Rifle Scopes Advice on scope would be appreciated

[wdhigh]

I currently have a remington 700 sps tact .308 with a Innovative arms can on it.

Gun is my primary deer rifle. Here in SC we can legally shoot 1hr before and after sunset. That being said I place importance on optical quality.

I am also wanting to learn to be a better marksman and hope to try 300-800yd target shooting. I feel it will make me a better hunter and it is something that has interested me for a while.

That being said would buying a 3.5-15x56 nightforce be a waste of money? My current setup had a 3-12x56 meopta meostar R1 so I am already used to decent glass.

Second question is if I do decide on nightforce is the high speed setup even beneficial under 600yds? All the ones with zero stop seem to have high speed included.

Thanks in advance, the search function was helpfull but still have questions!

 

[T2CH]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

Id say good choice on the NF. Check around, some places still have the ZS without high speed at really good prices.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

The Nightforce 3.5-15X is an excellent scope. I have to admit that I am a little confused as to whether the non Zero Stop models come with the Hi Speed turrets or not. I haven't bothered to find out because I consider the Zero Stops to be essential, if you are going to be dialing a lot or dialing in low light.

Unless you're going to be dialing under conditions where time and speed are everything, the Hi Speed turrets are going to be nothing more than a convenience.

 

[wdhigh]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

Thanks. I have yet to put a NF in my hand. Do the plain jane nxs's still have the hash marks that indicate you have gone up a full revolution?

 

[fdkay]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

There is a good chance that the Meopta has better glass than the NF.

NF has many things going for it, top shelf glass isn't one of them.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

Not sure, but I imagine SC deer shots are usually less than 100 yards. What works ideally for hunting in the woods is not going to be ideal for long range shooting and vice versa. I'd suggest getting a low-power variable scope for hunting and a higher power scope for long range. Some illumination for the hunting scope might be useful. I'd look at some Trijicon hunting scopes if that interests you.

For example,

Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32 for hunting
Weaver T-24 (24x with 40mm OBJ) for long range. I've had great luck with this scope in F-Class. Both these scopes would cost you about $700.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

I know that Nightforce scopes do not have the best glass, but they certainly are top shelf.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

You didn't give a budget.

Since you are looking for a multi-use optic, I would suggest the NF 3.5-15 (which seems to be the one you want) or the IOR 3.5-18.

3.5 should be low enough for shots as close as 15 yards and the magnification range is sufficient for long range applications. Both have illuminated reticles. Both are excellent scopes.

But the answer to your question is, only you can answer if it is a waste of money to buy the NF. It is a versatile, well made piece of kit. Even if you never target shoot, you will always know you can depend on it for any hunting situation.

 

[wdhigh]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

Looks like that is what I am going to attempt to purchase after I unload a few things. Thanks!

 

[Madpipe]

Re: Advice on scope would be appreciated

Nightforce is nice glass but the new Vortex HD's seem better to me but then again I like the Vortex line