Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold or Nightforce for a 308

Which of these scopes would you spec for a Christensen Arms Ridgeline in 308? I have two of these Leupolds and I like them but I've never as much as handled a Nightforce SHV.

LEUPOLD VX-5HD 2-10x42mm (30mm) Duplex Reticle

NIGHTFORCE SHV 3-10x42mm (1/4 MOA) with Non-Illuminated IHR Reticle (C562)

Never used a VX-5HD, but I sure like my SHVs.

I like my SHV, but not sure I'd go with the IHR reticle over a duplex for general hunting.

DF

SHV

NF: 22 ounces
L: 17 ounces

If you are looking to save weight and bang for your buck, I'd go Leupold

And I'm not that fond of the IHR reticle.

Yeah, id pick the one that is 5 ozs lighter and tracks like dog chidt.

Unless you have a C562 in hand or know of one in stock somewhere, they have been discontinued.

If you can afford it, buy the Nightforce.

With Forceplex

DF

Of the two you listed.... neither.

Depends on what you want in a scope. I have a bunch of Leupolds. I can't afford a Night Force. But some of the Leupolds can get pretty expensive too.

Depends on what you want in a scope. I have a bunch of Leupolds. I can't afford a Night Force. But some of the Leupolds can get pretty expensive too. Actually. one of the best scopes for the money is the Zeiss Conquest. Excellent glass, clear as a bell and great in low light. It's more expensive than the Leupold, cheaper than the Night Force. and might just be better than either one.

I have both scopes listed other than the reticle in the NF. Mine is a forceplex but the IHR wouldn’t slow me down.

Really a toss up between the two. Both of mine track fine, the glass is very close between them with no clear winner. If weight is a concern then go with the Leupold, if not either will be a good choice.

I have several VX-5HD 2-10Xs and I like them very much. I was snagging them off Ebay back when there were some crazy good deals going on and I felt like I really couldn't afford to pass them up. They have not been used much so I can't attest to their ruggedness or lack thereof, but I sure have nothing to complain about (other than a huge downturn in my hunting opportunities the last year and a half). That said, if I'd had a few extra thousand bucks on hand when CLNY was blowing out the SHV 3-10Xs, I'd have bought one each for maybe half a dozen rifles. IF an opportunity like that ever comes along again I hope I'm flush!

5HD for this one. And I am not a fanboy

I’d go with the nightforce
But I’ve never had a problem with my leupold scopes.

I've sent a few back; they always fix or replace them.

That works good around the house. Probably not so good way out in the boondocks on an expensive hunt.

But, I've been out there with Leupolds and everything worked out OK.

DF

I've hunted with Leupolds myself. They make a great set and forget scope. However, where they have left me stranded is way before the hunt, while at the range. Either trying to zero them in (chasing zero was the norm) or downright loss of all adjustment and no chance to find zero. Had that happen to 2 VX3 3.5-10x40 with CDS rifle scopes. Now my boss is having issues with his 300wm and high dollar Leupold. VX6 with CDS. Cost him in the neighborhood of $1,800.00, so it's not a cheap one... I haven't the heart to tell him that his once extremely accurate 300wm is sitll accurate, but the scope is puking out on him... Poor guy couldn't even hit the 12" diameter steel plate at 400 yards the other day. He'll figure it out eventually.... Its a shame too because that Leupold has some nice glass in it..

SHV

And I have four hunting Buds who have each shot either close or over 100 Deer. Almost exclusively with Leupolds, and yet not a one with a NF. One of them twists his Leupolds on a regular basis....Another how in the hell....A couple of their kids have started to pile them up also....Guess with what....