High-end scope for ultralight hunting rifle?

[duckhunter175]

Guys— take it somewhere else like a PM- you totally hijacked a thread over a ****ing contest on a single scope and added nothing to the convo.

 

[antelopedundee]

Guys— take it somewhere else like a PM- you totally hijacked a thread over a ****ing contest on a single scope and added nothing to the convo.

So potentially saving money for those who might wish to buy one isn't adding something? No PMs needed since this will be my last post to the thread.

 

[Bob lee]

If you are hunting with this rifle, I can't see how you could think about a NX8, when you should be leaning towards a lower power like the NXS 3.5X15X50. Even though you are looking at 30 ounces, with their Velocity reticule, you would have a great marriage of scope and rifle for hunting purposes.
Shooting at distances you want to shoot could be done however, I would not recommend you take shots beyond 600-700 yards with such a lightweight rifle as, it is extremely difficult to control movement of your rifle to effectively and consistently make shots of longer ranges. I don't care how many times a person practices shots of ranges you are looking at shooting, it becomes another piece of the process to make a shot in the heat of the moment. This results in potential wounding of animals and I feel is irresponsible and unethical to take shots of this kind by using a firearm that cannot be anchored by the shooter.
Good luck with your choice.

Are you serious? He shouldnt be considering an nx8 but should consider a nxs 3-15 ? In what world does that make sense. ? The nx8 has a wider mag range, reportedly better glass than the nxs and is lighter in weight , that's a win-win .

 

[6.5-300 BEE]

The only 6 pound rifle I would want in 7mm would be a 7x57 and even that might hurt.

 

[Paper boy]

I'd vote for the Athlon Cronus 4.5x29x56 and Sphur 20 moa base/rings! That set up was right around $2100 and I don't regret it one bit!

Yep! a good bang for the $buck

 

[Rick Richard]

Are you serious? He shouldnt be considering an nx8 but should consider a nxs 3-15 ? In what world does that make sense. ? The nx8 has a wider mag range, reportedly better glass than the nxs and is lighter in weight , that's a win-win .

Not if you are willing to compromise some of the lower end magnification where the reticle is useless and the higher end where the reticle is too thick for my liking...go for it. However, most folks won't be able to tell the difference in glass quality between the two and the NXS series is bomb proof and not that big of a difference in weight. If that little bit of weight is a concern, then remove the change from your pocket.

 

[Twentyguns]

The only 6 pound rifle I would want in 7mm would be a 7x57 and even that might hurt.

I had a 308 Titanium 700ti i built for my dad. Kick was sharp but tolerable but definitely worse than my 7rm. And an .06 that is a 1/4 lb heavier and with the vx3 4x14 kicks but because of the stock i guess its like any other 06 even though sub 6 lb rifle; i think 5.7lbs bare bones. My 7mm in question, also a Ti kicks less than both the others with the Vortex HST on there... Im not sensative to recoil maybe and sometimes use my 375 H&H for hogs and my bear deer gun running barnes through it because of the bs where i live but i know the light guns aren't for everyone.

 

[tooth doc]

This is what happens when social distancing brings on cabin fever! I've got money coming from sale of truck - no stimulus checks for me. Part of the truck cash will go for new scope for my 6 lb. 7mm. Need to be able to ping targets to beyond 1200-1400 yards and have enough elevation to get there with a 20 degree rail if needed.

While I thought the choice might be a Leopold HD5 3-18, I've got mixed feelings about the 35mm tube. I'm not a big fan of the illuminated reticle choice for their mil model either (TMR). That appears to be the best glass in a light package from Lup.

Second consideration was a NF NX8 but again, I've got one shot to do this right, pun intended, and want the highest quality glass I can buy. I've heard mixed reviews on the NX8 glass and light transmission capabilities.

I would probably get a ZComp if it wasn't such a tank... and may still do that but need to look through one. Clarity and low light performance found in the top tear glass are important to me though... so that factors into what i'll end up buying... I've considered Minox, Kahles, S&B, Zeiss, and Swaro in the same lineup... even a Valdada IOR, a new one they just came up with, the TX Raider Compact (but then 2 lbs too, and back to 35mm tube.)

The IOR MP8 is the only FFP reticle I've had any time behind and was usable at its lowest power...so that's another decision factor with this new scope, given most are FFP will it be usable for short range, dark timber or low light conditions. Some FFPs I've looked through would be near invisible without illumination - so unless you can see it like an MP8 at low magnification. I'll have to have that. I'm using a range finder so most of the time, FFP isn't a requirement but most of the top end glass seems to comes in FFP...

I'm sure there are plenty of varying opinions out there, but what would you do if faced with a single opportunity to buy one high end scope for your lightweight hunting rifle. I've got a budget that can do $3500 but I'm not apposed to applying some $ to deer/elk tags if I find the right scope. Ultimate resolution, repeat-ability, low light performance, elevation, in a mil scope that can reach out and get the job done with the above criteria. Thoughts? Other options?

Look at the leupold mk 4 8.5-25×50 LR/T. 22.5 OZ., 70 MOA, ON SALE AT MIDWAY $999, will only be available to military and police in future. Tough scope, gr8 glass, not too heavy. I have 2, and love them.

 

[Bob lee]

Not if you are willing to compromise some of the lower end magnification where the reticle is useless and the higher end where the reticle is too thick for my liking...go for it. However, most folks won't be able to tell the difference in glass quality between the two and the NXS series is bomb proof and not that big of a difference in weight. If that little bit of weight is a concern, then remove the change from your pocket.

You are 100% missing the point , the nx8 has everything the nxs does plus some more in a lighter package , I have a total of 6 night forces 3 nsx, 2 nx8 and atacr , the nx8 is ther better optic between it and nxs . Atacr if weight isnt a concern but for the purpose of this thread it seems like weight is a consideration .

 

[Rick Richard]

You are 100% missing the point , the nx8 has everything the nxs does plus some more in a lighter package , I have a total of 6 night forces 3 nsx, 2 nx8 and atacr , the nx8 is ther better optic between it and nxs . Atacr if weight isnt a concern but for the purpose of this thread it seems like weight is a consideration .

Unless I missed it, the OP did not mention weight as a deciding choice for purchase. He mentions quality of glass and I have and used both the NXS and NX8. With that said, based on my experience I still prefer the NXS. Too each his own.

 

[Kimber7man]

Yea, just looked it up. They are more than my top end budget but seem to fit the bill perfectly. Is there a difference between the M and the H? Tangent Theta TT315H Long Range Hunter?

Yes, the M has exposed turrets. The H is about 1 oz lighter (according to reports) and has capped dials that pop up to dial. Also a different reticle in the H, basically an enhanced mildot.

 

[Twentyguns]

Think the M would be perfect sans price but will have to see an H. Reading about it - and knowing what can happen in the field the idea of pop-ups are growing on me. Added to the top of the list if I sell some of my other optics to make budget for sure. Maybe an open box deal will show or something on an M but looking at the MRAD H model. Awaiting virus crap to recede so I can travel.

 

[6.5-300 BEE]

If you can find one, the best would be the Nightforce 2.5-10x32. Light and precise. I have one on my "illegal in NY" Kimber Adirondack in 6.5 CM, lighter than the OP's rifle. Perfectly compliments it.

 

[Gone Ballistic]

Are you serious? He shouldnt be considering an nx8 but should consider a nxs 3-15 ? In what world does that make sense. ? The nx8 has a wider mag range, reportedly better glass than the nxs and is lighter in weight , that's a win-win .

Because target acquisition is many times faster on a lower power scope and 15X is adequate for the longer range he might shoot. He is after a all-around hunting rifle. I have killed 10 elk under 200 yards for every one over and most deer less. I have only taken one kill at long range when I wasn't hunting long range and wouldn't have but, conditions were perfect and I had practiced over 100 shots at the range earlier.