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Rifle Scopes NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

G

gunsmithcat

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Minuteman
Aug 10, 2003
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#1
Hate to bring up another one of those which scope do i get threads, but I'm really trying to weigh the pros and cons of each here.
Looking for a lightweight scope to put on an ar-10 with 20in barrel, and am deciding between the NXS compact 2.5-10x32 mil/mil and the newer IOR 2.5-10 ffp mil/mil.

First and foremost, weight.
The nightforce weighs 19 oz, the IOR weighs 21 oz. Pretty negligible difference imo. Not too concerned about size.
Features.
The nightforce has the advantage of zero stops (don't think I'll really need it) while the IOR has the advantage of FFP. both have illum.
Reliability.
I know nightforce has a reputation of being builtlike a brick, whereas IOR has been less than stellar in the past. Supposedly changing with the newer models.

Stuck on a fence here.
Does anyone have experience with BOTH? I can't find anyone local with either the nightforce compact 2.5-10x32 or the newer IOR 2.5-10 ffp
What has better glass?

Not really interested in the SS3-9. Ive looked through them, they have great glass and features, but just looking for something a slight step above.

Thanks gents.
 
#2
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

Thanks for posting this, I was curious as well. I had my heart set on a 2.5-10x32 NXS for my SPR build, but I was considering the IOR as well.
 
#3
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

I've been considering the same two scopes for an AR.

Other differences:
Length - NF 12", IOR 13.5"
Eye relief - NF 3.7", IOR 3.5"

For my application, both features favor the NF. Also, I already have one of the NF scopes and it's great. The only downside is cost. The NF is a bit more.

The IOR 2-12x32 would be a contender if it had mrad turrets.

I'm still undecided although leaning toward the NF.
 
#4
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

I haven't seen the IOR scope but if price is the same I would go for the Nightforce. If the IOR was a substantial amount less I might give it a go but otherwise I say Nightforce. I have a few IOR scopes so I have nothing against them but would go Nightforce.
 
#5
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

IOR 2.5-10x42MM FFP MIL/MIL Illum. from Liberty Optics on-line quoted price $1275.

NF 2.5-10x32 SFP MIL/MIL w/zero stop, Illum. From CST on-line quoted price $1549.

The NF is available only with SFP and the Mil-Dot reticle, not the MLR. But it does have a zero stop. Reliability solid as a rock.

The IOR has no zero stop, but does have FFP and the Modified MP8 Dot Reticle is one of the best. The Gen 4 IOR's reliability are much better than the older ones, but unsure if they are quite up to NF standards yet.

This is a close call, but feature wise, IOR has a bit more if you lean towards tactical shooting. NF if you lean more towards hunting with it, as SFP is in many ways superior for that endeavor, IMHO.

Both are excellent scopes.

Bob
 
#6
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

I faced this question a couple years back. I decided on the IOR, bought one, mounted it, used it a couple times, then sold it and bought the NF. The NF remains on the rifle today. I am happier overall with the NF.

They were both mounted on a DPMS AP4 308 which I use for hunting. I love the glass in IOR and I love the MP8 reticle. The lack of zero stops was not an issue for me. What it boiled down to was that the IOR begins to "tunnel" after going lower than about 4x. This in effect means that you do not get the good out of the 2.5 (better field of view) because your field of view doesn't change lower than 3.5 to 4x. The tunnel vision effect along with the loss of the low power field of view was a deal breaker for me.

I've been quite happy with the NF and if I had to do it again, I'd do the same.
 
#7
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

Curious, does the 32mm NF have the rotating ocular/magnification like it's big brother?
This could be a factor in your decision as well. The IOR has a separate magnification ring. This matters mostly in have a Butler Creek style covers.
 
#8
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wabird</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Curious, does the 32mm NF have the rotating ocular/magnification like it's big brother?
</div></div>

No.
 
#9
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IOR 2.5-10x42MM FFP MIL/MIL Illum. from Liberty Optics on-line quoted price $1275.

NF 2.5-10x32 SFP MIL/MIL w/zero stop, Illum. From CST on-line quoted price $1549.

The NF is available only with SFP and the Mil-Dot reticle, not the MLR. But it does have a zero stop. Reliability solid as a rock.

The IOR has no zero stop, but does have FFP and the Modified MP8 Dot Reticle is one of the best. The Gen 4 IOR's reliability are much better than the older ones, but unsure if they are quite up to NF standards yet.

This is a close call, but feature wise, IOR has a bit more if you lean towards tactical shooting. NF if you lean more towards hunting with it, as SFP is in many ways superior for that endeavor, IMHO.

Both are excellent scopes.

Bob
</div></div>

According to Scott at Liberty Optics the 2.5-10x42 has been around a long time with very few issues unlike the various generations of 3-18s you must be referencing.

If this were me, I'd go with the IOR. I almost did myself but had to make my decision before the latest 2.5-10 came out with the updated reticle and turrets so I went with a USO 1.8-10 instead.
 
#11
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

Hmm all good points here. Has anyone had a chance to look through both? I keep hearinghow ior has clearer glass. And yes. I wish they offered mlr reticlees. In the compact
 
#13
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gunsmithcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hmm all good points here. Has anyone had a chance to look through both? I keep hearinghow ior has clearer glass. And yes. I wish they offered mlr reticlees. In the compact </div></div> I own & still use 3 IOR 2.5-10's; one is FFF & the other 2 are SFP. I also own & use a NF 2.5-10X (32mm MIL/MIL). The eye relief on the IOR’s is significantly less than the NF, but shouldn’t be an issue with an AR. Plan to occasionally get kissed by the IOR if you ever mount it on something heavier. I have been hearing for years that ‘the newer’ IOR’s are more reliable, but then the field reports start coming in, and guess what… And anyone who has been paying attention knows IOR’s customer service has ranged from terrible to excellent. On the other hand, I have yet to have (or see) a Nightforce need to be sent back. So if you are building a safe queen which you only take to the range on sunny Saturday afternoons, save some money & buy the IOR. On the other hand if you are going to really use and occasionally abuse your weapon, pay the extra money and get the Nightforce with the zero stop. For me it is a “no brainer.” When I decide I need another 2.5-10X, I will buy the NF without hesitation.

Cheers,

DC
 
#14
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

How do the two compare in terms of low light performance? I would imagine the 32mm bell hurts the NF compared with the 42mm IOR, but wasn't sure how significant it was.
 
#15
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

I had both, didn't look through them side by side but one after another. If glass is at the top of your list and the deciding factor, IMO the IOR is better. IOR glass is more vivid and colorful by my eye, even with the same objective. There is nothing wrong with NF glass but it looks a little "washed out" compared to the IOR. NF is still premium glass and very, very good.

In terms of low light though, I don't think you will notice any difference. Sure the IOR has a larger objective and may collect more light but we are only talking 10x here. At 20x the difference may be more noticable. That said, I have the NF on mine and sold the IOR. I still think, all things considered, the NF is the better buy.
 
#17
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

Looks like ya'll almost kicked me over to nightforce. Still wish they had the MLR available on the compacts (YOU LISTENING NIGHTFORCE?)

How visible is the reticle illum on the nightforce in daylight?
Is the IOR any brighter? I know the latter uses just a small dot, whereas the nightforce lights up the whole reticle.
 
#20
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let's get some pics up of the NF 2.5-10x32 mounted up on some rifles! </div></div>

Never been around an IOR optic but I do hear good things about them. That being said I do own a nxs 2.5-10x32 with the npr-2 reticle and couldn't be happier. It is mounted on my AR15 chambered in 6.5 Grendel. I use this setup for just about everything, including shots at steel plates out to 800 yards. At first I thought I would need a higher powered optic but, 10x works just fine at that range. Best groups I have shot are right at moa at 800 yards with this optic.

012.jpg

003.jpg

004.jpg

005.jpg
 
#22
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

To throw in a curveball, I was also looking at at USO SN-3S with a JNG reticle (or a C2 reticle). Has definitely everything I want except weighs like a brick factor.
Thanks for all the assistance gents, looks like I'll save up my farthings for the nightforce
 
#23
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fredreded</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I faced this question a couple years back. I decided on the IOR, bought one, mounted it, used it a couple times, then sold it and bought the NF. The NF remains on the rifle today. I am happier overall with the NF.
...
What it boiled down to was that the IOR begins to "tunnel" after going lower than about 4x. This in effect means that you do not get the good out of the 2.5 (better field of view) because your field of view doesn't change lower than 3.5 to 4x. The tunnel vision effect along with the loss of the low power field of view was a deal breaker for me.

I've been quite happy with the NF and if I had to do it again, I'd do the same. </div></div>

+1 I'm in the same boat. Went through a couple IOR scopes including the FFP 2.5-10. I'm much happier with the NF 2.5-1-x32 and sold the IORs quite some time ago.
 
#24
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

I have to give a thumbs up for my one off NF 2.5-10x24.I'm very proud of it because it's different
grin.gif
I like the zero stop design better than the bigger NF's and the new style illumination knob adjustments better also.What a super versatile scope it is!

DSC00241.jpg
DSC00237.jpg
 
#27
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

Love the NXS compacts! I've been on the NXS/IOR fence a couple of times too, but have been very happy with the NF.
 
#28
Re: NXS compact 2.5-10x32 or IOR 2.5-10 FFP for ar-10

a good friend of mine has the IOR 2.5-10 scope on his Armalite 10T for several years and I loved that scope, when i bought my armalite, I put the IOR 4-14x56 on it, now he wants that one instead.
hope this helps.
 
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