Rifle Scopes NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

[ronas]

I think I’ve reached the point that I’ve realized it might be best to put a smaller more compact optic on my 16" barreled OBR 556. The two contenders are NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37. Without any options on the SN-3 they are close in price. I do have to say there are a bunch of options I would not mind adding but if I did that the cost of the SN-3 would increase dramaticaly.

So in their basic configuration is either one better than the other? The US Optics scope does have reticle in FFP.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I’ve reached the point that I’ve realized it might be best to put a smaller more compact optic on my 16" barreled OBR 556. The two contenders are NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37. Without any options on the SN-3 they are close in price. I do have to say there are a bunch of options I would not mind adding but if I did that the cost of the SN-3 would increase dramaticaly.

So in their basic configuration is either one better than the other? The US Optics scope does have reticle in FFP.

</div></div>


I personally think FFP in a 10x magnification is pretty much useless. The reticles are way way to small at the lower powers. And since at anything more than 200 yards you will be at 10x anyways, you can range just as well with an SFP. The FFP comes really into practice for the higher mag scopes.

 

[JRose]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

Neither. The SN4 1-4. A true 1x for CQB work, and 4x is enough mag for all the way out to 600y.

 

[ronas]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Neither. The SN4 1-4. A true 1x for CQB work, and 4x is enough mag for all the way out to 600y.</div></div>

I have a 1x4x24 Accupoint that I really like so I looking for something a little more powerful than that. I wish 4x was enough for me to see out to 600 yards.

I've consider nightforce's other scopes but I think they are just to large for my rifle.

 

[glock24]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

I've had both. I'll list my complaints

<span style="font-weight: bold">USO:</span>

- Heavy
- FFP sucks at low power unless you get the JNG-Mil reticle. That is the best option for this scope due to the large aiming ring that can be used for fast shooting at low power
- Between 3x and 1.8x, the scope tunnels


<span style="font-weight: bold">NF:</span>

- Really no good reticle choices IMO



In the end, I've sold them both, and am planning on getting the new SWFA 1-4x Super Sniper next year. I've come to realize that both scopes listed above severely limited my ability to run CQB. And frankly, that is most important on a gun like an AR-15. A 1-4x scope allows for a great CQB option while still maintaining some ability to reach further. I used to shoot 600 meters regularly with my 1-4x NF, but sold that scope too because I wasn't happy with the Mil-Dot reticle I chose. A very bad idea on a 1-4x.

 

[JRose]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

To me, the gains a true 1x gives you on an AR are more beneficial than more mag for shots out farther than you'll normally take it.

 

[glock24]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

The best of both worlds if you have the coin;

Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24 BRT Illuminated

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I’ve reached the point that I’ve realized it might be best to put a smaller more compact optic on my 16" barreled OBR 556. The two contenders are NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37. Without any options on the SN-3 they are close in price. I do have to say there are a bunch of options I would not mind adding but if I did that the cost of the SN-3 would increase dramaticaly.

So in their basic configuration is either one better than the other? The US Optics scope does have reticle in FFP.

</div></div>


I personally think FFP in a 10x magnification is pretty much useless. The reticles are way way to small at the lower powers. And since at anything more than 200 yards you will be at 10x anyways, you can range just as well with an SFP. The FFP comes really into practice for the higher mag scopes. </div></div>

I routinely use FFP USOs down to 6 power with no problems using the reticle for what it was designed for. My 1.5-6 SN-4 I leave capped and use holds on my SPR for wind and elevation out to 900 yards effectively. I've used my 3.2-17 down at 6x to spot targets, then forgot to turn it back up for the shots, and had no problem using the reticle for wind and elevation holds.

There is little sense in comparing these two scopes if one has not made a decision on FFP versus SFP yet.

 

[BIGGLEE0351]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

I'm a Nightforce guy but this looks like an interesting option.

 

[BCP]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

If those are the only ones you are looking at I would get the NF.

 

[azimutha]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

If it was a .308 bolt gun I'd go with the NF and agree that on a 10X or less top end there's no harm in going with an SFP reticle. In fact, I've found the NF mil-dot reticle quite effective at ranges between 25-400 yards. I've done almost all my shooting with it at my default mag of 2.5X or @ 10X. But for your rifle I'd stick with the 1-4/8 options.

 

[ronas]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

Are there any other somewhat compact high quality scopes in the 1.8x or so to 10x with a small objective lens that anyone could recommend for me to check out?

I want to shoot at steel plates at our range at least out to 600 yards and I do need some decent magnification for that.

 

[BCP]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

IOR makes a couple scopes that fit your criteria. Leupold makes a decent 2.5-8 with a BDC dial but the retail on it is so high that you might as well get the nightforce for a little more money and have a hell of a lot more scope.

Maybe find yourself a used nightforce 2.5-10x24mm?

If you're getting cold feet over the price tag a lot of guys seem to like the super sniper 3-9.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

I am always lost for explanation for the 1.4, 1.5,1.8x low end magnification type scopes. What is the point? To me you either get a scope that is a true 1.0X for it to be used as a CQB scope or if not get something that at least helps you on the top end. I have looked at many scopes with 1.5x low end and there is no way i can use those for CQB. I guess others are different.

Hell, even some of the scopes that are 1.1x kind of bother me, let alone more magnification. On my POF 308, i have a 5.5-22x NF with a red dot at the 1 o'clock position with a Daniel Defense rail. This way i can use the red dot from 0-100 yards or more but then drop down and use the magnification to shoot to a 1000yards if needed.

Now something like a 1.1-8x or the March tactical 1-10x i can definitely see since you are getting best of both worlds. I just dont understand the 1.8x or similar at the lower end.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am always lost for explanation for the 1.4, 1.5,1.8x low end magnification type scopes. What is the point? To me you either get a scope that is a true 1.0X for it to be used as a CQB scope or if not get something that at least helps you on the top end. I have looked at many scopes with 1.5x low end and there is no way i can use those for CQB. I guess others are different.

Hell, even some of the scopes that are 1.1x kind of bother me, let alone more magnification. On my POF 308, i have a 5.5-22x NF with a red dot at the 1 o'clock position with a Daniel Defense rail. This way i can use the red dot from 0-100 yards or more but then drop down and use the magnification to shoot to a 1000yards if needed.

Now something like a 1.1-8x or the March tactical 1-10x i can definitely see since you are getting best of both worlds. I just dont understand the 1.8x or similar at the lower end. </div></div>

Alpha, my 1.5-6 is an experiment trying to get at exactly what you are talking about. I can tell you that the 1.5-6 SN-4 and the 1.8-10 SN-3 behave quite differently at their lowest powers on quick acquisition drills. I played with both of them side-side at SHOT last year for about 40 minutes (much to Jeff's chagrin ) before deciding on the SN-4.

While the SN-4 is better at this type of use compared to the SN-3, it is nothing like a red dot Aimpoint or an Eotech for close in work. If you could be the trailing man/close precision support SPR/SDM guy then the 1.5-1.8 scopes appear to be usable from this non-warrior experienced Internet poser's point of view.

If one understands that the BDCs in the Type II optics on the market (i.e., ACOG) are not calibrated for the Mk 262 ammo as a baseline of optic replacement discussion, my testing concludes that the SN-4 1.5-6 can be one optic that performs the tasks required of the Type II and Type III optics (assuming one memorizes holdovers for Type III distances or adds an EREK with custom Mk 262 BDC). It does not perform the tasks of the Type I optic very well.

I need to do some follow-up testing with the ACOG and using the Bindon aiming concept before ruling it as superfluous in my personal inventory, but right now I am leaning that way. Adding an EREK to the SN-4 will be my most likely move as well as dumping the JNG reticle in favor of a GAP mil scale to unclutter it some given the lack of usefulness of the scope at close range.

The great irony right now for me is this - the more testing I do with the lower power optics, the more I wish my higher power optics were equipped with a 1x red dot observation capability so one could get on target faster with the higher power optic. In search of a way of adding a Docter type optic to the 1.5-6 I will keep my mind on solutions that will allow me to run it on my 3.2-17 as well.