As part of its weekend-long Black Friday Sellathon, EuroOptic.com is offering numerous Nightforce “Demo” scopes at deep discounts. These were typically show models that have seen very little (if any) use. The full Nightforce Lifetime factory warranty still applies to all these demo optics. You can save hundreds of dollars with these Nightforce Demo Deals this weekend. The EuroOptic team tells us: “Most demo items are like new. However, some may have a few marks. Read the description to learn the condition of each product. Call (570) 368-3920 with questions.”
There are twenty or so Nightforce demo scopes on sale. Here are three representative examples. To see all the Demo Scopes, CLICK THIS LINK. Then, from the Black Friday II Page, click the “NF Demo Riflescopes” button.
Recently the CMP adopted new rules that allow the use of magnified optics, up to 4.5X power, in Service Rifle competition. The Nightforce NXS 1-4x24mm Compact Riflescope, while not designed specifically for Service Rifle competition, complies fully with the new Service Rifle optics rules and works very well. In fact, our correspondent Johnny Fisher used this scope to take third place in the recent California State Service Rifle Championship. Here’s a run down of the scope’s features and performance. Johnny says this is a “great scope” and “results are extremely promising” so far.
Gear Review: Nightforce NXS 1-4x24mm as Considered for Service Rifles by Johnny Fisher
2016 has brought with it a long anticipated rule change that allows for the use of optics in Service Rifle competition. The rule allows scopes (fixed or variable) up to 4.5 power with an objective lens no greater than 34mm. Given the strict limits on max magnification and objective size for Service Rifle optics, there are somewhat limited options on the market at this time. Service Rifle competitors are now challenged with selecting an optic that fits the rules while offering high-end performance. Thus far, it seems the biggest concerns that Service Rifle shooters have when considering an optic are: quality, repeatability, parallax, reticle choices, and durability.
Click Image for Full-screen Version.
PARALLAX Considerations
The vast majority of Service Rifle Rule-compliant scopes currently on the market have a fixed parallax. That means there is no separate focus knob to adjust parallax to target distance. Accordingly, there has been much concern about the potential for parallax error over the three different distances in Across-The-Course competition. It is possible that the repeatably-indexed head position maintained while shooting a Service Rifle, along with a little extra emphasis on sight alignment to ensure that the shooter’s eye is directly behind the scope, can greatly mitigate the potential effects of parallax error.
The Nightforce NXS 1-4x24mm comes with the parallax factory-set at 75 yards. Combined with the right amount of eye-relief and low-enough rings to ensure an easy-to-maintain and clear/full sight picture, it seems like the fixed parallax is not really the problem some folks think it may be. Below are two, 10-round test strings shot at 300 yards (each with a magazine change). Note that I didn’t drop a point, even with the non-adjustable parallax.
The Fixed Parallax is not a “deal-breaker”. Witness 20 shots at 300 yards — all 10s or Xs.
RETICLE Options
For the NXS 1-4x24mm scope, Nightforce offers two reticle types: the International Hunting Reticle (IHR) and the FC-3G (with 5.56 NATO or .308 NATO BDC hold-over features). My scope has the IHR Reticle, which provides a very clear, unobstructed and simple sight picture. The IHR reticle for the NXS 1-4x24mm boasts an illuminated center cross-hair. Unfortunately, the red-color illumination is really only intended for low-light situations and is not bright enough to offer any aid to National Match shooters competing in broad daylight at stationary targets.
ZERO-STOP (Optional)
For Service Rifle shooters accustomed to keeping track of their sight settings as “clicks from bottom”, the optional Zero-Stop might be welcome. After loosening the turret and establishing the desired Zero-stop location, tightening the set screw blocks rotation below this point. NOTE: Once set, the Zero-Stop turret only allows for one full revolution of elevation adjustment. However, the Nightforce NXS 1-4x24mm offers 20 minutes of elevation adjustment per revolution. That should be more than enough elevation adjustment for come-ups to 600 yards (even with a 100-yard zero established near bottom).
PRICE and DURABILITY
The Nightforce NXS 1-4x24mm carries a price tag of just over $1500.00. The scope just feels solid –nothing plastic — especially when compared to some of the other consumer- or recreational-grade options on the market. All touchable tolerances feel extremely tight. There was quite an amount of attention given to every little detail, as you would expect from an optic at this price point. It is hoped that the scope’s mil-spec robustness will assure continued excellent performance — even after seasons of the kind of abuse that High Power shooters put on their equipment. More will be revealed as I use the scope at future competitions, but initial results are very good. This is a quality optic. I have high hopes that it will prove a good investment.
Nightforce has announced a limited re-release of its NXS 2.5-10x24mm scope, with enhancements. The 2.5-10 NXS has been discontinued since 2008, but has been requested by customers for several years due to its small size and successful use with the Mk12 5.56 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) program. This slim, compact (9.9″ OAL) design has been popular for AR-platform rifles and hunting/safari rifles.
This limited run of NXS 2.5-10x25mm scopes will be offered with MOAR™ or Mil-R™ reticles at a $1,950.00 MSRP (street price should be lower). These scopes should be available by the first week of November from four retailers: EuroOptic, Sport Optics, Mile High Shooting Accessories, MidwayUSA.
Upgraded Controls for NXS 2.5-10x24mm
This limited run of NXS 2.5-10x24mm scopes will have some modern enhancements. A Nightforce PTL (Power Throw Lever), allows quick magnification changes even while wearing gloves. The elevation and windage turrets are updated, providing positive click-feel and easy-to-read numbers. Click values are 1/4 MOA (20 MOA per revolution) or .1 Mil-Radian (5 Mil-Rad per revolution). An elevation ZeroStop and capped windage adjustment are standard.
Click Image to download NXS 2.5-10x24mm Flyer in PDF Format:
If you’ve been considering the new Nightforce SHV scope for a hunting application, head over to LongRangeHunting.com. There you’ll find an in-depth field test of the 4-14x56mm SHV by Nicholas Gebhart. This is a very thorough review — Gebhardt checks every feature of the scope and comparison tests the SHV against the more costly Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50mm. Gebhardt even put the SHV scope in his freezer for a weekend to ensure there was no fogging.
Overall, Gebhardt was very pleased with the SHV: “Optical clarity, image brightness, contrast and resolution were all extremely good.” The tester also liked the MOAR reticle in his scope. He didn’t think it was too “busy” though he thought the hold-over lines would benefit from numbers: “Nightforce’s MOAR was easy to use and provided a clear sight picture for engaging small targets. The line thickness is perfect for both precise shot placement and visibility. My personal preference however would be for the even hash marks to be numbered for the entire lower portion of the reticle.” Gebhart noted that the SHV’s side parallax knob had yardage marking numbers that proved accurate (and handy to use) — most other scopes just have lines.
Nightforce SHV vs. Nighforce NXS
How did the new SHV stack up against the NXS in a side-by-side comparison? Gebhardt was impressed with the $995.00 SHV, saying it held its own with the pricier NXS model: “I took about 30 minutes to evaluate the optics of the SHV and see how it compared to an older Nightforce NXS 3.5-15X50. Both of these scopes are made in Japan but given the price differential, I expected to see some difference in the optical quality. To my surprise, I couldn’t find any optical difference between the two except for a very slight possibility of a brighter image with the SHV.”
Nicholas Gebhardt has been an active hunter primarily pursuing mule deer, antelope, coyotes and prairie dogs since he was old enough to legally hunt. Nicholas is also a precision rifle competitor and a Captain in the Montana National Guard.
They knocked it, tossed it, even hammered with it — but they couldn’t kill a Nightforce NXS. In this remarkable torture test video, past Nightforce Exec Kyle Brown (with help from NF employee Sean Murphy), absolutely brutalizes a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm scope. Brown bangs the NXS on a concrete bench-top, throws it 50 yards downrange, knocks it on a hardwood beam multiple times, and then heaves it back again. We kid you not. To our eternal surprise, the Nightforce scope survives all that abuse and shoots fine. What did Timex once say — “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking”?
Video is Continuous — No Tricks
You’ve got to watch this video — it was shot with five cameras and runs with no “time-outs”, cutaways, or video tricks. What you see is what you get. This is one tough NXS. Thank you Kyle Brown and crew for taking the time to prove the durability of Nightforce Optics products.
New S1 and S5 Knurled Dials can be user-installed in place of older Leupold turret caps.
Leupold & Stevens makes good scopes, but the standard turrets with screw-on caps are inconvenient for some users. It’s too easy to misplace the caps. Also the standard turrets are not the easiest to grip, particularly with gloved hands. To improve the “gripability” of its scope turrets, Leupold now offers new S1 and S5 screw-on knurled dials that fit in place of the cap covers. These aluminum dials offer large, knurled surfaces that are easy to grip, even when wearing gloves. “These screw-on dials mean no more lost caps or the need for a coin to make adjustments in the field,” said Tim Lesser, Leupold’s Product Development Director. The S1 is for MOA scopes while the S5 is for MIL scopes.
The S1 and S5 dials simply replace Leupold’s screw-on turret caps, so the user can install these easily without tools. It is NOT necessary to send your scope(s) back to the factory. Just remove the caps on your windage and elevation turrets, and screw the knurled dials in their place. The S1/S5 dials automatically align with the adjustment slot and securely tighten down. These dials are interchangeable between different riflescopes in the field. MSRP is $50 per dial set (either S1 or S5).
The S1 dial is engraved in ¼-MOA increments while the S5 (for mil-based turrets) is marked in 0.1 MIL. Both come with a locking zero stop and can be equipped with the Custom Dial System® (CDS) through the Leupold Custom Shop. The Leupold S1 and S5 dials are compatible with most Leupold riflescopes with click adjustments, with the exception of the VX-1 series and older riflescopes with friction adjustments. For those with bullet-drop-compensating reticles, the S1 and S5 are completely compatible. The screw on dials are covered by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee.
Nightforce Optics has just launched its own YouTube channel. It’s worth a visit. You’ll find many informative videos worth watching, including Product Intro videos, Nightforce In Action clips, and the Torture Test video. On the Liked Videos Playlist, you can also watch related product reviews and field tests from Extreme Outer Limits, the 6.5 Guys, and AccurateShooter.com.
Hey guys here’s a torture test video that’s really worth watching — you’ll be shocked and amazed (we guarantee it). In this video, Nightforce Exec Kyle Brown (with help from NF employee Sean Murphy), absolutely brutalizes a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm scope. He bangs it on a concrete bench-top, throws it 50 yards downrange, knocks it on a hardwood beam multiple times, and then heaves it back again. We kid you not. To our eternal surprise, the Nightforce scope survives all that abuse and shoots fine. What did Timex once say — “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking”?
You’ve got to watch this video — it was shot with five cameras and runs with no “time-outs”, cutaways, or video tricks. What you see is what you get. This is one tough NXS. Thank you Kyle Brown and crew for taking the time to prove the durability of Nightforce Optics products.
Need a first-rate scope for you new rifle? How would you like to get a Nightforce for a great price? Well, you’re in luck. Lilja Precision Rifles (“Lilja”) has placed its entire inventory of late-model Nightforce scopes on sale. The reason is that Lilja has decided to stop selling scopes and focus on its primary barrel-making business. Dan Lilja says that: “We have been a Nightforce dealer since Nightforce’s first year in business. But we’ve made the decison to leave the scope-selling business… and concentrate on our barrels. That part of our business is excellent and taking all of our time.”
Show below are the scopes on sale with regular price and sale price. Quantities are limited and these scopes are being sold “First Come, First Serve”. Prices are limited to stock on hand and do not include shipping. Scopes are not returnable – all sales final.
Lilja explains that some of these prices are well below MAPP (Minimum Advertised Price Policy) because they are for discontinued products. From time to time, Nightforce changes reticle combinations (or other features) and an product number (sku) becomes obsolete. Lilja also has some optics accessories for sale, such as rings and bases, PC programs, torque wrenches and other small items. Call (406) 826-3084 for availability or visit Lilja Precision Rifles.
Sale tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
It was big news when Nightforce introduced its 15-55x52mm Competition Scope last year. Now this impressive optic has been made even better. The turrets have been redesigned, and you now get 10 MOA per revolution (up from five MOA in 2013). With these new turrets, ZeroStop™ and Hi-Speed™ adjustments are now standard equipment. In addition, two fast, easy-to-read windage caps are included with every riflescope. Total elevation travel is 55 MOA, while total windage travel is 50 MOA. (That’s down from 60/60 in the 2013 model).
The 2014 version of the 15-55x52mm Competition scope still boasts the key qualities that attracted attention last year. The 15-55 Comp weighs just 27.87 ounces, making it 24% lighter than Nightforce’s 12-42x56mm Benchrest scope. The 15-55 still offers superb ED (low dispersion) glass, giving it excellent brightness and sharpness. The 15-55 Comp also retains its handy, fast-focus European-style eyepiece for 2014.
More Reticle Options for 15-55x52mm Comp Scope
When the 15-55×52 Comp scope was introduced last year, many shooters said “That scope looks fantastic, but I wish there were more reticle choices.” Well Nightforce listened to its customer base. Nightforce now offers four reticles for the Comp Scope: FCR-1, DDR-2, CTR-2, CTR-3. For long-range applications, we really like the new FCR-1, which features .016 MOA stadia lines with vertical and horizontal hash marks and numbers in one-MOA increments. Since the scope has MOA-based clicks, this makes it easy to do hold-overs or hold-offs (for wind) at long range.
Also new is the DDR-2 “double-dot” reticle. This features a .172-MOA horizontal stadia outside of .016-MOA center lines. There is a .026 MOA center dot, plus a second dot 3 MOA below center. Vertical indicators are located in 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 MOA increments.
Specifications for 2014 15-55x52mm Competition Scope
Overall, Gebhardt was very pleased with the SHV: “Optical clarity, image brightness, contrast and resolution were all extremely good.” The tester also liked the MOAR reticle in his scope. He didn’t think it was too “busy” though he thought the hold-over lines would benefit from numbers: “Nightforce’s MOAR was easy to use and provided a clear sight picture for engaging small targets. The line thickness is perfect for both precise shot placement and visibility. My personal preference however would be for the even hash marks to be numbered for the entire lower portion of the reticle.” Gebhart noted that the SHV’s side parallax knob had yardage marking numbers that proved accurate (and handy to use) — most other scopes just have lines.
It was big news when Nightforce introduced its 
