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Rifle Scopes Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

G

Glen1978

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 14, 2012
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Buena Vista, CO
Had my heart set on a NF F1 Milspec other day and missed out on a GREAT deal. Its gonna cost me ALOT more money to follow my heart now, LOL! I will be honest and Im new at this long range stuff but I like to buy one time and be done but really like to get the best bang for the buck. Ive pretty much narrowed it down to these scopes. Ive tried to do all my own homework and read as much info as I possibly can. Tell me what yall think. Going on Remington 700 aac-sd .308. Plan to start at short and would like to get to the 1000+ yd mark with practice. Will I shoot a grand every time I go out, NO.

Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-25x50 FFP, Mil-Mil. Read these are GREAT scopes and really underpriced for the quality.

SWFA SS 5-20x50 FFP, Mil-Mil. Ive also read these are a great buy for the money. Some used ones have been popping up too.

And lastly

Nightforce F1 Milspec, FFP, Mil-Mil. I really want this piece of glass but not sure MY level of experience will warrant it. Its double the price of the other scopes, but they dont include rings either which is $150 bucks.

Lets hear it!
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Buy once... NF and don't look back,
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

My NF F1 Mil Spec included a set of medium height rings. But I don't think you can get them anymore unless they are second hand. Just look for a F1, they are very close to the same and you can get a better reticle.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

You will enjoy the other......................... I just can't. Buy the NF. If you don't like it I will trade you a Vortex straight up.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

If you have the coin to do it. NF, Vortex Razor, Premier, US Optics, IOR, or S&B. Any of those will serve you well.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

You cannot go wrong with a NF Mil-Spec scope. I bought on when they first came out and it's great scope. Look for features in the scopes you select such as; clarity, Illumination, Zero Stop, Mil/Mil reticle, warranty etc.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Never had a mil-spec but had an F1 MLR and sold it . . . stupid me. Every once in a while I really regret a sale, that scope was one of those times. In my opinion, for the money it's one of the best scopes going. Get an F1, you won't be sorry!
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Ive looked through Nightforce scopes, and used one or two of other's on the range, and they are SUPER nice, but I can't get over the fact of how CHEAP my Bushnell Elite Tactical was, and how I am able to do the same thing at same distances at 1/3 cost... The savings could go towards lots of reloading and other items...
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Glen1978</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

SWFA SS 5-20x50 FFP, Mil-Mil. Ive also read these are a great buy for the money. Some used ones have been popping up too.


</div></div>

Best scope for the money and you will enjoy the extra magnification. You will likely need to upgrade the rifle before you need to upgrade the scope.

The NF is a very nice scope but, it limits you to 15x and unless you just want the novelty of owning a Mil-spec scope, go with the standard F1 and get the MLR2 reticle.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I don't own either but the SS seems like a great value-everyone that has one likes it.
On the other hand everyone who owns a NF likes theirs also so I guess it comes down to cost.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Without looking through any of those, you'd probably still like the NF better than the others you mentioned. I strongly recommend doing what you can to look through some...or at least scopes of different mag ranges. To each his own, but I had the SS 5-20 and it was just too much magnification on the low end and more than needed to shoot to 1000+ yards. I went back to a 3-15 (a Premier LT, which has the same great glass as the Heritage, but is 13 oz. lighter).

If cost didn't matter, I'd consider running an S&B 3-20, but would still be concerned about weight. If the glass was better, I might have hung on to my NF 2.5-10X32...an almost perfect scope in other ways...never cared that it wasn't FFP because that didn't matter to me under 10X.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Like RAD said above, the SWFA 5-20 is a better value for a new shooter (and experienced as well). I have the 5-20 on my $7000 AIAX and have beat plenty of guys using NF and S&B at matches. You don't need a $2200 scope for a stock Rem 700 308.

Buy the SWFA 5-20 non illum from the classifieds. Take the extra $1200 and buy a Manners stock with mini chassis and some Seekins rings and base. That would be $2200 very well spent.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Glen, aside from what we already discussed I think if the F1 is what you REALLY want you should go ahead and get it. If you're anything like me you won't be happy until you have what you want.

Regardless you absolutely cannot go wrong with any of the three. They are all great scopes.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Dont count out the Bushnell HDMR. I have been shooting with one for a few months now on my 338 Federal Subsonic rig and I really like it. Just recently ordered another one for my Badger M2008 in 260. Call GA Precision and they can fix you up with one.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Thanks for all the info guys! I really value all of them.

I originally wanted the SS 5-20x50 scope. That seemed to be the best value and I dont think I have ever read/heard anything bad about them. They were at the TOP end of my expenditure. Then along came some some smoking deals on the F1 that were about the same price.....I missed out. I cried, LOL. Well not really.

BUT on the other hand I have been reading up on the Bushnell scopes too and have heard more than once how impressed folks were for there money. Talked with Scott at Liberty today and he really talked up the 3.5-21x50 HDMR w/G2DMR recticle, said they were just built like a tank. I was really just interested in the 6-24x50 mil-mil, FFP.

I would really like that F1 but to be honest I dont wana spend that kinda coin. Probably gona pick between one of the Bushys or the SS. Any help from there?
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I own 2 of the SS's, and have looked through that 3.5-21 Bushy...it looks fan-damn-tastic, and it's a pig! BUT, I'll never cheat on my SS's...they have already been put through the ringer, and I have not had one issue. Absolutely 110% reliable.

Plus, I know with SWFA, you have top notch customer service and support which I have experienced, first hand. I cannot speak to Bushy, though, I can't fathom them not standing behind their products.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Euro Optic has one left in mil dot, I took the last MLR
smile.gif
. The one reason that you wouldn't go milspec, would be if you wanted a different reticle... There are a couple of each (mlr, mildot) left at sportsoptics...
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FALex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I own 2 of the SS's, and have looked through that 3.5-21 Bushy...it looks fan-damn-tastic, and it's a pig! BUT, I'll never cheat on my SS's...they have already been put through the ringer, and I have not had one issue. Absolutely 110% reliable.

Plus, I know with SWFA, you have top notch customer service and support which I have experienced, first hand. I cannot speak to Bushy, though, I can't fathom them not standing behind their products.</div></div>

Thanks thats the info I like the hear there.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I bought a NF after having a Leupold MK 4. I love it, this is going to be my second NF and I absolutely love them. I just wished I got it in the first place instead of trying to save money in the beginning. If you got NF, you'll love it.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Night forces are amazing, but they are expensive. I have the swfa 3x9 on my AR and couldn't ask for a better optic.

Next build will have a vortex or swfa on it.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I got a Nightforce NXS 12-42 and I wouldn't be without it - it's brilliant.

If they ever release a 1FP version of this scope with the same magnification I'm getting it - the only thing that put me out of getting the F1 was the relatively low magnification.

In life I tend to prefer to save up and get the best I can afford (and buy once) rather than buying something cheap (but reputedly good quality) and then purchase again if it goes wrong - so far (touch wood) this method hasn't failed me - pay peanut get monkeys is the expression that comes to mind.

My personal advice would be to go for something in the Nightforce/S&B side of things - the new S&B MOA reticle has got my interest piqued ... and it's 1FP too ....
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Downrange I have the same mentality honestly. But here is my little twist on that. I compare this to vehicles as it is what most of my knowledge is on. I need a 4x4 SUV....Yeah Range Rovers are awesome and I would love to have one. Toyota 4runners are awesome too and are half price. I try to buy things on the money and if just isnt what I thought it was I can always get out of them. Pretty much talked myself out of the F1 for several different reasons. Gona start a new thread and get opinions on the Bushy vs. SS. I think it would be a good thread for alot of folks. I have searched and havent found anything in the like.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Glen - I hear what you're saying ... the bad side about my approach is that it gets expensive awful quick !

My typical approach of researching something I'm not familiar with, is to first look at the best in the range of whatever I'm looking at to see what featuresets are available etc. and then "dial back" to a midrange item ... the trouble with my method is that once you look at the high end stuff, everything else tends to pale in comparison - there's a reason why it's high end !

Good luck on your search - I have been thinking similar things to you if I end up getting a 22 and have been looking at Sightron as a possible NF alternative - I'm based in the UK, so some of the choices available to you won't be as readily available to me ....
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Get your tail to a long range comp and get behind different glass. They are all going to be good and the F1 is the only night force I'd ever consider buying. I'm very partial to my USOs now and they treat me great. Also military get a pretty good discount from USO.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

+1 for the F1. Nicest scope I have ever owned, but also the most expensive scope I have ever owned.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I say go with Leupold Mark 6 just got mine in recently and love it. I would choose it over and over against a Nightforce now
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

NF is one of if not the most reliable optic there is. Leupold probably has as many returns in a day for repair than NF has in a year. I'll take the NF.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

If you want a NF you don't NEED the Milspec version.

And the Bushnell DMR is cheaper...Maybe a better value as well.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I will have to agree with JasonK on this. Go with the Bushnell or SS and spend the extra money to upgrade some other components Because that will net you more gains then just a high quality scope will alone. that is what I did, I went with the Bushnell 6-24 FFP G2 and a new stock, trigger, rings, etc...... that being said if you have the cash to throw down I would go NF cause i still dream of the day i will own a Nightforce. It is by far my favorite scope and especially if they ever come out with a 5.5-22x56mm in FFP
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

of all the things you guys push people to buy and your telling a guy to not spend money on a high end scope. you guys are insane

i would rather someone put a NF F1 on a stock SPS then a cheaper scope on a surgeon.

dude get a F1 they are awesome scopes, the vortex razor is another awesome option in that price range and offers some more mag for the money. i wouldn't worry about mil spec you don't need it.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

I see a lot of people try to save a few bucks on a scope, simply put, it's the wrong place to cheap out. I would never talk you out of buying that scope, I bought one yesterday.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Buy the NF, I have been debating buying one for the last week and finaly pulled the triger on a NXS 5.5-22X56 with the MOAR retical. Cant wait to get it, I ordered online and it should be here in a week or so. It will be going on top of my Savage 110 BA .338 LM.

From what i've read and heard I will not regret dumping the 2K into this piece of glass! On the other hand If you go with the cheaper glass yourself you may regret it later and be 1K into a piece of glass you dont want anymore and still pay for the NF at a later date...

 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Why would we talk you outta that? Sounds like a good decision to me.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">of all the things you guys push people to buy and your telling a guy to not spend money on a high end scope. you guys are insane</span>

i would rather someone put a NF F1 on a stock SPS then a cheaper scope on a surgeon.

dude get a F1 they are awesome scopes, the vortex razor is another awesome option in that price range and offers some more mag for the money. i wouldn't worry about mil spec you don't need it. </div></div>

Preach it, brother!
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FamilyMan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will have to agree with JasonK on this. Go with the Bushnell or SS and spend the extra money to upgrade some other components Because that will net you more gains then just a high quality scope will alone. that is what I did, I went with the Bushnell 6-24 FFP G2 and a new stock, trigger, rings, etc...... that being said if you have the cash to throw down I would go NF cause i still dream of the day i will own a Nightforce. It is by far my favorite scope and especially if they ever come out with a 5.5-22x56mm in FFP </div></div>

+1 for the 5.5-22x56 FFP
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

Well guys ended up with a SWFA SS 5-20x50 I bought off a fellow hide member. My wife gave me the go ahead to buy a new F1, wasnt happy about it but said if thats what I wanted do it. I purchased the SS and a half hour later got an email from work about pay cuts.....good ole oilfield. I guess everything happens for a reason. If I had gotten that email before hand I would probably be rockin the Midway Weaver 3-10x40 off my Ruger 10-22.....dang good little scope too BTW!

thanks for all the info fellas, appreciate it!
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

all the super secret spies use countersniper scopes - NF is garbage
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">all the super secret spies use countersniper scopes - NF is garbage</div></div>

Well that was my next option but didnt wanna put it out there.....plus I heard it kept the .308 rounds from falling out of the sky at 768 yds. I would probably trade my SS for one if it was the right person.
 
Re: Talk me OUT of buying a Nightforce F1 Mil-Spec!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Km22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Euro Optic has one left in mil dot, I took the last MLR
smile.gif
. The one reason that you wouldn't go milspec, would be if you wanted a different reticle... There are a couple of each (mlr, mildot) left at sportsoptics... </div></div>

+1, and the Mil Spec is the only scope Nightforce makes that doesnt have a lifetime warranty... Its only a 10 year warranty...go figure.
 
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