Scopes and Optics

Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting

NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope

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Are you searching for the best Nightforce scope for hunting? By the end of this post, we will share some of the top-recommended options to ensure you make an informed purchase.

NightForce Optics is one of the leading optics producers in the world. With many award-winning scopes, among them high-end telescopic sights and spotting scopes, the company ensures that its products are strong and reliable enough to cater to the varying needs of different shooters worldwide.

Before we proceed, let us look at the different classifications:

ATACR Riflescopes

These are also referred to as professional scopes. They are made for the military, law enforcement, and other tactical professionals, combining the best materials, engineering expertise, mechanical reliability, and optical performance.

NX8 Riflescopes

This is one of the latest series from NightForce. The NX8 riflescopes are made to withstand the toughest conditions, featuring new technology and an 8x zoom range in addition to the NXS features.

SHV Riflescopes

These riflescopes are made for maximum versatility across various shooting applications. They can be used for target shooting, pursuing big game, varmint shooting, or all of the above. The scopes offer great performance at a reasonable cost.

NXS Riflescopes

NXS riflescopes are designed with great features that surpass the standards of any other riflescope on the market. They all undergo several tests, including side and front impact that would destroy any other optic. These riflescopes are made with only the highest quality and most durable components to ensure a lifetime of repeatable precision. Their lenses are bedded with our proprietary Mil-Spec formulation for reduced glass-to-metal contact that can result in breakages, stress, misalignment, and thermal shock.

Competition Riflescopes

This class of riflescopes is ideal for long ranges, with the capability of providing maximum precision at extreme ranges. These scopes are built for the competitive shooter, with unique NightForce reticles.

Benchrest Riflescopes

These are the award-winning long-range scopes from NightForce. They are the most suitable for long-range competition compared to other ordinary brands. They are strong and proven over a quarter of a century of reliability.

7 Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting

1) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope

NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope

 

The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is built for maximum versatility across various shooting applications. It offers great performance at a reasonable cost, with higher magnification that ensures exceptional precision at extended ranges.

The product specialists of NightForce design this rifle scope to provide you superb clarity, crispness, and color contrast throughout their entire range, from minimum to maximum. It comes with multiple features, including a ZeroSet that is standard, allowing a rapid return to your chosen zero even after multiple elevation adjustments. The scope’s magnification will surely give you a long time of quality performance.

Pros

  • It is made of strong materials for long time performance
  • It is durable and highly versatile
  • It has a long magnification range
  • It features ZeroSet for easy return to zero

Cons

  • None

 

 

2) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope

NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Riflescope, Black.250 MOA,Illuminated Moar Reticle 

 

The NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm First Focal Plane Rifle Scope offers quite a performance in just a small package. It is an ideal choice for hunters or competitive shooters. It features a 4-14x magnification range that provides resolving power and a wider field of view even when the magnification is on the higher settings.

The NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm FFP Rifle Scope also has controls that make adjustments intuitive and precise. This is especially important when you must make a hurried shot after retreating prey or during a competition. It has a ZeroSet function that allows you to return to your zero settings quickly, even after multiple changes

Pros

  • It features a first focal plane
  • It has Zero set elevation that always allows for a rapid return to zero from any distance
  • It is parallax adjustable from 25 yards to infinity.
  • It features a power zoom ring
  • It has a fast-focus eyepiece
  • It has illuminated reticles for low light performance
  • It has 12 brightness settings for illumination

Cons

  • Heavy

 

 

3) NightForce 3.5-15×50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope C429

NightForce 3.5-15x50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope C429

 

The 3.5-15×50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope by NightForce differs from the other scopes discussed above. This is mainly because it allows for a lower mounting profile. The scope meets the demands of shooters and hunters by combining performance and innovation without sacrificing ruggedness, dependability, and craftsmanship.

This NightForce scope is a go-to choice for military and law enforcement professionals who demand unfailing, repeatable performance. It provides several distinct enhancements, giving you perfect reliability and accuracy. It can be zeroed in to offer that perfect shot and assure safety.

The scope is designed with a Zerostop that relies on a precisely machined internal stop that will not shift or loosen. This means that adjusting your riflescope’s elevation setting and returning your zero setting is easier even when in fast-paced and stressful situations.

Pros

  • It is made of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • The scope is completely waterproof and fog-resistant
  • It has an unprecedented 110 M.O.A. of internal adjustment
  • It is rigorously tested for perfection
  • It has a proprietary titanium beta erector spring that delivers three to four times the spring pressure of other scopes
  • It has a ZeroStop that allows for the ability to always return your scope to zero

Cons

  • Pricey

 

 

4) NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS Riflescope – Standard Illumination

NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS Riflescope

 

This is one of the models in the NXS line. The NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS Rifle Scope w/ Standard Illumination has a wide magnification range, from 8x to a powerful 32x. The riflescope has combined performance and innovation to meet the demands of shooters and hunters without sacrificing ruggedness, dependability, and craftsmanship.

It is perfect for military and law enforcement professionals who demand unfailing, repeatable performance. The Night Force 8-32×56 NXS Benchrest Scope is waterproof and offers fast internal adjustment capabilities for precise and repeatable shot placement. It is perfect for extreme long-range hunting & precision target shooting

Pros

  • It is made of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum, two to three times thicker than other scopes
  • It is rigorously tested for perfection
  • The scope is completely waterproof and fog-resistant
  • It features a proprietary titanium beta erector spring that delivers three to four times the spring pressure of other scopes
  • It is recoil and impact are tested at 1,250 Gs for both positive and negative forces

Cons

  • Not suitable for short-range shooting

 

 

5) NightForce NXS Tactical Riflescope – 5.5-22x50mm

NightForce NXS Tactical Riflescope - 5.5-22x50mm

 

The NightForce Tactical 5.5-22×50 NXS Rifle Scope offers a large magnification range that greatly influences a large field of view. It also provides four inches of eye relief and 100 M.O.A. elevation travel. The magnification range and an internal adjustment allow most .50 BMGs to achieve the 2,000-yard mark with accuracy.

The scope is among the most advanced field tactical scopes ever produced. You can zero in on your scope for safety and accuracy. The NightForce Tactical NXS Rifle Scope is perfect for precision long-range shooting, with extremely fast aiming and easy viewing.

It features a MOAR reticle with a floating center crosshair, two MOA wide and two MOA tall, for a precise aiming point. The MOAR reticle also has one-MOA elevation and windage spacings, with a 20 MOA scale below the center. It features the Zero Stop technology, as a request of Tier One U.S. Military Forces.

Pros

  • It is built with 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • It features 100 M.O.A. of internal adjustment
  • The scope is rigorously tested for perfection
  • It is completely waterproof and fog-resistant
  • It has a proprietary titanium beta erector spring for three to four times the spring pressure of other scopes

Cons

  • Pricey

 

 

6) NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope

NightForce SHV 4-14x56

 

This scope offers unbeatable performance even under some of the most unforgiving conditions. It is made from solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which is strong enough to withstand recoil from the largest calibers, extreme shock, and severe temperature changes.

The NightForce SHV 4-14×56 Rifle Scope has an objective lens that determines resolution, light transmission and exit pupil size. It combines optics of extraordinary precision with heavy-duty construction for long time performance.

The scope also features a zero-tolerance lens for securing methods that prevent any movement of the optical elements in any direction under any circumstances.

Pros

  • It is machined from solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for durability
  • It features a Zero-tolerance lens
  • It has an objective lens diameter of 56 mm
  • It has a tube diameter of 33m
  • It features a second focal plane reticle
  • The exit pupil is 3.6-12mm
  • Eye relief: 3.14- 3.54inches

Cons

  • Heavy

 

 

7) Nightforce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Riflescope w/ Illuminated Reticle

Nightforce 2.5-10x42mm

 

This NXS riflescope has improved features, making it better than its predecessor. It is enhanced with a larger objective lens to ensure more light transmission for effective low-light performance. It also comes with plenty of new features and improved technology.

The scope is light, compact, powerful, and versatile, making it a top-notch performer that will meet and surpass your expectations. This NightForce NXS is among the few 10x rifle scopes on the market with adjustable parallax, ranging from 25 yards to infinity. It comes in a selection of multiple illuminated reticle options.

The riflescope also has an adjustable brightness setting that allows you to change the scope range settings from dim to bright for use in various conditions. It also allows you to switch between green and red reticle illumination. Multiple intensities of reticle illumination – invisible to the naked eye – are made specifically for use with night vision devices.

This NightForce scope comes with a Power Throw Lever (PTL), which allows instant magnification changes in a fraction of a second. This feature makes it a perfect option for hunters or tactical users who need to change settings while wearing gloves. It also comes with a flush insert, which you can easily replace with the threaded PTL knob. This scope is ideal for hog and predator hunting.

Pros

  • It has a large 42mm objective for optimal low-light performance
  • It features a side parallax adjustment
  • It is lightweight
  • It has a Power Throw Lever for instant magnification change
  • It features night vision-compatible settings
  • It has an eye relief of 3.5 inches

Cons

  • None

 

 

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Choosing the Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting

Construction

To withstand all the bumps in the field, a good hunting scope is built with durable and quality materials such as Aircraft-grade aluminum which is impact-resistant. The best scopes include a rugged design and easy-to-hold handle for safe handling.

Weight

You will be moving a lot when hunting. Therefore, you do not need a scope that will add to your fatigue. Your scope should be lightweight for easy portability during hunting.  Even with this, remember that a heavier scope can be more durable and have more in-built features than a light hunting scope.

Weatherproof

As a hunter, you will likely get into bad weather. This means that you will be advantaged if your scope can withstand the elements even when accidentally dropped in water.

Magnification

To acquire a target from far away, you need a scope with good magnification to bring the image closer.  A wide magnification range lets you easily lock in on the target and have a clear image for that perfect shot.

Eye relief

This refers to the distance between your eye and the ocular lens of your scope. Eye relief between 3 and 4 inches is ideal for keeping your eyebrows safe when using a rifle with heavy recoil.

Multi-coated lens

Multi-coated lenses prevent the reflection of light, ensuring maximum light transmission. This helps to maximize the use of available light even in low light conditions.

 

See Also

 

FAQs on the Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting

1) Is NightForce a good scope?

NightForce scopes fall among the top-ranked in the market. They are some of the strongest scopes, with some of the best ergonomics. They feature complex designs to cater to precise shooting at long distances.

2) Where are NightForce scopes made?

NightForce Optics Inc. is an American-based manufacturer of high-end sights and accessories. The NightForce scopes are made in Lavonia, Georgia.

Conclusion

When comparing NightForce with brands like Vortex and Leupold, you will realize that their differences are not material. These are some of the best scopes in the market. NightForce scopes are made by professionals who focus on providing the best solution for all types of hunters interested in long-range shooting.

 

See Also