NF or Leupold; don't reply without a 'why'!

[Silverado]

Being in the process of replacing the guns I sold off last year, I'm in need of an optic for my tactical/long range rifle. I was intent on an IOR identical to the one I had, but after a candid albeit brief discussion with Peter Dobson, I'm rethinking that.

I'd like to hear opinions on NF vs. Leupold Mk4, preferably from those who have shot both.

I prefer the IOR MP8 reticle, so in the Leup it would be the TMR, and in the NF I'm not sure of the number, but there is one similar.

Tell me which you would buy, and WHY exactly you'd choose that brand.

FWIW, the rifle will be a .308 and shots mostly between 300-1000y/m. The IOR I loved was the 3-18X42 with the MP8 reticle.

 

[c4pyro]

NF

Why? Well the glass to me seems a little better and you can get the np-R1 reticle which is an moa reticle to go with those moa turrets. Leupold are good durable scopes, but a mil reticle and moa adjustments is just not right when you are spending over a grand on a scope.

I have Two nightforces and love em, both NP-R1. And if you are a Mil guy, you can get the MLR reticle and Mil Turrets. Either way, matching turrets and reticles are key.

 

[ivo]

I've got 2 NFs and 1 MK4 and for target I would choose the NF. Why? The turret adjustments are much more crisp, its easily adjustable without looking while long range shooting.

For hunting I would choose the MK4. Why? The MK4 is a lighter, more compact scope and while hunting you want to shed as much wieght as possible.

The glass on both is excellent and the internal adjustments are perfect on both getting repeatability through the full adjustment spectrum.

Price point is similar and both have to go to the States for warranty work.

Why aren't you going with the IOR?

Good Luck

Ivo

 

[peterdobson]

i'll step in here. We have been dealing IOR for a few years, importing from IOR Valdada to whom faulty scopes were sent. When they couln't ship to Canada we imported from Romania. Fine, except that it takes 5 months to get a warranty carried out! We advise all customers of this and most are scared off. Too bad, they have some great features, but customer service is important.

Regards,

Peter Dobson
Hirsch Precision Inc.

 

[Glock4ever]

I use a Mk4 for hunting (3.5x10x40mm with M2 turrets). I like it because for a "tactical" scope it is relatively light. That being said I haven't used a NF yet but the power range on their scopes are a real turn off - 3-15 and 5.5-22 is a lot of power for hunting. I think for a range gun they would be very good.

 

[KDX]

Why?

 

[watsknew]

NF...hands down..better optics, matching turrets as has been said is the winning point for sure...yes they are heavier but in every other category the NF is the winner.

 

[acrashb]

Leupold - lighter. Glass is as good to my eye. Less expensive. When you adjust the magnification on a Leupold, you turn a ring - on NF, you turn the eyepiece, which screws up the indexing of your flip-up scope cap.

The NF adjustments are more crisp and better marked.

But overall, the Leupold is better value.

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

Leupold - lighter. Glass is as good to my eye. Less expensive. When you adjust the magnification on a Leupold, you turn a ring - on NF, you turn the eyepiece, which screws up the indexing of your flip-up scope cap.

The NF adjustments are more crisp and better marked.

But overall, the Leupold is better value.

When you compare a MK4 illuminated of similar power to the NXS scopes the difference in $$ is very little, if you compare the NXS to a VX11 or 111 then you are not compareing the same items in any way, shape or form.

The scope cap issue is a PITA but being able to grab anywhere on the ocular and change the power is nice.

 

[Skullboy]

The only downside to the Night Force is that the brightness of the illuminated reticle can not be easily/quickly changed like the Leupolds/S&B, etc................

You have remove the turret cover and adjust a small screw/dial.................

At our BCRA night shoot, the shooter next to me found this out while on the line.............his reticle was too bright and it took him a few minutes to adjust the brightness to his liking.................

Other then that, I have used both Nightforce & MK4 scopes and I give the edge to Nightforce in regards to glass quality,reticle selection, and price..................

I was going to buy a Nightforce NXS to replace my 16X MK4, but I had a chance to grab a S&B PM-II, so I went that route..........

SKBY.