Rifle Scopes Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

[Postal0311]

Recently picked up a LMT MWS. Currently using a Super Sniper 10x on it, and am wanting something different.

I'm not going to be trying to shoot sub-moa at long range, or seek the tightest groups so I don't feel the need for more then 10-15x. I really like the small size of the x24 night force.

I have been told that the x24 is not very forgiving for eye relief. I justify my desire by pointing out that I mainly use the 4x ACOGs which dont have the best eye relief them selves. Also I read that the x24 isn't good in low light. That somewhat worries me, but I don't know if I want to go with much larger scope.

Anyways, I was going to say more, but I will stop rambling. Anyone have other good reasons for me not to buy a 2.5-10x24. Is the x32 really that much better?

 

[hk9176251]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

no the next high end scope i order will be the us optics SN-3 1.8-10X good useable power range an sensible (exept price) ofcourse get what you like that fits the bill for you!

 

[steve123]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I haven't compared the 2 side by side but I can vouch for the x24.It's perfect for me and my AR.

 

[Cmonroe]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

The x32 is much more forgiving in both eye position and eye relief in a CQB type scenario.

 

[Explorer]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I had a 24 on my hunting rifle as I wanted small and compact - it worked great. Have not handled a 32....

 

[OFIS]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

They dont make them anymore, because of people believing everything you listed as reasons not to buy them. They made the x32 to satisfy the blind desire that bigger is always better, no matter what the circumstance is.

S&B's old 1-4 and new 1-8 short dot have the same smaller objectives, and you don't hear people complaining.

 

[ORD]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cmonroe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The x32 is much more forgiving in both eye position and eye relief in a CQB type scenario. </div></div>

If you are using either of those scopes in that situation, you have FAILED before you took the rifle out of the case. Neither were designed for CQB and shouldn't be deployed in that role. The 2.5x lower end magnification, combined with the narrow FOV even on the low end, don't make either scope a good choice.

That said, I have run the 2.5-10x24 and the 2.5-10x32 scopes and I don't get the complaints about unforgiving eye relief and/or positioning. They are both excellent scopes for the AR (-15 or -10 type rifles) and work very well in that role. I have never had a problem shouldering any rifle with the x24 mounted and getting a good sight picture when the optics were mounted properly to begin with.

If I had to offer a "complaint" about the x24 it would be that it simply doesn't gather the light that the x32 model does which may be a hindrance in lower light settings if you plan on running the scope in the pre-dawn/dawn/dusk/dark light hours...if so, then the advantage does go to the x32.

OFIS is somewhat correct on his statement that NF has ceased mfg of the x24 scopes. They have ceased commercial sales, but still offer them in limited quantities/special order for "other" sources. High Caliber Sales (member "KJO" here on the Hide) offer the x24 scopes to us mere mortals on occassion for very good prices.

 

[bm11]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I just picked up a used x24. From the people who have used both- they find it hard to notice a difference. It's a few ounces lighter, which is nice, and it is a lot smaller.

Here is a pic I found in another thread while doing my research:

The top is a 2.5-10x24, the middle is a 2.5-10x32, and the bottom is a SN3 1.8-10x37

 

[355sigfan]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I agree. I looked through a friends 2.5-10 x24 before deciding on the 32 model. Much more forgiving. There is a reason Nightforce is dropping the 24 model.
Pat

 

[355sigfan]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cmonroe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The x32 is much more forgiving in both eye position and eye relief in a CQB type scenario. </div></div>

If you are using either of those scopes in that situation, you have FAILED before you took the rifle out of the case. Neither were designed for CQB and shouldn't be deployed in that role. The 2.5x lower end magnification, combined with the narrow FOV even on the low end, don't make either scope a good choice.
</div></div>

You know what its better to have a scope that is more versatile than less. Yes the 2.5-10 is not ideal for CQB. But what if you are forced into that situation. Its better to have a tool that will still handle it although its not a perfect option. Sometimes shit happens and you can't plan everything out perfectly. You need to meet a guy named Murphy. Also a plan is just a list of things that are not going to happen. I have a red dot on the side of my rifle but it could fail as well. Better to have more bases covered than less. The 24 model is less ideal and hence the reason it was dropped. Not that it was bad but the 32 model is better.
Pat

 

[christian77]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I really like the x24 & I've used the x32 as well. I personally don't see a huge difference.

I guess NSW has it all wrong using the x24 on the MK12 platform.

FYI...
If I'm doing CQC with either of those optics...I'm looking right over the top of them!

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I don't know..., maybe...

What do you think?

i think that what people who have problems with eye relief <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> need is an LOP adjustment.

Optics? Never buy more than you can afford. Never buy less, either.

I can't afford very much at all. So I live within my means, and my optics reflect that.

But I never missed a shot because of my optics. If optics were involved, it was me that was the problem, for not understanding my optics properly.

Whatever you use, get to know its do's and don'ts. It's not optics that cause misses, it's ignorance.

Greg

 

[azimutha]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

The x32 is a very good scope when considered as a whole. However, I wish I'd bought mine with zero-stop (because Compact NXS turrets don't give any indication of # of turns). So factor that into the cost.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I've got two x24s and one x32. The 2.5-10x24 is a fantastic scope mounted on my ARs and is not going anywhere. I use the AR with this scope for 500 yard F-Class and shoot in the 570s: not a shabby scope at all. Regarding the low-light performance: it is fine. just turn the power down as needed. Exit pupil is a bit small at 10x, but nothing like those ultra high-mag scopes. For example, the exit pupil on the x24 is 24/10 = 2.4mm. The exit pupil on a 50mm scope turned up to 32 power is 50/32 = 1.56. Anything below 2mm is considered poor. At 2.5 mag the scope has almost 10mm exit pupil: it's fine.

The 2.5-10x32 is also a great scope and mounted on my bolt action. Noticeably better exit pupil at 10x making it easier to quickly acquire a sight picture. But, I prefer the smaller scope on the ARs.

 

[Postal0311]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

Thanks everyone.

Esp. to Azimutha, I didn't know that it lacked revolution markings. Now I know that I will want the zero stop.

Now I am just in the process of selling some of the other optics I have to fund the NF. Shame I can't list them for sale here yet, but rules are rules. I'll get 100 posts soon enough.

The mildots are hollow correct?

 

[christian77]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Postal0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The mildots are hollow correct?</div></div> Yes.

 

[sititunga]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OFIS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They dont make them anymore, because of people believing everything you listed as reasons not to buy them. They made the x32 to satisfy the blind desire that bigger is always better, no matter what the circumstance is.

S&B's old 1-4 and new 1-8 short dot have the same smaller objectives, and you don't hear people complaining. </div></div>

I totally agree with you. The NXS 2.5-10x24 is a great scope and probably the best on the market for its power range, price and compact size. I personally think NF got it completely wrong for the very reasons you mention when they stopped making this scope.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

yep i LOVE that scope on our MK12's, sad they stopped production.

 

[MeridianNW]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I'm fairly anal about optics and I always thought bigger is always better, at least as far as physics go... but to me the illuminated reticle option was a game changer.

I was under the impression that the NXS models had illumination but I just double checked their site and I don't even see it as an option!? On the other hand I may be missing it as I am the tail end of a long day.

In any case, at the risk of stating the obvious, the optical specs (or differences) are not the only consideration when matching up optics to weapons. IMO weight is often under rated. First impressions are often the best instincts.

As always, YMMV

 

[gunsmithcat]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

all nightforce have illuminated reticles.

 

[355sigfan]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MeridianNW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm fairly anal about optics and I always thought bigger is always better, at least as far as physics go... but to me the illuminated reticle option was a game changer.

I was under the impression that the NXS models had illumination but I just double checked their site and I don't even see it as an option!? On the other hand I may be missing it as I am the tail end of a long day.

In any case, at the risk of stating the obvious, the optical specs (or differences) are not the only consideration when matching up optics to weapons. IMO weight is often under rated. First impressions are often the best instincts.

As always, YMMV
Like the other poster said its not listed as an option because illumination is standard on all Nightforce scopes.
Pat

</div></div>

 

[MeridianNW]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

Thank you GunSmithCat & Alaska, for verifying that.

Then my point is right on, the advantages of the larger objective, from a practical standpoint, are offset by the illuminated reticle.

 

[bm11]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

Mine just came in last night (2.5-10x24,) hopefully my mount will come in today. Initial impressions- it is TINY! I almost took a picture of it last night next to my S&B 5-25x56, makes it look like an astronomy telescope. The exit pupil doesn't seem to be an issue. I can look through it at 10x free holding it.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

The 24mm are really nice but I found the 32mm really made a difference in the image. I did not think it was going make that big of a difference but for some reason it did.

Mike @ CST

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just picked up a used x24. From the people who have used both- they find it hard to notice a difference. It's a few ounces lighter, which is nice, and it is a lot smaller.

Here is a pic I found in another thread while doing my research:

The top is a 2.5-10x24, the middle is a 2.5-10x32, and the bottom is a SN3 1.8-10x37 </div></div>

Hey, I thought those looked familiar!

f.w.i.w...
The 2.5-10x24 is the only one of those I still own. It now sits atop a 16" 6x45 upper. Low light gathering isn't super fantastic, but it 'fits' my shorty quite well. And I have little problem using the combo to whack coyotes, both at dawn/dusk and nighttime...

 

[Buddhapapa]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I have the 24 on my HK-93 and am considering the 32 for another of my semi-automatics.

 

[mkollman74]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

2.5-10X24 is awesome.

 

[mkollman74]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cmonroe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The x32 is much more forgiving in both eye position and eye relief in a CQB type scenario. </div></div>

The 8mm difference in objective diameter would yield a slightly larger exit pupil - helping with eye relief (somewhat). But unless I am wrong, they both have the same tube diameter so wouldn't the eye position experience be the same with both?

 

[samnev]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mkollman74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2.5-10X254 is awesome. </div></div>
+1

 

[Laseredge]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I just got another one (2.5-10X32 that is), and now have them on 3 rifles.

Not cheap by any means, but a lot of function in a really small package.

 

[tbugher62]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

Nightforce is as good a scope as you will ever need.

 

[z-man]

Re: Am I crazy for wanting a NF 2.5-10x24?

I love my NF 2.5-10x32 Mil dot. I use it my 300 mag Tikka hunting stick. It gives up nothing in low light to my VX3 3.5-10 40mm luepys . Z