Leupold MK5 or NF NX8

Joined
Mar 24, 2016
Messages
368
Location
Brenham, TX
Looking for my current .308 build. Leupy 3.5-18 or NX8 2-20x?

I've researched both and both have their attributes. I know I can't go wrong with either. Leupold has a bigger tube and smaller bell and NF has smaller tube and bigger bell...

Thoughts?
 
Joined
Aug 6, 2016
Messages
415
Leupold has better glass but NF is king of reliability. The mark 5 has been pretty dang reliable so far. Id go that route personally and it’s a couple ounces lighter...
 

LightFoot

WKR
Joined
Feb 21, 2016
Messages
1,450
Location
Texas & Alaska
Went through the same decision process. I went with the Leupold. The only downside to me is the 35mm tube and rings.

I got the Spuhr mount free with purchase of the scope from Mile High Shooting in CO.

I am gonna go to ARC rings at some point to lower the scope height.

>>>----JAKE----->
 

Tekla

FNG
Joined
Jan 11, 2014
Messages
84
Location
Anchorage
I went with the Leupold. I went back and forth and decided I like the size and weight a little better. Also 18 power seems to be plenty for me. Rings are a factor though
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Joined
Dec 29, 2015
Messages
374
Spent some time behind the Nightforce this week and was under impressed with the glass. Maybe it was just my eyes but I do have 20/10 vision.
 

Bunkin

FNG
Joined
Sep 24, 2014
Messages
61
Both are great, the Leupolds are significantly less money right now. Liberty optics has them for 1450 for the 3.6-18. I recently picked up a 3.6-18 with the H59 for 1150 in like new condition...
 

freebird

WKR
Joined
Nov 15, 2015
Messages
335
Location
SW Idaho
If the Mark 5 would have been available when I bought my NXS, I think my 6.5 prc would be sporting a mark 5 now.
 

CaliforniaMuley209

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 21, 2018
Messages
212
Location
California
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Just got my mark 5 3 to 18. Love it so far. Light and compact glass seems great. The reticle is a little thick on higher powers but not enough to bother me.
 
OP
T
Joined
Mar 24, 2016
Messages
368
Location
Brenham, TX
Ended up buying the Mark 5 non-illuminated. Now the search for rings...building off a Gunwerks action and the two piece bases are weaver style which significantly limits my ring availability for 35mm. Right now leaning towards the Warnes. Would like a matched pair of rings but everything I've come across are mil spec only.
 
Joined
May 28, 2013
Messages
1,625
Location
Littleton, CO
Ended up buying the Mark 5 non-illuminated. Now the search for rings...building off a Gunwerks action and the two piece bases are weaver style which significantly limits my ring availability for 35mm. Right now leaning towards the Warnes. Would like a matched pair of rings but everything I've come across are mil spec only.

I would measure the bolt pattern on the action and compare it to other actions that are available. This website gives the dimensions in the description. I doubt gunwerks would be that stupid to do a proprietary bolt spacing and then not offer it for sale on their website.


Pretty sure the above company can get you taken care of.

I would take a hard look at these rings.
 
Last edited:

msstate56

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 18, 2018
Messages
143
Location
Mississippi
Anyone actually beat on a Leupold mark 5?

and wrung the nuts off the turrets?

If by beat on- you mean 3 back country hunts, dropping and dragging it up and down mountains, taking a full body weight and full pack weight fall on ice landing on top of it, running one through 2 national level sniper competitions? Then yes I’ve beat on a couple. If by wrung the nuts off the turrets- you mean dialing upwards of 5,000 plus times in long range practice and a couple dozen PRS matches? Then yes.
I currently have 3 Mk5s. Only long range and hunting scope I’ll use these days. I had a NF ATACR, which is a level above the NX8, and sold it because the Mk5 is better. Especially in low light.
 
Joined
Dec 14, 2021
Messages
4
Looking for my current .308 build. Leupy 3.5-18 or NX8 2-20x?

I've researched both and both have their attributes. I know I can't go wrong with either. Leupold has a bigger tube and smaller bell and NF has smaller tube and bigger bell...

Thoughts?
I recently bought a Mk5 3.6-18x44 and it’s dang near perfect in my opinion. Every scope has its critics but tracking on mine has been spot on, form factor is awesome, and the TMR reticle is fantastic.
 
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