N vs. L

[Gman]

Are Nightforce BR scopes noticably clearer than Leupold VX III LRT or Mark 4 LR/T scopes ? Specifically at the higher powers. Supposivley Nightforce' lens are rated at 2.8, and a perfect ground lens is 2.1. I was told the industry standard is around 4.0. How about it optics experts, please chime in.

 

[billmo]

Gman, I own several Leupolds including a Comp. 45 X 45 and a Mark IV 4.5 X 14 - 40. I also own,2) 12 X 42 - 56 NXS Nightforce
scopes. From time to time I will have one of each with me when I shoot and I will have to say I have been a Leupold man all my life but the Nightforce NXS in my opinion is a better scope. I do not own a BR Nightforce so I cannot comment on that scope. Just my findings and hope this helps. Bill

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

I've owned many Leupold scopes over the years and still own five MK4's, three of them being of the "true" MK4 variety. My NF beats all of my Leupolds hands down!

Now I buy only NF. It seems to me that Leupold has gotten complacent during the last decade and has been surpassed by its competitors.Their new VX7 lineup is overpriced IMO. I'm waiting to see what their MK5 series is like. Here's hoping they see the light and go for quality over profit margin.

Leupold has always provided great customer service in the past and that's one of the reasons that I haven't gotten rid of my remaining Leupolds, but any new purchases will be NF unless things change drastically.

There are certain S&B and USO models that I'd love to own, and I'd sure like to try out one of the new March scopes from the bench but so far they are all out of my price range.

 

[billmo]

Billy, That March scope seems to be doing good but what about service when you need it. Is it not going to have to go back across the pond to get it repaired or did I not read that part right? Thanks, Bill

 

[tenring]

I have a LCS in 40 power and NF NXS and BR models. The Leupold is good, but the NF is better, and the NXS seems a tad more clear than the BR model. I am leary of the March scope. Besides about 2,300 sheckels, the original owner gets just a five year warranty,not valid if you sell it). And what do you do if they go belly up? A while ago I read that some one had to return a March, and it cost $50 sumptin to UPS it overseas.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Add me to the list of those that question March's warranty. I'm also leery about having to ship the scope back to Japan if it needs to be repaired. At least S&B can be serviced here in the States.

Note that I said that I'd like to try a March on the bench. Not that I compete in BR very much anymore, but I'd like to have the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. Never said that I'd buy one - at least not as long as they remain at their price level and my finances remain where they are

 

[Gman]

Thanks for all of the replies guys. Tenring, I'm not trying to contradict you, but most of what I've read, the BR models were slightly clearer than the NXS models. Brian at Nightforce told me on the phone the other day, that the BR model has less lens',?) in it compared to the NXS. For that reason he said the BR model is slightly clearer. He did say the lens' are from Japan, and they are the best quality available.

 

[billmo]

I have never looked thru the BR models so I have no clue. I do like the cosmetics of the NXS better than the BR and it appears to be more heavier made from what I can tell in pictures. I am very content with the two 12-42 NXS that I have. Thanks, Bill

 

[Preacher]

Of all my Nightforces the BR is definately clearer than the NXS, and they are all better than the Leupolds that I sold off long ago to make room for those awesome Nightforces...

 

[billmo]

I agree Preacher. I think the Nightforce is a better scope. Thanks, Bill

 

[Sray53TXTN]

Having previously owned several Leupolds, Nikon, Bushnell, Tasco SS, a NF 12x42 BR and,currently) now a NF NSX 8x32, I would give a slight edge to the NF-BR version over the NF-NSX, I no longer own own any of the other scopes. However, I do like the extra elevation of the NSX for my 6.5x284 F-Class rifle.
my 2 cents - Edge to NF

 

[bobinpa]

Tasco Worldclass......... HANDS DOWN WITHOUT A DOUBT the BEST scope out there, trust me. I will give you one Tasco for each Leupold you give me of eqaul power. Since I know ya, we'll just trade even up.... you won't have to give me any money.