What ia the best long range scope you have used ?

Currently I have 3 Nightforce NXS, 2 Nightforce ATACR, 1 Nightforce BEAST and 1 Nightforce NX8 and have never had anything but, exceptional clarity through the glass of all of them. Although there is almost an indisguishable difference between the NXS and NX8 with the ATACR and BEAST, most people can't ascertain it. Can you give more detailed information about the glass and the Nightforce model that you are alluding to in your reply?
It was an NXS, I can't remember the power. I am sure they are good scopes, but the one I got was not as clear as my Burris Black Diamond 6x24. Now I run a couple of Veracity 5x25 as well. They all track very well, hold 0 and are clear. I kind of see the debate like car choice, not everybody can see the difference, some do. My choices fit me.
 
The Nikon scopes are nice. I also used them, and the quality is good. To be good and for moose, I recommend measuring the scope ring height because not all the rings are suitable for each hunting. If the size is wrong, it will affect your shooting precision as you would have to adjust your natural position to use the scope. Hence, the scope ring height is as important as the scope itself. I recommend you buy a set of tools for ring scope measuring, and you will know which ring to buy to fit all your needs.
 
Can't hit what you can't see. Get used to the movement, control your breathing, and trigger control. High magnification from Leupold and Nightforce would be my preferred choice out of what I've used. NX8 and Mark5 have been my preferences. I'd like to see a dot on the reticle of the Mark 5's but that's just my personal preference.
 
I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment on anything related to "long distances". The idea of shooting a target at 1000 yds is well beyond any shot that I've practiced....but since I joined this group it doesn't seem as impossible as it once was.
I guess everything is relative and for me a long shot is 500yds, which is the longest I've practiced. I can say that the same principles apply on every shot I take that isn't from the hip, or trying to stuff my 44mag into the mouth of the grizzly....which luckily I've never had to do, but form, breathing, or optics would be the last things on my mind.
Optics are at the top of the list of equipment, and my scope needs to function flawlessly. The clarity, brightness, tracking, durability, and user friendliness all becomes more important the further you stretch out.
I haven't found one scope that is the absolute best in every measure. But there are some ultra high ends that I have not compared. My budget dictates my purchases somewhat, but the biggest reason I haven't tried Tangent or ZCO, or many others, is the reticle I prefer and it's availability. I prefer a simple crosshair with a lighted dot in the center....or something very close. I choose to dial my distances and want as little reticle in my view as possible. My eyes at age 50 are not what they were at 30. Maybe if I did shoot 1000yds or more, this preference would change..? I dunno.
In a nutshell the qualities of a great scope, for me, are easy to compare and measure. I have to admit that with the scopes I'm using the levels of difference in all categories are very small. They are all bright, super clear, track perfectly, and well built. But if I had to rank them I could..and b/c u asked, I will:
—Clarity, edge to edge distortion and color vividness......Swarovski Z8i
—Best Turrets.....hands down S&B Exos. They are perfect, firm audible clicks, and have a lock feature with large well marked dials.
—Best at dealing with sun glare....Leica Magnus, or any Leica I've ever owned.
—Best in low light....Tie b/t Swarovski Z8i and S&B Polar. If the stars are out, you could hunt a field all night with either of these, although I wouldn't recommend it.
—Most durable build.....S&B Exos. I will point out that NF comes to mind for indestructible scopes. The weight almost implies tough. The Exos is heavier at 31oz, but is still about 9oz lighter than the NF Atacr with similar magnification.
— Best eye box.....Leica Magnus......its eye box is like sliding into a feather bed on a cold night....it's perfect any way u move. And the FOV is also the widest.
***note on eye box*** I guess I assumed all higher end scopes were as easy to "get behind" as the handful that I've been using. But I was dead wrong. I'm always looking to try something new and scopes are no exception. I'm building a new light weight rig and thought I would try a scope brand that was a first for me. It was light weight, compact, and very well built. I could not have been more impressed and loved it.....until I attempted to look through it. It was clear and bright, but something wasn't right.
If my eye or the scope moved the tiniest bit, it was a blackout...at least partially to mostly.
Wanting to make sure it wasn't my imagination, I compared it side by side with my existing glass.....boy was there a huge difference.
I ran to shipping store like my hair was on fire, and returned it. I won't name names, as this thread is about the best we've tried....and I don't wanna knock another brand. It may not seem as noticeable and unusable to someone else.
If anyone wants to know which scope that was, just pm me and I'll tell u all about it.
There are a lot of good optics out there. Think about your intended use and what type of reticle fits both that usage and your eye.
Don't look at some retail MSRP and assume something is out of your price range.
Really good glass does not wear out....so buying used or as a demo is a safer method with optics than most other equipment.
Good luck...
 
That I have used:

Best for money spent—Bushnell LRHS 4.5x18 also DMR II—but a bit heavy
Best glass—Swarovski X5 5x25- not a huge fan of the second focal
Old favorite—Nightforce 5.5x22 NXS

Money no object TT Tactical Hunter—just held one and looked through it—liked the features though
 
Leupold for many years and today....NF durable, heavy, and I had the NXS but sold rifle and scope together. Leupold is great glass, great warranty,and lighter than most others....to each their own
 
Should you want to go real low budget & light is good, targets have good definition & contrast, & there is enough time for eye positioning, the low price SWFA SS 16X42. MOA or MIL quad, scopes are adequate. Comparisons with Leupold & others quickly reveal deficiencies. The SWFA scopes are tough & inexpensive.
 
I have used a S-B PM II 5-25x for daylight and PRS shooting to 1200 yards - extremely clear, tracks 100% and as robust as I have been able to test. By far the clearest and brightest I have used in twilight is my Leica ER 2.5x10 - head and shoulders above any other - compared to an Eotech Vudu 1-6 and a S-B 3-12x42 Klassik. I would have every confidence that the Leica long range and PRS offerings of the last 2 years would be worth a serious look.
 
Best I have is Bushnell LRHSi. Second best is swfa 6x. For only 3-400 bucks it's bombproof And clear enough to steer bullets to 800 yards. Great reticles on the SWFAs. I want to get their 3x 9 also.
 
I have used a S-B PM II 5-25x for daylight and PRS shooting to 1200 yards - extremely clear, tracks 100% and as robust as I have been able to test. By far the clearest and brightest I have used in twilight is my Leica ER 2.5x10 - head and shoulders above any other - compared to an Eotech Vudu 1-6 and a S-B 3-12x42 Klassik. I would have every confidence that the Leica long range and PRS offerings of the last 2 years would be worth a serious look.

I would also rate my S&B PMII 5x25 as a top pick for the same attributes you state, but would add another. IMO, the P4LF reticle(MIL) is superbly weighted for both PRS competition as well as LRH. Additionally, the lower positioned quick ranging feature is calibrated for 18"(deers chest size) at 200-300-400-500 yards and has saved the day for me on more then one occasion when poor visibility due to fog and/or or snow rendered my RF useless. I have been able to achieve fast, and accurately ranged shots out to 500 yards using this system.
This is a useful feature given I'm predominantly a deer hunter.

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