Rifle Scopes LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

[Cantstop]

Im looking for some advice choosing between 2 Nightforce scopes for my new LMT 308 MWS. I just purchased my first 308 LMT in a 18inch. I plan on using this rifle for hunting and target shooting. I read a few post on this topic a few days ago, and some members suggested going with the 3.5x15 over the 2.5x10. I want to take full advantage of the rifle even if Im not using it for long range shooting the majority of the time, would like to have the choice.

Is the 3.5x15x50 too bulky for carrying? I also plan on putting a trijicon RMR at 1o'clock for close range targeting and hunting. I want to really set this rifle up for optimal performance.

Any suggestions between the two scopes? Im also looking for ring recommendatios also. Thanks for your help

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I run the NF 3.5-15x50 on my Gap 10 in 308 and it works really well out to 1000.

Go with either Badger Ordinance or NF rings.

 

[Bluegrass Tactical]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

The 3.5-15 will be fine if you are putting a RMR on it. None of the Nightforce scopes are light.

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I run the NF 3.5-15x50 on my Gap 10 in 308 and it works really well out to 1000.

Go with either Badger Ordinance or NF rings.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Another vote for the 3.5-15x50 for that rifle. I would go even further and suggest the F1 version of that scope.

 

[Cantstop]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

What height rings would you recommend for the 3.5x15x50?

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I have run both, I would opt for higher power. Nothin light about that gun and the scope is ideal for it. IMHO, I would skip the red dot, your 3.5 will be fine. I use a 20 MOA Larue QD mount. Very happy with that set up. The smaller NF is ideal for 223 SPR 's. You will enjoy the turrets much better for dialing in long shots with the larger scope.

 

[Dynamic Response]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Ive been going back and forth over the same 2 scopes bro for my LMT too. Its driving me crazy. Im really leaning towards the F1 with GDI mount and possibly a Mini red dot on it. (MRDS, RMR) Let me know what you decide.

My main concern is that the 3-15 will be to long and heavy for hunting or bug out. Target shooting doesn't matter at all since your sitting at a bench or laying prone and not walking through a field all day. I wish someone with this exact setup could chime in. I know the 2-10 works great but I would prefer to have the FFP and more power.

 

[R0CKETMAN]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Picking up my LMT MWS today. I decided to go with NF 2.5-10x32. Plenty of mag for my needs, great glass, and a little less bulk.

 

[Cantstop]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I want to go big on the scope 3.5x15x50, but i also think it will be a little bulky on foot. Dont want to limit this rifle though...feel stuck?

Any other thoughts out there?

Rocketman...put some pics up when you get in mounted, with some feedback. Thanks

 

[Doug Shooter]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I know the 2.5-10 will have plenty of adjustment for you. That being said either will for great. I also realize that you can really never have too much magnifaction. So its going to be a personaly preference.

 

[tzoid]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I have a MWS with 16" CL Barrel and just ordered the 18" SS 5R barrel. I went with the 2.5-10x32 W/ ZeroStops and NP-R2 reticle. I went with this scope because my range only goes out to 200 yards and I can reach out to 500 without any trouble. If your gun will be exclusively a bench rest gun then I can see going with the higer magnification. I shoot offhand at times and the 2.5 is not too slow.

 

[OFIS]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Magnification over 10 is real nice for:
- seeing small targets that are not painted white
- using the mil scale to range those targets
- more precise holdovers

I have a USO 3.2-17x44 that was intended for a 700 and it is a lot of scope, I'm finding anything past 10-12x is a luxury for what I use it for.

Like the ever applicable gun mantra: better to have and not need than need and not have

 

[Tim Mogab]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Today I purchased a LMT MWS with the 16" SS barrel and I am going to mount a Nightforce 3.5-15x50 on it. Some may feel this is overkill but I also plan on getting a 20" SS barrel in the future. I used to have a 2.5-10x32 on my 20" LWRC REPR and I really liked it, but this time around I want more light coming in and a little extra magnification. Now I just need to choose between Badger mounts or LaRue Mounts and which reticle. I no longer have the REPR and I'm glad I dumped it. You will be happy with both, but if there is any doubt in your mind that you may want a little more magnification then go with the 3.5-15x50.

 

[jtb33]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I think the factors in your decision should include:

1 - Magnification (10X Max or 15X max?)
2 - Parallax adjustment (one scope has it, the other doesn't - It'll be useful for 1K yd shots)
3 - Will you shoot in low light situations? (32mm obj or 50mm obj?)

I have both a 3.5-15x50 and a 2.5-10x32. The latter is on my LR-308, but then it only has a 16" barrel and I've never shot it beyond 500Y.

 

[smschulz]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I have the 2.5x10x32 on my SDM 20" AR and it works well.
I did just complete a similar 308 to the LMT 18 albeit a MA TEN with 18" Ultra Match barrel.
I debated on what magnification to get and came close to the NF F1 but ended up with the 3.2x17x44 USO.
I am not going to haul it around much so the extra weight is not going to be a factor.
If I was going to hunt ~ I think I would lead to the 2.5x10 to save some weight or my first choice for hunting ~ the Swaro 1.7x10 Z6i.

YMMV

 

[Lockdown1243]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

I know it's not exactly your question, but I have a 5.5-22x50 on my MWS and as heavy as that thing already is, I wish I had gone a bit lighter on my optic. That being said, the MWS is good out to very long distance, so it's all about if you want to sacrifice magnification for weight.

 

[Cantstop]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Well I just pulled the trigger and couldnt be happier with my choice. I just ordered a NF 3.5x15x50 Zero Stop NP-R1, with a 20MOA Night Force uni-mount 1.375 quick attach rail system. Jay Wiggins from Sports Optics helped me finalize my ideas and give me his professional guidance into making my LMT 308 18in ss into a awesome rig! He even talked with me after business hours, do to my schedule. I'm glad I choose to go with the higher magnification...There should be no target that my LMT cant reach...the shooter is another story though. Thank you all for your input and feedback, it helped me go in the direction I went and feel very comfortable with the purchase. I would recommend Sports Optics to anyone seeking Optics, truly a Customer Oriented company...Thanks again Jay!

 

[Awesymoto]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Still waiting on my LMT, but I am going to run my 3.5-15 premier. I have ran it at 60 on movers, and 1000 at gongs. Big glass = easier spotting at low light, easier spotting shots, easier milling.

 

[hk dave]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

Nightforce 2.5-10x32mm on my 18" Rainier Ultramatch AR15

Nightforce 3.5-15x50mm F1 on my 18" Larue OBR 7.62

I prefer the brighter bigger glass for the 7.62 since I hit farther with it. I think i wouldn't be all that happy shooting long range with the compact on a 7.62

Although for closer shooting, it would probably be just fine.

Jay from Sports Optics is good people.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

If you are going to go with an optic as large as the 3.5-15, why not consider the 5.5-22. You will get noticeably more magnification in the same size package.

I put together an 18" REPR with the 2.5-10 and I am very happy with it.

 

[NeoItaly]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

With the Nightforce 2.5-10x32mm, how good can you see the paper target at 100 yards and 200 yards? I don't have anyone around me to look at one in person. I will have to order it from online. So any info would be nice. I will mounting it on a SCAR 17S.

Thanks

 

[hk dave]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

At 100 yards, my Nightforce 2.5-10x32mm can easily make out holes in a splatter target. It can also see holes on regular paper but I have to try a bit harder. Suppose it doesn't help that the cardboard i shoot is a similar color the dirt berm behind it.

Dunno about 200 yards... my guess would be that you could see splatter target holes just fine. I can see my hits on steel just fine.

 

[NeoItaly]

Re: LMT 308 - Nightforce 2.5x10x32 nsx or 3.5x15x50?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At 100 yards, my Nightforce 2.5-10x32mm can easily make out holes in a splatter target. It can also see holes on regular paper but I have to try a bit harder. Suppose it doesn't help that the cardboard i shoot is a similar color the dirt berm behind it.

Dunno about 200 yards... my guess would be that you could see splatter target holes just fine. I can see my hits on steel just fine. </div></div>

Thanks for the info. Still trying to decide an optic for my SCAR 17S.

Thanks again