Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 vs Nightforce NX6 2-12x42? Help me decide

[SkunkCabbage]

what was the consensus

Got a shipping notification today, to be determined

 

[100percent]

Got a shipping notification today, to

I have recently been bighting my nails trying to decide on an optic for my sheep rifle and have decided that paying for reliability in a compact package along with aesthetics leads me to these 2 nightforce options - the NX6 2-12x42 and the NXS 2-10x42.

Really looking for input on the two scopes and specifically what reticle / focal plane you recommend for my use case: Mountain hunting.

I definitely do not love the ffp reticle option on the new nx6 so but can be convinced otherwise if people think ffp would be that much of an advantage, even with 12x max range.

Open to any and all ideas.
Thanks.

I am debating this myself but, keep talking myself out of the nx6. I have tried them all and for the last 10-12 years nxs 2.5-10’s are on all my hunting rifles with mostly moar 30 reticles (two velocity 600 and a G7 mixed in). All rifles mentioned are outfitted with the same stock and action. With time and practice, one can become extremely proficient at drawing a sight picture on game, close or far, set almost permanently to 10X so, that’s how I roll. If a quick shot is needed, I use subtensions. If the situation allows, I dial at extended ranges. It is just idiot proof and works for me!

My first consideration is that I would really like 2 more power on extended pd shooting and long range target shooting but, I’m already stretching the limits with close shots and I think a permanent 12X setting might be just too narrow !
My second is that I might like it too much and it would be a considerable cost to upfit everything to new!

However, with the prices of second hand nxs 2.5-10, currently, I might be able to do it for less than I originally projected. To the contrary, current appreciation and demand for nxs 2.5-10 is also a pretty good clue for me to just stay with what is working for me and evidently a lot of others.

Let us know how you come out!

 

[Krumfola]

Another vote for the NXS here. I prefer the smaller turrets of the NXS compared to the NX6 and NX8. The larger turrets don’t adversely affect the weight or balance but they seem oversized on a hunting rifle.

 

[SkunkCabbage]

Honestly there is no wrong answer and it comes down what you want out of the optic the most.
I own both, I also have experience with NX8/ATACRs with Mil-C/XT and FC-DMX.

I'll say this. I will not be replacing any of my NXS to replace with NX6 as i don't feel its any bit beneficial for my needs or use case. I will not be selling this NX6 either. I like it. I like both optics.

NXS Compact Pros
-compact size and form factor
-smaller turrets
-MIl-R SFP reticle is easy enough see, arguable in SFP whats easier to see this or the FC-MRx. If the Stadia stayed black the whole way instead of hollow it would be an even further improvment.

Cons
-Open windage, its never been a problem for me but I do give it a visual and I am careful how i handle my rifle. Its never been bumped for me. Its not really a concern.
-Illumination is not used unless its lower light conditions its not as bright as the NX6

NX6 Pros
-Reticle is easy to use in all mag ranges. Stadia are bigger and thicker than the Mil-R.
-Capped Windage
-Illumination is better than the NXS
-Half decent scope caps, eliminates the need for butler creeks but will still need to be taped on as they could be slightly snugger.
-The Field-Set turret is slick. Works well.

-Cons
-FFP can still pose to be a deturrant for some people on lower powers. I find it will work just fine with those Stadia.
-The xmas tree hold overs don't need to go to 20 mils. I can't speak about the gas gun guys who will run these.

The Mil-R is a great reticle both in SFP and FFP (4-16x42 ATACR). FC-MRx is a very usable reticle as well, I have experience with both the NX8 and ATACR 1-8s with the FC-DMX and I like them.

If it were me in the market right now and you are OK with FFP or specifically wanting that feature alone I'd go NX6.
If you think it would really matter for 2x extra power go NX6.
If you are buying a NXS at a discount thats cheaper than the cost of a new NX6 it would be a toss up. Depends how tight of a budget you are on.
The cost of a new NXS vs a new NX6 at least up in Canada I would go NX6. I think if price wasn't a factor, id still go NX6.

Right now, i'd still pick up a NX6 if I was outfitting a rifle and was in the market for a scope.