NF NXS or NX8 or ATACR for mountain rifle

[BjornF16]

I’ve got a Kimber MA in 280 AI that I’m looking to re-scope. Current setup is 6.5 lbs.

I don’t want to have scope fail in mountains, so looking for reliable and rugged scope. I currently have Swarovski Z5 on it but am looking primarily at NF.

I have an NXS 3.5-15x56 but that is too bulky of a scope. But I like the glass.

I’m currently considering:
NXS 2.5-10x42 MOAR (SFP). Lightest of the bunch.
NX8 2.5-20x50 (FFP)
ATACR 4-16x42 (FFP)

I have never fondled the NX8 or ATACR.

I’m also considering the March compact 2.5-25x42 if I can find a good deal on one. (I can get NF Mil/LE discounts).

I prefer FFP and ability to adjust parallax.

I’d consider the SWFA SS if their 3-15 was HD (I have their 5-25x50 HD SS).

Appreciate inputs from those with NF and March experience on mountain rifles.

 

[sneaky]

I just took a Z5 off my Cooper 92 280AI and I'm replacing it with a Meopta Optika6 to try out. They're available in FFP with a lot more reticle options and reviews have been favorable on them. I went with a SFP on this first one as I don't plan on dialing with it. If it holds up I'll probably try a FFP on the next one. Never had any issues with any of the NXS scopes I've used, never been behind a March so I can't add anything useful there.

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[thinhorn_AK]

I have an nxs 2-5-10 on a Kimber Montana, the whole setup is under 6.5lbs, it’s awesome.

 

[Lawnboi]

Might as well throw the 4-14 shv f1 in there if your talking swfa.

I want all those scopes

 

[LightFoot]

The NX8 is a great option for FFP. I ended up with the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x44 over the NX8. I got a good deal on it. Leupold offers a great military discount. I also just picked up a 2nd one for $900 at bass pro.



>>>----JAKE----->

 

[BjornF16]

Might as well throw the 4-14 shv f1 in there if your talking swfa.

I want all those scopes

SHV 4-14 F1: 14.8” long, 30 oz, 3.1” eye relief

NXS 2.5-10x42: 11.9” long, 20.5 oz, 3.3” eye relief

NX8 2.5-20x50: 12” long, 28.3 oz, 3.5” eye relief

ATACR 4-16x42: 12.6” long, 30 oz, 3.5” eye relief

SWFA SS 3-15x42: 13.7” long, 24 oz, 3.8” eye relief

The SHV is longest, heaviest (tied) and shortest eye relief.

I’m leaning towards NXS or NX8. NXS is lightest, has parallax adjustment; not sure about being happy with 3.3” eye relief on mountain rifle. This may also go on 8 lb 300 WSM...

 

[DropTyne]

I too prefer FFP scopes over SFP. I have the SWFA 3-9×42 on my Forbes 270 and getting ready to mount one on my NULA 30-06. No, it doesn't have parallax adjustment, but I have never had an issue. The 3-9 works well for my might rigs.

 

[Ryan Avery]

NX8

 

[1shotgear]

The NX8 is by far the best option for a lightweight mountain rifle. It is much lighter and more compact than the other scopes, it's first focal plane so your wind holds will remain consistent, the wind-age turret is capped, and the magnification range covers absolutely every scenario you could run into on a mountain hunting situation!

 

[MidGAHunter]

I have the NX8 2.5-20x50 and love it. Both the ATACR and NXS are great options too but for the money and FFP, the NX8 is nice.

 

[BjornF16]

What is good lightweight mount for the NX8?

Any quirks with the NX8 compactness regarding rings?... like need extended rail or issues with eye relief with Talleys?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve had zero issues with the eye relief on the 2.5-10, it’s a non issue.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What is good lightweight mount for the NX8?

Any quirks with the NX8 compactness regarding rings?... like need extended rail or issues with eye relief with Talleys?

from the ones I’ve seen, you’ll need a rail and rings because the available mounting area of the scope is fairly limited so you’ll need the rail to really move the scope forward or back. Not an issue but you’ll add weight and having the 50mm lense means it has to be mounted higher which may or may not suit you. They are awesome scopes but I’d do anything in my power to look at one in person or even mounted before dropping that sort of $$$.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Might as well throw the 4-14 shv f1 in there if your talking swfa.

I want all those scopes

those are good scopes, not a great choice for a lightweight mountain rifle though.

 

[JollyRoger]

I’ve been using the ATACR 4-16x42 on my mountain rifle for a while now and I love it. Yes it’s heavy. But it’s a fantastic scope and as durable as it gets. It’s low profile and a great mag range.

I’ve also used the SWFA 3-15, and SHV 4-14 F1 on hunting rifles. They work well also, I think the NFs have better clarity at distance than that SWFA. But we’re talking 700-1000+. At more reasonable ranges the SWFA 3-15 is just fine. I chose the ATACR over them for this rifle cause of its compact size, features and weight... plus the SHV topped rifle shoots so good I have no need to mess with it .

I use the 3-9 a ton too but that’s not the mag range you’re considering. I like it better than the 3-15 for hunting.


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[BjornF16]

I have an nxs 2-5-10 on a Kimber Montana, the whole setup is under 6.5lbs, it’s awesome.

What scope mount are you using?

84M or L?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

What scope mount are you using?

84M or L?

It’s an 84m, at the moment just talley lows.

 

[carter33]

Big fan of the NXS 2.5-10 I think it is the best current compromise of a durable, reliably dialing scope while remaining light and compact. I had always had higher magnification scopes and for hunting purposes do not miss that a single bit. Just shot it out to 1000yds recently on a lightweight 6.5 PRC and did not struggle at all. That being said of course a little higher power makes it easier to shoot better groups at a further range. But unless you plan on taking shots on game at over say 600 yards the 10 power is great and if you are a good enough shot to be taking game that far I doubt it’ll hinder you much anyways.

Do wish I could cap the windage though.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Big fan of the NXS 2.5-10 I think it is the best current compromise of a durable, reliably dialing scope while remaining light and compact. I had always had higher magnification scopes and for hunting purposes do not miss that a single bit. Just shot it out to 1000yds recently on a lightweight 6.5 PRC and did not struggle at all. That being said of course a little higher power makes it easier to shoot better groups at a further range. But unless you plan on taking shots on game at over say 600 yards the 10 power is great and if you are a good enough shot to be taking game that far I doubt it’ll hinder you much anyways.

Do wish I could cap the windage though.

I agree, the compact NXS checks a lot of boxes for me as well.

 

[pbcarch]

I just put an NX8 on my long range rifle...really nice scope. It’s seems like its built like a tank, turrets turn really nice (positive clicks) and glass is extremely nice. Got and assume deal on factory demo from EO


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