Nightforce NXS

[Oregonmuley]

One thing though that needs mentioning. These are short scopes - as in tough to mount properly on a long action. So if you are hoping to use rings versus a rail and rings it could be an issue on a LA rifle. I just barely got it mounted right on my rifle and its a short action.

As you can see not much room to go fore ward or back to get the right eye relief.

 

[BjornF16]

I have an older NXS 3.5-15x56 (no longer offered).

Great scope, wish I had gone FFP though.

Heavy too…

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I had a few of the NXS 2.5-10 scopes, I loved everything about them except the reticles. They were terrible for all but the brightest conditions. I’d constantly lose the crosshairs on the center.

 

[Antares]

One thing though that needs mentioning. These are short scopes - as in tough to mount properly on a long action. So if you are hoping to use rings versus a rail and rings it could be an issue on a LA rifle. I just barely got it mounted right on my rifle and its a short action.

As you can see not much room to go fore ward or back to get the right eye relief.

I'm having a similar issue right now trying to mount an NXS 2.5-10x42 on a Tikka. I'm trying to avoid a rail because I'm trying to keep the scope low. I've tried Talley and Hawkins rings, but neither let the scope come back far enough for the eye relief I want. My current plan is to use Sportmatch rings on the integrated dovetail. I'm probably going to end up with the front ring somewhere over the ejection port. I'm hoping that doesn't cause any issues.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I had a few of the NXS 2.5-10 scopes, I loved everything about them except the reticles. They were terrible for all but the brightest conditions. I’d constantly lose the crosshairs on the center.

Of the higher end scopes I can live with the reticles in the Compacts. I have a discontinued model that has the mil-dot reticle in it, I may be the only one that likes it and so far I've had great luck with that scope. During elk season last year it was pretty nasty weather - grey foggy days with not a lot of light and I could see the reticle well enough it never seemed lost. My other 2 both have the MOAR reticle which seems to be OK for a hunting reticle - not ideal maybe but I'm getting used to it.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Of the higher end scopes I can live with the reticles in the Compacts. I have a discontinued model that has the mil-dot reticle in it, I may be the only one that likes it and so far I've had great luck with that scope. During elk season last year it was pretty nasty weather - grey foggy days with not a lot of light and I could see the reticle well enough it never seemed lost. My other 2 both have the MOAR reticle which seems to be OK for a hunting reticle - not ideal maybe but I'm getting used to it.

Both of mine had the MILr, I thought they would be great since I liked the SWFA MIL scopes so it was sort of a letdown. I tried to convince myself that the NXS was the ultimate, then sold one, then went back to SWFA, ended up selling my other NXS.

 

[SDHNTR]

Pros: as rugged as anything made and very dependable. Works as a scope should.

Cons: oppressively heavy. Lousy reticle for hunting. The compacts are short and can be challenging to mount. Glass is just Ok. Sufficient, but nothing to write home about.

As you can see, the cons outnumber the pros. But for those that value rugged dependability over anything else, it’s a great choice.

If NF could ever figure out how to shave a few ounces without reducing reliability, and provide a simplified reticle, they’d absolutely own the market. Tall order, apparently. Sure wish there wasn’t such a strong compromise required to own a NF, but that’s the reality.

FWIW, Talley double extended bases work great for mounting a compact on a long action without a rail.

 

[Geewhiz]

I have the scope you are talking about. It is big and heavy but It is on a 338 RUM which is not small. I have zero complaints.

 

[Brandon.miller.4]

Currently own two nightforce scopes, one of them being an NXS in 5.5-22x50. Your preferences may vary but I'd consider the 50mm bell. Those 56mm housings get pretty large and in the way/heavy IMO. That being said I'd say there's a reason people who buy a nightforce have a tough time buying anything else afterwards! Confidence in my gear is very high on my priority list and I have that with both of my NF scopes

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

One thing though that needs mentioning. These are short scopes - as in tough to mount properly on a long action. So if you are hoping to use rings versus a rail and rings it could be an issue on a LA rifle. I just barely got it mounted right on my rifle and its a short action.

As you can see not much room to go fore ward or back to get the right eye relief.

Thank you for the heads up! That’s a nice looking rig love it.

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

I have an older NXS 3.5-15x56 (no longer offered).

Great scope, wish I had gone FFP though.

Heavy too…

Glad you like it!

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

I had a few of the NXS 2.5-10 scopes, I loved everything about them except the reticles. They were terrible for all but the brightest conditions. I’d constantly lose the crosshairs on the center.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

Pros: as rugged as anything made and very dependable. Works as a scope should.

Cons: oppressively heavy. Lousy reticle for hunting. The compacts are short and can be challenging to mount. Glass is just Ok. Sufficient, but nothing to write home about.

As you can see, the cons outnumber the pros. But for those that value rugged dependability over anything else, it’s a great choice.

If NF could ever figure out how to shave a few ounces without reducing reliability, and provide a simplified reticle, they’d absolutely own the market. Tall order, apparently. Sure wish there wasn’t such a strong compromise required to own a NF, but that’s the reality.

FWIW, Talley double extended bases work great for mounting a compact on a long action without a rail.

Man thanks for this info! Lots of good pros and cons. I agree if they could find ways to lower weight and bump up glass would be a winner but I suppose that’s why they have the NX8’s.

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

I have the scope you are talking about. It is big and heavy but It is on a 338 RUM which is not small. I have zero complaints.

Sounds like a killer setup! Thanks for sharing

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

Currently own two nightforce scopes, one of them being an NXS in 5.5-22x50. Your preferences may vary but I'd consider the 50mm bell. Those 56mm housings get pretty large and in the way/heavy IMO. That being said I'd say there's a reason people who buy a nightforce have a tough time buying anything else afterwards! Confidence in my gear is very high on my priority list and I have that with both of my NF scopes

Great info thank you. This scares me if I buy one I may want more haha.

 

[justin davis]

I have a NXS 3-15x50. Badass scope. Love it. Great for dialing. Reticle has never been an issue for me

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

I have a NXS 3-15x50. Badass scope. Love it. Great for dialing. Reticle has never been an issue for me

That Mag range sounds nice.

 

[Brandon.miller.4]

Alot of people talking about how heavy they are. I like it... and no I don't mean I like stuff that weighs more for no reason. I like it because you just can't have it all and I'll take a heavy reliable scope over a light unreliable scope every day of the week.

 

[Kyle Wheeler]

Alot of people talking about how heavy they are. I like it... and no I don't mean I like stuff that weighs more for no reason. I like it because you just can't have it all and I'll take a heavy reliable scope over a light unreliable scope every day of the week.

I totally agree. This is why I’m a little hesitant with my LHT for more extreme hunts.

 

[Brandon.miller.4]

I always get a kick out of guys counting ounces that have literal pounds hanging on the front of their body! Seems like a no Brainer to lose 10 pounds for free before you pay oodles of money for 10 ounces lol!