Will Nightforce Ever Offer A Hunter-Friendly Reticle Again?

[HGL]

I've got an NX8 4-32 with the SFP MIL-CF2D reticle and I like it for my hunting style. Many times I'm in thick woods with limited (300 yds or less) shot opportunities. The SFP is great for that and only the center dot illuminates which works well for the low light situations and I'm not at distances where windage is much of a problem.

If I'm hunting where I have the opportunity for longer shots, the reticle subtends at 16 power and 32 power (2 scales, top and bottom). In these situations I just leave the scope on 16 power which is plenty of zoom for extended shots and I can make wind holds with the top "larger" scale.

So it's kind of having the best of both worlds (reticle wise) without too much compromise and very well designed for its particular style of use, imo.

 

[SDHNTR]

In the niche scope world- and FFP 2.5-15x huntings files are niche; mils dominate. Hence, Maven- like most others, sell many more FFP mild scopes than they do FFP MOA scopes.

I suppose you’re right in that FFP together with MOA is probably less common. Nevertheless, why would Maven deliberately design one reticle choice to suck? Why even offer it to begin with if not willing to take the care to make it effective and usable?

 

[SDHNTR]

I've got an NX8 4-32 with the SFP MIL-CF2D reticle and I like it for my hunting style. Many times I'm in thick woods with limited (300 yds or less) shot opportunities. The SFP is great for that and only the center dot illuminates which works well for the low light situations and I'm not at distances where windage is much of a problem.

If I'm hunting where I have the opportunity for longer shots, the reticle subtends at 16 power and 32 power (2 scales, top and bottom). In these situations I just leave the scope on 16 power which is plenty of zoom for extended shots and I can make wind holds with the top "larger" scale.

So it's kind of having the best of both worlds (reticle wise) without too much compromise and very well designed for its particular style of use, imo.

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I own this scope too in FFP, and I don’t disagree with your logic, except to say that the second 16x from 16-32 is needless. (16x is still a bit too much in SFP, imo, but not by a lot)

It simply would’ve been a better scope, more cost effective, easier to get behind, lighter weight, etc if it were just a NX4, 4-16x! Would be a lot easier to make the FFP reticle useable at 4x too. 8x+ erectors are gimmicks, imo.

Evidence, once again, NF either doesn’t understand, or doesn’t care about us hunters.

 

[HGL]

I own this scope too in FFP, and I don’t disagree with your logic, except to say that the second 16x from 16-32 is needless. (16x is still a bit too much in SFP, imo, but not by a lot)

It simply would’ve been a better scope, more cost effective, easier to get behind, lighter weight, etc if it were just a NX4, 4-16x! Would be a lot easier to make the FFP reticle useable at 4x too. 8x+ erectors are gimmicks, imo.

Agreed, that would be a great scope, I'm definitely down with an FFP NX4 or NX6!

 

[SDHNTR]

Agreed, that would be a great scope, I'm definitely down with an FFP NX4 or NX6!

FWIW, the SHV 4-14x50, isn’t bad. Until NF decides it wants more of my money, it’s an acceptable compromise. The reticle is mostly usable at 4X. In dark cover, turn the illumination on, and it’s quite functional. Yes, it lacks a proper zero stop and it’s not quite NX8 level glass clarity, but it works and it’s also $1000 cheaper.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I own this scope too in FFP, and I don’t disagree with your logic, except to say that the second 16x from 16-32 is needless. (16x is still a bit too much in SFP, imo, but not by a lot)

It simply would’ve been a better scope, more cost effective, easier to get behind, lighter weight, etc if it were just a NX4, 4-16x! Would be a lot easier to make the FFP reticle useable at 4x too. 8x+ erectors are gimmicks, imo.

Evidence, once again, NF either doesn’t understand, or doesn’t care about us hunters.

I don’t think it should come as any surprise that hunters are not their target market.