AC Guy/Good, ALWAYS put function first in a scope..
And that WILL cost more than the gun. Don't even think you can cut a corner here without a bigger cost.
Recognize that you don't actually carry marketing hype out in the field to shoot things. You got what you got, and that's it.
You can stretch to include glass quality in 'function'. But that would hold very limited qualifiers(early/late shooting).
In contrast, focal plane type is a huge functional factor. It changes everything, about everything.
So focal plane type should be considered heavily, and not merely blown off to better glass.
Name one scope that's actually more functional across the board than a good ole MK4, which currently run around~$1500, including Alumina flip-ups(which are very nice).
Standard 30mm tube, 50mm objective, light weight, M1 1/4moa turrets with tons of adjustment, lit reticle if desired, non-turning eyepiece with zoom. They are tough enough, precise enough(being SFP), repeatable enough, and the glass is sufficient(which is nothing special).
You can build serious guns under it & shoot anything, anywhere.
The March tacticals have a lot of good lookin functional features, and everyone knows NF has made their mark with great reticles. But both fail to first match EVERY feature of the MK4 -before adding even more(Same with the hodge-podged USOs)..
Both should fix the turning eyepiece issue and thread for Alumina flip-ups or provide their version of the same. NF also needs to shave a pound off their scopes(especially the BR model)..
I have a few NXS scopes, and IMO they are over priced(just a bit) because they did not first match my MK4s. Although their glass is exactly the same as Leupold's(EXATCLY), an eyepice issue means I have to turn them in more for reticle focus, which significantly reduces NF's power.
For me, the 32x NXS set at proper focus, is reduced to my 25x MK4 power at focus.
So I gain nothing in 32x NF, except an extra pound of hype, mounted only with the highest of scope rings, less elevation adjustment, flip-ups that tangle with my stock & bolt on power changes, glass that is ho-hum as mentioned, a premium price. But then their service is excellent, and so are their reticles.
Hmmmmm,,,, No, I probably won't be investing in anymore NF, or bother with March. I know I will never want a FFP scope(even if they were free).
So anyway, I think there is a lot to consider beyond glass quality.
I hope Leupold will consider my suggested MK5, with better glass, focus ring on the reticle plane, and calibrated/micrometer side focus adjustment(for ranging). They won't need more power or weight, or hype. But they will always need about 300 fewer models in their lineup!
