New scope for elk rifle - which one / brand?

[RS3579]

My next scope will probably be a Nightforce 2.5-10x42. I little heavier than a leupold but I’m going for durability.

 

[radiohead71]

My next scope will probably be a Nightforce 2.5-10x42. I little heavier than a leupold but I’m going for durability.

I hope to start hunting soon. Still deciding on a rifle, but I've already chosen my scope, Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42.

 

[caballero59]

I treat my rifle like it's made of eggs when on a hunt. Not because of reliability (Leupold has an amazing warranty) but because of zero. Drop any rifle on a rock and you should check your zero again. This can be really unhandy in hunting country. I also notice a trend towards huge magnification. I'm wondering what the point is in being able to resolve much closer than the rifle can be shot? A super clear, lower power fixed scope has a ton going for it.

 

[caballero59]

I removed a 6.5-20 and replaced it with the much smaller 4.5-12 on a medium weight 6 BR and can shoot it as good. If you can't estimate the range between 550 and 575 yds, or can't allow for every nuance of wind swirl along the way, I think your packing weight for nothing.

 

[nuclear worker]

I removed a 6.5-20 and replaced it with the much smaller 4.5-12 on a medium weight 6 BR and can shoot it as good. If you can't estimate the range between 550 and 575 yds, or can't allow for every nuance of wind swirl along the way, I think your packing weight for nothing.

I removed a 6.5-20 and replaced it with the much smaller 4.5-12 on a medium weight 6 BR and can shoot it as good. If you can't estimate the range between 550 and 575 yds, or can't allow for every nuance of wind swirl along the way, I think your packing weight for nothing.

I removed a 6.5-20 and replaced it with the much smaller 4.5-12 on a medium weight 6 BR and can shoot it as good. If you can't estimate the range between 550 and 575 yds, or can't allow for every nuance of wind swirl along the way, I think your packing weight for nothing.

 

[nuclear worker]

I never see anything above Trijicon scopes. Me and my wife both have used them. Are we missing something? Seems like they worked fine for us?

 

[doc88]

If weight is not an issue.... for toughness, great glass look at the NF ATACR 5-25x56 Enhanced MOART reticle. Great hunting SFP tough scope. If you haven't seen this reticle you need to. It is a little finer than the MOAR reticle. This is a $2500 scope. As others have already said there are many scopes under that price mark that will work. But, if you are going to spend that kind of money , the ATACR Enhanced is worth consideration.

 

[drlfc]

Anybody have an opinion on a Swarovski Z6i 3-18x50? I have a budget up to $3500 if need be. I just want the best for hunting sheep.

 

[freddyG]

Anyone use both the NXS and ATACR? Is the glass noticeably better in the ATACR to where it would make a difference on a first / last light shot, or more of a nicer to have but won't change the shot opportunity and you're lugging some extra weight?

ATACR glass is superior by a long ways. The shot at first/last light is going to come down to what scope and objective size you are comparing.

 

[freddyG]

Why doesn’t anyone ever mention the swaro X5? Is it not tough enough? I also have swaro spotter, binos and scope. Not an X5 yet though.

They are not even in the same reliability universe as NF. For similar money, one would be a fool to buy Swaro. Mine lasted 600 rounds before failing to hold POI. All on a 7-08.

 

[freddyG]

Anybody have an opinion on a Swarovski Z6i 3-18x50? I have a budget up to $3500 if need be. I just want the best for hunting sheep.

Get an ATACR, and be done. Second guessing your equipment is a horrible way to hunt. Been there done that.

 

[Ram94]

Except for a sheep rifle the ATACR is about 10lbs too heavy lol

Only kind of kidding. I think if you are looking for a reliable dialing scope at a backpack hunting weight, either the nxs 2.5-10x42, SHV 3-10x42, SWFA 3-9 or a March 2.5-25x42


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[ericF]

They are not even in the same reliability universe as NF. For similar money, one would be a fool to buy Swaro. Mine lasted 600 rounds before failing to hold POI. All on a 7-08.

Is this an X5 that failed for you or one of their lesser models?

 

[270quest]

My NF NXS 2.5-10x42 MOAR will be here tomorrow...when I envision the ultimate back country scope - this is it.

 

[Wyatt.Carter]

The new vortex rzr LH looks awesome with some of the new features they added , will probably be my next scope!

 

[alvardoeddie]

I would really look at the Zeiss V-6 3-18

 

[freddyG]

That’s what I thought

Is this an X5 that failed for you or one of their lesser models?

X5. The glass wasn’t even as good as my ATACR or BEAST. Lesson learned.

 

[CAElkhunter]

I have used Leupold scopes for 20 + years in all types of terrain and weather conditions.
Customer service is great. They always respond and take care of any issue I have.

My recent favorite is the VX6 HD scope 3 X 18 50 mm objective. Great bang for the buck.
Light gathering at early and late is great for Elk hunting in my opinion.

Optics is where you want to spend your $. I prefer the Leupold scope value proposition and then spend my savings on a good pair of Swaro binos to go with it.

 

[caballero59]

Leupold are a great value and the customer service is amazing. I have them on all my rifles.

 

[drlfc]

Thanks for the help. Today I'm ordering a Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 and yesterday I received a pair of Swarovski EL Range 10x42 binos.
Which reticle do you guys like the best?