Nightforce: NXS 3.5-15x50 or 5.5-22x50??

[DavidRSA]

Trying to choose between the two. Just getting into long range/precision rifle shooting. Not taking any cost difference into account, is there any reason NOT to get the one with the higher magnification?

[CSTactical]

It depends, what is the purpose you are buying it for and what is your max distance that you are planning on shooting it out to?

Thanks,

Mike @ CST

[DavidRSA]

It depends, what is the purpose you are buying it for and what is your max distance that you are planning on shooting it out to?

Thanks,

Mike @ CST

Since I have a .308, I guess I wont be going out much past 1000 yards! I want to get invovled with the CAPRC in their shoots, and am signed up for a few "Sniper" classes as well, which go out to 1000 yards....

[FLIGHT762]

I had the same dilemma as you and I opted for the 15X since the scope was 2nd focal plane. Your mil holdovers have to be used at max power. I felt that the 22X in a 2nd focal plane might be too much, since with a lot of mirage, you may have to dial down a bit. With either scope you can dial down half (7.5 X for the 15X and 11X for the 22X) and just half your holdovers. I have the 3.5X15X50 NXS/MLR and am happy with it. I can get out to 1000 with no problems.

If I was getting a 1st focal plane scope, I'd get the 22X since your holdovers and mil calculations can be made at any power.

[DavidRSA]

I felt that the 22X in a 2nd focal plane might be too much, since with a lot of mirage, you may have to dial down a bit.

Ah! Never considers this. Thanks! Leaning strongly towards the 3.5-15

[ZX-10R]

Long range...Long mag. Get the highest you can get...Especially at that price range, you do not want to have remorse.

[Stringer]

Leaning strongly towards the 3.5-15

It's a more versatile magnification range. I have a 3.5-15x NF and a 6-24x SIII, and I am consistently frustrated with the magnification range of the SIII, because of mirage and small FOV. I never set the SIII at 24x anymore, it's always at 12x. I leave my NF at 15x most of the time, but if I need to find a target quickly, I dial it down to 10x or lower. The SIII's 6x low end is not very useful at all, and that's virtually the same FOV as the 5.5-22x NF at 5.5x. If I was only benchrest shooting, I'd go with the 5.5-22x, but for timed matches and/or hunting, the 3.5-15x is perfect.

[Black Majik]

Higher mag isn't always the best, or most useful. At 22x especially in CA you get a lot of mirage. I use a 5.5-22x NXS and find myself using 11x most of the time. Sometimes I wish I could dial to max at 15x with the 3.5-15x NXS instead of 11x with my 5.5-22x

[CSTactical]

For a 308 I would recommend a 3-15x50mm SF. At 15x you will still be very fast for follow up shots and will provide enough magnification at 1k. I have used a 3-15x50mm in a lot of competitions and they have worked great for me.

Here is a video of me using a NF 3.5-15x50mm w/ the 0-Stop turret. It would have been really nice to have the High Speed Turrets in this match.


Mike @ CST

[Sharpasacrayon]

Listen to Mike, he knows what he is talking about. With a scope dialed up to 22x, besides mirage, you will notice every little bit of movement you make. Go with the 3-15x50 and be happy. If cost isn't an issue, go with the Premier 3-15x50. I has much better glass than the NF. I own one of each.

[CSTactical]

They Premier are very nice we have a 3-15x50mm DT 27mil RAD Turret and GEN II.

Mike @ CST

[Packy14]

how much is the NF 15x you're looking at... show a link.

[DavidRSA]

I already ordered one, the 3.5-15X

From Mike at CS!

[uscbigdawg]

Good call on the scope and ordering it from Mike. He's the man!!!

Rich

[Packy14]

how much?