Rifle Scopes Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

Trevor300wsm

Trevor300wsm

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    • Nov 8, 2009
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    #1
    Hello all,
    This post is mainly to get opinions from you all and help me see maybe something I'm missing.
    I have a custom built 6mmX47 that will arrive next week. I've been searching for a optic for this rifle, but I've tried to actuallly take into account what I will be using it for and base my decision off actual "needs" versus "cool wants". I have 3 other rifles that all have NF 5.5-22's on them. I love them and I'm perfectly happy with their performance. However, this will be mainly a long(er) range hunting rifle for everything from crows to coyotes to deer. It will also see some range time and maybe even some F-class when I feel I'm ready. I'm not on a budget, but I'd like to keep costs reasonable and I've been looking for bargains. I've also been considering weight of the optic also. I'm not a puss and I have no problem toting my 14lb .308 while hunting, but id like to keep this rifle under 11 pounds. Here is what I'm considering and why.
    1.) NF NSX 3.5-15x50 I can get a used one for $1200 (ZS, MOA,MLR)
    2.) Leupold MK4 6.5-20x50 new for about $1100 (M1, TMR, LR/T)
    3.) Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x50 new for about $890 (target knobs, LR, Duplex)

    I dial alot, most of the time rather than holding over/under. The good knobs are important to me. The Leupolds weigh about 10oz less than the NF. I've never owned any of the MK4 models, only the Vari-x II models in lower powers. So, do I just play it safe and snatch up the NightForce? Or give Leupy are try??
     
    #2
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    If you dial a lot then the turrets are a big thing and Nightforce is better. The Mk4 erector spring design is annoying as hell if you ask me. I got really tired of dialing past where I needed to go and then back down when I had my Mk4 (this is a Mk4 specific feature). Also a matched reticle and turrets are your best option and here again Nightforce is better. All things considered get the Nightforce and live with the weight.
     
    #3
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you dial a lot then the turrets are a big thing and Nightforce is better. The Mk4 erector spring design is annoying as hell if you ask me. I got really tired of dialing past where I needed to go and then back down when I had my Mk4 (this is a Mk4 specific feature). Also a matched reticle and turrets are your best option and here again Nightforce is better. All things considered get the Nightforce and live with the weight. </div></div>

    If the NF and MK4 are your only options, you probably won't get better advise than this.

    Hope this helps.
    Trilogymac
     
    #4
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    I have to agree , though the Leupold are good scopes (from my experiance) the NF is in a class of its own when you factor in the cost. To me its hard to justify the extra cash to go from the NXS to the PMII , Zeiss / Hensoldt. I know the German scopes were not in your list but everyone will agree they are the benchmark and to me after a lot of time behind the NF its realy splitting hairs when compairing to the Benders and Zeiss , but it has clear advantages over the Leupold.
     
    #5
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    Thanks guys, you confirmed what i was already feeling in my gut. I am not familiar with the "dial past then back" feature on the MK4. I've never heard of this.
    I'll stick to the NF's
     
    #7
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    Get the NF...this isn't even a close comparison. You may spend $100 more than the Mk4 and $300 more than the VX-3, but the value for the money that you get with the NF is easily worth a few extra bucks on the front end.

    As for the weight...an extra 2/3lb or less isn't going to make a big difference. I'd be happy to suck it up and lug around an extra bit of weight for the piece of mind I'd get from having the NF as opposed to any of the Leupy scopes you are considering.
     
    #8
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    I have 3 nightforce scopes and a Leupy MKIV. Overall, I prefer the NF over Leupy for all the reasons stated above. Please don't get it wrong the Leupy MK IV is very capable and a good scope too.
     
    #9
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trevor300wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello all,
    This post is mainly to get opinions from you all and help me see maybe something I'm missing.
    I have a custom built 6mmX47 that will arrive next week. I've been searching for a optic for this rifle, but I've tried to actuallly take into account what I will be using it for and base my decision off actual "needs" versus "cool wants". I have 3 other rifles that all have NF 5.5-22's on them. I love them and I'm perfectly happy with their performance. However, this will be mainly a long(er) range hunting rifle for everything from crows to coyotes to deer. It will also see some range time and maybe even some F-class when I feel I'm ready. I'm not on a budget, but I'd like to keep costs reasonable and I've been looking for bargains. I've also been considering weight of the optic also. I'm not a puss and I have no problem toting my 14lb .308 while hunting, but id like to keep this rifle under 11 pounds. Here is what I'm considering and why.
    1.) NF NSX 3.5-15x50 I can get a used one for $1200 (ZS, MOA,MLR)
    2.) Leupold MK4 6.5-20x50 new for about $1100 (M1, TMR, LR/T)
    3.) Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x50 new for about $890 (target knobs, LR, Duplex)

    I dial alot, most of the time rather than holding over/under. The good knobs are important to me. The Leupolds weigh about 10oz less than the NF. I've never owned any of the MK4 models, only the Vari-x II models in lower powers. So, do I just play it safe and snatch up the NightForce? Or give Leupy are try??
    </div></div>
    Play it safe.

    You got the correct cartridge,good choice
    wink.gif


    LL reports a much higher failure rate for Luepy.Heck I've seen 2 of then go down at the matches I've been at and I haven't been to all that many.No Nf's yet.How about a used NF 2.5-10 to save weight? Real happy with mine.Very good no nonsense scope.SenderoMan has one on his 6x47L and likes it also.Personally I'd take reliability over magnification any day if I had to choose.

    Besides that you can always switch scopes or use one your other rifles for F-class.
     
    #10
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    i love my Mark 4 ERT M5 TMR. I see no need to spend another 6-700$ for a nightforce. My friend / gunsmith has 3 world records in benchrest and F-class. All his rifles have Leupolds. For what your are describing as your needs, I think you could easily save a few hundred dollars and be more than satisfied with a Leupy.
     
    #13
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    I have a mk4 8.5-25 and an older VX3/MK4 4.5-14 which are basically the same thing you listed above. They work okay but I have never really been happy with them. If you already have 3 nightforce scopes then you obviously like them, just get a 4th and call it good.
     
    #15
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    Thanks for all the input guys. I'll stick withe the NF. As for the 3.5-10, well that's more than enough magnification, but I usually find myself zooming in to around 15x-16 when I can/have time. I'm afraid id be unhappy with the 10x for max magnification.
     
    #17
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    For the record...NF does NOT make a 3.5-10x scope...it is 2.5-10x32.

    They are incredibly handy scopes...small, lightweight, typical NF durability and precision.
     
    #18
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    If you are going to do a Leupold over a Nightforce I would recommend getting the FFP M5 models. I’m testing one out now and I’m really happy with it. With that said I feel Nightforce is one of the best scope on the market for the price.


    Mike @ CST
     
    #19
    Re: Am I crazy for considering Leupold over NightForce

    Second what Mike said. Get the M5 FFP model. I picked Leupold over NF mainly because of cost. I am Mil so I get the Leupold Mil discount. I would have spent close to extra 1k of what I spent to get a NF FFP scope.

    To me, if I spend over 2k to get a FFP NF, I will just put extra money and get a Premier (which I did, I have a 3-15) or a S&B.
     
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