I have access to a nice range that features steel targets at 300, 600, and 800 yards. I’d like to use my scar 17 at those distances but still have an optic that would work well for deer hunting at distances of 50-150 yards. Has anyone heard of any news about Nightforce developing a new 1-6 or 1-8 optic ?
Not even a rumor. The nxs 2.5-10x32 or 42 would serve you well, though.
The 2.5-10x is a definitively a valid consideration. I guess I am more curious why NF seems to be the only one not offering a product in this range.
I’ve seen a ton of people theorize about this. Some say NF is behind the times, etc. To me, it seems they’re spending more time developing higher magnification optics, like the ATACR, instead of trying to compete in the 1-x market. The results of precision rifle blog’s blind scope test bear this out to some extent, despite it being a small sample size.
I run NF 2.5-10x32 on mine. I will take shots to 400 yards when coyote hunting. There seems to be a lot of guys who claim to shoot that range with a micro T1. I’m not one of those guys.
Although not someone who has ever carried a .308 for professional use, I personally think a 2.5-10x and a set of offset irons (or offset red dot of some sort) will cover basically any situation that a .308 battle rifle is well suited for.
1-6x is great on a 5.56 gun, but I find it limiting on .308. Even my 1.1-8x, while not much different than a 2.5-10, isn’t worth the price in my opinion. Looking back on my purchase choices, I would have bought another 2.5-10 and used that instead.
I’m going to point out that an Aimpoint CompM4 or even T1 with or without a FTS 3X magnifier is a great option for targets between 50-150 yards. Be careful letting the available range distances move your setup out of the sweet spot for the actual mission. My camping rifle is a SCAR17 with CompM4 + 3X Magnifier in a Larue FTS quick detach mount for distances out to 200 yards. Yes, it can go further if needed, but wooded terrain in Western NC effectively limits line of sight to about 200 yards.
Also, while a stock SCAR 17 has the capability to hit steel out to 800 yards, very few of us have the ability to make the platform do it consistently.
I’ve been very pleased with my Leupold VX-6,which is a solid 1x6 option on my Scar Heavy. Functions like a red dot at 1x and good enough glass for clear shooting for longer distances.
I have a Kahles 1-6x on my scar-h and love it. However, I only have access to ranges < 300 yards.
For your purposes, I would take a look at the Nightforce 2.5-10x32 or 2.5-10x42. I own a 2.5-10x32 for my 5.56 SPR build and love it.
Boom. I was lucky enough to choose the NF 2.5-10 as my first SCAR 17 optic. And I have no regrets other than I wish the NF 2.5-10X 42 had been out when I bought mine. It is a little better scope, but I’m in no hurry to change.
OP: For shooting 25 or 50 yards out the 2.5-10 is dandy. It’s just not good for really close. You can get more out of your rifle (easier) with a 2.5-10X than you can with a 1-6X or even 1-8X. Better economically too. I-M-H-O
After comparing the X32 to the X42 side by side, I chose the X32, money wasn’t the issue, I prefer the X32. I strongly dislike the illumination controls on the X42.
A very reliable source has stated that Nightforce is working on a variable 1-8 scope that will be sub-20 oz.; release date is unknown, but will probably before the end of 2016. Probably.
This dude makes it look easy using 168gr ammo (common theme among guys getting good accuracy out of the 17s is 168gr) & Nightforce 2.5-10x32.
Can’t argue with that. It’s personal preference, as I said I’m using the 32mm and I like it fine.
Yeah, 168Gr seems to be the magic number. Even with American Eagle. This is only 100 yards, but its a stock trigger, 20 rounds, a RDS with magnifier, and mid-priced ammo. –>SCAR-17-20-round-group-stock-trigger-and-RDS.
If I can do this ANYONE CAN at 100. 800 is another whole ballgame.