The 3-10x42 SHV isn't available with illumination.
That's unfortunate. Perhaps it will be in the near future.
For not much more money you can get one of the Steiner Nighthunter Xtremes 2-10x50 from Doug. Great scope with an illuminated plex.
I'm not familiar with the latest Steiner products but is this scope really in the same league with Nighforce?
The SHV is an okay scope. It's a good value for <$800 bucks. It is not in the same league as the Nightforce NXS series.
For a set and forget scope, in my opinion, the Swarovski Z3 has better glass and weighs less. Never had an issue with any of my Z3s.
I would take my Nighthunter Xtreme 7 days a week and twice on Sunday over the SHV. Again, the SHV is a good value, but seems to me to be hyped up by forum members.
If you are going to dial, the Athlon Ares BTR, at about the same price point, is a better choice. Glass is equal to the SHV, FFP, zero stop and higher magnification.
To go a step further, again, just my opinion, the best buy and value in a scope right now under $800 is the Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18X44 being sold by GAP.
I'd be curious to hear Mule Deer's opinion. He rated the Nighthunter an 8 on his line chart and likes the SHV too.
Optics preference is certainly subjective and it does seem everybody's eyes are different.
