Steve:
Here's my opinion and you can take it for what it's worth.
I have owned, and have seen, Leupolds that were great, clear, sharp, good colors etc. but I have also seen a couple that, to my eyes, weren't so great.
I've never seen a Nightforce that, to my eyes, didn't look sharp, clear, beautiful colors and contrast etc. I know some people have to contend with the dial it up and then back down, weak spring issue with some Leupolds. That's a potential problem I don't have with the Nightforce. I crank that sucker all over and it never skips a beat.
This is just one of those things that can be like the Ford and Chevy argument. Each person finds things with a particular brand of scope that they like and don't see a reason to change. If that's the case then there's no need to change if what you see, and the performance you get, makes you happy. You'll also save a lot of money with the Leupolds.
If however, you are building a high end, ultra high performance rifle and seek the best in components, then, for me, it would dictate the Nightforce over the Leupold just because my little mind seems to be happier with what I see through the Nightforce.
When you say you've compared them, was it in the store or outside under field conditions. Too bad there's not some way you could try both, out in the field, under all conditions of lighting, weather etc. and then see if you're still satisfied with the Leupolds. If you can do that and are still happy with the Leupolds, then take the money you saved and tell Kirby to order another barrel.
I also second what Cam says about the NP-R2 reticle. For me, it's the best thing going, bar none. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif