Nightforce SHV Line

[MahtewsSB]

Does anybody have some experience with the Nightforce SHV line or scopes? Particularly the 5-20x56 model.

I am in the middle of a build and when it is finished I plan to either put a Vortex HS-T 6-24x50 or a Nightforce SHV 5-20x56 on it. The gun is a 6.5x47 Lapua on a remington 700 action with a krieger barrel. I have several vortex scopes now and they are great for the money and you get a lot of features that you would have to pay almost 3x as much to get in a NF or other high end scope.

I like the tactical turrets on the HS-T compared to the capped turrets of the SHV. The HS-T can be reset to "0" and utilizes a shim system to indicate the revolution of your zero, not a zero stop like a NF NXS but good enough for my purposes. The SHV comes with a zero set feature though which from what i understand simply involves loosening the set screws once you have zeroed the rifle and pushing the turret all the way down and tightening the screws back up. I like that the SHV's reticle is marked in 1 moa increments rather than 2 moa increments like the HS-T.
both scopes are SFP.

I guess my question to you guys is: Is there a big enough difference in the quality glass i will get in the NF to justify the extra money for the 5-20x56 SHV MOAR non-illuminated?

I can get the Vortex new for $630 compared to $1150 for the Nightforce. i have never shot a gun with a NF on it so i have never experienced the quality i know they posses.

thanks for the help

 

[stinnett1981]

I see you live in IL. Me too. I have a Nightforce SHV 5-20x56 with the illuminated MOAR reticle. You are more than welcome to come check it out and shoot my Rock River AR15 that its mounted on. I also have 5 other Nightforce NXS scopes you can look at to compare them all. The Vortex is FFP and has the tactical turrets, but the Nightforce SHV has a lot better glass IMO. I will send you a PM with more details.

 

[MahtewsSB]

I see you live in IL. Me too. I have a Nightforce SHV 5-20x56 with the illuminated MOAR reticle. You are more than welcome to come check it out and shoot my Rock River AR15 that its mounted on. I also have 5 other Nightforce NXS scopes you can look at to compare them all. The Vortex is FFP and has the tactical turrets, but the Nightforce SHV has a lot better glass IMO. I will send you a PM with more details.

the viper hs-t is sfp. The viper pst however is available in sfp or ffp.

 

[stinnett1981]

If you are looking at the SFP Vortex then I would get the SHV for sure. No if's and's but's about it. Like I said you are more than welcome to come down and meet me at a local range down here on a weekend and check out my SHV. Just let me know.

 

[xswanted]

The SHV is the one I'd get.

Glass is clear all the way through the magnification range, they track like an NXS.....great scopes.

 

[MahtewsSB]

Glass is clear all the way through the magnification range, they track like an NXS.....great scopes.

this is what had me leaning towards the NF. although i am thoroughly pleased with all my vortex scopes, there is a noticeable difference in the glass clarity once i hit the high magnification, especially at low light. granted they are still plenty clear to get the job done and still perform better than most in the situation, i want something that wont diminish in clarity at all in those type of situations for this rifle

 

[slm9s]

If you want clear glass, second focal plane, great turrets/tracking; have you checked out a Sightron SIII? Tough to beat in glass/tracking/value.

 

[Frankr]

I have the 5-20x56 NF SHV moar non ilum. I have had it on my 6xc hunting rifle since last july..It's a nice scope the only complaint I have is it's big and heavy..ok for a bench or varmint rifle..but I need the optics. so I use it and like it. I just bought a 6-24x50 Vortex HS-LR I like all the features it has and it's lighter then the NF..I have had it like a month so I do not have a lot of time with it but in a short time I am not as happy with the optics as I am the NF. disappointed in the optics..I have a pair of vortex viper 10x42 binoculars and I am so impressed with them the optics are outstanding I love them. but the HS-LR is disappointing. I may sell it or keep it for a summer time varmint rifle. it's not a NF or a Leupold.