Zeiss VM/V or Nightforce NXS

[dmgreene]

Well I've been lurking around here for about a year and I finally decided to register. This site has been very interesting and informative. Heres the question. I had my mind set on a 3.5x15x50 or 56 Nightforce NXS, then I laid my hands on Zeiss VM/V 6x24x56 target with mildot that was very nice to say least and at a very good price. I haven't heard much on the the upper end Zeisses on this site. What I want to know is are the mechanics of the Zeiss as good as the Nightforce; tracking,return to zero, etc? If I'm going to spend this much money I want to get it right the first time. Any comments, experiences, or thoughts are welcome.
Thanks DMG

[ceylonc]

Optically, you're going to have to go the S&B/USO route to equal the quality. The NXS, while outstanding, isn't going to better the VM/V optically. However, Nightforce is top tier when it comes to reticle options and range of adjustment. The benchrest shooting crowd has wholeheartedly embraced the NXS so you really can't say that they're "bad" when compared to the Diavari VM/V.

Mechanically, the VM/V is rugged and reliable. Tracking is spot on and return to zero shouldn't even be an issue.

What are you looking as your primary application for the rifle & scope? That's going to play a big role in which you decide to buy.

[screech]

the night force is pretty much bullet proof for ruggedness. the glass is good but Im not saying that others arent as good. If you look at the adjustment, that is where they smoke the crap out of the competition.

[FRANK21]

Between the two Id go NXS or Leupold Mk4. Ill take rock solid reliability/repeatablity over slightly "better" glass any day.

[ceylonc]

[ QUOTE ]
Between the two Id go NXS or Leupold Mk4. Ill take rock solid reliability/repeatablity over slightly "better" glass any day.

[/ QUOTE ]

Leupold Mk4 isn't in the same league optically as the NXS or VM/V. No sense in spending the same $$ on a Mk4...

[FRANK21]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Between the two Id go NXS or Leupold Mk4. Ill take rock solid reliability/repeatablity over slightly "better" glass any day.

[/ QUOTE ]

Leupold Mk4 isn't in the same league optically as the NXS
or VM/V. No sense in spending the same $$ on a Mk4...

[/ QUOTE ]


I respectfully disagree of you optical assements between the NXS and MK4. I have/have had both and cant really tell any difference. I can maybe give a very slight edge to the NXS, but not near enough to say that is isnt in the same leauge.

The Zeiss Divari line has EXCELLENT glass. Which is undoubtly better than Leupold/NXS glass, but you talkin ALOT more cash. IMO, if cash is no object, one would be better serverd with a S&B, USO.

[Jtomlinson]

DMG

I doubt you would be dissapointed with either choice, both are excellent. Zeiss have a long established reputation for excellent optical quality and of late have started to offer some useful reticles having added to the more traditional European types once offered.

That said the NXS scopes are rugged, offer excellent reticles and great adjustments, i think it would be hard to fault them, at the end of the day it may well come down to personal preference, kind of like trying to compare an apple to an orange.

I have scopes by both the makers you mention and am happy with either, although I do tend to use the rifle with the 5.5-22 NXS quiter a bit more these days.