I'm in the market for a new scope of this type. It will go on a .308 and will mainly be used to punch paper with the possibility of a deer hunt on occasion.

What really has me interested in this model is the high speed turrets. I really like the idea of 20 MOA of elevation per turn. The ability to go from a 100yd zero to 600yds with less than one complete turn of the turret sounds very appealing.

Also the fact that it has a lighted reticle which I've found out the hard way this is kind of important with these thin reticle scopes. I had a March 2.5-25X42 on it and while I've never owned another scope that could match it's clarity, the reticle would disapear in low light rendering the optic useless. March offers a lighted reticle but when I bought mine it was a $600 option and blows my budget!

The biggest draw back I can think of with the NightForce is it's 2nd plain reticle. I don't range with the reticle anyway (right now) so I don't think this is a big draw back for me, but I could be wrong.

The Zeiss Hensoldt or S&B PMII both are very attractive but both are about $1200-$1500 out of my price range.

I can get the NF 5.5-22X50 with the high speed turrets and zero stop for $1764 shipped. Let's say my budget is $2000 tops. In that price range is there anything else out there I ought to be considering? Any thoughts on the high speed turrets would be appreciated too.

Thanks,
Terry

I don't have any experience with the high speed turrets, but there is one issue that I didn't realize until I got mine. The ocular end turns when you adjust the magnification. That is only a problem if you use protective flip up caps as I do. It can get in the way when you rack the bolt. You have to turn the magnification back to get it out of the way. Not a big issue.

I am a big fan of NF scopes and don't think you can do better for the money. I would buy another one. I have talked in person to some of the NF staff. I also talked to the president of the company. I can tell you that they are committed to their customers.

TC1-

Which March reticle was in your scope?

If it was a clear day, about how long after official sunset would you say the scope was useable?

other that the reticle disappearing, was the scope clear and bright, even in the twilight hours?

I've heard a lot of good things about the NightForce scopes. I don't own any.

I have 3 Leupold Mark IV 8-25X on my target rifles. They are FF plane scopes and are outfitted with the TMR. I believe it is available illuminated as well.

I would suggest a FF plane reticle.

The Leupold Mark IV is a lot of scope for the price.

None of the FF reticles are available in an illuminated model

Didn't Nightforce just come out with a FFP scope, thought I read it someplace.
C.G.B.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:
TC1-

Which March reticle was in your scope?

If it was a clear day, about how long after official sunset would you say the scope was useable?

other that the reticle disappearing, was the scope clear and bright, even in the twilight hours?

Hi Mark, mine had the MTR-1 reticle. At the slightest hint of dusk the the reticle was gone. On the plus side, the clarity was absolutely amazing. I spent a lot of time comparing it to a Schmidt&Bender Zenith, Leupold VX3 and NightForce compact I own. Set at the same power the resolution was noticeably better on the March than any of them. That said, the side parallax adjustment was extremely critical. More so than any other scope I've ever owned. If it was just a hair off the image quality was gone. The scope seemed bright but I didn't do any side by side comparisons of it in low light conditions. If you can't see the reticle what's the point? Not only was the clarity fantastic but colors seemed more vivid through this scope than any other I've ever owned except for an IOR Valdada. The image also had more depth. The turrets had a nice feel to them and it's my understanding they are hand lapped.

They do make the March scope with a duplex reticle. I called Kelby's about a reticle change but they didn't really seem to interested in helping me out. That brings up another sore spot about the March scope. They only have a 5 year warranty on them. I had thought about ordering another one with the duplex reticle but just can't bring myself to do it because of the warranty and the customer service IMO was a little lacking.

When I bought mine they were still a little hard to get. I was able to sell it for what I paid for it!

rcamuglia, years ago I owned a 6.5-20X50 with a Premier Gen-II reticle. I agree 100% it's a lot of scope for the money. That said, I really want the zero stop feature. After owning one I couldn't go back. Also, these newer scopes with lots of elevation per turn are a very attractive option. They just make things easier (I think.)

Terry

PS. I hope this post makes sense. I broke 2 ribs last week and I'm on some pretty heavy pain meds today

quote:

Originally posted by cgbach:
Didn't Nightforce just come out with a FFP scope, thought I read it someplace.
C.G.B.

Yes, but it's only on the 3-15 model. It's called the F1. I'm thinking right now I want the 5.5-22X50 model.

Terry