Nightforce NX8 vs Swarovski X5i

[Trm82]

Why's that?

The things I have to say about them are not nice so I'll just leave it there.
If your happy that's all that matters

 

[mtank]

The things I have to say about them are not nice so I'll just leave it there.
If your happy that's all that matters

They definitely went through a rough patch but seem to be doing good now, I'm two for two with them with PRC flavored ridgelines. Myself & two hunting buddies all bought Zpr. ridgelines in 2020 & mounted vx5hd's on them. All sub moa & all with extensive field use yielding meat in the freezers.

 

[sierrastalker]

NF NX8 4x32 1st FP scope (MOAR reticle)

I've got this one, as well. Does everything I need it to, and I really like the reticle. I prefer a nice clean view but still with some subtensions for holding. Since you're mostly sitting in a tree in AL, I'd say you're on the right track with a 2nd FP, as the reticle is TINY at low power on the FFP NX8.

Another thing I read a lot is how the eyebox on these are really tight, and it almost talked me out of buying it. I took the time to carefully set up my scope up correctly and haven't had any issue. It's a great scope, like my other NF's. My next scope will be another NF whenever I get my new 7 SAUM barrel in....although I'm thinking ATAC-R this time.

 

[Raudy707]

@mtank That's great to hear! Always liked the looks of their rifles. Just the QC was crud.

 

[VarmintBob]

I've never seen any glass that compares with Swaro. What good is 32 power in Alabama?

 

[Rocketeer77]

They definitely went through a rough patch but seem to be doing good now, I'm two for two with them with PRC flavored ridgelines. Myself & two hunting buddies all bought Zpr. ridgelines in 2020 & mounted vx5hd's on them. All sub moa & all with extensive field use yielding meat in the freezers.

I have a VX5 that's a great scope, we have had problem issues with two VX3-HD scopes. Put me off the brand to be honest

 

[Rocketeer77]

I've never seen any glass that compares with Swaro. What good is 32 power in Alabama?

For larger sized game hunting anything over 15 magnification power is totally useless, I do think these aren't experienced hunters??
Watching far too much YouTube me thinks.....
The exception is with small varmints and scopes mounted on say a 22-250 where larger magnification is ideal.

 

[mtank]

@mtank That's great to hear! Always liked the looks of their rifles. Just the QC was crud.

My current ridgeline is a combo that's not listed as an option. So I reached out to Jimmy @ CA after he posted his email on a YouTube review on a Ridgeline FFT 7 prc. He's answered all my questions and not just the run down of my rifle. Both my ridgelines felt & shot just as good as they look. Shouldering them fills just right. As far as my current rifle its a limited run for a big box store but I got it from a local mom & pop store. Tan & black stock like on the scouts but a 24" 7 prc with black action & muzzle brake.

 

[Shotts2000]

I've never seen any glass that compares with Swaro. What good is 32 power in Alabama?

I agree with you, that's why I'm torn between the Swarovski and the NX8. I agree that 32x is way too much for my use and would rather have the 2.5-20. I'm just concerned with the eye-box on it.

 

[mtank]

I agree with you, that's why I'm torn between the Swarovski and the NX8. I agree that 32x is way too much for my use and would rather have the 2.5-20. I'm just concerned with the eye-box on it.

Two biggest gripes/concerns for the 2.5x20 is the eye box & mounting limitations.

 

[mtank]

G

I have a VX5 that's a great scope, we have had problem issues with two VX3-HD scopes. Put me off the brand to be honest

i also a vx3 3.5x10x50 with the Boone & Crockett reticle on my browning 30/06

 

[mtank]

I agree with you, that's why I'm torn between the Swarovski and the NX8. I agree that 32x is way too much for my use and would rather have the 2.5-20. I'm just concerned with the eye-box on it.

If you want good glass & don't want big & bulky with the x5iI'd say go Zeiss v6 3x18x50. You'd more than likely be disappointed with the glass on the nx8. There's a post on rokslide where a guy took a few scopes out for lowlight hunting & then ranked his findings. He tested the Zeiss v6 3x18x50, Steiner h6xi 3x18x50, Leica 2.5x15x50(I think ) & trijicon credo. After hunting one weekend with the Steiner he ordered two more. He ranked them best to worst.
1. Steiner
2. Zeiss
3.Leica
4. Trijicon

 

[Starbuck]

Two biggest gripes/concerns for the 2.5x20 is the eye box & mounting limitations.

I agree with this. 32x is at least 15 more X than I have use for. I've shot well out to 1k on 8-10x. My rigs rarely get above 12 while in the field - full disclosure: a lot of my hunting rigs have Bushy 3-12 LRHS/LRTS on them.

That being said, the 4-32 NF is a pretty fantastic scope, and you really don't take much of a weight penalty to schlep it around, so it fits in the "is what it is" category. I'd love for NF to offer a 3-15 with hunter centric FFP close to THLR or Gunwerks G7, but I've learned that NF is kind of like Toyota in that they just do what they're going to do.

 

[Rick Richard]

I agree with this. 32x is at least 15 more X than I have use for. I've shot well out to 1k on 8-10x. My rigs rarely get above 12 while in the field - full disclosure: a lot of my hunting rigs have Bushy 3-12 LRHS/LRTS on them.

That being said, the 4-32 NF is a pretty fantastic scope, and you really don't take much of a weight penalty to schlep it around, so it fits in the "is what it is" category. I'd love for NF to offer a 3-15 with hunter centric FFP close to THLR or Gunwerks G7, but I've learned that NF is kind of like Toyota in that they just do what they're going to do.

3-15 would be nice, but……3-18 would be perfect.