Rifle Scopes Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

[lvmike]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would like to get behind this to see it</div></div>

I'm not gonna make Saturdays match, but I'm sure we will run into each other before long. Warning though, it cost LV Mike some cash. </div></div>

Yes you have! First a DTA, now a march. You really are my research dept. Ty. Lol

 

[Iloveguns]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

For all the hardcore NF guys out there...do you know who started March??? March scopes are top notch made by the same engineers who designed the NF line. Every one I have looked through is amazing. And Kelby is great peeps! Took time to talk with me at Shot even though Im a nobody!! Thanks for the Review Tyler!

 

[kristian55]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Iloveguns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For all the hardcore NF guys out there...do you know who started March??? March scopes are top notch made by the same engineers who designed the NF line. Every one I have looked through is amazing. And Kelby is great peeps! Took time to talk with me at Shot even though Im a nobody!! Thanks for the Review Tyler! </div></div>
It is a fact:
<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">"...that many years ago one of the March engineers did original NF design work. They all worked as freelance designers back then." </span></span>

<span style="font-style: italic">[/i]</span>

 

[kristian55]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Last but not least is the zero stop. Apparently March subscribes to the KISS theory (keep it simple, stupid), because this thing is simple. Simply set the elevation turret to anywhere you want (0, or maybe +.5, doesn't matter), then get a nickel and turn the coin slot on the elevation turret clockwise till it stops. If you prefer to run with out the zero stop, simply turn the coin slot 1/4 counter clockwise and forget about it.

http://youtu.be/4TCnw0F1RKk

 

[JFComfort]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Thanks for the pictures Joe!

To anyone wondering, we were shooting at 2130 yards today with some new friends from Texas. A little breeze of around 15-20 mph full value was present. Took all of my elevation of 20.9 mil + 2.5 of holdover and 2.1 mil of left windage for my 338 Lapua Magnum to make it.

I continue to be impressed with the little March in any conditions.

Ty

 

[BillCosby]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Wow this review is making me almost have buyers remorse for picking up my S&B 5-25

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BillCosby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow this review is making me almost have buyers remorse for picking up my S&B 5-25

</div></div>

Ha! That is a fine piece of glass you have sir. Never regret that decision.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

So, i've been keeping an eye on the write ups on these scopes and I have sent TY a pm or 2 about his true impression of the scope. He encouraged me to take a look for myself and I finally decided to make a road trip up to Kelblys last Saturday. I met up with Ian and spent about 1.5 hours glassing different items at different ranges with 3 scopes out to about 1.25 miles. For compairison I brought along a friends 6.5-20 MK4 and one of my PH 5-25's.

The first thing that really struck me about the scope is the size of it. I know you see the pics and hear how small they are but, they are truely tiny when compaired to the scope I am used to running.

The second thing that I noticed when compairing it to the other scopes is that the March really is that clear. During this testing, I have come to the realization that I am a glass whore. This particular MK4 is a scope I had sold to my friend about 15 months ago and haven't spent much time behind one since. I used to think they were "really nice" but now, I wonder how I ever used one with any success.

When glassing around between the PH and the March, what I really think stands out the most is the size of the reticle in the March. The reticle commands much of the view. Where the PH Gen II almost "blends in" the March is BOLD. I prefer the PH reticle but it's really almost unusable at less than 11x. The March FML-1 reticle is still quite visable at 3x (although you certianly can't range with it there) and the floating dot is small enough at 24x that the whole thing still works. At the longer distances (estimated 21-2200 yds) the PH really seems to have more definition and clarity. I don't intend to use the March at those distances but we had some items avalible to look at and compair the 2 and the PH wins out. Most likely due to the 56mm obj and the 34mm tube.

I still brought a March home with me but, if size and weight were not a concern, I would have left my PH on this rifle. One other thing worth commenting on, I never felt that I was looking through a "little" scope or noticed any tunnel vision. It really is an impressive scope all in all and it still retains 28 mils of adjustment in a 30mm tube. I have it mounted on a 20moa rail in Burris signature rings with a 10moa insert. At this point I have 20 mils of adjustment which will be plenty for what this rifle will be used for.

My only gripe would be the size of the reticle. I plan on using the scope mostly around the 15x-18x area and the reticle is okay at those mag levels. I will still have the abiblity to crank it up to 24 if I need to although it is not ideal. I was also interested in the PH LT but, I can't convinece myself to spend that much on a scope that is limited to 15x and 12mils of elevation.

There is alot of talk about the eyebox being touchy at or above 20x and to be honest, my current exposure to the scope has just been laying prone behind it and on the bench. At this point, once I got the eye relief adjusted and the height of my cheek piece set, the eyebox has not given me any issues whatsoever.

I will be using the scope at the Rayners "sniper match" this Sunday so, I am REALLY looking forward to putting it through it's paces and getting behind it for some positional situations to see how it faires.

So far, I am impressed with the scope and Ian at Kelblys. I got a nice tour of their facility while I was there. I feel bad at this point that I haven't had them build me a rifle yet. Beautiful actions, top notch bedding (probably the best I have seen at this point) and beautiful stock work. They make their own triggers, actions, stocks and rings.

I don't mean to take over Ty's thread here. I will post more after my match this Sunday at Rayners. I hope to get some pics as well.

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goin'Hot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I don't mean to take over Ty's thread here. I will post more after my match this Sunday at Rayners. I hope to get some pics as well. </div></div>

I asked you to! Appreciate the contribution.

Give em hell on Sunday!

 

[savageman]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Have 3-24 ffp march. I was also able to do a quick comparison with a PH 5-25x56.

The main difference I noticed besides the size difference was FOV. The Premire had a much bigger FOV at max magnification. But I have my march on an AR10 and I will take the size and weight diff any time between those too.

I will say thought the glass between these 2 was really close which surprised me big time considering just how small the march is.

I have had absolutly no problems with the eye box.

And yes above 20 the reticle gets to thick for my liking.

 

[hank440]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

I can't find a price list for scopes on Kelbly's site anyone care to release the secret ? Just prices on rifles and rings

Thanks

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hank440</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can't find a price list for scopes on Kelbly's site anyone care to release the secret ? Just prices on rifles and rings

Thanks </div></div>

You can use any 30mm rings you chose and the price for the 3-24 FFP is:
Price illuminated $2850
Non-illuminated $2230

 

[Scot_E]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: savageman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
And yes above 20 the reticle gets to thick for my liking. </div></div>

Can you clarify your opinion on this? With an FFP scope the reticle thickness doesn't change in relation to the target when the magnification is increased. What specifically did you not like?

Thanks,

Scot E.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scot E</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: savageman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
And yes above 20 the reticle gets to thick for my liking. </div></div>

Can you clarify your opinion on this? With an FFP scope the reticle thickness doesn't change in relation to the target when the magnification is increased. What specifically did you not like?

Thanks,

Scot E. </div></div>

I'm not SavageMan but for me, the reticle is too thick in the March (for my personal likings) and commands too much of the view above about 18x or so. It is because of this thickness that the reticle is still very visable at 3x. In the PH, the reticle is optimized for use at higher mag (18-25x) with almost no concern for practical use below 10x.

 

[savageman]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Just like hot said it gets to distracting and makes it hard to be extremly precise.

But on the other hand both the 3-15 and 5-25 PH are almost impossible to use at lower magnification.

Its a manifactures choice. The Marchs reticle is fing awesome in the 3-15 range. I have to assume that was by design. No one has tried a magnification range this large in ffp before. They did a great job IMHO.

 

[Scot_E]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Makes sense. I really want to try one of these out and am just trying to get as much info as I can as it looks like I will have to purchase one to see one in person.

Thanks,

Scot E.

 

[savageman]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Scot the march reticle is almost identical to my 3-18×50 IOR. So if you can get behind one of those it will give you a better idea of what a couple of us are referring too.

I cant imagine you will be dissapointed with the march

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

If you are trying to hold significantly less than 0.1 MRad then I'd argue that this scope isn't really targeted to your application. I personally find that I can shoot more precise groups using the 0.1 Mrad center dot than with most other tactical scopes' traditional crosshairs.

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Someone was wondering what the cost of the 5-40 FFP was, so I called Ian up.

He said: $3200 non-illuminated
$3400 illuminated

He also said he is shooting a tactical match this weekend. Hopefully he is bit by the bug and Kelbly's will shift focus to tactical rifles!

 

[JFComfort]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">He also said he is shooting a tactical match this weekend. <span style="font-weight: bold">Hopefully he is bit by the bug and Kelbly's will shift focus to tactical rifles!</span></div></div>

Keeping my fingers crossed! That would be very cool.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Well, I shot the "sniper challenge" at Rayners this weekend with the scope and all in all, no complaints. Even though it has 10 mils per rev and I have a total of 21 mils of elevation, it is not a cure for stupidity. The first shot of the match was the cold bore shot. You were given a number to remember and you had to find your number (3/4" paster) on a classic ipsc target at 112 yards and hit it after a 20 yard sprint to your rifle. This takes place in the matter of 30 seconds.

So, my number was "17". I sprinted to my rifle, lay behind it and began to search for my little target. I found it, got my breath under control and squeezed the trigger. I looked at my target in dis belief as there was no hole in it. B.S.!!!! I said. There was no way, NO WAY!! I missed a stinkin 3/4" dot at 112 yards.

I lay there head hung low as the timer went off signaling that 30 seconds had expired. I looked up at my elevation knob and there it was. My OCD had gotten the best of me. You see, I like to store my scopes in the middle of their elevation range. When I looked up, what I saw was my elevation turret setting at "0" BUT, it was actually setting at 10 mils. I've heard it time and time again, you just can't fix stupid!!!

Some times, you have to get back to the basics and some times it turns out that "simple" isn't all that "easy".

I meant to take a bunch of pics but, I got wrapped up in the moment and ended up wanting to shoot more than photograph. I did take these 2 pics though. On my stupid 260.

I ran most of the match around 15x with one occasion where I cranked it up to 24x for a shot at an 8" plate at 1010 yards. Missed by mere inches I tell ya. I used it to mill a target at UKD and I actually hit it on the 1st shot. (The reticle really can be used for ranging!). We had a stage where you had to find your card on a board at 20 yards in 30 seconds. The scope easily focused at that distance and being able to crank it back to 3X worked like a charm. I would still prefer a thinner reticle at higer mag but, I am pleased with the optic.

 

[ridge rider]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X-fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stac338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Please don't tell me the NF scopes are the same quality as March scopes as they are not and don't kid yourself.
If you think they are; either get yourself another set of reading glasses or trade in your seeing eye dog after making that sort of statement.

<span style="color: #000099">Optically I agree and I don't believe I said any different. In terms of mechanical durability and repeatable Mechanically I will put Nightforce against any scope on the market. </span>

Against the March scopes the NF scopes are really a second rate scope in comparison and as such I have sold off the NF scopes as they simply do not cut the mustard as there are much better scopes out there as far as I am concerned.

<span style="color: #000099">When March puts a lifetime warranty on their product I will buy March. Until then they can keep their scope, Nightforce is made in Japan, Australian owned, and inspected in the USA...yet we have a lifetime warranty? Do you realty dream that you can see something out of you march that you can not see out of a dirty old Nightforce? Sharpness and light transmission are nice, but they are hardly deal breakers, or for that matter shot makers. </span>

Now as for Leupold scopes being somewhat considerably cheaper, then all very well for you; stick with them if thst is all your budget allows.

<span style="color: #000099">I never said Leupold was in the same class optically nor mechanically, but in 20 years if it breaks Leupold will still be there...March who?</span>

Stick with that second rate piece of shit and don't dream of ever owning a much better scope if price is the only comparison you make to judge one scope against one another. This only shows you don't know much when it comes to quality.
<span style="color: #000099">
Really?
I think you can take pills for that little issue?
Maybe therapy?

I spoke about product service and lifetime warranty...you don't get that with march...Lots of lip service, but nothing real in writing..Nothing else matters IMHO.

I have owned and used Nightforce for 16-17 years and have never had a problem with my low life scope....Of the tens of thousand of NF scopes built how many are you aware of that go back for warranty repairs...Next to nothing.

I own numerous S&B scopes dating back just over 30 years and have some newer PMII 5-25s. During that time I have sent three scopes back for service. 30 years later I am still a loyal S&B customer...Now you know why. S&B looks after their customers...Period.
They put it in writing BTW.

My use of Leupold goes back 36 years.
During which time I have had 6 scope issues. Every single time Leupold has blown me away with customer service. They once freighted me a scope directly to my hunting camp, then sent me a new one instead of repairing my old. That is a lifetime warranty and that is how you look after a customer.

March is a 6 year old company that has built how many scopes?
Nothing!....PffT!
Lots of companies build scopes with the same quality as march yet they ALL put their name in lifetime ink.

Show me track record, show me economic viability, show me real word hard use durability, and show me a warranty that means something.

Then I will buy March.

</span>

</div></div> </div></div>

Can somebody buy this guy a new seeing eye dog....he might not be aware that his first one has died


Booo

 

[gafferq2xl]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JFComfort</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">He also said he is shooting a tactical match this weekend. <span style="font-weight: bold">Hopefully he is bit by the bug and Kelbly's will shift focus to tactical rifles!</span></div></div>

Keeping my fingers crossed! That would be very cool. </div></div>

Check out the third tab over guys. I don't know how long these have been offered and you did say "focus"; http://www.kelbly.com/rifles.html

Funny, I was linked back to this thread from Kelby's sight as I was looking into these scopes just today. I'm thinking an Atlas or Kodiak based build with a March-FX to top it off with and while I'm at it a March-F for the trainer.

 

[THibben]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Interesting to see the choice of scope down to warranty.

You all drive Hyundai then ?

English

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

How are these scopes still holding up?

 

[SSSamurai]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

I got mine in the first batch, back in May 2011. It's been on 6 rifles, through 7 matches and received its fair share of bumps and bruises, without a hiccup.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

The March scopes seem awful nice, but it seems like the elevation travel is fairly limited compared to the other scopes in this class. From the March website, both the March-F and March-FX show 24Mil of elevation travel which equals about 82.5MOA.

USO SN3 5-25 shows 95 MOA in the 34mm tube
Premier Heritage 5-25 shows 103 MOA

If you using the 5-40 March to try to get long distance, that short elevation travel would seem to be a problem, can anyone who has shot any of the above comment?

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HeroFish</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The March scopes seem awful nice, but it seems like the elevation travel is fairly limited compared to the other scopes in this class. From the March website, both the March-F and March-FX show 24Mil of elevation travel which equals about 82.5MOA.

USO SN3 5-25 shows 95 MOA in the 34mm tube
Premier Heritage 5-25 shows 103 MOA

If you using the 5-40 March to try to get long distance, that short elevation travel would seem to be a problem, can anyone who has shot any of the above comment? </div></div>

If I had a rig to shoot the 40 power and need the extra MOA I would have a higher cant base to use. (30- 40moa) Zero it at 500 yds or so.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Shoot, you get up on top of Jocky's Ridge, you can shoot for over a mile down towards Hatteras

 

[Rthur]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

I have had the scope at a couple of matches, it has done everything I needed. It is like a NF F1 with great glass more mag. and in a lighter package.

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HeroFish</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shoot, you get up on top of Jocky's Ridge, you can shoot for over a mile down towards Hatteras </div></div>

Haha, work very close to jockeys ridge. 5-40 would be a great spotting scope too.

 

[1time]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

I have the March 1-10 on my three gun rifle. It has been bounced off of barricades and thrown into dump buckets in 8 three gun matches and a ton of practice and is still going strong.

 

[KM375]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

I have a March 3-24x42ffp one of the early ones on a GAP TIS 308 its been to the flat range and stretched out to about 800 meters. I have bounced it around on a few stress courses and it is still holding up, Running up and down the range with that lightweight 12.6 lb GAP is pretty easy.

 

[sib1948]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Can't wait for my March scopes to arrive from Kelby and check these babies out !!

 

[kombayotch]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Have on on my AR... great little scope!

 

[fireguyty]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HeroFish</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The March scopes seem awful nice, but it seems like the elevation travel is fairly limited compared to the other scopes in this class. From the March website, both the March-F and March-FX show 24Mil of elevation travel which equals about 82.5MOA.

USO SN3 5-25 shows 95 MOA in the 34mm tube
Premier Heritage 5-25 shows 103 MOA

If you using the 5-40 March to try to get long distance, that short elevation travel would seem to be a problem, can anyone who has shot any of the above comment?</div></div>

Wow, this thread is back on track!

Actually the March F has 28 mil of travel(or 96 MOA), which is as much or more than most scopes. With my 338 Lapua Mag in my DTA and a 30 MOA canted base, I am good to about 2050 yards. I have shot as far as 2130 with a bit of holdover.

Mine is still holding up strong! This last weekend my rifle was on demo for the 2012 Las Vegas International Crap shoot. Most of the shooters got behind it with great success.

Link to the side match with pictures

Also, Kelbly's stepped up as a sponsor big time on this shoot and donated a $1300 action to the prize table.

Ty

 

[Backspace]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

Does anyone know if march plans to possibly introduce a new reticle? Maybe something a little slimmer for the higher powers? How about on the 5-40... how is the reticle on it? Is it also a bit thick on the higher powers and a little better in the middle of its range?

 

[tolnep]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Backspace</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know if march plans to possibly introduce a new reticle? Maybe something a little slimmer for the higher powers? How about on the 5-40... how is the reticle on it? Is it also a bit thick on the higher powers and a little better in the middle of its range? </div></div>

i have both. its thinner on the 5-40. the 'thickness' on the 3-24 doesnt bother me at all.

what i like is they both have the same reticule.

 

[jerry1]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

The March started out as a benchrest scope. In benchrest you want everything light so the shooter can put the extra weight in the rifle barrel. The higher magnification is greatly welcomed because the better you can see the better you can shoot. If the metal is the same alloy in both scopes the heavier scope will have more strength. It is hard to get away from that point.
In tactical scopes the name of the game is toughness, glass, and most important is perfect tracking. Nightforce has proven to be tactical quality. March is just putting its toe in the tactical market. I don't know of any March scopes being used by any military in the world. Nightforce however has many scopes in the toughest places on the planet. The Kelby's are nice people. However, March is a tiny company with a tiny support system and they offer a very modest warranty. With a NF,leupold, or USO you have a real warranty. You will also get extremely good service within this country if you need it. When a person is paying very top dollar for a product they should get a world class warranty. This March does not have at this time. Compared with other top end scopes March has very little track record. There are not thousands of March scopes in service whereas Nightforce has a proven record based on thousands and thousands of product in the field. So far the March appears to be a very nice scope for benchrest. March scopes have to go much further down the reality road to be in the same class as Nightforce.
March scopes are even in the same class as Nightforce.

 

[KM375]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The March started out as a benchrest scope. In benchrest you want everything light so the shooter can put the extra weight in the rifle barrel. The higher magnification is greatly welcomed because the better you can see the better you can shoot. If the metal is the same alloy in both scopes the heavier scope will have more strength. It is hard to get away from that point.
In tactical scopes the name of the game is toughness, glass, and most important is perfect tracking. Nightforce has proven to be tactical quality. March is just putting its toe in the tactical market. I don't know of any March scopes being used by any military in the world. Nightforce however has many scopes in the toughest places on the planet. The Kelby's are nice people. However, March is a tiny company with a tiny support system and they offer a very modest warranty. With a NF,leupold, or USO you have a real warranty. You will also get extremely good service within this country if you need it. When a person is paying very top dollar for a product they should get a world class warranty. This March does not have at this time. Compared with other top end scopes March has very little track record. There are not thousands of March scopes in service whereas Nightforce has a proven record based on thousands and thousands of product in the field. So far the March appears to be a very nice scope for benchrest. March scopes have to go much further down the reality road to be in the same class as Nightforce.
March scopes are even in the same class as Nightforce.
</div></div>

Do you own a March Scope? Have you shot with a March Scope?

 

[cjgemm]

Re: Review: March-F 3-24 x 42 FFP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The March started out as a benchrest scope. In benchrest you want everything light so the shooter can put the extra weight in the rifle barrel. The higher magnification is greatly welcomed because the better you can see the better you can shoot. If the metal is the same alloy in both scopes the heavier scope will have more strength. It is hard to get away from that point.
In tactical scopes the name of the game is toughness, glass, and most important is perfect tracking. Nightforce has proven to be tactical quality. March is just putting its toe in the tactical market. I don't know of any March scopes being used by any military in the world. Nightforce however has many scopes in the toughest places on the planet. The Kelby's are nice people. However, March is a tiny company with a tiny support system and they offer a very modest warranty. With a NF,leupold, or USO you have a real warranty. You will also get extremely good service within this country if you need it. When a person is paying very top dollar for a product they should get a world class warranty. This March does not have at this time. Compared with other top end scopes March has very little track record. There are not thousands of March scopes in service whereas Nightforce has a proven record based on thousands and thousands of product in the field. So far the March appears to be a very nice scope for benchrest. March scopes have to go much further down the reality road to be in the same class as Nightforce.
March scopes are even in the same class as Nightforce.
</div></div>

Great, Now Nightforce has to make a scope I want to buy...