I have a Noveske N6 and I am looking at putting a scope on it. I’m just not sure what I want. I’m torn between three. Nightforce NXS 1-4x24 w/ FC-2 Reticle, Nightforce NXS 2.5-10 x 32 Compact,Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8x36mm MR/T M2 Illuminated Reticle. Any suggestions? And I’m looking for a good mount also. Thanks.
I don’t immediately know how well-suited the 14.5" N6 is for distances past 400m or so, but from that distance back to the firing line, a low-power (1-4x) variable would seem to fit the bill especially well.
I do have a positive impression of both the Nightforce NXS 1-4x (FC-2) and the Schmidt & Bender Zenith FlashDot 1-6x (FD-4), based upon actual ownership. For your purposes, the Nightforce is probably an excellent choice. I’m not sure what you gain with an 8x or 10x variable optic when you’re using a sub-18" barrel, though, so I probably wouldn’t go bigger/stronger/heavier than a fast-handling 1-4x.
Sub-200m (or 100m, depending upon your comfort level) work tends to lend itself more to RDS alternatives; that said, a non-select-fire N6 doesn’t strike me as a primary CQB weapon, so I would still prefer the versatility and ease-of-use associated with a 1-4x or 1-6x variable.
AC
I run this and for me it’s mojo bueno / Ne Plus Ultra.
N6 14.5 w/ NF 1X4X24 FC-2 Ret.
La Rue Mt.
Sling is custom 1 off Cobra buc 1.5" w/ FroG w/ Noveske end plate
No regrets, wouldn’t change a thing.
Penetrates intermediate barriers effortlessly.
400m is a lob w/ arc ;-/
Man HOPLOETHOS it seems like i have the same taste in weapons as you do. I think I’m gonna hold off on the PSD for a while until I’m a little more confident in the laws around AR pistols in california. That way I can actually finish 2 rifles that I curently have. So I think I’m gonna buy some glass for the N6 and an M-14. I was just leaning more toward the NF 2.5x10. Do you really think its too much?
I don’t know if its “too much,” but it is something of a force fit, given that you’re working with a 14.5" barrel. You’re either four inches too short in the barrel department, or 4x too high in the optics department, depending upon how you might care to look at it.
More to the point, it just seems to me that you’re talking about adding weight and bulk in exchange for less versatility and practicality. The 2.5x-10 is a great optic, but given the choices you’ve made so far, it probably isn’t the right topper for this particular project.
AC … yet another 1911 afficiando.
imo,
regarding 2.5X10X32 NF:
14.5" yes, too much.
18" no, just right.
Now, if your eyes are not good that is another story.
tactics evolve with the mission & equipment is driven by tactical needs…
YMMV…
So I think you guys have talked me into the NF 1X4X24. Now For the reticle. I have seen the FC-2. I was kind of hoping for something to easily adjust for distance like a bullet drop compensator. HOPLOETHOS is it pretty easy to adjust for windage and elevation with that retical? Or should I consider a mil dot? Thanks for all of your guys input.
Personal preference either will do.
turrets are no brainer etc.
I use mine for work so I like the FC-2 it’s slightly faster for me.
I have a Noveske N6 14.5 as well. I’m running an IOR Spartan 2-12 with the .308 cam BDC. It is way to much scope for this gun and turns a handy little light gun into a heavy monster.
Go with the Nightforce NXS 1-4x24 w/ FC-2
Until that day,
Darkop
BDC is possible with the FC-2, though I’ve admittedly still got some work left to do to get the various hold-overs committed to memory. I’ve only been working with it for a few months, and the severe winter obviously limited KD range opportunities.
The FC-2 is extremely quick to acquire, naturally guides the eye to the target, and features very capable illumination for all but the brightest daylight conditions. Even with the illumination switched off, the reticle provides excellent contrast against both light and dark backgrounds. The amount of target area “obscured” by the heavy lines may be distracting for precision work at distances beyond 300m, but this is by no means a show-stopper for a 1-4 optic.
All in all, for the close- to mid-range fight, I’ve found the NXS 1-4x24 to be an excellent value for the money. In terms of optical clarity, build quality, feature set and overall usability, it actually compares well to the S&B – which is impressive, considering the fact that the latter will set you back more than twice as much.
I’m still not sure that we’ve seen an end-all/be-all 1-4x emerge for this market, as the RDS continues to dominate sales for most 0-200m applications; that said, for my purposes, the NF comes very, very close.
AC
What questions do you have about AR/AK pistols as relate to California law? If you’d like to contact me to discuss this offline, feel free to email me at wildhawker at gmail dot com.
I agree with Hoploethos, 2.5x low magnification isn’t the best fit for a 14.5" barrel, at highest the MR/T 1.5-6x, however if you can hack the budget, then a 1-4x is the most practical option. ACOGs (TA11, TA31) are still a viable choice.
I would still look at the Swarovski Z6i 1-6x, the Trijicon TR24G, and Vortex 1-4x MRAD line, and still not rule out a 2.5-10x optic if paired with a piggyback reflex (Aimpoint Micro, RDP-II, Doctor, or RMR sight).
Just keep in mind that the strength of the 14.5" barrels is their maneuverability, while maintaining accuracy and lethality out to 400m or so - which can be handled very effectively with low magnification optics. If you’re doing match shooting, or bench shooting, the 8x or 10x high end on NXS/Accupoint/PST optics would shine, but in those cases you’re asking the 14.5" to perform right on the outside of it’s strengths. The forthcoming S&B/Leupold/Premier 1-8x CQBSS optics might be attractive, but the weight is probably a bit much for those applications.
Again, with the quality, clarity, and capability of new low magnification 1-4/6x optics, there’s lots of reasons to go that route.
Currently, I’m diggin’ the TR24 on just about everything. I find it hard to pay for an Aimpoint when I can get the TR24 and its 1-4X capability for just a little more. All Trijicon needs to do is add a BDC reticle and it’ll be perfection.