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Rifle Scopes Best High-Magnification LPVO for my use case?
- Thread starter jst4kix
- Start date
When I heard that Primary Arms was coming out with their new 1-8 PLXc with the Nova Fibre dot in SFP, after much deliberation I decided to sell my beloved Kahles K16i G4B reticle scope. I have had this new PA scope now since they first came out and I will just say I have no regrets about getting it. It is mounted in a Reptilia Corp 1.7” height mount. I am using a SOLGW Broad sword upper and their M89 rail / handguard with a thermal fit 13.9” Criterion Core cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel. IMHO, the build quality of my new PA scope is very good , from the positive turret clicks and smooth magnification ring operation, and it really just feels solidly built. While the glass quality is very good, it’s not quite as good overall as the Kahles K16i , but it’s close enough to really not matter to me. The eyebox on 1x is pretty good and very close to my Kahles K16i’s. The eyebox on 8x is tight as expected but is definitely plenty usable. I got this scope knowing probably 90 % of its use would be from 0-300 yds and 10% from 3-400yds. IMHO, from 400 yds and out a FFP reticle is then really a better option overall, as might also be a MPV scope. IMHO, for anyone or for someone like me with less than 20/20 corrected vision the 8x magnification definitely helps seeing and hitting smaller targets at longer distances vs 6X scopes. So far anyways I have to say, good job Primary Arms. As for what's best for you, you will just have to decide by your usage, price point , features, your eyesight, target size at 3-400 yds, etc.
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It sounds like what is sought after is a matter of wants and not needs.
Honestly, if you re evaluate your want list to fall more in line with what is really needed to shoot 300 yards at a range, you could broaden your choices and save yourself some money.
You just plain don't need a first focal plane milling reticle to shoot 300 yards. Besides, it's much easier and cheaper to get optical quality out of a second focal plane scope than it is a first focal plane scope. Honestly, I prefer to shoot with my Gen 2 PST over my PLXc.
If you delete the need for a ffp milling reticle, you can save $1k or more.
Vortex Razor 1-6x, Vortex PST, Trijicon Credo HX, Delta Stryker 1-6x, PLXc Nova, etc.
I have to comment on the NX8 1-8x. I just switched from an NX8 1-8x with DMx reticle to a PLXc Griffin Mil on my humping around rifle and I regret it.
Yes, the PLXc has better optical performance and would make a better (not ideal) range optic, but its build seems to lack robustness and doesn't inspire confidence, although this is likely a non issue on a range rifle.
The NX8 comes across as a purpose built optic. You put it on your rifle, carry it around and when you need to shoot, it does its job. It's small, light and it's feel inspires confidence.
There was an interesting point that grabbed my attention. Neither the NX8 nor the PLXc came with ring torque specs. The mount i use specs ring torque at 28 in-lbs.
When i called nightforce and asked them what the ring torque spec was on the NX8, I was told to use whatever specs the mount instructions say to use. This would indicate to me a confidence in the build quality of the NX8.
When I reached out to primary arms, I was given a BS answer. They said that the spec on their PLX mount is 16-18 in-lbs and that while that would be the most appropriate SUGGESTION, they cannot guarantee the compatibility of their scooe with other mounts. How do you like that for an answer?
Still, if you want to stay in the realm of ffp, milling reticles, I'd go with the ATACR. Unfortunately, when considering scopes, all most can do is go to the store, check them out and try to figure what would be best for them. The only real way to know is to mount it up and run it. I think the best advise would be to buy used so you don't take a beating on whatever you buy if you discover it ain't for you.
This may be off the wall, but have you considered something like a 3.5x acog with a piggyback red dot? Good glass. Really good glass. I have one on my 12.5 and when I compare it to my PLXc on 4x, the ACOG trounces on the PLXc in terms of everything. Optical quality, field of view, depth of field, light gathering, etc. And the image is just beautiful.
Honestly, if you re evaluate your want list to fall more in line with what is really needed to shoot 300 yards at a range, you could broaden your choices and save yourself some money.
You just plain don't need a first focal plane milling reticle to shoot 300 yards. Besides, it's much easier and cheaper to get optical quality out of a second focal plane scope than it is a first focal plane scope. Honestly, I prefer to shoot with my Gen 2 PST over my PLXc.
If you delete the need for a ffp milling reticle, you can save $1k or more.
Vortex Razor 1-6x, Vortex PST, Trijicon Credo HX, Delta Stryker 1-6x, PLXc Nova, etc.
I have to comment on the NX8 1-8x. I just switched from an NX8 1-8x with DMx reticle to a PLXc Griffin Mil on my humping around rifle and I regret it.
Yes, the PLXc has better optical performance and would make a better (not ideal) range optic, but its build seems to lack robustness and doesn't inspire confidence, although this is likely a non issue on a range rifle.
The NX8 comes across as a purpose built optic. You put it on your rifle, carry it around and when you need to shoot, it does its job. It's small, light and it's feel inspires confidence.
There was an interesting point that grabbed my attention. Neither the NX8 nor the PLXc came with ring torque specs. The mount i use specs ring torque at 28 in-lbs.
When i called nightforce and asked them what the ring torque spec was on the NX8, I was told to use whatever specs the mount instructions say to use. This would indicate to me a confidence in the build quality of the NX8.
When I reached out to primary arms, I was given a BS answer. They said that the spec on their PLX mount is 16-18 in-lbs and that while that would be the most appropriate SUGGESTION, they cannot guarantee the compatibility of their scooe with other mounts. How do you like that for an answer?
Still, if you want to stay in the realm of ffp, milling reticles, I'd go with the ATACR. Unfortunately, when considering scopes, all most can do is go to the store, check them out and try to figure what would be best for them. The only real way to know is to mount it up and run it. I think the best advise would be to buy used so you don't take a beating on whatever you buy if you discover it ain't for you.
This may be off the wall, but have you considered something like a 3.5x acog with a piggyback red dot? Good glass. Really good glass. I have one on my 12.5 and when I compare it to my PLXc on 4x, the ACOG trounces on the PLXc in terms of everything. Optical quality, field of view, depth of field, light gathering, etc. And the image is just beautiful.
