Re: Anyone Run a 2.5-10 on there stick?
OK, I'll stick my neck out here. I got stomped all over on another forum for saying this, but here goes....
My first Nightforce was a 2.5-10X32 with a velocity reticle. I bought it because according to everyone at the time, the Velocity reticle was the best thing since sliced bread. First, I was mistakenly advised to get the medium velocity reticle, when it was actually the low velocity reticle that I should have gotten. The Velocity reticle is very bullet weight/velocity specific. Even when you do get the reticle appropriate for your setup, the stadia lines are only an approximation of point of impact and are (from what I understand) only appropriate for larger game. It isn't a magic reticle that is going to take the math out of it for you. If fact, you may find yourself wishing that you could get more precise with it. It seemed to me to be a short cut to guesstimating.
If you want to be able to throw the scope on top of any rifle that you see fit, get a mil/mil or moa/moa reticle/turret setup, learn your dope and be done with it.
As for which scope to get, I have both the 2.5-10X32 (NP-1 reticle with zero stops that I use with a range finder) and a 5.5-22X50 (NP-R2 reticle with zero stops). Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The 2.5-10X32 is small. Really small when compared to other scopes in its magnification range. It's relatively short and light, as compared to other "tank like" scopes. I've found the 10X to be more than appropriate for precision shooting out to 200 yards (shooting at MOA targets) and good for banging steel way beyond 200 yards. I'm sure that the scope is capable of more, but I'm still learning how to shoot. I really like the fact that the illumination can be adjusted with the knob on the side of the scope and have found the illumination to be useful when targeting either a dark target or against a dark background, even in bright sunlight. I don't mean to say that it is bright enough to be used as an illuminated reticle at all times in bright sunlight, but only that it is useful in situations in sunlight where you might loose the reticle due to the color of the target or background.
Unless I'm mistaken, all of the larger magnification scopes are about the same size, being HUGE. I like my 5.5-22X, but it's on a rifle intended for shooting from some sort of rest. When you consider the size of the larger NXS (on mine anyway), you have to factor in the sunshade, because you HAVE to use it. The front lens is right there at the end of the scope. I like the 22X for its crystal clear glass and magnification. When I'm shooting at 100 or 200 yards, I don't even take a spotting scope with me. I don't need it.
What I don't like about the larger NXS is that the whole eye piece turns when you adjust the magnification. So...there's no putting a flip up cap on the eye piece. I mean, you can, but it will get in the way at one point or another. I also don't like the fact that you can't adjust the illumination without removing the battery cap. The only control that you have immediate access to is the on/off switch. I have mine set so that it barely blooms in complete darkness. That setting has covered most situations for me.
Owning both, the 2.5-10X and the larger NXS (did I mention that it's big?) I can tell you this....if this is going on a bench gun that you won't have to carry very far, then get the bigger one and get as much magnification as you can stand. I know that most find the bottom end of the magnification range useful, but I didn't put that particular rifle together to shoot at 100 yards. For me, on that rig, 5.5 is plenty low enough. If this is going on a field rifle that will double as a rest and hunting gun and you can only have one scope, get the 2.5-10X. It will cover all practical situations in a practical manner. It won't get in the way, it won't make your rifle overly bulky, it won't add much weight, etc.
If I had to choose among my Nightforce scopes due to financial difficulties, I'd likely get rid of everything but the 2.5-10X. It's just plain the most useful and practical. I've had mine on a couple of ARs, a lever gun, my 10/22 and now my .223 bolt gun. It's a really cool scope.
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