Looking for scope options for Fclass.

[Deleted noremaximus]

Good morning, I'm in the market for a used scope in the $750-$1000 Range. I'm not sure what scope to look for. I only want to purchase once and it would be used from 600-1000 yards. I keep on seeing three options. Sightron, vortrx GE, and Nightforce. What do you guys think? I have a 20moa rail, and it would be on a 6.5 creedmoor. Thanks.

 

[cdgaydos]

I recently looked into high mag scopes and yes, NF, VGE and Sightron were very popular. From my research I inferred OPTICALLY they seemed to rank, Sightron SV(ED), NF (Comp), NF (BR) and VGE... with the NF (BR) and VGE alternating. I also, inferred from my research that Sightron SIII were slightly behind the VGE... I should note that these inferences are mine and I believe what was more telling was that everyone "sees" differently and personal preferences rule. Some did not see the benefit of the SSV or NF Comp for the price. Others put the SSV in a class by itself... All these scope are likely VERY good and more than adequate. They do differ in price and features.

All that being said (and I'm sure you've seen or will see the same in your research), I did compare a VGE and a NF Benchrest (12-42x56) side by side under various conditions... In summary, I'm keeping the NF. But, it was not an easy decision and most of the last couple of days has been spent trying to decide if I want to keep the GE as well...

IMHO (after testing with a test image with 7 different test areas and scoring under different conditions and at various magnifications side by side over several days - thoroughly annoying my girlfriend):
I was able to resolve more detail with the NF than the GE
I was able to achieve focus easier with the NF
The NF "cut" through mirage better
I liked the side focus of the GE better, but the NF adjustable objective was more precise
I like the exposed turrets of the GE better, but the NF turrets had a better feel
I like the GE ECR-1MOA reticle... it would offer more elevation hold off and be better for holdoffs
I liked the NF 2DD reticle because it was uncluttered and drew my attention to the dot... and the tiny lower dot is very precise.
The ocular window was larger on the GE... the NF was more like a tunnel
The NF was brighter at 40x than the GE
The GE got darker above 40x (In my testing is was not able to resolve more detail above 40x. So for me the extra magnification was useless).
The darkness of the GE seemed to strain my eyes... but, I'm old.
The GE seemed to resolve colors more naturally
The NF seemed to have a bluish tint at 40x (black looked slightly blue)
The NF did "bloom" in high contrast (example the edge of white rocks in very bright sun... not on targets)
The GE has more internal adjustment and the reticle has 10mil... NF has does have other reticles, maybe I chose poorly... I think with a 20mil base a 6.5 creedmoor would get out to 1000 easy with either.

All in all, I could see why one would choose either or be happy with one over the other. Especially if one was set up for you and the other was someone else's you looked through on the line (not set up properly for you). They were both very good. I can also see how a NF Comp or a SSV could be better. Specifically, if the resolving capability of the NF (BR) were extended to 55-60x... and the SSV side focus...

Sorry for all the words... but, I understand the frustration trying to pick a scope without getting hands on them... These are probably at the top end of your budget used. Also, many will (rightfully) suggest that one does not need that much power to hit 1000yds - and my testing suggested that the highest "scores" in my resolution testing were generally achieved at 30x...

 

[Falfan2017]

If you want to stay in that price range the sightron siii 10-50 is hard to beat. You may be able to find a golden eagle or nf br used for that price but it will be a stretch and probably won’t lead to better scores anyway. Scopes not usually the limited factor in f class.

 

[KY_Windage]

If you want to stay in that price range the sightron siii 10-50 is hard to beat. You may be able to find a golden eagle or nf br used for that price but it will be a stretch and probably won’t lead to better scores anyway. Scopes not usually the limited factor in f class.

I wholeheartedly agree, but I still would not have anything other than NF Comp or a 5-25 or 7-35 ATACR with MOAR-T on an F-Class rifle. Part of that is the glass, part is the reticle, part is the controls, part is the solid reliability and part is the solid CS you are probably never going to need.

But you aren't going to get one of those for that money. MAYBE a NF BR.

 

[Falfan2017]

I wholeheartedly agree, but I still would not have anything other than NF Comp or a 5-25 or 7-35 ATACR with MOAR-T on an F-Class rifle. Part of that is the glass, part is the reticle, part is the controls, part is the solid reliability and part is the solid CS you are probably never going to need.

But you aren't going to get one of those for that money. MAYBE a NF BR.

Sightron and vortex have great customer service and reliability. I think 40+ magnification is nice in f class. When the mirage isn’t bad you can really dial it in and pick your hold precisely.

 

[CNC-Dude]

I'll admit, I'm a cheap ass, but I have Vortex Diamondback Tactical on 2 RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor and they are more than adequate for 1000 yards. More magnification might be nice, but 25x seems plenty for now.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I'll admit, I'm a cheap ass, but I have Vortex Diamondback Tactical on 2 RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor and they are more than adequate for 1000 yards. More magnification might be nice, but 25x seems plenty for now.

I'm a bit of a "cheap ass" too and had that Diamondback Tactical on my RPR and it actually did quite well. However, when I was presented a deal on a Golden Eagle I jumped on it and put it on the RPR. And I have to say frankley, I've gotten a huge improvement in my results with the GE as the higher magnification really helps . . . especially with these very old eyes.

 

[rardoin]

For F-class the most important factors in order in my opinion (assuming decent glass to start with) are:
1) proper turret tracking so a 1/8 minute click is a 1/8 minute change on target
2) a reticle that allows very fine placement of your aimpoint on the target- a 'fat' crosshair or large aim dot will be a hinderance on those relays in which the winds and mirage are light and you are playing half ring holds and such.
3) ED quality glass

 

[Deleted noremaximus]

Great information! thank you. I am currently leaning to a 12x42 BR Nightforce. Anything I should know regarding the scope? Thanks again.

 

[rardoin]

I know of a couple of guys that use it for 600/1000yd F-class and like it. I don't know what reticle they have. The do not have side focus for easy parallax adjustment, which I greatly prefer, but that is a personal preference and not any slight of that model. As far as magnification 42x will be fine. I have 3 March and one Kahles scope for F-open and although they run up to 60X (in the March) I could run them at 40x and be fine. When the mirage picks up I rarely run it above 40 and usually closer to 30 at 1000yds. In the early relays in no mirage conditions I will max out the mag but definitely not necessary.

 

[swd]

I'll admit, I'm a cheap ass, but I have Vortex Diamondback Tactical on 2 RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor and they are more than adequate for 1000 yards. More magnification might be nice, but 25x seems plenty for now.

For tactical shooting 25X is fine. For F Open unless your a young guy with killer vision it’s not enough. Pretty much every competitive F Open rifle has glass with a top end of of 42x-60x And when conditions are good we use most or all of that magnification.

 

[MattPeetz]

The sightron 45x is well within your budget $800ish and is a quality scope.
1/10moa. I wish they made a bracket reticle for it. It’s just a dot but it does not hinder me

 

[MattPeetz]

Should also add.
get ahold of @lancexxx here on the forum. Great dude, best price in them and service is great.
have bought three from him and looking for another soon

 

[cdgaydos]

Great information! thank you. I am currently leaning to a 12x42 BR Nightforce. Anything I should know regarding the scope? Thanks again.

Side focus may be more convenient (easier to reach). However, the adjustable objective makes precise focus easier... greater movement for less effect... if you have time to set up, convenient may not matter and precision will be more valuable.

I chose the 2DD reticle. I really like it... haven’t shot with it however... so I THINK I like it. The R2 would offer better hold offs, but may be more cluttered...
The sight window is a bit on the small side but it was brighter than the GE and consistent... no distortion.
I would have loved to try the Sightron SV... but, I found the NF to be very good and I bought a Labradar with the savings... and still have some money left.
I’m sure others with more experience will chime in with real world experiences... and that says a lot about it... it’s been around for a while for a reason.

 

[Bozzman3]

Vortex Golden Eagle

 

[ronemus]

I really like my Burris XTR II 8-40x50 FFP F-Class MOA scopes: 70 MOA of elevation, +/-18 MOA of windage, side focus/parallax, good glass, illuminated & graduated reticle with a second horizontal crosshair at -20 MOA for easy holdover, and a good price (<$1200 every day, $800 on Black Friday or used). The elevation is set up to run 0-70 MOA instead of +/-35 which is a nice feature. Unfortunately the windage turrets are marked 5R to 5L which can be a pain in the heat of the moment when you need to crank on serious windage.

 

[MattPeetz]

I really like my Burris XTR II 8-40x50 FFP F-Class MOA scopes: 70 MOA of elevation, +/-18 MOA of windage, side focus/parallax, good glass, illuminated & graduated reticle with a second horizontal crosshair at -20 MOA for easy holdover, and a good price (<$1200 every day, $800 on Black Friday or used). The elevation is set up to run 0-70 MOA instead of +/-35 which is a nice feature. Unfortunately the windage turrets are marked 5R to 5L which can be a pain in the heat of the moment when you need to crank on serious windage.

Burris missed the mark with this scope.
It should have been sfp and ditch the bottom reticle and it would have been a good scope

 

[slm9s]

I have had all three - SIII, GE, and NF BR.

In my experience the SIII gives 95% of the optical performance of the NF for 70% of the cost. I've never needed service on an SIII and I've had around 15 of them - but NF scopes are reported to be more robust.

I had a GE for a week and optically it didn't match an SIII (to my eyes) so I returned it.

I think SIII's are great optically, track great, and are an outstanding value.

 

[D-4297]

Started shooting F-TR with a Vortex 6-24 x 50 HS-T . Same scope as the PS-T without the illuminated reticle . A solid functional beginners scope for Mid-Range , but a little lacking for 1,000 yards , in my opinion . Got a chance to buy a "Gently used" GE and it was one of the best purchases I've made , dollar for dollar , in my shooting budget . And as been said , Vortex CS is absolutely second to none . And the percentage of GE's at the SWN keeps going up in big % jumps every year for some reason . Maybe those guys , and Ladies know something . Just sayin .....