Older NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm vs. New Arken

[Riflman]

I have a mid 2000's NF NXS 5.5-22x56mm Mildot scope (serial M03251). I'm the original owner. It came in a triangular box, but I can't find the box. It does not have zero stop. That's always been a bit of a pain. Sure, I could put tape on it to ensure it doesn't move in the case or in the field, but any time I want to click up, or have changed it in any way, it's always a guessing game remembering which graduations is zero. It's a mind-f$ck. There were people doing zero-stop conversions back in the day, but I can't find them anymore.

I'm considering just selling the scope and getting something newer with proper zero-stop and mil clicks instead of MOA clicks. I know it's a night force but it's also an older night force, so I'm not sure where things are at. I do have a 5.5-25 x 56mm Arken right now and it's pretty good, but I haven't had it long. The Nightforce is currently on a custom bolt action 243 Winchester and is mainly for sniping coyotes etc long range. I was planning to just stick with a 30mm scope. The 34mm Arkens are incredibly heavy and overkill in my opinion and I already have 30mm rings, so I might get one of the 6-24 x 50mm models. Opinions?

Also, if I was to sell it, what would it be worth. There are a couple of small ring marks from but it's extremely clean everywhere else and was mostly a safe queen. I also have Nightforce wings and badger rings, and NF 20 MOA tapered base I don't use now that I should probably get rid of. The scope is currently in Burris signature rings.

 

[Habu64]

Even on NF’s worst day, they are miles ahead of Arken in quality. I’ve got several of the NXS series and recently put an Arken on my 22. It’s good for the price, but it’s bulky, heavy and the turrets are huge.

The newer NXS series have zero stops, if that’s what you’re mainly looking for. Or you could look at the new Leupold MK4 series in that price range, however it’s also a 34mm tube.

Ball park range, $1200-1500 is what those NXS seem to go for on the used side of things.

 

[JayOpticspecialist]

a vote here for the NXS. I can't recall if they will refit for zero stops these days either.

 

[TahoeDust]

Selling a NF to buy an Arken is crazy talk.

 

[trob]

I helped a friend mount 2 scopes today. I was taking an Arken off his 6.5cm, replacing it with a NF NX8. And the plan was to put his arken on a 300wm.
I mounted his arken originally, a few years ago. Everything was torqued and meticulously mounted. I go to take the arken off today and the rear ring base screws were not even hand tight. WTF?! The front ring base screws were still torqued.

In looking at the arken base clamp, it was cracked in half, causing the screws to be loose. I have never seen a base clamp break. Cheap ass shit. I don’t own any arken, and I never will.

I would take an old NXS over an arken any day. I’d call NF and see if they can put a zero stop in your scope. They still offer NXS scopes