Nxs 2.5-10 on a longer range hunting rifle?

[UNRL Ghandi]

I buy and sell scopes all the time, upgrading to the new hotness that catches my eye. The NF 2.5-10x and Vortex Gen 2 HD Razor 1-6x are two that I'll probably have in the safe forever. I've found the NF 2.5-10x scope to be the most versatile scope I have. It sits on my 45-70 right now.

I'm dreaming of the day NF releases a 2-(12-16)x ATACR though. It'll probably be on every rifle I own.

Having said that at the range you're talking about do you need to have a scope with a low end magnification of 2.5x for greater FOV? I personally need higher FOV in my woods because at max I'll get 100 yard shot maybe 200 if I'm on a field. If most of my shots were going to be 100+ I'd opt for a higher mag range like a 3-15x or 4-20x.

 

[supercorndogs]

I sold my NF2.5-10x42 MIL/MIL mildot reticle illuminated reticle and zero stop to buy an Athlon Cronus. Of the many scopes I have sold, and that number is in the dozens, I wish I would have kept it, one more 3-12 LRHS from the original roll out.

 

[Moose]

I buy and sell scopes all the time, upgrading to the new hotness that catches my eye. The NF 2.5-10x and Vortex Gen 2 HD Razor 1-6x are two that I'll probably have in the safe forever. I've found the NF 2.5-10x scope to be the most versatile scope I have. It sits on my 45-70 right now.

I'm dreaming of the day NF releases a 2-(12-16)x ATACR though. It'll probably be on every rifle I own.

Having said that at the range you're talking about do you need to have a scope with a low end magnification of 2.5x for greater FOV? I personally need higher FOV in my woods because at max I'll get 100 yard shot maybe 200 if I'm on a field. If most of my shots were going to be 100+ I'd opt for a higher mag range like a 3-15x or 4-20x.

I have to agree with you on the NF 2.5x10 and the Vortex Gen 2 Razor 1x6 I have both and will not be getting rid of either.

 

[NHR]

My 2.5-10x32 Mil Dot is one that I'll never let go of.

I wish they'd update the X42 model with a newer reticle. I never warmed up to the Mil-R

 

[BCP]

nice shooting, thats crazy! how many times out of 10?

i have a vx6 1-6x and struggle to get a steady image at 550yds on a white 12” steel plate i have positioned in the desert on a hillside.

i’ll have to take a peak at what 900 looks like thru 6x next time out

Might be your eyes, my father is old and his eyesight makes it hard for him to shoot past 200-300 yards scope or no scope.

My 2.5-10x32 Mil Dot is one that I'll never let go of.

I wish they'd update the X42 model with a newer reticle. I never warmed up to the Mil-R

No idea why they quit making them tbh people on here loved them. I liked the Leupold MR/T 3-9 and 2.5-8 but they're discontinued and the clone crowd has inflated prices to the moon. Hopefully SWFA will produce a couple versions of their 2.5-10 and 3-9 as lightweight tactical/hunting type scopes.

 

[krumfola]

@Joko111 if weight is a concern at all the 2.5-10 is 20oz vs. the ATACR is 30oz plus

ATACR is incredible as well. The 34mm tube is great, eye box and eye relief are solid. And more reticle optionsView attachment 8151883

What height rings are those?

 

[TurdFerguson]

I want to like the Creedo but the lack parallax adjustment makes no sense. Like many non tactical Leupolds I swear its made for the fudd crowd.

The old saying you don't need it at 10x and lower needs to die. I would rather have no illuminated reticle and parallax adjustment vs the opposite. I like flexibility….

 

[Sendero_Man]

@krumfola lows

 

[krumfola]

I’ve got a 4-16x42 on an NBK in the same low rings and the bolt hits the cattail at 15/16x and the scope cap too. Yours looks higher. Just ordered some highs so hopefully it’ll clear it now.

 

[Sendero_Man]

I don't run that on my scopes and take off the caps front and rear.

I've cut my thumbs on those a couple times and quit them.

 

[tucaz]

Might be your eyes, my father is old and his eyesight makes it hard for him to shoot past 200-300 yards scope or no scope.

Might be your eyes, my father is old and his eyesight makes it hard for him to shoot past 200-300 yards scope or no scope.



No idea why they quit making them tbh people on here loved them. I liked the Leupold MR/T 3-9 and 2.5-8 but they're discontinued and the clone crowd has inflated prices to the moon. Hopefully SWFA will produce a couple versions of their 2.5-10 and 3-9 as lightweight tactical/hunting type scopes.

good point. i’m 56 and need glasses for distance with a slight astigmatism.

reticle design probably doesnt help with with this vx6 1-6x. the fire dot isnt exactly perfect for small objects past 300-400

 

[Cagey-platpus]

@Joko111 if weight is a concern at all the 2.5-10 is 20oz vs. the ATACR is 30oz plus

ATACR is incredible as well. The 34mm tube is great, eye box and eye relief are solid. And more reticle optionsView attachment 8151883

How does the nxs 2.5-10 compare to the atacr? Is the glass close? Have you found the reticle on the atacr usable on 4x ?

 

[krumfola]

I’d like an answer on @Cagey-platpus’s question too comparing the 4-16x42 ATACR to the compact nxs. I’m looking to go SFP on my rifle by moving my ATACR to a new home. I just don’t use holds and at this point think a SFP would better fit my needs.

Going to a 2.5-10x42 would do everything I need and shave some weight too. I’ve heard that the compact NXS has a “small” reticle. Can any explain this?

 

[Cagey-platpus]

I’d like an answer on @Cagey-platpus’s question too comparing the 4-16x42 ATACR to the compact nxs. I’m looking to go SFP on my rifle by moving my ATACR to a new home. I just don’t use holds and at this point think a SFP would better fit my needs.

Going to a 2.5-10x42 would do everything I need and shave some weight too. I’ve heard that the compact NXS has a “small” reticle. Can any explain this?

So i can give you my opinion on both of these scopes. I ended up purchasing the nxs 2.5-10 and I still own the atacr 4-16.

I prefer the atacr turrets and the glass is a little better (the nxs is very good in my opinion). The nxs does have a small reticle, it's not as bold as other sfp scopes but I find it very easy to use. I am not a big fan of the 5 mil turrets on the nxs but since it has a zero stop it's not a big deal.

Over all in my opinion, if you want a light weight scope the nxs is the way to go. The glass is good, the scope is small , it is easy to get behind. I think it's the perfect hunting scope . I have used it past 1000 yards on steel with out issue. I would buy another one if I build another light weight rifle.

 

[krumfola]

That’s exactly the info I was looking for. I think I’m gonna sell the 4-16 and replace it with a 2.5-10. Thanks.

 

[Cagey-platpus]

That’s exactly the info I was looking for. I think I’m gonna sell the 4-16 and replace it with a 2.5-10. Thanks.

If you have any other questions let me know and I would do my best to give you my impression of the scopes.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I sold my NF2.5-10x42 MIL/MIL mildot reticle illuminated reticle and zero stop to buy an Athlon Cronus. Of the many scopes I have sold, and that number is in the dozens, I wish I would have kept it, one more 3-12 LRHS from the original roll out.

I’d love to find another 2.5-10x42 with mildot. Awesome hunting scope.

 

[HD1911]

The MIL-R is an abomination. Would’ve loved that scope if not for that garbage reticle.

 

[krumfola]

Yeah I just don’t get the MIL-R subtensions. Not very intuitive at all.

 

[Sendero_Man]

I’ve got a 4-16x42 on an NBK in the same low rings and the bolt hits the cattail at 15/16x and the scope cap too. Yours looks higher. Just ordered some highs so hopefully it’ll clear it now.

Call Tate and get a 70 degree bolt for your NBK

 

[al22300]

The footprint of this scope is one of my favorites. Adding better reticle options, a ffp model, updated turrets, updated glass, and a model with more magnification are all ways that Nightforce could increase sales. They refuse to do anything. The first to release a good quality ffp scope that is of similar proportions, weight, price, and with a well designed reticle will sell. I guarantee it!

 

[al22300]

I’d even buy the exact same scope with the currently designed FC-DMx reticle. Nope, they refuse.

 

[Sendero_Man]

The footprint of this scope is one of my favorites. Adding better reticle options, a ffp model, updated turrets, updated glass, and a model with more magnification are all ways that Nightforce could increase sales. They refuse to do anything. The first to release a good quality ffp scope that is of similar proportions, weight, price, and with a well designed reticle will sell. I guarantee it!

Run the 4-16x42 ATACR and save the 9 oz with a lighter contour barrel, a carbon fiber barrel, etc. They are incredible scopes

 

[al22300]

I get it, it’s currently my favorite scope. I want a similar scope (am willing to give up some mag) in an even smaller footprint.

 

[jbuck88]

Run the 4-16x42 ATACR and save the 9 oz with a lighter contour barrel, a carbon fiber barrel, etc. They are incredible scopes

View attachment 8584150

Can you shed some light on your arca rail? I tried looking to see what the slams have but couldn't come up with anything.

 

[Sendero_Man]

@jbuck88 its a sideways ( 90 degree ) arca that Glen designed. Locks in great and doesn't move under recoil

 

[jbuck88]

So not available separately?

 

[Sendero_Man]

Never asked... But I can

 

[jbuck88]

Does it attach via Mloc?

 

[Sendero_Man]

 

[jbuck88]

Thank you. Looks like a way better option, the full width arca digs into my hand while trying to carry it.

 

[krumfola]

Call Tate and get a 70 degree bolt for your NBK

I sold the NBK before the 75s were announced. I ended up with some Kelblys with 75 degree bolts. Definitely solved the problem.

 

[krumfola]

Never asked... But I can

That’s a pretty slick setup.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

That nx8 is a badass scope,have not used the 2.5-20 but that 4-32 is solid

I run the 2.5-10x42 on a gasser 308 and love it for what the gun does, and have the 2.5-20 on a 6.5G that reaches out to 1k when needed. Both scopes are great, the 2.5-10 is a better match to a more compact gun, but damn the 2.5-20 has versatility for a bit more weight and length…

 

[clark33]

The NXS 2.5-10 is a great long range hunting scope.

 

[jbuck88]

I will second the ATACR 4-16x42 being a good choice. Right now in running a NXS 2.5-10x42 on my deer gun and an ATACR 4-16x42 on my elk gun. My wife has been using a Vortex LHT 3-15x42. One of my kids is using a NX8 2.5-20, just bought a Razor LHT 3-15 since he has a hard time picking up the reticle of the nx8.

I picked up most of the options I could find in the mid range to try out.

 

[clark33]

Zero stop

Mil/mil turret to reticle
Capped windage
Christmas tree reticle
Price (significant savings)
Effortless zoom once used a bit
Very good glass (Nightforce glass is gtg too)

Oh, and FFP too.

For a 10x hunting optic I personally don’t think FFP is a benefit. On lower power in low light the ffp can be difficult to see, unless you have illum on which if legal in your state is ok. And I’m not a fan of Xmas tree reticles on hunting optics. I don’t really see any need for it in any hunting situation I’ve ever been in. If I were taking a long shot it wouldn’t be a rushed one. I’d have it on 10x (no need for ffp there) and I’d dial elevation, so if I had to hold wind it would be inline with center of x hair. And the NXS 2.5-10x42 also has a zero stop. Also the NXS has mil turret/mil reticle options.

I’d take the NXS all day every day

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

I will respectfully disagree on the utility of christmas tree reticles. There were many years I was a turret-spinning fool, stuck in my ways - then I got one and started using it in earnest, and now - quite honestly - fuck those turrets.

Everything that matters comes down to details, and I do often have quick shots on moving game at distance - usually yotes and bobcats and hogs - and the ability to glass and range, along with built in AB for drop, then transition to rifle, scope and squeeze - I have lots of dead animals that would still be walking the earth and causing problems had I been turret-spinning prior to trigger-pulling. I hunted S. Africa about 10 year ago with an old Premier hunter with gen2XR and that was the end of my turret-spinning days. All that to say, different strokes for different folks, but don't count the christmas tree out till you play around with it.

On the utility of FFP for hunting, I honestly don't have an issue - though the demarcations are not visible, the reticle is as a standard crosshair, and that is entirely serviceable for anything I'd shoot at on 2X.

 

[FOS373]

Used a NF 2.5-10x42 with the older IHR reticle on a sheep hunt this year. Worked great at 450 yards with a 308.

 

[clark33]

I will respectfully disagree on the utility of christmas tree reticles. There were many years I was a turret-spinning fool, stuck in my ways - then I got one and started using it in earnest, and now - quite honestly - fuck those turrets.

Everything that matters comes down to details, and I do often have quick shots on moving game at distance - usually yotes and bobcats and hogs - and the ability to glass and range, along with built in AB for drop, then transition to rifle, scope and squeeze - I have lots of dead animals that would still be walking the earth and causing problems had I been turret-spinning prior to trigger-pulling. I hunted S. Africa about 10 year ago with an old Premier hunter with gen2XR and that was the end of my turret-spinning days. All that to say, different strokes for different folks, but don't count the christmas tree out till you play around with it.

On the utility of FFP for hunting, I honestly don't have an issue - though the demarcations are not visible, the reticle is as a standard crosshair, and that is entirely serviceable for anything I'd shoot at on 2X.

Sure, it all comes down to type/style of hunting. For me personally I’ve never thought, man I wish I had a Xmas tree reticle on any muley, elk or pronghorn I shot. I could definitely see it being useful for holdover predator hunting. But I personally don’t take running long range shots on big game, and have always had time to dial when it was required.

 

[MK20]

For a 10x hunting optic I personally don’t think FFP is a benefit. On lower power in low light the ffp can be difficult to see, unless you have illum on which if legal in your state is ok. And I’m not a fan of Xmas tree reticles on hunting optics. I don’t really see any need for it in any hunting situation I’ve ever been in. If I were taking a long shot it wouldn’t be a rushed one. I’d have it on 10x (no need for ffp there) and I’d dial elevation, so if I had to hold wind it would be inline with center of x hair. And the NXS 2.5-10x42 also has a zero stop. Also the NXS has mil turret/mil reticle options.

I’d take the NXS all day every day

You do realize that running a MVPO at max mag significantly degrades low light performance, and that the ability to dial it down just a bit to 8 or 9 while maintaining accurate holds.

 

[jbuck88]

Different people hunt different. Seems like a simple idea but can sure cause a rift.

I've hunted plenty with a NX8 2.5-20 and the nxs 2.5-10x42. I would 100% say the the nxs is a better low light on low magnification scope then the nx8.

 

[clark33]

You do realize that running a MVPO at max mag significantly degrades low light performance, and that the ability to dial it down just a bit to 8 or 9 while maintaining accurate holds.

You proved my point, I was saying in low light you'd have to be on low power, a FFP on low power can prove difficult to pick up the thin reticle. And I wouldn't take any shot (personally) at a distance that would require me to hold significant wind in low light.

Not knocking the Credo, just my opinion that its not superior to the NXS is all.

 

[Cagey-platpus]

Different people hunt different. Seems like a simple idea but can sure cause a rift.

I've hunted plenty with a NX8 2.5-20 and the nxs 2.5-10x42. I would 100% say the the nxs is a better low light on low magnification scope then the nx8.

I don't have the nx8 2.5-20, but i have the 4-32 and the atacr 4-16 along with the 2.5-10 nsx . All 3 are great scopes but for a light weight hunting gun i would take nsx . For me personally I find it easy to get behind and I prefer sfp on the hunting scopes .

 

[MK20]

You proved my point, I was saying in low light you'd have to be on low power, a FFP on low power can prove difficult to pick up the thin reticle. And I wouldn't take any shot (personally) at a distance that would require me to hold significant wind in low light.

Not knocking the Credo, just my opinion that its not superior to the NXS is all.

You are not understanding what I am saying, and it is obvious you have not used MPVOs in low light much.

 

[clark33]

You are not understanding what I am saying, and it is obvious you have not used MPVOs in low light much.

Sure I have, no issues killing animals with it yet. And the NXS is actually pretty good on 10x at first and last light, maybe the Credo isn't? That'd be up to you to decide. I have a credo showing up here friday, I'll compare.
But, it looks like someone agrees with us on its low light performance:


No animosity, just my preference for a hunting optic.

 

[jbuck88]

I don't have the nx8 2.5-20, but i have the 4-32 and the atacr 4-16 along with the 2.5-10 nsx . All 3 are great scopes but for a light weight hunting gun i would take nsx . For me personally I find it easy to get behind and I prefer sfp on the hunting scopes .

Yes, all 3 are great scopes. I use all 3 for hunting. My compact 6.5cm 20" rifle has the nxs 2.5-10x42, my slightly less compact 6mm CM 22" kids rifle has the NX8 2.5-20 and full size 24" 300wsm has the ATACR 4-16x42.

 

[diggler1833]

Sure I have, no issues killing animals with it yet. And the NXS is actually pretty good on 10x at first and last light, maybe the Credo isn't? That'd be up to you to decide. I have a credo showing up here friday, I'll compare.
But, it looks like someone agrees with us on its low light performance:


No animosity, just my preference for a hunting optic.

That was Frank 10 years and 4 inches ago... Doesn't count now.

FWIW, I'm somewhat in the same boat. I've got several Trijicon scopes and a Nightforce, and the Trijicons do well in "glass" for what you pay...I'm just not as convinced in their mechanical durability vs Nightforce (and I say that having never had an issue with any of mine, so take that with a grain of salt).

Make sure to share your thoughts when you get the two side by side.