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Rifle Scopes Help!? IOR vs. NF

NoveSPR

NoveSPR

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 6, 2010
241
6
Gov. Blago's Paradise
#1
I'm new to the Hide, so I apologize for my ignorance but...I am in the market for an optic to mount on a Noveske FDE Spr I came across last fall. It currently rests on a Atlas bipod I bought from Kasey. I came upon the Hide by a friends suggestion and believe there are some pretty sharp minds among this group that may be able to steer me in the right direction. OK enough of the butt kissing! I've come to the point of deciding between 2 scopes and would like your opinions/suggest if anyone would kindly spare me the time.

1) New model IOR 2.5-10x42 ill FFP or $1295
2) NF 2.5-10x32 ill SFP Zero Stop $1550

both are offered MIL/Mil
NF has zero stop
IOR has larger objective and FFP
250 more for NF

What do I do...! Your help on this is appreciated.
 
#3
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nightforce without a doubt.</div></div>

I wholeheartedly agree.
 
#4
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

Oh, I don't know. I'm kinda partial to IOR right now.
grin.gif


http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1636391&page=1
 
#6
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

FWIW, I've come to love the zero stop. It's like having two zeros, really: one like normal (turn it back til the numbers line up), and one that you can't miss (turn it till it stops). I've got the STOP set at 300 yards, the numeric "0" aligns with 100 yards. 200 yds is 0.9 mil off of "0". If I could shoot longer than 300 yards around here, I might have picked different numbers, but, alas...

Full disclosure, I've only bought 2 NF, no IOR, and never compared the optics on two head to head.

* NF is "closer" to buying american *shrug*
* Zero stop rocks
* Warranty support ??

Hope it helps.
 
#9
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

I have to admit, I'm somewhat surprised that the majority would give up a larger objective, FFP, and $250 for a Zero Stop Nightforce vs the IOR. I had been leaning IOR for what I saw as a no brainer in value.
 
#11
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

Nove,

I don't want to say this too loud, as the Nightforce guys get mad, but buy the IOR, it's more scope for less money. Big BUT>>>>

However, remember if the IOR breaks, and they do break more often than Nightforce, their customer support is: Send it to us, and if it's defective, we will send you a brand new one. And that will take some time, so have backup plan.

If you never want to go through that, then buy a Nightforce. There rep for NOT breaking is second to none. And they will fix it right, if it does break.

So your choice really is: More scope for less money, or more reliability and better CS, for more money.

Your money, your choice.
 
#12
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoveSPR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a larger objective, FFP, and $250 for a Zero Stop Nightforce vs the IOR. I had been leaning IOR for what I saw as a no brainer in value.</div></div>

Features on paper often look better than what you get in the final product.
 
#13
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

Check on the eye relief. The IOR I've seen weren't very forgiving. FFP is a big sell for me, but I suppose you could map the magnification on the NF. I just like to dial the magnification to what I need and not worry about the reticule being on for my holdovers. I say start with the NF, and if you feel your missing something it should sell quickly.
 
#15
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoveSPR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tis a good point, I hadnt thought of resale. </div></div>

Welcome to my world . . .
cry.gif
 
#16
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

Just went through the exact same choice for my LTR. I ended up choosing the IOR as it was over $300 less, nicer reticle (IMO), and larger objective (and reportedly better glass - I haven't compared them side by side). Honestly, if they were the same price I might have gone for the NF just for the durable track record... but the slight concern of the IOR being less reliable is cancelled out by buying through Scott @ Liberty Optics. If there's an issue, he'll take care of it. However, after a couple range sessions and a bunch of knob cranking on it, it seems solid, tracks dead nuts, has great knobs, and great glass.

Review

The only way I'll change at this point is if I end up wanting more magnification. I'm going to run this one for a bit and see how it goes.
 
#17
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

I understand your dilema - I had the same one. After a lot or research (including this site), and a lengthy convo with Scott at Liberty, I bought the IOR - snipers hide version.

I love that scope. But, as documented here, there are some downsides (eye relief, goofy mounting issues)but the pros are also mentioned above.

The NF's are great scopes, you probably couldn't go wrong there either.

My advice, in addition to reading as much as you can here.. call Scott at Liberty.
 
#19
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

I've been debating this too. Are there still problems with the new IOR's? It seems like the problems were only with the gen 1 and 2 SH edition scopes...

I'm looking at the IOR 4-14x50 Illuminated vs the NF 3.5-15x50 NXS

And is the eye relief really that bad on IOR scopes?
 
#23
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

Im curious why you like the FFP over ths SFP? It allways annoyed me with the FFP is that the reticle gets smaller and larger as the power goes up and down. Most folks use a lower power when they are shooting at closer ranges, or at moving targets. Usually, you will want a larger, coarser reticle when you are doing such shooting, but, with an FFP, the reticle gets smaller as the power gets lower. At higher powers, when you want a finer, less obtrusive reticle, you get the larger, coarser reticle.It seems backwards.
 
#25
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 396chevy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im curious why you like the FFP over ths SFP? It allways annoyed me with the FFP is that the reticle gets smaller and larger as the power goes up and down. Most folks use a lower power when they are shooting at closer ranges, or at moving targets. Usually, you will want a larger, coarser reticle when you are doing such shooting, but, with an FFP, the reticle gets smaller as the power gets lower. At higher powers, when you want a finer, less obtrusive reticle, you get the larger, coarser reticle.It seems backwards.
</div></div>

Chevy,

That's because you do not understand the function of an FFP reticle.

Illustration:

You have a Leupold 3.5x10x40mm SFP Mildot, and you are presented with a moving target @ 100 yds, moving @ 5 MPH and your scope is set @ 5x and your dope says 2.75 MILS of lead. Quick now, no time to dial, you need a one shot hit, which DOT do you use?

Maybe you totally mapped your reticle, or maybe your will turn it up to 10X, or maybe????

I now hand you my IOR 3-18x42MM FFP MIL/MIL, set it on 5x, and I tell your lead should also be 2.75 MILS, and you take the shot.......

Now which system, SPF or FFP, required less thinking and computing. Maybe I made the problem too hard.

You come up with a scenario.
 
#26
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

IMO you really don't need FFP with a 10x or lower power scope.

Having had both brands of scopes, it would be a toss up for me. Never had either take a dump on me, the NF has a more durable track record, the IOR has better glass and reticle (MP8), the NF has a better eye relief and the NF is about 10x easier to sell if you ever need to get rid of it.
 
#27
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

I have an NXS, not that model, but it's still a NF.

The glass on the IOR and the NF are very close, I can't tell the different with my eye.

A friend of mine has 2 IOR's adn they're both really good scopes. The larger objective is going to be a big bonus when you're shooting in low light conditions.

The other features of the scopes are very similar, I don't have a zero stop feature in my NXS so I can't weigh in on that. I don't know about the warranty on the IOR's though, so that's going to be another thing that I can't tell you about for them. NF doesn't need anything from me about their warranty reputation, we all know how good it is.

My personal feeling is that I'd take the IOR in this case. I've actually used that exact scope and I think it's fantastic.
 
#28
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 396chevy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im curious why you like the FFP over ths SFP? It always annoyed me with the FFP is that the reticle gets smaller and larger as the power goes up and down. Most folks use a lower power when they are shooting at closer ranges, or at moving targets. Usually, you will want a larger, coarser reticle when you are doing such shooting, but, with an FFP, the reticle gets smaller as the power gets lower. At higher powers, when you want a finer, less obtrusive reticle, you get the larger, coarser reticle.It seems backwards.
</div></div>

Chevy,

That's because you do not understand the function of an FFP reticle.

Illustration:

You have a Leupold 3.5x10x40mm SFP Mildot, and you are presented with a moving target @ 100 yds, moving @ 5 MPH and your scope is set @ 5x and your dope says 2.75 MILS of lead. Quick now, no time to dial, you need a one shot hit, which DOT do you use?

Maybe you totally mapped your reticle, or maybe your will turn it up to 10X, or maybe????

I now hand you my IOR 3-18x42MM FFP MIL/MIL, set it on 5x, and I tell your lead should also be 2.75 MILS, and you take the shot.......

Now which system, SPF or FFP, required less thinking and computing. Maybe I made the problem too hard.

You come up with a scenario.







</div></div>
Your correct I didnt understand the diffrence, Thaks for the explanation. Now I can see how the FFP would be very very useful.
 
#29
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

I'll second Bacarrat's comment on not needing FFP on a scope that tops out @ 10X. I have the NF 2.5-10X32 and do almost all my ranging on 10X, occasionally a bit on 5X. With an SFP scope that goes up to, say 22X, then you lose the flexibility that an FFP scope gives you. IOR's glass might be nicer and the objective larger, but consider that:

1) The IOR scope has a tunneling effect @ lower magnification

2) The IOR is going to need to mount higher

3) The IOR is 1.5" inches longer

4) If something goes wrong, NF will get it taken care of quickly.

5) The NF tracks like a laser and whatever you dial in will amount to a 1:1 correction

6) I've found that @ 5X (plenty of magnification for a 200 yard shot) I could easily stick the reticle on deer 45-60 minutes after legal shooting hours end.

Some of the people who praise glass above all else never really put a scope through its paces in all kinds of terrain, cover and weather. If you get the NF, definitely go for zero-stop. My one gripe with the Compacts is that there is no visual indicator like with larger NXS models to remind you you've gone beyond 1 turn.
 
#30
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

Well, after much thought, and an offer " I couldnt refuse", I took the plunge and went with the IOR. I think the cost/benefit made it the overwhelming favorite. If the quality of the unit is good it will be a great choice. If not... we'll see. I was planning on buying a new whiz bang lawn tractor with my tax return but I guess after this I'll have to settle for one with a couple less cup holders! Thanks for all your ideas.
 
#31
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nove,

I don't want to say this too loud, as the Nightforce guys get mad, but buy the IOR, it's more scope for less money. Big BUT>>>>

However, remember if the IOR breaks, and they do break more often than Nightforce, their customer support is: Send it to us, and if it's defective, we will send you a brand new one. And that will take some time, so have backup plan.

If you never want to go through that, then buy a Nightforce. There rep for NOT breaking is second to none. And they will fix it right, if it does break.

So your choice really is: More scope for less money, or more reliability and better CS, for more money.

Your money, your choice. </div></div>

That's a good, sound break down.


I was on the fence between Leupold, NF, and IOR. I went NF.
 
#32
Re: Help!? IOR vs. NF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IMO you really don't need FFP with a 10x or lower power scope.
</div></div>

This makes sense to me... Moot point now, but good to file this away in my head.
 
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