce SHV or NXS?
Posted on 5/13/19 at 10:50 am
Posted on 5/13/19 at 10:50 am
All things equal, is the only major difference between the Nightforce SHV and NXS scopes the extremely robust build quality of the NXS line? Both can be illuminated with the same MOA reticles, I can get either one with the magnification level I want (5ish-20ish). I know NXS has zero stops vs the SHV zero sets – is that a big deal? Is the quality of glass better on the NXS?
Context for question: I saved side-work money for a couple of years and finally got a 30 magnum built/accurized for hunting out west. Need a scope that can keep up with a rifle of that accuracy and range. I’m not jumping out of helicopters with this rifle, but it will be backpacked in & out of hunting areas. I want all the magnification I can afford and NF seems to be the best quality scope with 20+ magnification @ sub-$2K. Otherwise, I save a little longer for the NXS or Leupold VX6-HD’s.
The OB has always helped me spend money in the past :), appreciate the opinions.
Context for question: I saved side-work money for a couple of years and finally got a 30 magnum built/accurized for hunting out west. Need a scope that can keep up with a rifle of that accuracy and range. I’m not jumping out of helicopters with this rifle, but it will be backpacked in & out of hunting areas. I want all the magnification I can afford and NF seems to be the best quality scope with 20+ magnification @ sub-$2K. Otherwise, I save a little longer for the NXS or Leupold VX6-HD’s.
The OB has always helped me spend money in the past :), appreciate the opinions.
10
Posted on 5/13/19 at 11:42 am to Duckhammer_77
I can't answer on the nightforce, but I do have a Leopold VX6. It is the model before the HD. I love the glass. Truly blew away my expectations. I have seen a few of the VX6HDs and they are even better. The glass on mine I would put up against the Swarovski Z3 any day but the Z6 I've used was better (and 2.5x the cost).
I have the 3-18x50 and it is amazing. I looked at the 4-24x52 but decided it was more than I needed. I think I paid $1,150 two years ago catching a sale online. If this is the route you go, you won't be disappointed.
I have the 3-18x50 and it is amazing. I looked at the 4-24x52 but decided it was more than I needed. I think I paid $1,150 two years ago catching a sale online. If this is the route you go, you won't be disappointed.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 11:45 am to Duckhammer_77
If I’m backpacking out west I would pay close attention to the weight.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 11:57 am to Rize
quote:
close attention to the weight.
yep, the rifle is 7.7# w/o scope. NF is 32 oz; Leupold is 26 oz. Either option puts me under 10#.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 12:19 pm to Duckhammer_77
Can I ask why you need 20+ magnification. 14-15 is enough for 700-800 yard shots on game. I highly doubt you are pushing beyond that. If you decide to go down I have a VX5HD 3-15x44 and a NF SHV 4-14x50 F1 I shamelessly will plug here to let go of. If you truly want 20+ wait for the new NF's they are about to release in the NX8 line. The 2.5-20 looks promising. I'm waiting for reviews on the eye box and also how freakin small the reticle will be at 2.5 and how enormous it will be at 20..
This post was edited on 5/13/19 at 12:25 pm
Posted on 5/13/19 at 12:38 pm to TheNolaClap
quote:
why you need 20+ magnification
good advice, thank you. Couple of guys that are big time accuracy/reloader types plus the 'smith that put together the rifle all recommended getting the most magnification I could afford for what the rifle is "supposed to be" capable of...now what I'm personally capable of is a different story...
Posted on 5/13/19 at 2:57 pm to Duckhammer_77
Yea, the benchrest crowd loves their massiv 56mm objective 35 power optics, but I think it's a balance of the purpose of the rifle (sounds like hunting), any possible long range time (my local range is limited to 600, but I can go longer on my lease if wanted), size game (my 300 is for muley/elk/moose), and comfortable range. My max range I want to shoot at that size game is 600. That is my confidence level for what I consider an ethical shot. I hardly get over 10 power for that distance. It's easy when shooting at a target at 600 to want more top end, but when it comes to the kill zone of medium to large game, it's not near necessary. I built my 300 to be under 8 pounds loaded and I still meet that with the SHV on top. My 6.5 CM is 6.5lb loaded. It makes a difference, but ultimately it's personal preference. For a 20+ optics check out NF's new 2.5-20x50 NX8 coming out. 28oz and 12 inches long. Looks very promising.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 3:01 pm to Duckhammer_77
The NXS is a lot more scope than the SHV. The F1 SHV scope I had was very reliable with dialing, heavy, and glass was pretty good. I ended up selling it off for something that did better in low light situations. I've finally ended up with a 4-20x50 Tract Toric 30mm PRS on my long range setup and I love it. Turrets have been just as solid as my NF but with noticeably better glass and better reticle and by the time you use the code its considerably less than the SHV. Only downside to it is its heavy due to it being built like a tank.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 4:29 pm to Duckhammer_77
quote:
deal? Is the quality of glass better on the NXS?
Better by a lot.
The vortex razor gen 2 3-18-50 has great glass for a $1500 optic but weighs in at 46 ozs. I love my 1-6 and it’s built like a tank.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 6:04 pm to lv2bowhntAU
Upvoted everyone's comments, thank you all for your insights.
Another question: leupold vx6-hd w/ CDS or NXS w/ aftermarket custom dials?
Another question: leupold vx6-hd w/ CDS or NXS w/ aftermarket custom dials?
Posted on 5/13/19 at 6:42 pm to Duckhammer_77
Neither. Just MIL or MOA dial with ballistic calculator and factor in your environmentals. Dials are custom made based on pressure and temperature. Why limit yourself? I can take my ballistics, factor in environmentals, and be on target everytime instead of guessing at some preset pressure and temp that will more than likely put me off a margin. If it's purely a hunting gun a Leupold will be great. If you are going to spend time at the range dialing, get the nightforce. Or just buy a March and be good
Posted on 5/13/19 at 7:52 pm to lsufan1971
quote:
Better by a lot.
My understanding from reading when I was looking at both is that they share the exact same glass. However, the build construction is much stronger for the NXS over the SHV. I went with the SHV on my 6.5 Grendel. Same 5-20x you’re looking at, and I’ll say that you absolutely will not be disappointed in it. I’ve used it for hunting and target shooting plenty.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 7:59 pm to Duckhammer_77
Get the best!!! Dont settle for garbage!!
You'll be kicking yourself and saying, " Man I should have got that other one!"
You'll be kicking yourself and saying, " Man I should have got that other one!"
Posted on 5/13/19 at 8:28 pm to nismosao
He has the gist of it.
Construction is tougher.
I will not vouch for leupolds. Only because I have a hard time seeing through them. Contour of my eye and contour of their glass? I dont know, but Ive always had a hard time getting a clear image.
Let me throw a wrench in here....have you researched Sightron and Steiner?
Steiner for the glass.
Sightron is longrange shooters' favorite secret.
Happy hunting!!
Construction is tougher.
I will not vouch for leupolds. Only because I have a hard time seeing through them. Contour of my eye and contour of their glass? I dont know, but Ive always had a hard time getting a clear image.
Let me throw a wrench in here....have you researched Sightron and Steiner?
Steiner for the glass.
Sightron is longrange shooters' favorite secret.
Happy hunting!!
Posted on 5/13/19 at 8:38 pm to Duckhammer_77
Len at long range hunting has excellent reviews on the Swarovski X5i. Excellent glass, zero stop, and constructed with SS internal parts. Everyone that owns them raves about those scopes.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 8:49 pm to Duckhammer_77
You will be “backpacked”? Are you packing in on horseback?
If you are truly backpacking into your hunting area, I’d rethink the entire rig. Consider lighter, non-magnum rifle or something like 300 WSM with a break. Stay lighter with the scope, also. You need to be able to shoot to 400 yards. Wind is such a big factor out West that it’s hard to find conditions to shoot further than that unless you’re great at reading the wind and have spent a lot of range time.
I’ve hunted in five Western states and have seen a bit of what it can throw at you. A light rifle makes a difference when hiking those mountains.
If you are truly backpacking into your hunting area, I’d rethink the entire rig. Consider lighter, non-magnum rifle or something like 300 WSM with a break. Stay lighter with the scope, also. You need to be able to shoot to 400 yards. Wind is such a big factor out West that it’s hard to find conditions to shoot further than that unless you’re great at reading the wind and have spent a lot of range time.
I’ve hunted in five Western states and have seen a bit of what it can throw at you. A light rifle makes a difference when hiking those mountains.
Posted on 5/13/19 at 8:52 pm to Duckhammer_77
I probably wouldnt put a nxs on a lightweight hunting rifle.
Posted on 5/14/19 at 8:09 am to 257WBY
quote:
257WBY
The rifle is 7+ lbs, weight of scope is a factor for sure. I do plan to spend range time to learn the hold offs for wind.
Posted on 5/14/19 at 10:04 am to Duckhammer_77
when i'm shooting at 600-750+ yards i'm still only using 12x-15x magnification to have a better field of view.
I think for this particular rifle's mission a light leupold (VX6-HD) will suit best.
I haven't owned that particular scope but I have shot a few and they are nice.
I think for this particular rifle's mission a light leupold (VX6-HD) will suit best.
I haven't owned that particular scope but I have shot a few and they are nice.
Posted on 5/14/19 at 10:26 am to tiddlesmcdiddles
Yeah, the more I think about it, I'm leaning to the leupold bc its 1/3 lb lighter than the NFs. I really like the NF MOAR reticle though and want to use it for ranging. Dont want to carry a laser w/ me.
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