All Around Scopes

[Dubbo]

Looking to purchase a NF NXS 3.5-15x50 MOAR scope, rifle is used for hunting and range shooting, like this power range. I do have concerns about the weight (30 oz) and objective size for hunting, especially as I walk a good bit. I probably do not need the zero stop and exposed turrets but that feature is nice as I do take the rifle to the range a good bit. Any other thoughts or recommendations?

 

[DHD]

It's a compromise in my opinion. What will you do most, hunt or target shoot? Start there.

Some friends and I bought 5 NightForce NXS's some years ago from a new dealer. Of course everyone bought what they thought was going to work for their application. Now, everyone that bought the 3.5-15's (4 did) wish they had purchased the 5.5-22. They all spend most of their time on the range.

Will a 3.5-15 work as a target scope? Sure it will, but I am not aware of anyone ever saying "I wish my scope did not have this much power"?

The size difference between the scopes is a nonissue, and I am sure you know the NXS only comes with exposed turrets. They are not light weight, but that's your call. I don't personally like the MOAR as the reticle is too thick for my taste. I prefer the NP-R2, but it has been discontinued. I bought my latest 5.5-22 last week with the MOART.

As far as the zero stops go, only one of mine has it. The others are either HS turrets, or the plain jane 10 moa turret. I would say you'll not regret going with the zero stops, but may not want to spend the extra money.

Your money, my opinion.......

 

[mjtripper]

I'd also recommend stepping up to the 5.5-22, that's a great range for all around use. If you can in that one the moar-t is a great reticle.

 

[XTR]

I'd get a Swaro Z5 3.5-18x44 with a BRH or BRX reticle. I'd put it one on every hunting rifle I own if I could afford it.

 

[Dubbo]

Yeah the 5.5-22 is only 1 oz and 0.4" longer than the 3.5-15 ith alot more power on the top end. How are the 4-14 and 5-20 SHVs when compared to a NXS?

 

[Dubbo]

Swaro Z5 with 4W reticle and ballistic turret seems nice, anyone have any experience with these?

 

[mjtripper]

I think the shv is a newer line and I haven't used them yet.

 

[XTR]

Swaro Z5 with 4W reticle and ballistic turret seems nice, anyone have any experience with these?

For most hunting applications I'd rather have the BRH reticle. It and the BRX have straight up .5 mil drops and not someone's dreamed up BDC system. The only other "hunting" scope with a similar reticle is the Bushnell LRH, and I just discovered that they are making them in a 4.5-18x44, so I'll change my original statement. I'd put either the Swaro Z5s or Bushnell LRH 4.5-18x44s on everything I own. (got to start working on that as soon as I get the other two scopes I really need/want)

 

[wmdron]

+2 on the Swaro's, I have the Z5 5x25 with the BRX reticle on a varminter, I like a thin reticle and it Weigh's about 17 oz. Hard to beat this scope on a hunting & part time target rifle IMO.

 

[Dubbo]

NF NXS Compact 2.5-10x42 is nice for hunting but you give up a lot of mag on the high end.
How is the durability in the Z5s?

 

[DataSmith]

To drop much below 30oz, you will probably have to go down in optic size to a 42mm or less. Bushnell has some decent scopes in that range but they are still around 24oz or so.

 

[wmdron]

I've never had an issue with my Z5 but I try not to be too hard on my things. Can't say I've heard a lot of negative comments about Swaro.