NF NXS 2.5-10 vs 3-15

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For those of you that have 2.5-10x42, given a redo, would you go with more magnification?

I like the 2.5-10 but wonder if I would want more magnification for long range shooting. For me, long range is out to 700 yards on BLM land shooting at steel. Not at animals.

Thanks for any input.
 

Southern Lights

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The 3-15 is significantly bigger than the 2.5-10. I have both but keep the 2.5-10 mounted on my hunting rifle. Shoot steel with it out to 800 yards.

Generally I find 1-1.5x per 100 yards is what I like to shoot. So 15X I rarely use as it makes the field of view very narrow and harder to spot impacts as the target can jump out of view during recoil at closer in ranges.
 
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There are a lot of “use case” variables here (hunting, plinking, targets, tactical, all of the above). I think 10x if you're keeping it within 500 yards but, if you're stretching beyond, I like more power. Also dependent on reticle style/ stadia width/ target size. Look through a buddy’s 15x or more and see what you think!
 
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How are your eyes?

I have a NXS 2-10 on one of my hunting rifles and a 2.5 x 20 on another.

My 50 year old eyes like more magnification for longer shots.

When I get around to it, I will be converting that 2-10 to a 2.5-20.
 
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Mule3006Elk
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Very helpful. Primarily for hunting. Long range comes into play when I'm checking velocity verification with my Kestrel. Could get the 2.5-10, and, if I really get into long range get a scope more suited to that discipline. Weight is a consideration and the 2.5-10 is 9.5 oz lighter. My rifle will be 6.9 lbs and I would like to keep it on the lighter side for Western Big Game hunting. My hunt areas here in ID are fairly steep.
 

Kurts86

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No the 2.5-10x has been good for me out to 1000 yards on steel and is fine within hunting ranges. The form factor and weight of the 2.5-10 is unique where there are a lot more options in the size and weight with the 3-15 NXS.
 

2-Stix

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I have both. The 2.5x on the 6.5CM and .308 and the 3x on my 7rm. The 3x is nicer, bigger, has better turrets, and is heavier but my groups are the same with both scopes. I feel the magnification does not make me shoot better from what I can tell. I do like the 3x more...but I dont like the weight. The 3x has the rotating eyepiece the 2.5x does not. I like them both for different uses and they have different pluses and minus. The illumination is different also. The 7rm at the range I use out to 600 and run it on most hunts. I treat my 7rm as a 500 yard rifle, the 6.5 as a 400 and the 308 as a 300 so the scopes are applied that way. The 308 is for thick timber, lightweight 8# high mountain hunts, the 6.5 is my sons 8#4oz and the 7rm is long and heavy 9#8oz with a muzzle break and a heck of a shooter.
 
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Mule3006Elk
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I ordered the 2.5-10x42 plus it came with a $250 git certificate. It's a great scope for the intended purpose and I'm trying to keep the rifle lighter. I appreciate the feedback it helped me be realistic with what I need, not want. Saves 9.5 oz over the 3x which is a fair amount. I have the ammo and I ordered the cleaning rod/jag/etc. I'll be mounting the scope on a Seekins Precision PH2 in a 6.5 PRC. The PH2 will be the last purchase. Cabelas is now carrying Seekins Precision rifles, but not the PH2, I will see if they can order one. I have a lot of old Cabelas points so hopefully they can come through for me. If not Scheels has them.
 
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A little different route here but I put the Nx8 4-32 on a custom 300 prc hunting rifle.

If I could do it again I’d really consider the atacr 4-20. It weighs a little more but I think has better eye relief.

Nx8 is still an incredible scope though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Mule3006Elk
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I received the 2.5-10x42 NXS. First impressions, glass is clear enough for what it is, put crosshairs on target. Edge to edge clarity is lacking but I bought the scope for it's ability to hold zero and it's toughness; for this reason I'm happy assuming this holds true. As of now it's sitting in my safe unmounted.
 

Jbuck

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You already got your scope, but I've tried a bunch of scopes and the nxs 2.5-10x42 is the best scope for me. Glass is a trade off for what the individual prefers. I'll probably buy another since nothing else has come close to checking as many boxes as other.

Again this is personal preference and what I value as a hunter.

Some of the scopes I'm trying. NX8 2.5-20, Leupold VX5HD 2-10, MK5HD 3.6-18, atacr 4-16x42, lht 3-15.


20240213_174128.jpg
 

Formidilosus

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You already got your scope, but I've tried a bunch of scopes and the nxs 2.5-10x42 is the best scope for me. Glass is a trade off for what the individual prefers. I'll probably buy another since nothing else has come close to checking as many boxes as other.

Again this is personal preference and what I value as a hunter.

Some of the scopes I'm trying. NX8 2.5-20, Leupold VX5HD 2-10, MK5HD 3.6-18, atacr 4-16x42, lht 3-15.


View attachment 741664


What are the two Winchesters?
 
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You already got your scope, but I've tried a bunch of scopes and the nxs 2.5-10x42 is the best scope for me. Glass is a trade off for what the individual prefers. I'll probably buy another since nothing else has come close to checking as many boxes as other.

Again this is personal preference and what I value as a hunter.

Some of the scopes I'm trying. NX8 2.5-20, Leupold VX5HD 2-10, MK5HD 3.6-18, atacr 4-16x42, lht 3-15.


View attachment 741664

Nice setups.
My primary go to is the 2.5-10x42 mil-r. Picked up a baby ATACR for the rokslide special 223 trainer. The 2.5-20 does interest me but I don’t generally like 50mm objectives.
 

SPAZ

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I would say nxs 2.5-10. But sounds like it will be MIL-R only as I'm hearing the MOAR is discontinued. Maybe they are going to add a different reticle in it's place.

OpticsPlanet - "NightForce NXS Compact Rifle Scope, 2.5-10x42mm, 30mm Tube, SFP, Illuminated MOAR Reticle, Black, C458 has been discontinued by NightForce and is no longer available."
 
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