.

Have several Nightforce scopes which I like and use. No problems with any of them.

I also have many other brands of scopes which I also like and use and have had no problems with either.

Really, haven't had a scope failure with any brand of scope since some bad Tascos back in the early 1980s. Haven't touched a Tasco since.

Was recently challenged by some serious folks about whether the Nightforce scopes are really worth the extra money compared to other scopes which offer similar features at maybe half the price.

Since I haven't had any failures with any of them including the makes they referred to, how can I defend spending the dollars for a Nightforce ?

As far as optical quality, my eyes are not tuned to tell the difference.

Is the superiority of the Nightforce real -- or just branding ?

Any thoughts ?

.

I actually own these so it's my opinion (FWIW) and not based on what I've read.
Criteria are (not in any order):
Ease of use
Clarity
Location of recital for variable power scopes (all mine are variable)
Hold of zero, thru firing
Hold of zero thru changes in focus, power and zero
Is one mil on the scope one mil on the target?
Functionality of illumination.
Does the eye relief change? (only on the Leupold, odd)
I don't hunt with these but I'm not gentle either, so lightweight isn't a concern


#1 Schmidt-Bender (Superior in every way)
#2 Night Force
#3 ACOG
#4 Leopold
#5 Zeiss
#6 Burris
#6 Nikon

I don't own Swaro's so I can't tell you about them
IMHO...

One of the reasons I bought a NF scope was because of their durability. I had a scope that started coming apart on the inside. It would not hold POA. As you know NF has great reticles. That is another reason I bought one. You can buy scopes with better optics, but are they that much better for the money? Also are they more durable and repeatable? I don't think so.

I got to know the manager of a gun range that allows you to shoot out to 1,000 yds. They have at least 30 stations ( it's a busy range). He shoots competitively and based on his experiences, which in part are based on many people shooting at the range and in competition, he told me which scopes he would not buy and why. Well one of those scopes he mentioned was one that was on my rifle and he knew it. When I started having problems with that scope, I decided to try one that would hold up better. I have not been disappointed yet.

1 More thing... I'm a member of the Fifty Cal Shooters Assn. (FCSA) and when you look at the results page, well over 60% of competitors are using NF scopes

I can't say one's better than the other and I can't afford a NF.

However, I've been to the LF factory. It's flat out amazing the amount of work they put into their scopes. I'd buy one if I could afford it just to reward their commitment to their customer.

Several of their quality standards are TWICE what the NSWC requires and I've seen them test to that standard. You'd think the scope would bust, it holds together.

There's a reason that NF sells tons of scopes to Naval Special Warfare Center: they're rugged and work in adverse conditions.

I find them kind of heavy, but so are US Optics and S&B scopes.

Back to looking through my Nikons.

I have a 2.5-10X24 on my AR-15 and love it. I find the clarity amazing at all powers. I've tried quite a few and this has been my favorite so far.

Terry

I just think they are over priced. Good stuff, but too expensive unless that sort of shooting is your life.

I'd rather put the money into a good hunt in Africa.

Rich
DRSS

Their q.c. is second to none as is the durability. In Iraq the Leupold Mk4s where failing in the heat. You'd turn the turret to adjust zero and it would free spin on you. I also personally saw the Mk4's turrets turn by vibration due to the heat. Never had any problems with the NF. I have one on a personal weapon that got run over by a Humvee and never lost zero. Saw another that a sniper bailed off a 3 story roof top and his never lost zero even though the objective bell was dented down a 1/2". In the hunting world you'll never need that kind of durability but in extreme exposure the NF shines.

Perry