Scope Dilema

[dallas251]

I'm currently in the process of selecting a new scope for a 6BR that I'm planning on using for fun and occasional club matches (nothing past 600 yds probably). Right now it's wearing an old Leupold 36x that I love, but want to use on another rifle. Since I'm going to use it for something else, I'd like to take this opportunity to move to something with a little higher magnification.

I first considered a Leupold 45x Competiton, but being in Texas am concerned about mirage in the summer. The current contenders are as follows. Nightforce BR 12-42, Leupold VX-6 7-42, and Nightforce Competition 15-55 in that order.

Current budget is less than $1500, and the closer to $1000 the better. I know I can get a new NF BR in that range new, and can also purchase a VX-6 for ~$1500. Would anyone purchase a VX-6 over a NF BR? Would it be worth trying to hold out for a NF Competition if I can find one used in my range? How does the VX-6 compare to the NF Competition?

I'm not at all opposed to purchasing used as long as it's from a reputable seller. Thoughts and comments welcome.

 

[Gabe22BR]

Wt. might would play a factor, reticle choice, and the no BS warranty, that one of them offers....

I like the 7-42.

 

[dkhunt14]

Nothing wrong with an 8.5x25Leupold Long Range Target. They get used a lot on light guns for 1000 yard BR. You can buy them used for under a 1000. I have heard of problems on the new Leupold. The glass in the Nightforce Com. is really good. For what you want the 8.5x25 will work. It has 95 MOA elevation. Plenty to go to 1000, Target turrets, side focus and 30 MM tube. The Mark 4 8.5x25 is another good scope. A little more money but built a little heavier. The TMR reticule is nice. It is open in the middle like a little diamond. Good for getting on small targets. Matt

 

[Never Forget]

I have both the 12-42 and 15-55 competition Nightforce, IMHO the competition was worth the extra 1K for me. I do not like the turrets on the 12-42, otherwise its a great scope. The recital options are better for the competition and the glass is just sick. What I like best about both is they track perfectly and I mean perfect, it's the only 2 scopes I own that I can say that about, all my other glass is Vortex and Leopold. Also I can dial out 100% parallax quickly unlike my other scopes.

I'm not saying I hate my Vortex or Leopold, they serve the purpose they were purchased for.

Just my $.02, John

 

[dallas251]

Wt. might would play a factor, reticle choice, and the no BS warranty, that one of them offers....

I like the 7-42.

Gabe,
I don't believe weight will be a problem, I've got plenty to play with. Reticle is another thing I'm really unsure about. I currently only have experience with traditional FCHs and don't know if I want to move away from that or not.

What do you like about the 7-42 over the others? I've only ever had Leupolds to this point and love them all, so I definitely want to give them a fair shake, but I really can't find a ton about them other than some people were having problems with the paralax adjustment on the original run.

 

[dallas251]

I have both the 12-42 and 15-55 competition Nightforce, IMHO the competition was worth the extra 1K for me. I do not like the turrets on the 12-42, otherwise its a great scope. The recital options are better for the competition and the glass is just sick. What I like best about both is they track perfectly and I mean perfect, it's the only 2 scopes I own that I can say that about, all my other glass is Vortex and Leopold. Also I can dial out 100% parallax quickly unlike my other scopes.

I'm not saying I hate my Vortex or Leopold, they serve the purpose they were purchased for.

Just my $.02, John

John,
Great feedback. Thanks.

 

[Gabe22BR]

All I have are Leupold's as well. I have shot the 2 dot reticle NF, lost the dots, Some covered up the target. The Reticle in the 7-42 is open so to speak, so you can see where the bullet impacts the target with out moving the scope. I believe the manual is on their site for the reticle in the scope, might look at it.... The problems where with the first ones that came out, it seems, I've had no problems with mine. The 34mm tube, and having the 1/8 moa adjustment on top, and the 1/4 moa adjustment for windage, helps as well. Plus you can get the turret dial set up for your rifle's load, one time free.
I've always been partial to Leupold, and almost got the NF 15-55 comp with the MOAR ret. After reading about getting a NF fixed, or having something done to it, you'll have to pay them to touch it, and fix it. I've sent a many Leupold's scopes back for reticle changes, parallax adjustment, bent tubes, check-ups, etc.. I paid shipping one way, and that's it. I have several 6.5-20x40 (30mm tubes), and 8.5x25, with the varmint hunters hair, that's the only reticle I've paid for, when I couldn't find one with it in it, now I'll start having the MOAR reticle installed, if applicable.

Just my 2 cents....

 

[dkhunt14]

Nightforce fixes their scopes free. I don't know who told you they don't but its not true. They do charge for a reticule change as do most companies. The reticule on a Nightforce is etched into the glass. So they must change lens to do this. I sent a l Leupold back and it came back broke just like they received it. I have also saw a lot more Leupolds fail in 1000 BR then I ever did a Nightforce. I have at least 3 Leupold LRT's and a mark 4. I also have a Competition and 7 other Nightforces. I had the one Leupold fail and never a Nightforce. The Nightforce is really dependable on clicking. The Competition is the best glass I ever looked through. They are crystal clear. matt

 

[gunnermhr]

I have both Leupold and Nightforce and like both a lot, You asked the question is it worth waiting to save for the 15x55? Absolutely worth the wait, the glass is awesome and the magnification is really helpful. don't worry about mirage, you can always turn a 55 power down but you can never turn a 42 up to 55.

Your other option if you cant afford the 15x55 now but can afford the 12x42; buy the 12x42 and keep on saving, you'll always be able to sell the 12x42 for what you paid for a good used one if you keep it in nice shape.

Like Matt says, Nightforce has a great warranty and doesn't charge a nickel for repairs, I believe they'll actually clean the lenses for free and ship it back free of charges.

 

[dallas251]

Thanks for everyone's comments. I was on the way out the door today to buy the VX-6 as my local gun shop had $100 off their already great price this week. I decided to check on here one more time at what was apparently the exact right time to snag a great deal on a 2013 NF Competition. I'm really thrilled and can't wait to take it out (hopefully) next weekend.

 

[Never Forget]

Congrats, you wont be disappointed.

 

[Travelor]

Weaver T-36 is my favorite

 

[dkhunt14]

Weaver T-36 is my favorite

The Weaver is a good scope for the money but it is not even close to the Nightforce Competition. The glass that they use is really good. I have looked through and own a lot of scopes but the glass in the Comp is the best. Matt

 

[dallas251]

It's supposed to arrive today, so I'll know soon how great it is!

 

[Travelor]

Nightforce is a great scope and I have two. But you can buy about 4 Weaver's for the price of a Nightforce. My 6 Dasher has a T-36 on it and I can clearly see the "X" on the F-Class 600 yard target from 600 yards away as well as the spindle on the shot placement indicator.

 

[BoydAllen]

I understand that the IOR 36 has excellent glass and holds adjustments reliably. Bart is handling them.

 

[Shynloco]

The Weaver is a good scope for the money but it is not even close to the Nightforce Competition. The glass that they use is really good. I have looked through and own a lot of scopes but the glass in the Comp is the best. Matt

What dk says, is very true. I have 4 Weaver T36's as for the money, you can't beat them. But I also have a Leupold 35X Comp Scope (mostly because I do shorter range shooting) and just bought a Leupold AR Mod1 6-18 for a new custom built AR. And the distinct difference between Weavers and other similarly priced scopes, COMPARED to Leupold or Nightforce, for me is simply clarity, clarity and more clarity. Guess I also believe in the old adage, ya can't hit what you can't see. And these old eyes ain't gettin any better with each passing day.

Alex

 

[dallas251]

Thanks again guys for all the feedback. I got the NF Competition mounted on my 6BR and the Leupold 36x moved over to my PPC Friday. I shot both this weekend and loved every minute of it. The NF Competition is every bit as good as everyone says it is. The clarity was just unbelievable.

 

[JimPag]

I understand that the IOR 36 has excellent glass and holds adjustments reliably. Bart is handling them.

Yes Boyd. Those scopes are real nice. Have 2 of them. Haven't used them in competition yet, but I use them at my range at my house. Just so use to having my Marches on my SR BR rifles that it's hard to take them off because they work so well.

 

[750k2]

I have 2 IOR's and they are very easy on the eyes.
Adjustments are spot on and have been totally reliable and repeatable.
I'm a clicker so this is a must.
1 FC and 1 MP8
I have been nothing but impressed with IOR.