Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Nightforce scopes.

IF, I was to look into a NF, which line or model would best fit a hunting rifle?

Considering weight, power, reticle and price.

rifle would be a .300 wsm bolt. Fully rigged now with Leupold 3.5x10 weighs 7.75

Would like to stay close to that weight.

Broad question no doubt, We can narrow it down has we go.

The new 3-10X42 SHV

I thought there was an illuminated version but I can't seem to find any info on it.

That Leupold weighs around 12.5-13 oz..................you won't find a NF close to that.

I have a couple of the 3-10x SHV's & they are 21 oz or so & I don't think there's much in their line that is lighter.

Is illumination a must? What max / min magnification do you want?

Great scopes if you need to dial regularly & want maximum durability & mechanical reliability; glass is good but there is better.

MM

If you want the weight to be the same there is no offering which would meet that criteria. The two lightest models would be the NXS 1-4x24 and the Competition 4.5x24. Everything else you consider will increase the 7.75 figure significantly.

SHV

NXS are great and are meant for the PRS guys who's rifles weigh 12#'s without optics. They are young and strong.

The SHV is a great scope and will save you some precious ounces.

The lupey is about 13oz, correct, another 4 oz puts the rifle at 8.
Loks like any NF will put me at 8.25.

No illumination at all needed or wanted.

better glass than NF? For instance?

The 1-4x24 is listed at 17 oz. and the 4.5x24 is listed at 15.4 oz.

My 300 WSM weighs in at 8.3 pounds with a NF 4-16 on it. Yeah I could have it around 7 pounds with a leupold on it, but if I wanted to go lighter, I have other rifles for that.

How often you twisting it up to 16X?

The only reticle that I like on the SHV would be the forceplex,

what are you guys using?

The NXS compact 2.5x10x42 weighs 19oz,

The IHR reticle looks interesting,

thoughts?

I was in your situation earlier in the year. I went from a VX3i 4.5-14x40 to a SHV 3-10x42 illuminated Forceplex reticle. Once I got it put together the weight difference was mostly in my mind. Love the fell and looking through the scope made me glad I made the switch.

It took me a bit to warm up to the IHR but I really like it in both 32mm and 42mm models.
For a 100% hunting scope, the illumination isn't a bad idea.

I like this one, the SHV 3-10x42 Forceplex. It's a bit heavier than a Leupold, but a really solid, good scope. Glass is excellent, the Forceplex about right for hunting. I was fortunate to get this one from Opticsplanet via Ebay when Ebay had a 15% discouint coupon. Saved $100. I've never seen NF discounted.

DF

The 2.5x10-42mm Compact/3-10 SHV are about 20 ounces and would add 7 ounces above your current Leupold. That’s or the 3-10 SHV aren’t bad options. Probably depends on what you want for a reticle and mil or MOA adjustments.

I always thought that this discontinued model would be the one I chose for a hunting scope.

http://nightforceoptics.com/nxs/2-5-10x32

I have 3 SHV. 2 forceplex and 1 MOAR. I have slowly replaced my Leupolds, and very happy with NF. A little heavier, but track well and good glass. I’ve been stretching out my shooting to longer distances and have started dialing vs years of just setting and forgetting. Good luck and happy new year.

That scope with the Velocity 600 Reticle was my favorite scope for a couple of years. Replaced it with a LRHSi and have never looked back.

But, you know, that's just my opinion.

I like the IHR reticle and have 3 2.5-10x32 scopes outfitted with it. It works just as it should for me and with the illumination it is more than enough until last light. I have shot several deer with it at last light with zero problems. Reticles are obviously a personal choice and there are several here who don't like it. You will have to decide which is best for you. The 2.5-10x42 would be a great scope for you. The 3-10x42 SHV with Forceplex looks like a solid scope and easier on the wallet but I have no experience with it. It is probably the next Nightforce I will be trying. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Are you really packing the rifle around so much you need to keep the weight down? On my mountain rifles I am, so I don't go with NF. But o/wise I would go with an NXS 3.5-15 which weighs 30 oz. and has illumination. They can be found used for about $1,200. The SHV's use the same glass as the NXS, they just don't have the quality, heavy duty construction.