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Rifle Scopes Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
- Thread starter aalbert
- Start date
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
Caliber, Rifle Use?
3-15 is enough to get you to 1200 but some prefer more mag depending upon the use of the rifle.
Caliber, Rifle Use?
3-15 is enough to get you to 1200 but some prefer more mag depending upon the use of the rifle.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
Why exactly would you think a 15x would be better at 1200 yds than a 22x? And the NF scope is 5.5 x 22 not 20!
Why exactly would you think a 15x would be better at 1200 yds than a 22x? And the NF scope is 5.5 x 22 not 20!
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
use and expected target size? In my opinion, just get the 5.5-22, i don't think that extra 3x on the low end will matter
use and expected target size? In my opinion, just get the 5.5-22, i don't think that extra 3x on the low end will matter
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
@ KNIGHT11B4: the rifle is a 7mm Rem Mag.
@ 2shots: I've heard the most amateur move some can pull is having too much magnification. I don't want to do this, but I still want to have adequate magnification to reach 1200 yards comfortably.
@ KNIGHT11B4: the rifle is a 7mm Rem Mag.
@ 2shots: I've heard the most amateur move some can pull is having too much magnification. I don't want to do this, but I still want to have adequate magnification to reach 1200 yards comfortably.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aalbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I've heard the most amateur move some can pull is having too much magnification. I don't want to do this, but I still want to have adequate magnification to reach 1200 yards comfortably. </div></div>
You need to listen to different people. So if you have a 5.5-22x, why cant you use it on 15x to be certain that you dont pull "the most amateur move", whatever the eff that is???
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aalbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I've heard the most amateur move some can pull is having too much magnification. I don't want to do this, but I still want to have adequate magnification to reach 1200 yards comfortably. </div></div>
You need to listen to different people. So if you have a 5.5-22x, why cant you use it on 15x to be certain that you dont pull "the most amateur move", whatever the eff that is???
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to listen to different people. So if you have a 5.5-22x, why cant you use it on 15x to be certain that you dont pull "the most amateur move", whatever the eff that is??? </div></div>
Running the 22x NF on 15x renders the ranging reticle useless because the scope is second focal plane.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to listen to different people. So if you have a 5.5-22x, why cant you use it on 15x to be certain that you dont pull "the most amateur move", whatever the eff that is??? </div></div>
Running the 22x NF on 15x renders the ranging reticle useless because the scope is second focal plane.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Running the 22x NF on 15x renders the ranging reticle useless because the scope is second focal plane.</div></div>
You are correct, sir. I never saw any mention of ranging with the reticle mentioned in this thread before your post.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Running the 22x NF on 15x renders the ranging reticle useless because the scope is second focal plane.</div></div>
You are correct, sir. I never saw any mention of ranging with the reticle mentioned in this thread before your post.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
Id gun the 15x. Especially the SPF model. Mirage is a bitch, and you would have to dial down frequently, making it tough to use your reticle for accurate holdover, hold offs, and ranging.
Id gun the 15x. Especially the SPF model. Mirage is a bitch, and you would have to dial down frequently, making it tough to use your reticle for accurate holdover, hold offs, and ranging.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I'm building a REM700 .308 for the same purpose and I've decided on the NightForce NXS 5.5-22. If the 15 will get you to 1200, the 22 should have no problems. Plus, one day you might decide to get squirrely and see if you can reach out a little further. That would be where the 22 comes in handy and is exactly what I'm hoping to do myself.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aalbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I’m building a new rifle for distance up to 1200 yards. I’m to the point of buying the glass, but can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20. What is your opinion on the matter? I’m leaning towards the 3-15. </div></div>
I'm building a REM700 .308 for the same purpose and I've decided on the NightForce NXS 5.5-22. If the 15 will get you to 1200, the 22 should have no problems. Plus, one day you might decide to get squirrely and see if you can reach out a little further. That would be where the 22 comes in handy and is exactly what I'm hoping to do myself.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aalbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I’m building a new rifle for distance up to 1200 yards. I’m to the point of buying the glass, but can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20. What is your opinion on the matter? I’m leaning towards the 3-15. </div></div>
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to listen to different people. So if you have a 5.5-22x, why cant you use it on 15x to be certain that you dont pull "the most amateur move", whatever the eff that is??? </div></div>
Running the 22x NF on 15x renders the ranging reticle useless because the scope is second focal plane.
</div></div>
Yep, but it's usable at 11x (with the increments doubled).
There's one ounce weight difference and 1/8" difference in length between the 2 scopes if I remember the specs correctly.
You can dial the 22x down, but you can't dial the 15x up any further than 15x.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need to listen to different people. So if you have a 5.5-22x, why cant you use it on 15x to be certain that you dont pull "the most amateur move", whatever the eff that is??? </div></div>
Running the 22x NF on 15x renders the ranging reticle useless because the scope is second focal plane.
</div></div>
Yep, but it's usable at 11x (with the increments doubled).
There's one ounce weight difference and 1/8" difference in length between the 2 scopes if I remember the specs correctly.
You can dial the 22x down, but you can't dial the 15x up any further than 15x.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yep, but it's usable at 11x (with the increments doubled).
</div></div>
Good luck with that.
For that amount of effort, I'd buy the FFP 5.5-20x50mm Razor instead.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yep, but it's usable at 11x (with the increments doubled).
</div></div>
Good luck with that.
For that amount of effort, I'd buy the FFP 5.5-20x50mm Razor instead.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
For shooting 1200yds I tend to recommend the 22x if your doing tactical shooting the 3.5-15x50mm. Whatever one you get it hard to go wrong.
Mike @ CST
For shooting 1200yds I tend to recommend the 22x if your doing tactical shooting the 3.5-15x50mm. Whatever one you get it hard to go wrong.
Mike @ CST
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
As I have relayed to others, yes, there is such a thing as too much magnification. That being said, I feel the 5.5-22x is the sweet spot because it allows you enough magnification on the lower end as well as on the upper end. With a 22x, you can always dial it down but with a 15x, you're stuck with 15x and that's it.
As for focal plane, you'll hear arguments on both sides of the aisle such as you can't accurately range with a 22x unless it's dialed up to the highest setting and that's because it's a second-focal-plane optic. With a first-focal-plane optic, you can range at any magnification. If the FFP is what you want, NightForce only offers the 3.5-15x at the present time. It has been rumored for quite some time, however, that NightForce will be releasing what many have referred to as "the beast" and it's expected to be a higher magnification, first focal plane optic.
Personally, I don't use my reticle for range estimation so I couldn't care less about whether or not I can range accurately with my reticle. For what it's worth, I've also noticed that the 5.5-22x are easier to sell when it comes time for an upgrade or you find that you're wanting to try something different.
As CSTACTICAL stated above, you can't go wrong with NightForce. If you decide you want something different after purchasing, you won't have a problem with reselling it.
Best of luck!
As I have relayed to others, yes, there is such a thing as too much magnification. That being said, I feel the 5.5-22x is the sweet spot because it allows you enough magnification on the lower end as well as on the upper end. With a 22x, you can always dial it down but with a 15x, you're stuck with 15x and that's it.
As for focal plane, you'll hear arguments on both sides of the aisle such as you can't accurately range with a 22x unless it's dialed up to the highest setting and that's because it's a second-focal-plane optic. With a first-focal-plane optic, you can range at any magnification. If the FFP is what you want, NightForce only offers the 3.5-15x at the present time. It has been rumored for quite some time, however, that NightForce will be releasing what many have referred to as "the beast" and it's expected to be a higher magnification, first focal plane optic.
Personally, I don't use my reticle for range estimation so I couldn't care less about whether or not I can range accurately with my reticle. For what it's worth, I've also noticed that the 5.5-22x are easier to sell when it comes time for an upgrade or you find that you're wanting to try something different.
As CSTACTICAL stated above, you can't go wrong with NightForce. If you decide you want something different after purchasing, you won't have a problem with reselling it.
Best of luck!
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I say get the 5.5-22. The size and weight difference between the two is minimal, and you have the extra power in case you need it. Unless you can find a used 3-15X for a smoking deal.
For me there was no advantage to getting the 3-15X when I compared the two.
I say get the 5.5-22. The size and weight difference between the two is minimal, and you have the extra power in case you need it. Unless you can find a used 3-15X for a smoking deal.
For me there was no advantage to getting the 3-15X when I compared the two.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I love my 15 power nightforce, but I fantasize about a 22 and still browse the classifieds for one like a man looks at other females. As far as the ranging argument goes a used $400 leica does the math way faster and more accurately than I can. If I did comps it may be different but as is I would like a 22x.
I love my 15 power nightforce, but I fantasize about a 22 and still browse the classifieds for one like a man looks at other females. As far as the ranging argument goes a used $400 leica does the math way faster and more accurately than I can. If I did comps it may be different but as is I would like a 22x.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
Case in point today.. mirage was bad today so I had to dial mine down from 20x to 14x and all good. Depending on your shooting and wallet, I'd be happy with either, but it's nice to have the extra there if you need it. If you plan on ranging or holdovers and moving powers, then go FFP, which in Nightforce means F1 only available in 15x, or wait for the "Beast" sometime 2012 possibly. Or there are a slew of other very good manufactures out there to try as well.
Cheers,
Hawk
Case in point today.. mirage was bad today so I had to dial mine down from 20x to 14x and all good. Depending on your shooting and wallet, I'd be happy with either, but it's nice to have the extra there if you need it. If you plan on ranging or holdovers and moving powers, then go FFP, which in Nightforce means F1 only available in 15x, or wait for the "Beast" sometime 2012 possibly. Or there are a slew of other very good manufactures out there to try as well.
Cheers,
Hawk
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I've owned both.Here's my take on the subject.
Once you get used to FFP it's a hassle not having it when you start dialing the magnification to suit the conditions.
I settled on the F1.
I'm not missing the extra mag of the 5.5-22x but hardly ever use the low mag of either.
1200Y is no problem on 15X and more than likely you'll dial down as the heat off your barrel and mirage dictates.
I've owned both.Here's my take on the subject.
Once you get used to FFP it's a hassle not having it when you start dialing the magnification to suit the conditions.
I settled on the F1.
I'm not missing the extra mag of the 5.5-22x but hardly ever use the low mag of either.
1200Y is no problem on 15X and more than likely you'll dial down as the heat off your barrel and mirage dictates.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I've used both quite a bit and would have to agree: For shooting paper or steel gongs, higher magnification is King. For any real world application, 3-15 is the best.
Lower magnification gives you less mirage, much more usable field of view, better eye relief, and quicker target acquisition.
I've used both quite a bit and would have to agree: For shooting paper or steel gongs, higher magnification is King. For any real world application, 3-15 is the best.
Lower magnification gives you less mirage, much more usable field of view, better eye relief, and quicker target acquisition.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
Does the 3.5-15 gather more light than the 5.5-22?
I have same question but mine has to do with light transmission near dark.
Does the 3.5-15 gather more light than the 5.5-22?
I have same question but mine has to do with light transmission near dark.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
There is another option, an add on lens made by BulzEye which will increase the power a little ,about 20x on the 15x scope and about 32x on the 20x scope , also you can match up your eye sight to the lens to help you see better if you have older eyes. If you don't need the power you can remove the lens which can be had in a rubber end cap that is rather easy to put on and take off.
There is another option, an add on lens made by BulzEye which will increase the power a little ,about 20x on the 15x scope and about 32x on the 20x scope , also you can match up your eye sight to the lens to help you see better if you have older eyes. If you don't need the power you can remove the lens which can be had in a rubber end cap that is rather easy to put on and take off.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wdhigh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the 3.5-15 gather more light than the 5.5-22?
I have same question but mine has to do with light transmission near dark. </div></div>
The darker it gets the less you see!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wdhigh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the 3.5-15 gather more light than the 5.5-22?
I have same question but mine has to do with light transmission near dark. </div></div>
The darker it gets the less you see!
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
When I ordered my NXS, I thought I wanted the 22X. Mike at CS told me that if I was going to be shooting competitions where time counts, to go with the 15X. I wish I would have listened to him. I feel that the 22X is just to much on a hot day with mirage.
I don't feel that any good can come from touching the knob on the right side of the scope, so I always use holds for wind. The 22X is just a bit too much shooting timed events from multiple shooting position's. The extra FOV on the 15X would be perfect.
In short, I wish I would have listened and gone with the 15X.
When I ordered my NXS, I thought I wanted the 22X. Mike at CS told me that if I was going to be shooting competitions where time counts, to go with the 15X. I wish I would have listened to him. I feel that the 22X is just to much on a hot day with mirage.
I don't feel that any good can come from touching the knob on the right side of the scope, so I always use holds for wind. The 22X is just a bit too much shooting timed events from multiple shooting position's. The extra FOV on the 15X would be perfect.
In short, I wish I would have listened and gone with the 15X.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I've shot a fixed 10x SS at 750 yards at a 16x20 target with no problem. Though my 5.5-22x56 NF will allow the target to be bigger in the scope, the mirage is so bad it has to be turned back to 12-15 power to make out the target. Don't set yourself up to buying a scope based on just magnification. Make sure you consider other things like what you intend to use it for and is there a cheaper option with the same qualities. If you want to range with it, will you be ranging for speed in a comp or just shooting with friends? If at a comp, you want speed and having to run up to 22 power and back to a lower setting for clarity will take time, thus you need a FFP. In a comp you will be shooting at 1000 yards but most of the comp will be less than that. Can you make the 15x work for the 1000 yard shot, yes, all day long. It's your money spend it wisely.
I've shot a fixed 10x SS at 750 yards at a 16x20 target with no problem. Though my 5.5-22x56 NF will allow the target to be bigger in the scope, the mirage is so bad it has to be turned back to 12-15 power to make out the target. Don't set yourself up to buying a scope based on just magnification. Make sure you consider other things like what you intend to use it for and is there a cheaper option with the same qualities. If you want to range with it, will you be ranging for speed in a comp or just shooting with friends? If at a comp, you want speed and having to run up to 22 power and back to a lower setting for clarity will take time, thus you need a FFP. In a comp you will be shooting at 1000 yards but most of the comp will be less than that. Can you make the 15x work for the 1000 yard shot, yes, all day long. It's your money spend it wisely.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
If you shoot groups you'll want the 5.5-22.
If you shoot groups you'll want the 5.5-22.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
NF NXS is truly great scope. x15 is "enough" but IMHO x22 has more capability. My opinion is that long range shooter does not need anytime more than x25 zoom. I have NXS 5.5-22x56 MLR with MRad turrets, and it really rocks. Also x22 zoom is littlebit easier to use, when it comes to estimate distance more accurate, so...?
Of course FFP would be nice.
NF NXS is truly great scope. x15 is "enough" but IMHO x22 has more capability. My opinion is that long range shooter does not need anytime more than x25 zoom. I have NXS 5.5-22x56 MLR with MRad turrets, and it really rocks. Also x22 zoom is littlebit easier to use, when it comes to estimate distance more accurate, so...?
Of course FFP would be nice.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
I only shoot my rifles to 600, and some to 800 yards. That is as far as I can effectively shoot. IMO 15X to 16X is more than enough to do that. I have had a few scopes with more power. And basically found the extra power useless on most of the hot days that I shoot to those distances. So top end for me at 15X would be great.
How far can you effectively shoot today??
I purchased a 3X15 from Schryver a couple months back. And put it on a new 22-250 Cooper for groundhogs. I wish I would have bought one of these scopes years ago!!
I have a Zeiss Conquest 6.5X20 that will be up for sale as soon as I can get some pictures taken. I will be taking that money and buying a 2.5X10 NF for a 22 Hornet!! That wil round out my battery. Tom.
I only shoot my rifles to 600, and some to 800 yards. That is as far as I can effectively shoot. IMO 15X to 16X is more than enough to do that. I have had a few scopes with more power. And basically found the extra power useless on most of the hot days that I shoot to those distances. So top end for me at 15X would be great.
How far can you effectively shoot today??
I purchased a 3X15 from Schryver a couple months back. And put it on a new 22-250 Cooper for groundhogs. I wish I would have bought one of these scopes years ago!!
I have a Zeiss Conquest 6.5X20 that will be up for sale as soon as I can get some pictures taken. I will be taking that money and buying a 2.5X10 NF for a 22 Hornet!! That wil round out my battery. Tom.
Re: Can’t decide between Nightforce NXS 3-15 or 5.5-20
You can find used second focal plane 3.5-15 Nightforce scopes for a good deal here. It seems when they came out with the F1 model lots of people upgraded and are getting rid of them. Just a thought if you decide to go that way.
You can find used second focal plane 3.5-15 Nightforce scopes for a good deal here. It seems when they came out with the F1 model lots of people upgraded and are getting rid of them. Just a thought if you decide to go that way.
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