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Nightforce vs..?????

Looking for a long range scope. Shooting off the bench out to 1k.

Variable power, looking in the 8-32 range or simmilar. I had a Weaver T36 that I really liked but not going with a fixed power for this project.

Weight isn't an issue one way or the other and the scope won't be used for any kind of field work. No "tactical" matches, no hunting

Looking at reviews it sounds like the Nightforce are the scopes to beat, but lot of folks like the Zeiss, the Sightrons etc.

As far as budget goes, I'd obviously rather spend less than more but don't want to shoot myself in the foot either. Most of these scopes are a little under or over the $1k mark- with some dropping down around 7-800 and others pushing 13-1400. I don't want to go with a "cheaper" scope, only to wish I'd bought something better. At the same time I don't want to spend money on features I won't use, or buy a brand just because its the "in" brand.

Don't have anything against Nightforce- but don't want to pass up looking at others that would be comparable.

Thoughts?
 
Would also suggest you go right to the 12-42x. There are times when that extra 10x is needed.

NP-2DD is my favorite reticle.
 
Thanks for the replies. I know I'll get a lot of support from the NF side.

For those who own Nightforces and love them: if you had to use a different scope with similar specs, what would it be?
 
fdshuster said:
Would also suggest you go right to the 12-42x. There are times when that extra 10x is needed.

NP-2DD is my favorite reticle.

I second this 100%. NF BR scopes are probably in the majority at most shoots across the country. They have the fantastic glass and they track well and are built tough.

Frank
 
+1 for the 12 x 42 NP2DD, and you won't bat an eye when you want to bye the second one.
If, If ,I had to look at something else perhaps Sightron 10 x 50 FCD, but you pay nigh on as much for it as a NF
Gadget
 
Lol gadget, I could hear the pain in your voice at even having to consider something other than your nf- way to play along.
 
Point well made.

Like I've said- I'm not trying to put NF down at all- there's no doubt that they make a great product. But the world's most perfect hammer isn't a very good screwdriver. I'm in the early stages of researching which scope to go with- its reasonable to think that certain ones do better and worse at certain things. The NF has some great qualities- are there no other scopes that have points that stand out?
 
I went through this recently and decided on the Sightron SIII 10-50X60. I have only shot it about 3 times. I like it and it does a good job. The clicks seem to be a little more spongy than the NF but to be honest IF this Sightron holds up and continues to track well and I don't have any issues I won't buy a NF unless I get a smoking good deal on a used one. I can buy 3 Sightron's for what 2 NF's costs and I my initial impressions is they aren't that much better. Ask me in a year and I might have NF's but that is my initial impressions after shooting it so little.

Now, I can't be in the cool club...this thread proves that (joking guys ;D )
 
fdshuster said:
Would also suggest you go right to the 12-42x. There are times when that extra 10x is needed.

NP-2DD is my favorite reticle.

I've been a leupy shooter for 30+ years and I love their scopes and have many. I wanted a variable with more power than what they offered so I bought a Nightforce BR 12-42. I only have about 80 rds though the rifle with the Nightforce on it and I have to say I am very impressed. It is a quality scope, very good glass, and the 42 magnification is nice to have. I recommend this scope to anyone needed a variable with high magnification.

Jet
 
You will not regret the Nightforce, but if I had to go with another scope it would probably be a March. On my Fclass rifles I have one NF BR in a 12-42 CH3, the other has a 12-42 NSX with the NP2DD. I like them both. I also own a march 2.5-25 for my hunting rifle and I really like that one. I would buy either brand again.
Ben
 
If you want the best and have a deep pocket go with a March 8-80 or a Schmidt&Bender 10-50 in the reticle of your choice. Either one will remove about 3 K from your pocket. So that leaves the NF's, Sightron's, and Leo Comp scopes in the middle ground which will cost from 800 to 1500 depending on model. I have yet to see any Zeiss scopes in the matchs I shoot.

I have had both a March 8-80 and a S & B 5-25 scope and sold both to fund purchases of more NF and Sightron scopes. At this point I have 2 Sightron 10-50's and 4 NF BR model scopes. They do the job well and we really don't have any more choices out there in that price range. Another option is to look for an older Leo Premier scope in the order of 18-42X or 20-50X. Their glass is great also.

Frank
 
so after reading this post.

- there are many good scopes available to shooters today
- all have good points and bad points( price )
- if you can look through and try out the scope before you buy
- buy a nightforce

does this sum it up?
 
Good information, thanks.

The Marchs are definitely beyond my price range. I'm more in the $1500 and below market.
 
i recently bought previously owned sightron 8-32 1/4 and 1/8 clicks on this sight and was amazed at the clarity and it compared closely with my 2 nf 8-32 1/4 and 1/8 clicks and the price was half the nf. at 100-200 yds i really could not tell the difference between the two. recently compared the two at a target at 600 yds with a little haze and slight mirage. the nightforce was clearer than the sightron, no doubt! for short range varmint/target shooting the sightron provides the same clarity as the nf at half the price. also, sightrons clicks are easier to use than the nf, which are a bit tight. the warrenty on these two follows the scope while i believe the warrenty on the march ?expires after a very few years, no matter who owns it?
 
As most all have said NF is the dominating scope. However, I do have two Swarovski B/R scopes. Both are great w/o issue. I am also looking at the new Kahles 6x24x56 tactical for other types of shooting. That said, I will probably end up with another NF.
 

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