NX8 2.5-20 alternative

[Ksracer]

I have a Nightforce NX-8 2.5-20 on my thermal coyote rig and I would like to shoot the rifle in a couple NRL Hunter matches. (Field matches where you need to locate and range the targets before engaging)

While I really like the scope in its current role, it leaves a little to be desired in the daytime. My main complaint is an extremely sensitive parallax adjustment that just isn't going to work well trying to find and engage targets at multiple ranges. The overall image doesn't seem very sharp either.

What other scopes should I be considering that have the same basic specs as the NF?
My requirements are.
3-18 power range
Illuminated reticle with .2mil subtensions
A good image with forgiving parallax.
Lightweight

 

[linebaugh]

If you are paralexing a lot its probably more to do with shorter range engagements. I have run this scope on a 22lr in PRS for going on 4 years now and it seems like the parallax is terrible until you try every other scope and realize we all fight the same issue. Its due to trying to run upper power and shoot 40-120 yards. The same scope does not require much when you start getting out past 200 yards.
Im surprised to hear you say the glass is not that good. Im actually impressed with mine for a sub 2k scope.
Kahles makes a dandy variable 18x scope. The new bushnell dmr3 comes in 21 or 22X full magnification. Seen a couple and impressed for the money.

If you hqve the mil-xt reticle in your NF, to me that is one of the better reticles for what you want to do.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[Ksracer]

If you are paralexing a lot its probably more to do with shorter range engagements. I have run this scope on a 22lr in PRS for going on 4 years now and it seems like the parallax is terrible until you try every other scope and realize we all fight the same issue. Its due to trying to run upper power and shoot 40-120 yards. The same scope does not require much when you start getting out past 200 yards.
Im surprised to hear you say the glass is not that good. Im actually impressed with mine for a sub 2k scope.
Kahles makes a dandy variable 18x scope. The new bushnell dmr3 comes in 21 or 22X full magnification. Seen a couple and impressed for the money.

If you hqve the mil-xt reticle in your NF, to me that is one of the better reticles for what you want to do.
Good luck and have fun.

I currently have a 7-35 Atacr and multiple Genii Razors and I've previously had Bushnell Dmr's and Xrs's, as well as Xtrii's and I've looked through a bunch of others. The glass in this NX8 is hands down worse than any of them, to the point it's hard to see bullet holes in paper at 100yds.

There isn't any "sweet spot" for the parallax either. Going from 400 to 700 yds requires messing with it. I can set my Atacr to 300yds and shoot 150 or 800 without much issue. The Razors parallax might as well be capped for how much adjustment it needs.

I do love the Mil-c reticle in it though and the illumination works well.

 

[SecondsCount]

I don't have any experience with them yet, but am hearing some good reports about the Burris XTR III 3-18

XTR III Illuminated 3.3-18x50mm | Burris Optics

www.burrisoptics.com

 

[effendude]

I too have noticed a lack of clarity at longer distances with higher power settings on my NX8 scopes and also a March 2.5-25X scope. I just can't seem to get the parallax adjusted perfectly. I have not experienced this at all with the 5.5-22X, 8-32X and 12-42X scopes from NF, both NXS and BR versions. My simpleton explanation for this lack of clarity with the big "multiplier" scopes is there is now free lunch and you gotta give up something. Stick to 4-5X multipliers and you'll see a noticeable difference.
Scott