New scope for elk rifle - which one / brand?

[hans17]

Have a TS Customs rifle coming in 7mm mag, 6.75 lb bare rifle for chasing elk / muley's in the mountains. Recommendations on a second focal plane scope? Goal is sub 25 oz and a scope that will handle scabbards, packs, a drop on the rocks, and still be ready for an accurate shot on the last day. Appreciate the input!

 

[Ram94]

Are you looking to dial or set-it & forget it?

 

[hans17]

dial elevation, and either hold wind or dial that. i practice out to 800, comfortable shooting to 600 hunting

 

[Ram94]

Well you won’t get much tougher than Nightforce and if budget isn’t an issue then check out the NXS 2.5-10x42. If budget is an issue, the SHV 3-10x42 is a great scope. March 2.5-25x42 is a great option as well but fairly expensive.


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[tdot]

Nightforce NXS 2.5-10, with capped turrets.
(The capped turrets are just as repeatable as their uncapped version, just with a cap to protect them in a scabbard)

Nightforce SHV in any magnification range with capped turrets.

 

[slm9s]

Yep, a approx budget would help.

 

[hans17]

Budget up to $2,500 fine.

 

[hans17]

Like the weight and reputation for toughness of the nightforce nxs 2.5-10. have read the glass is pretty average, but have not looked through one.

 

[slm9s]

Are you the kind of guy who thinks 10x is enough for long shots or are you looking for a wide power range up to 18/20/24?

 

[hans17]

When actually hunting 10-12 power is what I find I use, so anywhere 12-18 should be plenty.

 

[slm9s]

I'd look at March or maybe the nf nx8 - the 2.5-20 is 28oz, so close to your goal.

 

[hans17]

Thinking sfp, the low light timber type shots not sure how easy ffp like an nxs 2.5-20 would be. Not a fan on counting on illumination or maybe better said counting on a battery not being dead on top of a mountain. Or maybe it's just my inexperience w/ ffp?

 

[slm9s]

I agree with you, I like SFP for hunting. The March comes in SFP with or without illumination...

 

[6mm Remington]

Leupold 4.5-14x40mm with the B&C reticle would be an excellent choice. It sure seems to work well for me on my 280AI.

 

[Ram94]

He’s looking for a tough scope though

 

[hans17]

Was thinking of a VX-6 3-18, concern is tough/repeatable/made to dial? Like the weight, locking turrets, and glass.

 

[30338]

Like the weight and reputation for toughness of the nightforce nxs 2.5-10. have read the glass is pretty average, but have not looked through one.

Mine seems quite nice in regards to glass. More importantly it consistently dials and holds zero. I'll pick up another at the right used price soon.

 

[brsnow]

I have SWFA 3-9x42 mildot one and trijicon accupoint 3-9x40 with mildot. SWFA on 6.5CM and accupoint on .308. Took trial err and $$$ to get almost back to where I started

 

[tdot]

Like the weight and reputation for toughness of the nightforce nxs 2.5-10. have read the glass is pretty average, but have not looked through one.

The quality of the NXS glass is pretty good. I'm a Swaro whore for my binos and spotting scopes. But for an optic that I often spend only seconds (max a minute) looking through, the NXS glass is more then sufficient. Something that is 10oz heavier, might give you a couple minute advantage at first or last light.

If you want a tough scope, more then 10x and 20oz or less, that dials, that combo of traits doesnt exist. You'll have to give up something.

 

[tdot]

Was thinking of a VX-6 3-18, concern is tough/repeatable/made to dial? Like the weight, locking turrets, and glass.

You'll find various opinions on the toughness of a VX-6. I personally think that speaks volumes. If its failed for as many people as it has, I wouldn't consider it a tough scope.