Rifle Scopes Value proposition on LVPs

[schlaiek]

I know these sorts of questions are asked all the time...

scenario: I'm in the market for a LVP for a 16" 308 lightweight gasser that is finally done (I think).
I might use it for a classes, maybe whitetail, mostly shooting paper & steel.

contenders:
Razor 2 1-6. I've been running one for years on my favorite AR.
+ known quantity, lower cost, stellar warranty
- lacks new car smell, SFP, the retical is just OK

Burris XTR2 1-8. I've owned and sold 2 XTR2s made in the Philippines - they were just ok vs. Razor 2s.
+ solid reviews, from people who's opinions I value, lower cost
- I just don't love holdovers unless I am running a specific load that matches. a brand that I have uneven experience with

Nightforce 1-8. no experience
+ tiny, light, super bright dot, it's a Nightforce
- the reticle is just odd for a 1-8

Kahles K16i. no experience
+ the FOV, great reputation
- high cost for a SFP 1-6

Nightforce ATACR 1-8. no experience
+ reticle looks amazing, middle of the road size, it's a nightforce
- cost, I'd have to save a bit longer to afford

Minox ZP8
+ reticle looks solid, reported to have amazing glass
- warranty questions, high cost

Huskemaw 1-6
+ cause Quigley-Ford's LVP is aimed at shotguns & black powder
- just for laughs

not listed:
Trijicon 1-8. had one, sold it, just wasn't for me.

help me make a decision...

 

[ddavis]

Burris RT6. In the examples I had at the same time side by side with a Razor G2 1-6, I was about to read small print at distance better with the Burris and it isn't a boat anchor like almost every scope you are considering. I wouldn't put lightweight and anything "Razor" in the same sentence, lol. Let's be real, we are talking 6-8 power magnification here, do you need to add a thousand dollars worth of better glass? IMO it matters when you get into higher power scopes, but even a low-mid price 3-9 scope has decent enough glass. Definitely consider the weight. I sold the Razor and kept the Burris.

ETA: Unless you require turrets you can dial vs strict BDC holdover. In which case disregard.

 

[crossgun]

Funny I was going to suggest the Trijicon 1-8x AccuPower. I think for the price and the features it owns the sweet spot. I really like the glass for brightness and edge to edge clarity.

What didn't you like about it? That might help other steer you to the answer you are looking for.

 

[schlaiek]

Regarding the Trijicon. For me, it was heavy, tactile feel was lacking from the elevation turret (not a huge deal on a lpv to me), I wasn’t in love with the reticle, and imo was not daytime bright. I’m not much of a gamer so I have no splits to compare, but the overall package was just not for me. I had a hard time getting behind, and staying behind the scope. Could have been my eyes or my sample size of one.

I previously owned a 1-6 accupoint which lasted 1 hunt before being replaced. I respect the hell out of Trijicon and I love the mro and ACOG, but their variable power optics just aren’t for me.

 

[Gasgun]

I’ve been running a Vortex Razor HD II E 1-6 on a SCAR 17 and agree with OP that the reticle is kind of meh.

Just picked up the ATACR 1-8 to replace the Vortex. Work and household projects have prevented me from getting it mounted yet, but I’ve been playing with it around my property.

Had some rainy, misty days and some sunshine today.

So far, I’m happy with my purchase. Glass is great. Can’t wait to get it mounted on the SCAR.

I think that the reticle is going to work well for my intended use for the rifle.

The Razor will probably end up on a 5.56 gun.

I’ve been running a 4-16X F1 ATACR on my MWS, and am really impressed with it.

I expect the 1-8 to be more of the same.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Surely the OP is asking about LPV's?

 

[schlaiek]

Indeed I am. leaning towards the NX8 right now... other than the overly large center dot, it looks like it will meet all of my needs.

 

[Newbiesupremo]

Just purely from an overall value perspective, you'll be hard pressed to find a 'better' choice than the Razor Gen II, especially the price the older version has been going for.

Its dipped down into a price bracket where competitors are unable to compare in terms of specs and track record.

 

[CSTactical]

Indeed I am. leaning towards the NX8 right now... other than the overly large center dot, it looks like it will meet all of my needs.

I have some in stock, please give me a call at 916-670-1103 and I can get one out to you

 

[regency]

I can tell you I have had a Kahles, a family member has an NX8 now, and I decided to pony up to try out the new ATACR 1-8 which delivers this week.

The kahles really is incredible for up close work because of the eye box and FOV, very clear. I question its durability though...

The NX8 to me is more usable on a battlefield or something. I like the reticle and the ability to dial if needed, the extra 2x helps too... I'm not crazy about the eye box.

I am hoping the ATACR will take the good from both of these optics and avoid the bad, will see...

 

[schlaiek]

my NX8 arrived today, and wow this thing is small. it makes a Steiner PX4 look large (a scope I happen to have unmounted) and can easily compare. initial impressions of the reticle is better than expected, especially @ 8x. and if anyone is wondering if other's statements about the illumination being bright, don't. It's at least as bright as a T2 or MRO. we've got a ton of snow on the ground and full sun and even in those conditions the illumination isn't washing out.

the eyebox is tighter than I'd like - again I'm comparing it to the Steiner as my Razor is mounted and this comparison wouldn't be fair.
turrets are good, and the PTL makes so much sense on this optic, the entire industry should copy it for LPVs imo...
the only other 1-8 I've ever owned is the Trijicon, and I wish I had it to directly compare. I definitely like the size and reticle better on the NF, but any comparisons about usability wouldn't be worth a damn.

I'm excited to this this guy mounted and run some drills & tracking tests.

 

[CSTactical]

I can make this lightweight rugged combo happen today for a lucky person

Nightforce Optics NX8 1-8x24 FFP mil/mil $1,750.00 https://bit.ly/2IHaYcM
Scalarworks LEAP/SCOPE 30mm mount $399.00 https://bit.ly/2E5O1Ld

 

[schlaiek]

My NX8 will be going in a Geiselle mount. I’ve sort of fallen out of love with QD mounts, though that scalarworks looks interesting. I honestly didn’t know they were making scope mounts. Now if some of the mountain of snow would go away I could do some shooting...

 

[regency]

Finally got my ATACR in and mounted. Finally compared it to the NX8 my relative put on his KAC rifle.

NX8 wins on weight and size. I actually think the illumination on it is better.
ATACR wins on better clarity/eye box. I like the reticle better as well.

NX8 loses on eye box and wished clarity was just a little better. Also loses on the .2mrad clicks, was hoping for .1mrad clicks.
ATACR loses on weight. I know some guys love the low profile turrets, I personally wished they were a little larger so I could use them in the field easier.

Both lose on the center dot being too large.

 

[koshkin]

I have only had limited hands on time with the NX8 and ATACR, but my initial impression was that as you extend the distance, they started picking up parallax issues quite quickly, probably owing to rather shallow depth of field.

Have you had a chance to shoot beyond 500 yards with either one of these?

ILya

 

[regency]

I have only had limited hands on time with the NX8 and ATACR, but my initial impression was that as you extend the distance, they started picking up parallax issues quite quickly, probably owing to rather shallow depth of field.

Have you had a chance to shoot beyond 500 yards with either one of these?

ILya

I have not shot with the ATACR yet but I have with the NX8. I agree when you go above 6x power, you have to shoot these things like a scope on a PRS gun. I think these variable scopes are a great addition to the market but are kinda like a crossover SUV. They don't do any one thing great, but they do a lot of things 'average to good'.

 

[Primus]

Atacr > mk8 > nx8 > razor > ET 8.5. > Kahles imo.

They are the only 6 worth owning. Razor is the xheapest but weighs a ton , has a terrible reticle and is not ffp.

Nx8 is best value.

Mk8 with h27 is a proven winner.

ET8.5 is not bright enough but a durable 1-8.5 ffp with good glass and great reticle is hard to beat when you could find them for $1k.

 

[schlaiek]

Primus - I'm surprised the Burris isn't on your list. that's supposed to still very much be a great value prop, though I'm not personally a fan of the reticle. no experience with it, though I almost ordered one in stead of the NX8.

 

[Primus]

There is not a philippine scope I would ever trust my life to. Why even bother when for the same money you can pick up a LOW built Bushnell or a Jap razor for a bit more.

 

[koshkin]

There is not a philippine scope I would ever trust my life to. Why even bother when for the same money you can pick up a LOW built Bushnell or a Jap razor for a bit more.

The 1-8x is a LOW scope.

ILya

 

[Primus]

Ok then good to know.

Replace phillippine with Burris and statement still stands ?