Equivalent Scope to a NF SHV ?.

[Clancy]

What exactly are you guys wanting these scopes to do?

My V6 has a 6X zoom (of course) and MOA based reticle, rock solid audible and tangiablr adjustments and excellent glass.

It’s not offered in FFP, but I can’t see how that is of any importance in a hunting rifle. If you’re having to hold for wind, zoom in.

 

[msinc]

I have several NF benchrests and like them a lot. The deal is this- I don’t like the way nightfforce has handled the situation with POI wandering in the Comps. The problem was/is real and they haven’t admitted it. Not the way to do business in my book so I won’t with them anymore and I was ready to buy a comp and an shv.

I understand sir and I respect your reasoning. I am a firm believer that nothing will change as long as there are no consequences. Maybe if NF looses enough customers and realize why they'll man up and admit they made a mistake. What's the old saying?? "Doing the right thing isn't always easy, but it is always right"....By continuing to play it off NF is telling me they don't need my business either.
I just bought a Vortex Razor HD LH. Mine is a 2X10 but they make one that goes to 15X. I caught it on sale for like $475.00 I believe they are normally around $700 or so. I am very happy with this thing. I really like the small floating dot reticle. No big fan of Asian glass, but they are seriously getting better. I am impressed with the low light capability of this one too. It tracks perfect and holds zero.

 

[hoz53]

I understand sir and I respect your reasoning. I am a firm believer that nothing will change as long as there are no consequences. Maybe if NF looses enough customers and realize why they'll man up and admit they made a mistake. What's the old saying?? "Doing the right thing isn't always easy, but it is always right"....By continuing to play it off NF is telling me they don't need my business either.
I just bought a Vortex Razor HD LH. Mine is a 2X10 but they make one that goes to 15X. I caught it on sale for like $475.00 I believe they are normally around $700 or so. I am very happy with this thing. I really like the small floating dot reticle. No big fan of Asian glass, but they are seriously getting better. I am impressed with the low light capability of this one too. It tracks perfect and holds zero.

“doing the right thing isn’t always easy buts it’s always right”. << I like this and it’s the way I think business should be done and life should be lived. Thanks for the info on the Vortex Razor. It’s on my list of possibilities—. I have damage to my cornea and the clarity of the glass of a scope really helps me and is a bigger deal than when I was younger.

 

[muleystalker]

Out of all those scopes talked about above I would take a 5-20x50 HD SWFA over all of them. The glass is nicer than the others listed above, they are bullet proof, not like 3 of the above that recently I seen post with the turrets separated from the scope body. They have great turrets and track great and very repeatable. They only thing they lack is a zero stop, but I would much rather have superior glass and bullet proof reliable scope when hunting than a zero stop. The glass is as good as NF NXS. Give them a look. And I do own 4 NF ATACR's and a NF COMP MATCH and have had other nice glass so do I have some basis to go by for comparison. Good luck with your choice, let us know how it goes.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

What exactly are you guys wanting these scopes to do?

My V6 has a 6X zoom (of course) and MOA based reticle, rock solid audible and tangiablr adjustments and excellent glass.

It’s not offered in FFP, but I can’t see how that is of any importance in a hunting rifle. If you’re having to hold for wind, zoom in.

I prefer SFP reticles so not offering the V scopes in FFP doesnt matter to me. My issue is that Zeiss ONLY added 1x more mag range over the HD5, put slightly better glass in the scope, and then nearly doubled the price. The 30mm tubes on the V6 don't even offer much more elevation adjustment over the HD5 1" tubes. My HD5 5-25x50 has 67 MOA of elevation (verified on my scope). The V6 scopes are nice, but in the $1800 price range of the 5-30 model, you can get a lot more scope for the same amount of money with other manufacturers. I mean the V6 scopes have plastic turrets for Christ's sake! Who makes a $1800 scope with plastic turrets??? Makes no sense.

 

[JRS]

I prefer SFP reticles so not offering the V scopes in FFP doesnt matter to me. My issue is that Zeiss ONLY added 1x more mag range over the HD5, put slightly better glass in the scope, and then nearly doubled the price. The 30mm tubes on the V6 don't even offer much more elevation adjustment over the HD5 1" tubes. My HD5 5-25x50 has 67 MOA of elevation (verified on my scope). The V6 scopes are nice, but in the $1800 price range of the 5-30 model, you can get a lot more scope for the same amount of money with other manufacturers. I mean the V6 scopes have plastic turrets for Christ's sake! Who makes a $1800 scope with plastic turrets??? Makes no sense.

Numerous optics manufacturers use a great deal of plastic in their products. Many multi thousand dollar camera lenses and camera bodies are made from plastic.

 

[Clancy]

I prefer SFP reticles so not offering the V scopes in FFP doesnt matter to me. My issue is that Zeiss ONLY added 1x more mag range over the HD5, put slightly better glass in the scope, and then nearly doubled the price. The 30mm tubes on the V6 don't even offer much more elevation adjustment over the HD5 1" tubes. My HD5 5-25x50 has 67 MOA of elevation (verified on my scope). The V6 scopes are nice, but in the $1800 price range of the 5-30 model, you can get a lot more scope for the same amount of money with other manufacturers. I mean the V6 scopes have plastic turrets for Christ's sake! Who makes a $1800 scope with plastic turrets??? Makes no sense.

I guess I’m just easy to please. 30 mm tube made a huge difference to me, especially aesthetically. I don’t see how the plastic turrets are a problem. They’re solid. Mine has even fallen off my hunting rack, though I don’t recommend trying that at home.

Besides the 3-15 NXS, what other scopes are in that price range with similar and/or better features? I’m sure there’s a Leupold, but I’ll never again own one after breaking 3 in a year shooting steel. I don’t care how good their warranty is.

I’m genuinely curious. I have another build coming in a couple of months, and I’d like to know what options I have missed.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I guess I’m just easy to please. 30 mm tube made a huge difference to me, especially aesthetically. I don’t see how the plastic turrets are a problem. They’re solid. Mine has even fallen off my hunting rack, though I don’t recommend trying that at home.

Besides the 3-15 NXS, what other scopes are in that price range with similar and/or better features? I’m sure there’s a Leupold, but I’ll never again own one after breaking 3 in a year shooting steel. I don’t care how good their warranty is.

I’m genuinely curious. I have another build coming in a couple of months, and I’d like to know what options I have missed.

Yeah Leupolds are very weak. Never see one on any of my rifles. Is weight a concern with the optic you're looking for? If so, what's the max weight you're willing to deal with?

Trijicon is now offering the new 4.5-30x56 Accupower scope in SFP (also available in FFP) for $1700 through Euro Optic. It's the same exact scope as the Delta Stryker HD 4.5-30x56 in different clothing, all made by LOW in Japan. All have zero stop, 100 MOA elevation, good illuminated reticles, great glass, etc...Reticles in the Trijicon are different than what Delta had LOW put in their version of the scope. I like the Delta reticles better, but Delta does not offer the 4.5-30 in SFP yet.
Downside...they are heavy scopes.

I was actually really impressed with the glass in my buddy's 5-25 Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 I played with. A Massive improvement over the Gen 1 PST glass. Better EVERYTHING actually. Its an entirely new optic with every single feature having been modified. The Gen 2 is so different that I was confused why they put "PST" in the name at all because it has features and looks that are nothing like the original PST. Great feeling large turrets with lots of adjustment per turn, side mounted illumination with the side focus, good thin reticle choices for long range precision, great eye relief, and of course the best warranty in the business.
My buddy conducted recoil testing with it against a frozen optic on a scope tester (as we do with all our scopes now) and it passed. Thats only one sample, but at least his scope is solid.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Numerous optics manufacturers use a great deal of plastic in their products. Many multi thousand dollar camera lenses and camera bodies are made from plastic.

For some reason, "plastic" immediately conjures up the concept of "cheaply made" in most people's mind. That is definitely not the case in many things. For example, my Montblanc pens are all made of (gasp) plastic. I would not call them "cheaply made."

My newest camera is a Nikon D7500 with a body that is not made of metal; it's carbon fiber. Even my plastic D5200 was (and still is) quite sturdy. I dropped it from it from a height of 6 feet and it was not the worse for wear.

Plastic definitely has its applications. and is not inherently bad.

 

[Clancy]

@Ledd Slinger

Despite all the issues myself and others had with the Gen 1 PST, the only Gen 2 any of I’d have tested has made it through 3 barrels on a 6.5. That’s surprising, as I barely had my Gen 1 out of the box before it broke. Glass is indeed pretty good.

I have looked at the new trijicon at a friend’s house. I didn’t know LOW was making them. That’s cool. I suppose they offer more magnification that the similarly priced Nightforce, but I think for the time being I’m going to let the market test them first. I don’t want a 56mm paired with a fixed EH3 stock. How is the glass?

It’s just really hard for me to spend that kind of money without being certain. Truth be told, I bought my V6 for $1250 WITH a free pair of binos that are actually quite good. It was a promo late last year.

More than likely, I’ll put another 4-16x50 ATACR on the new rifle. It’s my favorite, and the glass is as good as I’ve ever looked through, even if it is $2400.

I twist the knobs a LOT on my optics. I’m less concerned with warranty than quality. I’d rather just buy something that I’m confident in.

 

[JFrank]

im wondering what other brand of scope would be equivalent to an NF shv (5x20) as far as quality and clarity. Thanks much.

Hoz
I owned a NF SHV at one time, after comparing it to a simple fixed 10x it wasn't that much better.
For what it's worth my favorite scope for all around hunting, ranging, and tough as nails is my 3-15x42 SWFA "
Can't say enough about SWFA...

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I prefer SFP reticles so not offering the V scopes in FFP doesnt matter to me. My issue is that Zeiss ONLY added 1x more mag range over the HD5, put slightly better glass in the scope, and then nearly doubled the price. The 30mm tubes on the V6 don't even offer much more elevation adjustment over the HD5 1" tubes. My HD5 5-25x50 has 67 MOA of elevation (verified on my scope). The V6 scopes are nice, but in the $1800 price range of the 5-30 model, you can get a lot more scope for the same amount of money with other manufacturers. I mean the V6 scopes have plastic turrets for Christ's sake! Who makes a $1800 scope with plastic turrets??? Makes no sense.

Ledd Slinger
I think I’m reading that the Zeiss V6 3x18-50 has 103 moa elevation, that’s what’s making that one model looks so good. But if it’s close to the NF nxs in price, that’s what makes it hard for me to decide.
Japan LOW scopes sound reliable. Do you know if SWFA or Zeiss V4 are manufactured there.?

 

[JRS]

LOW produces scopes and binoculars for many companies. Like everyone else, they produce entry level, mid range, and top quality. It all comes down to money. They also use components provided to them. LOW was the maker for Nightforce scopes during their beginning, and Nightforce provided the Schott glass. It's quite possible some of the Nightforce scopes are still made by LOW. Made by LOW does not necessary mean quality, nor does made in China necessary mean junk. In fact, Nightforce uses glass made in Europe and Asia, to include China.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

@Ledd Slinger

Despite all the issues myself and others had with the Gen 1 PST, the only Gen 2 any of I’d have tested has made it through 3 barrels on a 6.5. That’s surprising, as I barely had my Gen 1 out of the box before it broke. Glass is indeed pretty good.

I have looked at the new trijicon at a friend’s house. I didn’t know LOW was making them. That’s cool. I suppose they offer more magnification that the similarly priced Nightforce, but I think for the time being I’m going to let the market test them first. I don’t want a 56mm paired with a fixed EH3 stock. How is the glass?

It’s just really hard for me to spend that kind of money without being certain. Truth be told, I bought my V6 for $1250 WITH a free pair of binos that are actually quite good. It was a promo late last year.

More than likely, I’ll put another 4-16x50 ATACR on the new rifle. It’s my favorite, and the glass is as good as I’ve ever looked through, even if it is $2400.

I twist the knobs a LOT on my optics. I’m less concerned with warranty than quality. I’d rather just buy something that I’m confident in.

I once had a Gen 1 PST as well. The 6-24x50 model. Glass was lackluster and the adjustments would bind up at the extremes. Reticle wouldn't move for a few clicks then all the sudden jump some unknown amount. Was never repeatable at the extremes. Left a bad taste in my mouth with the PST line. The new Gen 2 is a huge improvement in my opinion.

Haven't looked through any of the Trijicon versions yet. But I own the Delta Stryker HD 5-50x56. All the same LOW High Def glass. Paid $1600 for my Delta, but I think the glass will compete with optics in the $2K+ range. Great contrast and edge to edge clarity. Only downfall is the side focus is a little touchy to get dialed in just right at long range. Only goes to 300 meters, then infinity. As far as testing, my Delta performed flawlessly under recoil on my scope tester.

Never looked through the ATACR or BEAST, but I've heard the glass is a big improvement over the NXS. Wouldn't be surprised if LOW is making that glass for NF as well.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Ledd Slinger
I think I’m reading that the Zeiss V6 3x18-50 has 103 moa elevation, that’s what’s making that one model looks so good. But if it’s close to the NF nxs in price, that’s what makes it hard for me to decide.
Japan LOW scopes sound reliable. Do you know if SWFA or Zeiss V4 are manufactured there.?

Don't know where Zeiss is having the V4 made. Pretty sure the V8 line is made in house, but not sure about V4 or V6.

I don't have any experience with SWFA optics so can't help you much there either. None of the mag ranges appeal to me personally. I like a little more magnification. All my scopes have a 24-25x top end or more. I think the biggest SWFA offers is 5-20x. Plus I still havent come around to FFP reticles yet. Tho people who like FFP and own SWFA scopes always seem to speak very highly of them.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Don't get me wrong here either fellas. I'm not saying the Zeiss V6 scopes are "bad" or poorly made in any way. I just think for all the time they put in to bring out a new scope line and the price they are asking, they could have done a better job with the features and reticles. Only my opinion.

I never used to care too much about reticles, but after using the great reticles in my Kahles K1050 and Delta Stryker, I found it really does make a BIG difference to me personally. To others, reticle design may not be much of a deciding factor in a scope and that's fine. Kinda wish I still didnt care. Being picky about reticles just makes finding the right scope that much harder

 

[JRS]

Each individuals eyes see things in a different way. Don't get caught-up on what someone else thinks is the clearest and best optics. Only your eyes will determine that.

 

[muleystalker]

Numerous optics manufacturers use a great deal of plastic in their products. Many multi thousand dollar camera lenses and camera bodies are made from plastic.

Cameras are not under constant recoil every time the shutter is clicked, and believe it or not there is a big percentage of high dollar lenses do come back for problems with internal workings, its quite common, a friend of mine worked in a high end Camera shop and I saw it all the time.

View attachment 1072012
Hoz
I owned a NF SHV at one time, after comparing it to a simple fixed 10x it wasn't that much better.
For what it's worth my favorite scope for all around hunting, ranging, and tough as nails is my 3-15x42 SWFA "
Can't say enough about SWFA...

And the Glass on the 5-20x50 HD SWFA is much better than the glass on the 3-15x42 SWFA, and the 3-15 is pretty good. Way better than the three 3 -16 vortex PST's I had it next to. They were like night and day. And I really like the reticle on the SWFA.

 

[JFrank]

I think a lot of people would be surprised to find out there fancy scope is made right along side the one they dish on ....
Go figure

 

[steve123]

If any of you guys get the chance to play with a Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56 you will walk away very impressed!

Heck the Midas TAC series is really nice and the 4-16x40 is less than $600. I've had 6 SWFA's, three of them 3-15x42's, still own one, the Midas TAC is superior and the ETR is a grade up from the TAC.