I know threads like this pop up all the time, but I’m looking for some insight before I make my next optics purchase. I’m set on a mil/mil scope in the 5-22+ power range, but I can’t decide between a NF 5.5-22x mil/MLR highspeed zerostop, Premier 5-25x Gen2 XR, or the S&B 5-25x P4F .1 mil CCW. I do a lot of shooting that varies between 100 and 1,000 yards (hopefully beyond than 1,000 this year). My rifle is a TRG-22 which I plan on re-barreling to a .260 once my copious supply of .308 ammunition is exhausted. I’d also like to get involved in some match/competition shooting this year, but that’s something I know very little about.
I previously had a TMR equipped 6.5-20x Leupold MK4 which was nice, but I sold it to upgrade to something with zero stop, mil/mil, 10 mil’s per rev, and greater variable power range. Initially, I was just going to buy the NF as a replacement. However, as I’m financially cursed to live near EuroOptics, I was able to look at some other scopes which seemed to be a much more noticeable upgrade over my former MK4 (S&B, Hensoldt,…). Now, I’ve included the S&B 5-25 P4F and Premier 5-25 Gen2 XR into the mix along with the NightForce. I can get the S&B for around $2,890 and the Premier for perhaps slightly less than that, the NF is around $1850. The issue is, none of these scopes seem absolutely perfect for me. The Premier seems to be the closest (on paper at least). I really like the looks of the Gen2 XR reticle, but I question why the half mil subtensions are larger than the full mil. I’ve also read interweb reports questioning the durability (these are mostly from arf.com and I fully recognize these guys could be talking out their asses, but nonetheless it’s something I’ve read). The S&B is also nearly perfect and the brand name seems to have a long history of superior quality. However, I wish the P4F had .5 mil subtensions at the first .5 mil mark. I hold for wind and can see this being a bit of an issue. ***Edit to add: I just came across the new MSR reticle for the S&B; it looks perfect***. The NF seems like a good value, but to my eyes the glass isn’t much of a step up over the MK4. I also would really like it if the MLR allowed for more than a 5 mil elevation hold over. Of course, the NF is also a SFP reticle vs. the other two FFP’s.
It seems clear the law of diminishing marginal returns comes into play as optics get more expensive. I was initially on a strict $2k optics allowance, but I’ve pretty much rationalized saving for another couple of months if I truly feel it’s worth it to get an optic that I’ll be 100% happy with. I’ve learned a lot here over the past couple of years, so I figured I’d layout where I’m at in the process and hopefully get some valuable input from the hide. Thanks in advance!
I previously had a TMR equipped 6.5-20x Leupold MK4 which was nice, but I sold it to upgrade to something with zero stop, mil/mil, 10 mil’s per rev, and greater variable power range. Initially, I was just going to buy the NF as a replacement. However, as I’m financially cursed to live near EuroOptics, I was able to look at some other scopes which seemed to be a much more noticeable upgrade over my former MK4 (S&B, Hensoldt,…). Now, I’ve included the S&B 5-25 P4F and Premier 5-25 Gen2 XR into the mix along with the NightForce. I can get the S&B for around $2,890 and the Premier for perhaps slightly less than that, the NF is around $1850. The issue is, none of these scopes seem absolutely perfect for me. The Premier seems to be the closest (on paper at least). I really like the looks of the Gen2 XR reticle, but I question why the half mil subtensions are larger than the full mil. I’ve also read interweb reports questioning the durability (these are mostly from arf.com and I fully recognize these guys could be talking out their asses, but nonetheless it’s something I’ve read). The S&B is also nearly perfect and the brand name seems to have a long history of superior quality. However, I wish the P4F had .5 mil subtensions at the first .5 mil mark. I hold for wind and can see this being a bit of an issue. ***Edit to add: I just came across the new MSR reticle for the S&B; it looks perfect***. The NF seems like a good value, but to my eyes the glass isn’t much of a step up over the MK4. I also would really like it if the MLR allowed for more than a 5 mil elevation hold over. Of course, the NF is also a SFP reticle vs. the other two FFP’s.
It seems clear the law of diminishing marginal returns comes into play as optics get more expensive. I was initially on a strict $2k optics allowance, but I’ve pretty much rationalized saving for another couple of months if I truly feel it’s worth it to get an optic that I’ll be 100% happy with. I’ve learned a lot here over the past couple of years, so I figured I’d layout where I’m at in the process and hopefully get some valuable input from the hide. Thanks in advance!
