Torn on optic choices for a new rifle

[Adamc55]

I'm totally switching up my "Western" hunting rifle. I'm downsizing from 300wm to a Seekins element hunter in 6.5 PRC. I've been working with Eurooptics and have a decent quote from them on multiple items, I am struggling with a decision on the optic though. Originally I was looking into the Trijicon tenmile HX 5-25x50. I have a couple Trijicon optics and I've been happy with them, but I've always wanted to dip my toes into Nightforce. I was heavily considering the NX8 2.5-20 but there are so many conflicting opinions on it, especially the eye box. The NX8 4-32 is also an option, although it is at the top of the list price-wise and this whole set up isn't exactly a cheap date to begin with... Then this morning I discovered the new NX6 line, specifically the 5-30x56. I noticed it's a little heavier and larger than the NX8's but they are saying it has a more forgiving eye box, and with the larger tube and objective lens I would assume it's brighter. If you had to choose between those 4 optics, what would you do? All of the nightforces are within a few hundred dollars of each other. The trijicon is $450 less than the cheapest nightforce which is the NX6. All optics are FFP MOA.

 

[Jake Larsen]

I’d wait for next months pre order of the S2H and grab one of those.

ZeroTech TRACE ADV 3-18×44 FFP Shoot2Hunt
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...oot2Hunt.440916/&share_type=t&link_source=app

While you’re waiting for one to arrive, I’d get a good deal on an RS1.2 or SWFA 3-9 that are about to be flooding the classifieds.


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[Chris in TN]

I’d wait for next months pre order of the S2H and grab one of those.

ZeroTech TRACE ADV 3-18×44 FFP Shoot2Hunt
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic?share_fid=45046&share_tid=440916&url=https://www.rokslide.com/forums/index.php?threads/ZeroTech-TRACE-ADV-3-18×44-FFP-Shoot2Hunt.440916/&share_type=t&link_source=app

While you’re waiting for one to arrive, I’d get a good deal on an RS1.2 or SWFA 3-9 that are about to be flooding the classifieds.


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Believe it or not.....same here.

I have one NF. I will probably buy a non-dialing Trijicon this year for a non-dialing use.

But for western hunting where dialing is a factor, pretty much all of the NF and Trij reticles suck for actual field use. Great optics, terrible reticles that simply weren't designed for actual hunting.

 

[Jake Larsen]

There’s a big thread on the NX-6s. I’d definitely read through it before I purchase one.

I own and use NF optics. They’re great in many ways, but the reticles really do leave a lot to be desired for western hunting. Now there’s other options on the market that solve the problems.


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[Adamc55]

@Jake Larsen I hadn't seen that Zerotech, I'll look it up. Although I think I'd go tenmile for $450 more to gain the extra magnification and larger objective. I'll definitely read through the NX6 thread before deciding on anything.

@Jake Larsen @Chris in TN It looks like the zerotech RMG-H reticle is very similar to the reticles I had chosen in the Trijicon and NF. It would be my choice even with the zerotech

 

[Jake Larsen]

@Jake Larsen I hadn't seen that Zerotech, I'll look it up. Although I think I'd go tenmile for $450 more to gain the extra magnification and larger objective. I'll definitely read through the NX6 thread before deciding on anything.

@Jake Larsen @Chris in TN It looks like the zerotech RMG-H reticle is very similar to the reticles I had chosen in the Trijicon and NF. It would be my choice even with the zerotech

Do yourself a favor and read through the Minox ZP5 with THLR thread and try to wrap your head around that reticle. At first I didn’t understand it, but I’ve spent some time behind one now. It’s a genius design, by far the most usable hunting reticle I’ve ever seen. The stripped back version will be even better. Also FWIW, most guys who get into western/LR shooting are never using anything beyond 12-18x. I personally prefer to shoot out to 600 yards with 8-10x. The problem with most of the super high mag range FFP scopes is that you end up with an unusable reticle at low power/low light, which is a very realistic possibility in the field.


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[BluMtn]

I have both NF's you mention and several Tenmile 5x25's, all in SFP. In all honesty I can't really tell a difference in any of them, but I notice the Trijicon's are a little more forgiving in the eyebox.

 

[Thinkingman]

I've said this a dozen times...I have no use for a hunting scope that doesn't dial down to 3X.
I won't give up the FOV for when things happen sooner and closer than you expected.
Furthermore, I'm seeing more posts agreeing with my point about FFP having serious limitations when it comes to the reticle at lower power.
I think 3-18 in SFP is the sweet spot.

 

[Jake Larsen]

I've said this a dozen times...I have no use for a hunting scope that doesn't dial down to 3X.
I won't give up the FOV for when things happen sooner and closer than you expected.
Furthermore, I'm seeing more posts agreeing with my point about FFP having serious limitations when it comes to the reticle at lower power.
I think 3-18 in SFP is the sweet spot.

I’m with you, I’ve been very critical of most FFP reticles on the market. Had several, and moved away from them after having several incidents on animals in low power/low light. That being said,
Check out the modified THLR on the S2H scope. And the full THLR on the ZP5. It’s got a German #1 style center post which makes it perfectly usable on low power. More useable than most 2nd focal plane duplex in low power/low light. Solves all the problems! And for longer range/dialing work, FFP is definitely much superior. You truly get the best of both worlds. Excellent evaluation below, complete with photos and explanations of how to use some of the reticle features.

Minox ZP5 5-25x56mm THLR Field Evaluation
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...aluation.253283/&share_type=t&link_source=app

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[Huntsalot]

I was heavily considering the NX8 2.5-20 but there are so many conflicting opinions on it,

I have a 2.5-20 and I'm very happy with it. The eyebox isn't an issue for me but opinions may vary. I will say I like my Credo HX 2.5-15 just as much or more.