Need opion's on LR optics

[ar24095]

Well it's about time for me to pick up my first custom built rifle and could use some opinions on optics because I can't make up my mind on what to purchase.

A little info on the rifle. It's a 300wsm built on a Bat HR action with integral 20 MOA rail 27" Krieger barrel. It will be primarily used for long range varmint and a few bench rest matches.

I have narrowed it down to 3 models leading the pack is a NF 8-32 BR model next is a Leupold VX-3 8.5-25x50mm Long Range Target with varmint hunter reticle 3rd is a Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50mm LR/T M1. I have also considered the NF NXS 8-32x56 model but don't know if it would be worth the extra money although it is what my GS recommend.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[BrocLuno]

Way over my budget, but in the long range business - glass is king (after getting as much windage and elevation as you can). By that, I mean apochromatic lenses, advanced coatings, and best glass all equal better seeing at long ranges. First focal plane reticle is very helpful. Tru flat blackening inside the tube is very helpful in minimizing stray reflections that degrade images. This is a real look and compare the fine print exercise.

Have you looked at US Optical? Night Force is good. How about Zeiss?

 

[MCMXI]

I don't do long-range varmint hunting, but I would think that a FFP scope with mil/mil or moa/moa would be a good idea so that you can quickly and easily dial in corrections. I have a Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50mm Ill. TMR M1 which makes for a very good F-Class scope, but as soon as Leupold figures out how to retrofit mil adjustments, all of my Mark 4s will be going back to the factory. I also have a couple of Premier Reticles scopes that are definitely a big step up in every possible way, so consider the PRH 5-25x56mm with the Gen2 XR reticle.

http://www.premierreticles.com/products/

 

[Jim Watson]

I am an F class shooter, no varmints.
I have the VX III 8.5-25; a friend has the NF BR 8-32.
His is better.

 

[MCMXI]

I have the VX III 8.5-25; a friend has the NF BR 8-32.
His is better.

Also, NF is well known for having some of the best (accurate/repeatable) adjustments in the business. Many world records have been set with NF scopes so if you don't care about FFP reticles, the NF would be the better choice. If FFP is important to you, NF doesn't offer many FFP models so you'll need to look elsewhere.

 

[ar24095]

The NF is leading the pack right now. I was just wondering if anyone had experience with the NF compared to the Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50mm LR/T M1 since they are both about the same price.

One other question in my mind is whether it is worth the price to move up to the NXS model I would like to have the side focus feature although the ground hogs are usually far enough away that we have plenty of time to set the shot up with out worry of spooking them.