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Rifle Scopes If you had to choose.....................

Pointman308

Pointman308

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 6, 2011
617
84
50
Idaho
#1
I'm getting to ready to pull the trigger on a new scope and have narrowed it down to three choices. The Nightforce NXS 3.5x15x50mm moa/moa Highspeed Turrets Second Focal Plane or the SSHD 5x20x50 with all of its features. This will go on a work horse of a rifle. I shoot a 175gr. bullet often times out to about 800 yards. I also hunt predators such as coyotes, wolves, and hopefully a mountain lion in the near future. I'm into tactical marksmanship, but like I said use this rifle for everything. Im skeptical about the NXS because it is a second focal plane and I use my scopes on lower powers often. Im skeptical about the SSHD because I dont have a lot of experience with them. Anybody have any CONSTRUCTIVE thoughts? I forgot to add that I am also looking at the Leupold MK4 4.5x14x50mm FFP with the M5 dials.
 
#2
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Not knowing much I'd say that "because it is a second focal plane and I use my scopes on a lower powers often" then as I understand it many SFP scopes pick a spot in it's range to range with (reticle is accurate only at a set power). If that's 10x then that's pretty much the main place you'd be anyway. You can range/dope on 10x and then crank it up to 15-20x to blast it. Same decision I'm making. Is the extra ~$150 worth the FFP? For us I suppose it comes down to time. Do you have time to range/dope/shoot or are you in a crunch where you just need to guess/hold/pray. If you're a praying man I'd say the FFP will range at any power for you and the marks will be accurate hold overs. If you can take an extra 5-10 seconds to move to 10x, do your thing and then power up if needed then that $150 can buy a lot of Sierra's.

Just my humble thoughts in dealing with the same decisions...
No answers, just thoughts.

If I had to choose, and I do, I think I'm going to defer to taking my time to make the shot count. Ranging for me isn't going to be on a time crunch. I personally think that FOR ME the SFP can get the job done even if I have to take an extra step. If lived in the bush where I had to shoot range cats eating my stock I'd probably opt for a FFP in high magnification so I could drop it before it's another beer story. Once you make that decision I think your money will be well spent.
 
#3
Re: If you had to choose.....................

If you're not using your reticle for ranging, a SFP optic will be all you need. Personally, I prefer a range finder because it takes all the mental math out of the equation. Maybe in the distant future I will be interested in shooting comps but as for right now, I have no need for a FFP optic.

As for which optic you should go with, you're going to get many different opinions because it all boils down to personal preference. Me, I like the NightForce so much that I've bought three of them.

The best thing you can do is find somewhere that carries the optics you've mentioned and take a look through each of them to see what you like.
 
#4
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Thanks for your replies. I use a LRF most of the time unless I cant find something to bounce it off of at longer ranges then I have to use the reticle to range. I mainly use the reticle for leads and wind. I love NF glass and they are built pretty frickin good too. I like Leupold because they are light and I put a lot of miles on my boots. I havent had the chance to check out a SSHD yet, but the features seem real attractive.
 
#6
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I have the SS 5-20x and really really like it. But since you are going to use this rifle for hunting I would pick the Nightforce because of the 3x bottom end. 5x is to much mag for hunting IMO.
 
#8
Re: If you had to choose.....................

How far are you shooting when your scope is set at low power? Would you really need to worry about SFP of you are shooting in thick cover?
 
#9
Re: If you had to choose.....................

The Bushnell 3-21 HDMR is a scope you should consider as well. GAP has some for sale I think in the group buy section, but this scope has wide range of magnification, is extremely beefy, has locking knobs, tons of elevation travel, FFP, very usable rect., mil/mil if ur into that, very forgiving eye box, and very good glass. I might venture to say better than both my SS5-20 and my USO.

But I like the NF better than the SS for a variety of reason. Knobs being the most glaring feature that I prefer about the NF.

This thread touches on the SS as well as the HDMR. Part III

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2482877



Regards,
DT
 
#10
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Quick question, you're looking at mil-mil in SS and the Leupold, why MOA/MOA on the NF?

FFP is going to be useful if you want to range or hold at all powers. If you dial and don't have to range on the fly, its probably not that big of a deal.
 
#11
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I guess the biggest reason for moa/moa on the Nightforce is cost; mil/mil is more expensive. It really doesnt matter to me which unit of measure. In the field I use holdovers for follow up shots. Matching adjustments and reticle will come in handy while Im doping my rifle at the range. I may go mil/moa in the end it really doesnt matter to me that much. I dont really range with my reticle that much, but I do use it for leads and wind. Hell I may go with a 3.5x10 Mk4 with M2 dials, I just dont know yet.
 
#12
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I've got the 5-20 SS on my .308 and I'm beginning to wander if I've got too much scope. Have you thought about the 3-9 SS or similar? I understand you plan to shoot out to 800+ so it may be a little underpowered for your preferences.

I think Nightforce makes a 2.5-10. It may be a little less $.

FWIW I think I bought too much scope for what I am doing. IMHO I feel 10X is just fine for non-animal targets under 1K. It sounds like SWFA may have a new addition to their line up. If it's a 4-16 or similar, it will most likely replace my 5-20 and the 5-20 will go on my future .338LM. If not, I may buy another 3-9.

I looked into Leupold when began my journey. For the price, I would buy NF. JMHO. Others will tell you different. I have a Luepold Calendar in my locker at work and all but, NF>LP.

FFP is cool, awesome and I love it. That being said, on a scope with a max power of 10 or less it is not necessary IMO due to the fact that most likely ranging will be done at max power in this particular situation.

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not trying to be an SS fanboy but they do make some decent product for the price point these days.
2) I'm not an expert at much of anything so take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm just another guy on the internet.
 
#13
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Hey thanks for the reply, and I understand what you are going though. I like the ideah of the SS and NF both. The NF is gaining some traction with me with its lower power and Im starting to believe I may not need FFP. A lot of good shooters have done fine without it for a long long time. I have never used it.
 
#14
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Don't get me wrong about FFP. It's the shit. If you buy a scope with a max power greater than 10x and the option is available, go FFP. If the max power is less than 10x and the option is available, consider it.

I plan on using FFP on all of my rifles that I plan to range with to moderate the confusion.

Again, this is just my opinion. Others will tell you different.
 
#16
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I love my Nightforce.If I had the money,NF would be my choice.If I did'nt have the money,I would wait until I did,after owning them.Make sense? Lightman
 
#17
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I'm in the same situation. Looking heavily at IOR 4-14x50 30mm SF Tactical Scope Illuminated MP-8 Dot Reticle. $1150, not bad for a quality piece of glass.
 
#18
Re: If you had to choose.....................

My opinion is go with a USO ST-10 and call it a day. You may say 10x is too much for hunting but with the glass quality and FOV with my USO you'd have to be taking a 10 yard shot not to have a clear image. Built like a tank and I got mine built just how I wanted it for ~1300. The reticle options in those scopes are awesome and with my #3 turret I have 26min of travel per turret rotation for a 45.00 upgrade. That upgrade is worth 5x that.

Made in the USA and lifetime warrentee.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
#19
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Believe me I have considered the ST-10 at great lengths because of the American made quality of USO's product. I'm just not sure I can live with a fixed powered scoope. 10x is enough for tactical side of things, but I have had predators run in close on me. I usually start with my scope on a lower power then dial up for long shot. Its real easy to start low and dial up, but not that easy to dial down in my opinion when all of a sudden Balto showes up at your feet.
 
#20
Re: If you had to choose.....................

In this whole thread no-one has brought up Vortex Optics as a solution. They have a rock solid line up in FFP and SFP scopes that are covered by unconditional no questions asked warranty. The MIL or MOA reticules are very useful for hunting / ranging / hold-off and their less expensive than anything mentioned here so far.

Give Scott at Liberty Optics a call, I'm sure he has a Vortex that will meet your needs.
 
#21
Re: If you had to choose.....................

First of all I want to say I respect Vortex and what they are doing for people. I have looked at them and held them and I do appreciate there build quality. Their turrets seem well made as does the rest of the scope and I like their features. However everyone one of them that I have look through seemed to have a haze in the glass in the higher powers. Down low they seem great to me until I turned up the power and I quickly lose interest. I am not bagging them, I am just not real happy with them optically. I think Leupold has them hands down when it comes to glass and I certainly dont think Leupolds are the best optically. Now if I could find a Razor HD for a decent price, that might be another story.
 
#22
Re: If you had to choose.....................

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointman308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm getting to ready to pull the trigger on a new scope and have narrowed it down to three choices. The Nightforce NXS 3.5x15x50mm moa/moa Highspeed Turrets Second Focal Plane or the SSHD 5x20x50 with all of its features. This will go on a work horse of a rifle. I shoot a 175gr. bullet often times out to about 800 yards. I also hunt predators such as coyotes, wolves, and hopefully a mountain lion in the near future. I'm into tactical marksmanship, but like I said use this rifle for everything. Im skeptical about the NXS because it is a second focal plane and I use my scopes on lower powers often. Im skeptical about the SSHD because I dont have a lot of experience with them. Anybody have any CONSTRUCTIVE thoughts? I forgot to add that I am also looking at the Leupold MK4 4.5x14x50mm FFP with the M5 dials. </div></div>

You should consider the IOR 3.5-18x50FFP. The reticle is a little thicker than other FFP scopes at .1 mil which makes it a perfect candidate for FFP and low mag.

BTW once you're spoiled by FFP mil/mil and get used to the advantages...............
 
#23
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I have looked hard at the IOR and I am a little scared of their durabilty. I would jump all over them if I knew they lasted. Ive heard nothing but good things about their glass and I think the elevation on that one has ten mils per rev. am I right? If so I like that feature.
 
#24
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I have a 2.5-10 PST due for delivery today and I'll follow up with comments either here or in a PM. I also have a PST 6-24 that is clear as a bell though the entire magnification range. The point I'm trying to make is, whats the point of diminishing returns vs dollars spent for a hunting / target scope. The PST line has all of the features you mentioned you were looking for and can be had for 60 percent of the cost or less of the others mentioned. They have one of the best warranty's in the field so if you find that the glass is cloudy at higher mag, return it.
 
#26
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I ordered mine Dec 31st from Liberty Optics. Should be here today. Camera Land was also pushing them through the Holiday season and is constantly turning inventory and receiving new supplies.
 
#27
Re: If you had to choose.....................

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My opinion is go with a USO ST-10 and call it a day. You may say 10x is too much for hunting but with the glass quality and FOV with my USO you'd have to be taking a 10 yard shot not to have a clear image. Built like a tank and I got mine built just how I wanted it for ~1300. The reticle options in those scopes are awesome and with my #3 turret I have 26min of travel per turret rotation for a 45.00 upgrade. That upgrade is worth 5x that.

Made in the USA and lifetime warrentee.

Good luck,
Merritt </div></div>

+1

I have used Meritt's scope. If you feel like you cant live without fixed power go with the USO 3.2-17 the reticles and features are second to none!
 
#29
Re: If you had to choose.....................

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointman308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You guys are getting my attention with thw USO talk. Where is the best place to find an ST-10? </div></div>

Just call uso and talk to Becky. She will give you a quote on whatever you want to order. I think they are running a sale now too. I have been behind multiple brands of scopes and ill always go to USO for all my scopes now.... I've been ruined.

I got a set of aadland rings and they guaranty being able to remove your scope putting it back on and being 1/2 moa accurate. So im going to be using one scope for all my rifles.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
#31
Re: If you had to choose.....................

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointman308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have looked hard at the IOR and I am a little scared of their durabilty. I would jump all over them if I knew they lasted. Ive heard nothing but good things about their glass and I think the elevation on that one has ten mils per rev. am I right? If so I like that feature. </div></div>

Yes 10 per turn and all the features one could want. If something ever goes wrong with it IOR will take care of you.
 
#32
Re: If you had to choose.....................

BTW I tried to hunt coyote's one year with a 6-18 set at 6x most of the time until the day came that I had 2 missed opportunities because I couldn't find them in the field of view when they were close in. Both easy shot's if I had left the 1.5-4.5x24 on the that AR which I had always used on the rifle.
 
#33
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Yeah I've almost lost oppurtunties at 7x myself...almost. That one ended up in two pieces about 50 feet from me. I really wished USO variable powers were not so frickin expensive...maybe someday. Its seems like IOR puts their turret housings really close to the occular or is it just me.
 
#35
Re: If you had to choose.....................

If you have a rangefinder and do not need the value of FFP, go with the NF. I went w/ the SWFA for an AR over a NF. A few weeks later, I'm full of regret and bought a damm NF 2 days ago.
 
#36
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I run an 8-32x56 SIII on my yote rig, my last two coyotes were shot at; just under 20yds and about 15 feet on a weird trot.

Anyways, in your shoes, the Bushnell hdmr sounds perfect, if you like holdovers and having hashes for moving leads, look at the horus reticles.
 
#37
Re: If you had to choose.....................

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Elnino31</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have a rangefinder and do not need the value of FFP, go with the NF. I went w/ the SWFA for an AR over a NF. A few weeks later, I'm full of regret and bought a damm NF 2 days ago. </div></div>


^^^ This right here is a perfect example of why you should buy once, cry once.
 
#38
Re: If you had to choose.....................

This is precisely the reason I started this thread. I have already been through two Bushnell Elites which were decent scopes with what I consider good glass. The first one the cross hairs turned and Bushnell took care of it and gave me a better model. The second one doesnt have enough internal adjustment that with a 15 minute of angle base I cant zero it at 100 yards and the zero it does have (250yds) changes constently because I check it at 100. Also the turrets wont stay aligned when I change to my summer time zero. I have been through it all with middle tier scopes. The Leupolds I have used for work were always very dependable, but truthfully the glass in my Bushnells was a little better. This is why I am carefully purchasing my next scope. I think I will find the Nightforce sitting on top of my rifle in the very near future. If I ever have to go through this decision process again I think I will go absolutely insane.
 
#40
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Man I would love to have a USO on top of my rifle, but I really need a variable powered scope at around 3x at the bottom.
 
#41
Re: If you had to choose.....................

1.5-10
3.5-17

They come up used on here in the 1800 range from time to time. Or new for 2k.

Also check swfa sample list.

Save up and only have one optic.

And my st-10 has no trouble all the way in to 20 yards and I can see more with it at 1k than my 16xSS
 
#42
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I am still hashin it around. Ive got someone checkin into some prices for me. Would you say USO glass is noticably better than the NF glass?
 
#45
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I ended up with a odd ball USO 3.2-17 Tpal once. It had the US#1 knobs with 4.8 mils per turn (major fail) and it had lack luster glass (even after sending it back for inspection/repair). Probably the worst thing I disliked about it was the weight though. I've looked through other USO's that had great glass.

My NF F1 replaced it. Love the HS knobs,ZS,glass and "weight". I wish NF would come out with a 5.5-22 version for the same price but with a updated illume system.
 
#46
Re: If you had to choose.....................

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointman308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess the biggest reason for moa/moa on the Nightforce is cost; mil/mil is more expensive. It really doesnt matter to me which unit of measure. In the field I use holdovers for follow up shots. Matching adjustments and reticle will come in handy while Im doping my rifle at the range. I may go mil/moa in the end it really doesnt matter to me that much. I dont really range with my reticle that much, but I do use it for leads and wind. Hell I may go with a 3.5x10 Mk4 with M2 dials, I just dont know yet. </div></div>

Pretty sure mil/mil doesn't cost any more on a NF. Its only more if you go FFP.
 
#47
Re: If you had to choose.....................

I based my prices of the Nightforce with mil/mil adjustments off of OpticPlanets inventory. If someone could point to the same scope with mil/mil adjustments instead of moa/moa for the same price Ill probably be all over it. It's also the same case on SportOptics.com.
 
#48
Re: If you had to choose.....................

Looks like the ones listed in inventory that are milrad have a zerostop, so it isn't that the adjustments cost more, the scope has an added feature.
 
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