Rifle Scopes NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

earthquake

earthquake

Area Man
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Jul 30, 2009
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    #1
    I've been doing a little research on scopes for my .308 bolt gun, that I shoot 175's from 100 - 1,000 yds. I recently sold my only scope (Leupold Mk4-M3) to get one of the SWFA 5 - 22's but I cannot wait any longer...I'm going to have to cancel my order and get something else.

    So, in lieu of that, could you guys give me your opinions, other than what I can research from the vendors, on a different scope?

    I would like: Mil/Mil, FFP, at least 15x magnification and maybe illumination, but that's not crucial. My budget is $1,600 max.

    I'm looking at:

    1. Nightforce NXS, 3.5 - 15 x50
    2. Leupold Mk4-M5 4.5 - 14 x50 ER/T
    3. Vortex Viper PST 4 - 16 x50

    I've never used or even looked through anything but Leupolds and Unertl. Or, if there's another scope I'm overlooking, please let me know. I know the NXS scopes are about $1700 retail, but if they're heads above the others, I could maybe swing the extra money. Thanks in advance.
     
    #3
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    You can find NF for under $1600, but not with FFP.

    The FFP NF is about $2200.

    I'm currently in the same boat, trying to decide between an F1 or to save longer and get an S&B.
     
    #6
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of those options I'd wait out the SS if you really need FFP. If SFP will work for you then I'd get a NF.</div></div>



    +1 to this.




    Aron-
     
    #8
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    Hang out a little longer for the SS. If has all the features that you are really looking for. I think you will just get frustrated by settling on something that you don't want.
     
    #10
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hang out a little longer for the SS...</div></div>

    ...especially if you're getting it for the group buy price!

    If you need an optic RIGHT NOW then get something cheap to tide you over (say the ubiquitous super sniper or bushnell 10x) and then when the super sniper 5-20 shows up put the cheapie in your tool chest as a back up.
     
    #12
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    There are several scopes in your price bracket.

    Starting at the upper end of your budget:

    IOR 3-18x42. Awesome scope, great reticle. The price includes a very good set of rings.

    Weaver tactical 3-15X

    Viper PST 4-16 or 6-24

    On the low end, there is the Falcon Menace.
    I have the 4-14 and it has served me well, they also have two 5-25 models, one with a 50mm and one with a 56mm objective lens. The 5-25 now have an illuminated reticle. They are nice scopes for the money but they are not the equivalent of the previously listed scopes.
     
    #13
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    I see a lot of Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 go for around $1700 here in the FS section.

    It's definitely what I'd buy in your price range, not only because I own one, but because it's a great scope in that price range.
     
    #14
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    I vote Leupold. I know it's trendy on the tactical sites to hate on Leupold these days, but they are still awesome scopes. NF is outside your budget and I personally don't feel the PST should be compared to either.
     
    #15
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    SWFA would take care of any issues with an SS scope. Having just gotten one of the 5-20s, I'd say wait. Meanwhile, if you can afford to, "rent" another scope for as long as it takes, then suck up the loss...might be $100-200 dollars if you keep it near pristine.
     
    #16
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    If you are looking for a ffp look at the vortex razor . I think there are a few of the new bushnell hdmr scopes for sale right now that look promising as well.
     
    #17
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    If FFP is important to you, you're going to have a really hard time finding a better value than the Weaver 3-15 EMDR for $750 street price. Do a little looking here. There are a couple reviews. Great scope.

    John
     
    #18
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    Thanks everyone. I'd love to wait for the SWFA HD, but w/o having any idea when mine will arrive (I ordered late) and having a trip planned/bought/paid-for to shoot, that can't be postponed, I need something asap. I leave in two weeks!

    I seem to be drawn back to the Leupolds. I like the new Mk-4 M5's so what, if anything, really makes people hesitant to buy these over a NF f1? I've read some complaints about non-illum reticle and the TMR being hard to see in low light.

    I'm not interested in zero-stop as I've never used one. I've also never used FFP scopes, but want to.

    I do like the Razor(!) and there are a few for sale on here if I can swing the extra money soon. Anyway, due to family and heavy travel for work, my summer is rapidly flying by so I want to shoot soon, to figure holds etc. so I can get into some comps this fall. I haven't pulled the trigger on my rifle since last September!
    frown.gif


    Thanks again for all the help.
     
    #22
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    So now I find myself in a dilemma...I might be able (in a couple weeks) buy a Vortex Razor for a bit less than retail. Or, I can pick up a Super Sniper 10x42 for cheap, as a temporary scope while I wait for my SWFA 5-22HD...

    Two scopes for $1325 or one for $1850...but then I'd have to buy rings for the Razor at $140. Those Razors seems to be incredible scopes! But since I've never used, seen or looked through either SWFA or Vortex, I don't know if the Razor is really worth the extra $800+...any final comments?

    Thanks again guys.

     
    #23
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    SGT.,

    To expand one what timelinex suggested, how about this?

    Go to www.SampleList.com and buy any scope listed there. Once your SS-HD comes in we will refund you the full price you paid for whatever scope you selected, you just paying shipping both ways.

    Same idea that timelinex put out there but this way you don't have to hassle with selling it and we are guaranteeing you that you will get what you paid for it back.

    Thank you for your service and thank you for your business.

    Chris
     
    #24
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SGT.,

    To expand one what timelinex suggested, how about this?

    Go to www.SampleList.com and buy any scope listed there. Once your SS-HD comes in we will refund you the full price you paid for whatever scope you selected, you just paying shipping both ways.

    Same idea that timelinex put out there but this way you don't have to hassle with selling it and we are guaranteeing you that you will get what you paid for it back.

    Thank you for your service and thank you for your business.

    Chris </div></div>

    That is nothing short of awesome...
     
    #25
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    nightforce all the way! lots of guys say they are just as good as premier uso and s&b. cant go wrong with leupold either!
     
    #26
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SGT.,

    To expand one what timelinex suggested, how about this?
    ......

    Thank you for your service and thank you for your business.

    Chris </div></div>
    Wow, thats awesome.
    Look's like you have found your answer!
     
    #28
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    Wow, I'm speechless! This is my first dealing with SWFA and I can't imagine it getting any better than this, from any other mfg. I just sent Chris a hopefully not too long-winded thank you PM. This will be my first SWFA scope, and with CS like this, it most likely won't be my last.

    I just want to reiterate as I've stated before, this is one of the best sites on the web, with some of the most generous and helpful professionals out there. I've learned a TON in my last two years while a member here. Thank you Frank (LL) and everyone at SWFA and everyone else who makes this site what it is.

    Semper Fi
     
    #29
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    It is said that the character of a business is a reflection of the character of it's upper management. This goes well beyond customer service. Good on SWFA.
     
    #30
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SGT.,

    To expand one what timelinex suggested, how about this?
    ......

    Thank you for your service and thank you for your business.

    Chris </div></div>
    Wow, thats awesome.
    Look's like you have found your answer! </div></div>
    +1, What a great opportunity, now you can try out some nice glass and only be into it for the price of freight,,,and still keep your spot in line for an SS at a great price.
    Thanks SWFA
    SScott
     
    #31
    Re: NXS vs. M5 vs. Viper PST vs. SWFA

    Wow!!! Is there any chance of being in on that same deal?.. My brand new Kimber 8400 Police Tactical in 300 Win Mag, with Kirby's "Pain killer" has been sitting there naked (scopeless) and calling my name.. It's been a month now which isn't really so bad. The bad part is the phone call to customer service checking on the status and having the answer come back as "I couldn't even give you any type of time frame, there's no way to know." I understand that things happen. I also understand SWFA's doing the best they can. It's just that open ended "who knows" that's killing me too. The thing that keeps me going and not wanting to just go with a different scope is what I see here. Rep's giving a damn about their customers and knowing that when I do receive it that it will be a great scope.
     
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