Rifle Scopes A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

[V-Ref]

Does it exist? If so, which model/mfg?

Would appreciate opinions from folks that own/use NXS scopes, shoot/hunt/compete at LR (800+ yds) and actually track check thier optics prior to shooting with them.

I define "track checking" your optic as-
-Verification that reticle is aligned with elevation and windage tracking adjustement plane
-Verification that reticle moves desired/indicated angular amount through entire range of intended use against a known measure (chart, yard stick, etc)
-Verification that "zero" is held after turrets see mulitiple iterations where full adjustment range is exercised, and then returned to zero

Have had mixed results with other well respected brands, and the only two scopes that have passed my muster 100% of the time were a Sightron SIII and NXSs optics.

Reticle choices, turret type, durability, warranty, optical qualities, illuminated, etc....all miss the mark on this question. Just after thoughts on consistent (NXS-like) tracking rifle scopes at the 2lb range or under.

Thanks in advance for those LR shooters that share thier opinions/experiences!

 

[Ratbert]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I know my 3-24 FFP March is consistent up to 11 Mil. I only have anecdotal evidence that it is fine above that, but I trust it. I've only checked 2.5 Mil of wind in either direction because generally I hold anyway. It returns to zero every time, even when I bounce off the zero stop and come back up. I haven't had to adjust zero on the scope in the 7 months since I last changed the rings it was in. I went through USOs, Premier, IORs, and NF before I came to the March and I absolutely love it.

 

[Vereor]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

Maybe not the power you're wanting, however I have used the 2.5-10x's quite a bit and use one now on a hunting rifle and they are way under 2lbs. If you're wanting more power then that, and I expect you are, then I personally haven't seen any scope that is lighter then two pounds that is as consistent as NF, other then March...

 

[roboto1138]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I have been reading on the Premier Recticle Light Tactical, I think it is like 26ozs.

 

[Rthur]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I'm with Ratbert, the march is an outstanding light weight scope. I have compared it to my F1 NF and the tracking is identical between the scopes.

 

[SSSamurai]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

Another vote for the March. Once weight and size become a priority everybody else falls to the wayside... And I've box tested mine extensively, and shot it for the last year including competitions. Not so much as a hiccup.

 

[Vereor]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Roboto1138</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been reading on the Premier Recticle Light Tactical, I think it is like 26ozs.</div></div>


I believe I've seen more issues with Premier scopes then any other given the small amount I have seen.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Vereor</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Roboto1138</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been reading on the Premier Recticle Light Tactical, I think it is like 26ozs.</div></div>


I believe I've seen more issues with Premier scopes then any other given the small amount I have seen. </div></div>

My experience w/ Premier scopes has been very positive. Mine tracks very well and the glass is superb.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

Not long ago I was asking the same question you are. I wanted a lighter weight optic that retained all the tac features, with less bulk. I have (2) 5.5-22's, a S&B PMII, and a slew of other non mentionables.

I looked at the March, the Premeir LT, and the Leupold MK4 M5. I decided to go with the latter. The MK4 M5 is FFP and has mil turrets with the TMR reticle. It comes in at just 22oz. When I got it, I wanted to run it through the ringer. I mounted it on my 7WSM in a set of UL NF rings. I box tested it. I ran it from 100yds to 1000yds many times over, I took it off, mounted it on a a few other rifles, then returned it to the 7WSM. It's been absolutey flawless in every way. Tracks perfectly. So much so that I bought another one just like it for another hunting rifle. I took it on a hunt with me up in Wyoming this last November. I flew up so my rifle was subjected to the usual abuse of the baggage handlers. When i got there, it was still dead on zero just as it was when we left home. Same as well on the return flight back.

I'm a NightForce fan all the way. Hands down excellent scopes in my book. However, I thought I'd give the Leupold a chance and now I'm really glad I did. Both of mine have been excellent and fit the needs I had perfectly.

 

[Vereor]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I don't doubt that. And I will state my "experience will them is limited, however in one sniper match a couple years ago three of the four PR scopes there developed issues. tifwiw....

 

[NGCSUGrad09]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

The NXS 5.5-22x50mm is technically 31oz...

 

[V-Ref]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I appreciate all the responses thusfar.

The NXS series seems to be tough to match in terms of "bulletproof" tracking and reliability.

My first "tactical" optic was a SFP 6.5-20 MK4 TMR, and it served me well. In the quest of practicing/developing my skills at ELR, I did find that particular optics limitations.. I observed it had a canted reticle (windage was introduced into a elevation solution with the reticle aligned with a plumb bob), after trouble shooting a windage miss I couldn't resolve elsewhere in my system. I then noticed it wouldn't always apply x MOA for x MOA adjusted as applied against a measure. It was different for the first turn vs the second, and it was about 1-2 times out of 20 adjustments it would do this....just enough to shatter my confidence in it.

I had a SFP 4.5-14 MK4 on another rifle, so both MK4s were sold, and replaced with NXS. Tracking confidence issues resolved

So I've definitely become a fan of the NXS series...but they are bigger/bulkier....so was looking for a <NXS weight optic that has the same tracking reliability.

These rifles/application won't need a FFP, and would like a MOA/MOA optic. I've heard from sources I trust that Premier's might be a hit or miss deal. S&B doesn't have a MOA/MOA optic that fits my wishes.

Ratbert/Samurai-Don't know if I can stand the investment a March requires

, but it sounds like that's the answer.

Veror-Was hoping for a bit more on the top than 10x for this rifle, but that would keep knobs/reticles in the same family, which I appreciate.

RMW-Do you compete/actively shoot with that Premier? If so, what kind of platform/round count and distances are you shooting with it?

Trevor-Do the SFP MK4s use a different erector system than the FFP MK4s? Do you think I just got a dud? When I called Luepold with my discovery of my tracking issue, the response was underwhelming to say it kindly. The MK4 "footprint" weight/size would be ideal for this couple rifles.

Thanks again for the responses.

 

[lennyo3034]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

The Sightron SIIIs have excellent tracking. The MOA-2 reticle is probably close to what you're looking for in SFP. This is a target/hunting optic though, I'm not sure how well it would stand up in a tactical competition and definitely would not take it into combat.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

My Premier is mounted on a DTA SRS. I use it for .308, .260, & .338 LM. I do a lot of long range shooting and recently started competing in long range matches.

I have shot Nightforce and S&B. In my opinion the Premier is directly comparable to the S&B PMII. Both Scopes have great glass and repeatability. On the S&B, I prefer the yardage marks on the parallax side adjustment. On the Premier, I really like the cam locking scope turrets, which allow me to swap calibers out on my SRS and quickly zero the scope to the zero for the particular conversion that I want to shoot.

My Nightforce scope is great, but the glass is not quite on the same level as the Premier and S&B.

I also have a few shooting buddies that have been shooting the same Premier (5-25X56) scope and SRS platform. So far, none of us have experienced any issues with our scopes.

I believe there were a few early edition Heritage scopes that had tracking issues. If you are looking to purchase a used Premier I would contact Premier and ask them if they can give you a list of serial numbers for the scopes that potentially had tracking issues. My understanding, is that Premier addressed the tracking issues.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

The new Leupold Mark 6 3-18X44 looks like it will be a great option for a sub 2 lb optic. Hopefully, they will track well like the NXS, PMII, and Premier.

 

[isaaccarlson]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I have a Hawke that works great. I shoot rimfire to 300 yards and it tracks dead nuts. Great reticule. It is a Sidewinder Tac 30 with 20x half mil reticule 8.5-25x42 IR. 60+ minutes of range. I found that at about 16X the reticule goes MOA in 2MOA increments.

 

[supermag99]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I have two Sightron SIII 10-50X60 scopes. I believe they are under two pounds each. One is on a 6BR benchrest rifle and the other is on a 338 LM. Never had tracking or any other issues with either one. Currently getting ready to buy #3.

 

[nfoley]

Re: A <2 lb optic that tracks as consistent as NF NXS

I have shot my Sightron SIII 6-24 next to my NF 5.5-22 and found it tracks just as well. Going from 100 to 850 with multiple ranges in between both tracked flawlessly. And I had an easier time seeing bullet holes with the sightron at distance. I still love the nightforce - it just gives me more confidence (due to its outstanding reputation for reliability and durability). Time will tell how the sightron holds up, but so far I am a really big fan of it.