which scope?

[jpx0123]

so, I need to get a scope for my .308 bolt. looking at the nightforce nxs 5.5-22x50 vs the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50. both with in MOA, illuminated reticle and zero stop.

now the nightforce is way more in cost than the Viper. should I save up for the NF or get the cheaper option by half and get the Viper?

is the NF that much better glass than the Vortex? worth the extra money?

this is a range gun. no hunting, not for SHTF etc.. or anything like that. just starting out, and want to get better. want to get out to 800yards plus at some point, but sticking to the 100-200 range til I get better and keep moving out from there.

[ixta70]

If it's going on a range gun, get the cheaper one and use that saved money on ammo. IMO no point in putting something that costs double just for the range.

[Merc1138]

A vortex viper pst 6-24x50 will work just fine out to 1000 yards, provided you've mounted it correctly, have quality ammo, and understand how to do your part. The NF has better image quality, but it's not like the vortex is going to be a useless blur. The turrets might track better on the nightforce as well, but I don't shoot well enough at that distance to notice if they're off by a minute.

[RobG]

The PST does not compare to a NF in any way. The PST is great for the money, however. The Vortex Razor is in the same talk with the NF plus is it ffp if that is something you desire. The Razor can be had for around 1800.00.

[Ding126]

Look at sportoptics.com they are having a sale right now...about 1600.00 shipped. I have purchased 3 NF from them. They will usually give you a cheaper than advertised price when asked...I paid 1800.00 for my last one. They offer just about all makes and models and are pretty helpful.

[Ding126]

Here's the link

http://www.sportoptics.com

[Merc1138]

The PST does not compare to a NF in any way. The PST is great for the money, however. The Vortex Razor is in the same talk with the NF plus is it ffp if that is something you desire. The Razor can be had for around 1800.00.

There's a FFP model of the PST, but yeah the NF would definitely be better long term. If he's even considering it now, might as well buy it now.

[JMP]

There's a FFP model of the PST, but yeah the NF would definitely be better long term. If he's even considering it now, might as well buy it now.

Yeah, I'd skip the SFP model on the PST. The PST has all the bells and whistles, but the glass isn't great. For the $950, it's one of the better scopes you can get for a .308 Winchester. It's perfectly functional to 1km. I'd get the PST since it'll be more than plenty for many calibers, and for a higher end scope, I'd pass on that NF and go bigger. I just find $2,000 scopes less than impressive while there is a lot of choice these days in the $900-$1,200 range. But, I tend to be all-or-nothing.

[Ding126]

Buy once & cry once...

[JMP]

Buy once & cry once...

Unfortunately, that doesn't apply to rifles and scopes. You need to cry a lot more than once.

[CobraRed]

I shot both this past weekend. The NF is a great sturdy piece with very clear glass. The PST has a great feel and is sharp in picture and reticle detail.
If you didn't tell me which cost more and I knew nothing would I be able to tell? Yes, i suppose so. Does it/will it effect my shooting out to 800? Nope, they both track beautifully.

For me when it comes to scopes the FFP PST to the Bushnel 3.5-21 are the best buys out there. Until you get into the S&B or USO range there's isn't going to be a night and day difference.
Most who say there is are just justifying their receipt to themselves and their wives.

[HK Dave]

Your comparison is apples and oranges... one is SFP the other is FFP. They are used in very different disciplines of shooting.

Having said that, for a little more money than the Vortex Viper, find yourself a like new, but used SWFA 5-20x50mm. It should have glass superior to that of the Nightforce you mentioned, will be FFP and be much more scope than you will need for some time.

There will be a significant difference in image quality comparing the SWFA and a Viper PST.

If you want to spend NF money, I would suggest going for the Vortex Razor instead or bump up to a Nightforce F1 and be done with it.

[HK Dave]

BTW, do not ever look through a S&B, Premier, Kahles, Hensoldt, Steiner. It will ruin you forever. :P

[Cypriss32]

SWFA was/is running a special on there 5-20x scopes thats a great deal. I did own a few premiers and wont own them again. I will be buying a NF beast for my DTA SRS A1, its a buy once system. Recently I got a few HDMR's and so far like them. With that said, I A LOT of range time behind leupold, premier and NSX. I love my NSX on my 300win, its a great scope and it takes a beating. I wont buy a Mark 4 again. For my DPMS GII Ill be using a Mark 6 with Horris. Its a super light scope and is basically designed for 308 and Semi Auto platforms.

[CobraRed]

Your comparison is apples and oranges... one is SFP the other is FFP. They are used in very different disciplines of shooting.

Having said that, for a little more money than the Vortex Viper, find yourself a like new, but used SWFA 5-20x50mm. It should have glass superior to that of the Nightforce you mentioned, will be FFP and be much more scope than you will need for some time.

There will be a significant difference in image quality comparing the SWFA and a Viper PST.

If you want to spend NF money, I would suggest going for the Vortex Razor instead or bump up to a Nightforce F1 and be done with it.

I seem to be noticing a fair amount of people who think the PST doesn't come in FFP

The NF and the PST are not used in different disciplines of shooting. I used both less than a week ago at the same range with the same results.