Rifle Scopes 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

[hairy spotter]

I am about to pull the trigger on a Nightforce NXS. This is going to be my biggest gun related purchase ever, including my precision rifle, and I want to make the best choice.

I do not have a spotting scope of my own, and do not want one. In that case, would the higher magnification of the 32x be better?

How is the optical clarity at that high power?

Oh, and I do shoot past 1000 yards, and would like to see as much detail as possible at long range. I do not shoot off a bench.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

Get the 5.5-22. I have used them out to 2000 yards without a problem on an MOA sized target. Also they have more elevation than the 8-32 if you are shooting that far.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

I have a NXS 5.5-22 50 and can see .30 cal bullet holes out to 300 yards with shitty eye pro on.

I love my NXS, and havent been in a situation where 22x wasnt enough.

 

[divejay]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

i agree with rob and waldo NXS 5.5-22 50. i got the npr1 and i love it!
i belive the 8x32 is 1/8 moa; the 5.5-22 are 1/4 moa. hope this help

 

[hairy spotter]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a NXS 5.5-22 50 and can see .30 cal bullet holes out to 300 yards with shitty eye pro on.

I love my NXS, and havent been in a situation where 22x wasnt enough. </div></div>

I am getting this scope to hopefully see much further than 300. I can see holes at 400 with my current Falcon. Even 500 on occasion with the splattering targets. Really the question is this: if 22 x is good, 32 is better?

I am worried a bit though about the 8 power minimum on the 32x, when I am walking through the bush and see a bear 30 yards away from me, can the 8 power still focus fast that close.

 

[Firemarshall27]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

I have had both on my rifle right now I have the 8-32 on. They both have pros and cons you get the extra magnification with the 32 but on most days you cant use it because of the marage. I feel the 5-22 is best suted for about everything 22 is plenty of magnification out well past 1000yds and you get the extra internal elevation 100moa compared to 65moa. Thats just my opinion but thats why im going back to the 5-22. I just dont need the extra horsepower the 8-32 gives compared to the benifit of having more MOA with the 5-22. And by the way they are both .25 MOA clicks.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

No in this case 32x isn't better. You loose half your internal MOA going from 22x to 32x which is what you should be worrying about if you are shooting past 1000 more so than being able to see as both will allow you to do that farther out than you will be shooting.

Sounds like you want someone to tell you to buy the 32x. I'm not going to do that as I don't feel it's the right choice from what you are telling us you want.

 

[hairy spotter]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Sounds like you want someone to tell you to buy the 32x. </div></div>

This is in fact true. I have been researching between these two magnifications quite a bit, but still am not sold on the merits of the higher power, despite that being my intuitive first choice. I guess I am just trying to eliminate the spotting scope. Probably will end up going with the 22x just because you all use that and recommend it, and I value actual experience far more than any marketing stuff or "armchair" expertise.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

Light transmission on the 32x on full power is not as bright as it is on 22x or 25x. It's great to have all that magnification, but most of the time, I had it at 22x and below. Mirage was horrible where I was shooting, I couldn't imagine how bad it is now getting into the summer heat.

 

[long range dogr]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

Listen to what the other fellas said and buy the 5.5-22 and dont look back!

Theres allot of experiance here on the hide LISTEN to what they say!

 

[338LM]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

I would definitely not want that 8-32 NF on my rifle especially if a bear decided to do a close up sprint on me in the bush.

 

[hydro556]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

Weigh the pros and cons and it is not even a debate. To have a low power of 8x on an optic that will be used for hunting is a bad idea. To give up a ton of travel on an optic that will be used for LR is a bad idea. To do all of this to make a marginal gain in the high end, that will often be worthless due to mirage is just foolish. And it would be harder to resell. Lose, lose, lose.

 

[Dagsta]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

I have both, 32x on my hunting rifle, 22x on Tactical. If I had it to do over I'd have 22x on both!!! I haven't found 32 necessary. Sizing up racks at a distance it does come in handy. But day in and day out I'd go with the 22x.

IMHO

 

[knockemdown]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

5.5-22x...

 

[pc3]

Re: 5.5 - 22x VS. 8 - 32x

I had a 12-42 NXS on one of my rifles I just had to have one now I will be going back to a 3-15 and 5-22 NXS's the 12-42 for me was far to critical..............I was told and didnt listen had to find out for myself. Sold the 12-42 to a fellow hider who probably has a more appropriate use for it.