Today’s post highlights the best Nightforce hunting scopes and a buyer’s guide to help you make the most informed purchase. Nightforce Optics is a force to be reckoned with in the shooting and hunting world.
Nightforce scopes are among the best hunting scopes in the market as they are specially designed to deliver practical solutions to a wide range of hunting applications.
From big game hunting, predation to varmint hunting, Nightforce riflescopes get the job done right. If you are looking for a dedicated scope to take your hunting to greater heights, you should invest in a Nightforce riflescope.
What Makes a Great Hunting Scope?
What should you be looking for in a hunting riflescope? A rifle scope should tick several boxes to be dubbed a great hunting scope. The first quality of a hunting riflescope is a rigid construction.
The scope’s main tube should be made of high-quality material. Durable materials such as titanium and aircraft-grade aluminum have stood the test of time and optics housed in main-tube made of these materials last for many years.
The tube should also be purged with argon or nitrogen to lock out moisture for fog-proof performance across a wide range of temperatures. Quality hunting scopes should also be waterproof and shockproof to ensure reliable performance.
A quality hunting scope should be able to transmit light optimally for bright and clear images. This is enhanced by a large objective lens and high-quality lenses. The larger the lens the more light it can gather.
Maximum light transmission is very resourceful when hunting in low-light conditions. The lenses should have multiple layers on all air to glass surfaces to maximize light transmission.
The best hunting scopes should have audible and reliable turrets. Windage and elevation adjustments are inevitable when hunting and the last thing you want is to have a scope that fails to adjust accordingly.
The turrets should be capped to prevent unnecessary adjustments. These adjustments are paramount when taking long-range shots as they require precision and pinpoint accuracy.
Which reticle should you choose for your hunting rifle? This depends primarily on the intended use of the scope. There are several reticle options used in riflescopes and are ideal for different shooting applications.
The Duplex reticle is used for hunting and target shooting, the mildot reticle is for military and law enforcement while bullet drop compensating (BDC) is great for long-range shooting.
5 Best Nightforce Hunting Scopes
That said, narrowing the field to the right scope can be taxing. To help you mount the best hunting scope on your favorite rifle, here are the best Nightforce hunting scopes:
1) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope
Are you looking for a versatile scope capable of handling several shooting scenarios boldly? Look no further than the SHV 4-14×50 F1. Designed with the hunter’s needs in mind, the scope tracks perfectly and holds precisely for elevation and windage at all magnification settings.
The riflescope comes with a center illumination that makes sighting smaller targets from a distance more accurate. Both MOAR and MIL-R reticles have a standard analog illumination to support low-light performance.
For enhanced long-range performance, this SHV features a 30mm main tube providing more space for internal components and maximizes adjustments needed for distant targeting. The light-gathering capability of this riflescope is exceptional.
The large objective lens allows excellent light transmission resulting in bright and sharp images any time of day. As one of the best Nightforce hunting scopes, SHV 4-14×50 will be a great companion when hunting in the magic hours.
This riflescope harbors convenience features that enhance its functionality. A ZeroSet feature facilitates a speedy return to zero while in the heat of action. This is very useful when hunting elusive games like coyotes. The riflescope comes with an easy-to-use zoom ring that allows for smooth and quick magnification changes.
Like other SHV riflescopes, this scope has a standard fast focus eyepiece that allows speedy and accurate reticle focusing. When in the field, you can trust the SHV 4-14×50 F1 to deliver horsepower and precision at speed.
Features
- Magnification adjustment ring for smooth power changes
- A throw lever provides better grip when changing the magnification
- First focal plane reticle to enhance long-range shooting
- Zero-Stop feature to return to zero
- A large objective lens to optimize light transmission
- Exposed knobs for windage and holdover adjustments
- Analog illumination aids when hunting in low lighting conditions
2) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
The SHV 5-20×56 riflescope performs exemplary well in all hunting scenarios. From close-range shooting to long-range the scope’s unrivaled precision gives the shooter an upper hand to get the job done.
As one of the best Nightforce hunting scopes, this SHV is suitable for a wide range of applications including varmint hunting, big game hunting, target shooting, and long-range shooting.
One of the highlights of this riflescope is the exceptional optical system. The large objective supports optimal light transmission resulting in crisp images and outstanding clarity no matter the prevailing lighting conditions. At all magnification settings, the optic maintains crispness.
Complementing the superior optical system is a side parallax adjustment knob that removes any optical illusion when sighting far objects. This is important in maintaining accuracy when shooting distant targets.
Like other scopes in the SHV series, the riflescope incorporates technologies that improve performance. An analog illumination system help adjust the brightness of the reticle and center illumination enhances accuracy when targeting smaller targets from far.
Coupling the center illumination and floating crosshairs makes an extremely fast reticle that is effortless to use in the field. The ZeroSet technology facilitates swift return to zero despite the elevation adjustments you have made.
The other positive attribute that makes SHV 5-20×56 one of the best Nightforce hunting scopes is quality construction. The 30mm main tube housing the optics is crafted from high-quality material and built to withstand the harshest conditions possible.
The scope is shockproof so big calibers will not bother it an inch. To ensure reliable performance the tube is purged and completely sealed to ensure waterproof and fogproof performance.
Features
- Large objective lens to enhance low-light performance
- 30 mm tube provides ample space maximizing internal range adjustments
- A tough and durable construction
- A high-quality glass that stays clear for many years
- A wide magnification range is ideal for several hunting and shooting scenarios
- Completely waterproof, shockproof and fogproof
- A glass-etched reticle placed on the second focal plane
- ZeroSet function for a speedy return to zero
- A side focus for parallax adjustment
3) NightForce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 Rifle Scope
This is a well-thought-out and designed riflescope that provides a practical solution for a variety of applications. The NightForce NX8 4-32×50 F1 scope brings to the table unrivaled versatility and exceptional precision.
The wide magnification range gives you the flexibility to engage in different shooting disciplines. With the 4x power you can engage nearby targets and moving targets boldly and the 32x power gives you absolute control when shooting at longer ranges.
Like other Nightforce hunting scopes, the NX8 4-32×50 F1 scope features robust and durable construction that can tolerate recoil when used alongside big calibers. When it comes to the optical system, the lenses are optically indexed to enhance the optical performance.
On all air-to-glass surfaces, the lenses are fully-multicoated to optimize light transmission. This helps deliver crisp and vivid images. The 50 mm objective lens maximizes the light-gathering ability of the scope which helps deliver an exceptional low-light performance. With such a superior optical system, dawn and dusk hunting will not be the same again.
The scope’s housing is constructed from aircraft aluminum alloy which is resilient and durable. The tube are fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof to ensure reliable performance.
The 30mm main tube provides space for internal alignments that boost long-range performance. The ZeroStop function is very resourceful as it helps you return to zero quickly. For utmost precision and accuracy, the scope has a Digillum reticle illumination.
Features
- A side focus for parallax adjustment
- ZeroStop function for a swift return to zero
- Superior optical system for brighter, clearer and sharper views
- A power throw lever for smooth and flawless magnification changes
- Digillum reticle illumination enhances accuracy
- Fully multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission
- Completely waterproof, shockproof and fogproof
4) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 Rifle Scope
Nightforce may well have created the perfect long-range riflescope. The ATACR 5-25×56 is a tactical powerhouse and is feature-rich to elevate your hunting to greater heights.
ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 riflescope features optimized reticle designs and enhanced facets suitable for handling several shooting applications with utmost prowess.
The reticle is on the first focal plane and so it remains static across all magnification settings. This is helpful when taking down distant targets as you get accurate hold-offs.
The riflescope features a low-profile elevation knob. This turret is slightly larger in diameter than its predecessor making it easier to grip for dialing adjustments.
The clicks are audible, smooth and precise to ensure repeatable and accurate tracking. The other item on the enhanced feature list is the windage turret. The windage turrets share the positive clicks witnessed in elevation turrets. As a result, your windage adjustments will be precise.
For rapid magnification transitions, this riflescope incorporates a power throw lever. The other incredible feature of this scope is spectacular glass. The glass delivers bright and sharp images at any time of the day.
Image brightness is supported by the large objective lens that enhances light transmission. The scope rivals other Nightforce hunting scopes as the best low-light performer.
Features
- Generous eye box makes target acquisition fast and effortless
- Windage and elevation adjustments dial accurate corrections
- Easy-to-read turret marking promotes flawless target acquisitions
- A side focus for parallax removal
- Reticle placed on the first focal plane
- Capped turrets to prevent accidental dials
- Wide magnification range to handle different shooting applications
5) Nightforce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Riflescope w/ Illuminated Reticle
The NXS 2.5-10×42 scope offers a perfect blend of size, weight and magnification making it one of the best Nightforce hunting scopes. This compact scope has a 42mm objective lens that allows optimal light transmission for bright and sharper images.
For optimal low-light performance, the scope has a night vision compatible setting that changes brightness to match the prevailing lighting conditions. In the dim light, you can use red and green illumination to get a sharp reticle focus.
The glass used in this riflescope is spectacular and it delivers sharp and crisp images any time of the day. Fitted on the tube’s main tube are turrets windage and elevation adjustments.
The scope is also a side focus knob for parallax correction. When taking down smaller targets from a distance, adjustments are the cornerstone of a riflescope. These turrets make precise adjustments giving the shooter an unfair advantage when hunting.
Another great facet that makes NXS 2.5-10×42 riflescope one of the best Nightforce hunting scopes is tough construction. The scope features a streamlined design for optimal visual performance and alignment.
The tube is constructed with high-quality materials for rigidity and durability. Any punishment from rifle recoil will not interfere with the internal components of the scope. For reliability, the scope is completely waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
Features
- Compact design offers a perfect blend of size and weight
- Exceptional low light performance
- A side focus for parallax corrections
- ZeroStop feature for a quick return to zero
- A power throw lever for smooth and speedy magnification switches
- Reticle illumination enhances accuracy in low lighting environments
- Fully multi-coated lenses to maximize light transmission
- Tube made of aluminum alloy for strength and durability
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Best Nightforce Hunting Scopes Buying Guide
Finding the best hunting scope can be a taxing affair as there are numerous options in the market. Knowing the features to look out in scope will help you narrow the search and ultimately find the perfect fit for your hunt.
Considerations when Buying Nightforce Hunting Scopes
Several factors will influence your decision and below is a breakdown of the key aspects.
Magnification
Magnification is the cornerstone of any riflescope. The magnification range of a hunting scope is influenced by several including the type of hunting, the game you will be hunting and the distance you will be shooting from.
Nightforce hunting scopes come in different magnification ranges to cater to the needs of different hunters. Riflescopes with larger magnification ranges provide flexibility for medium and long distances.
Don’t fall for higher power if your hunting involves shooting games below 200 yards. For this distance, the magnification power of 1-6X will be adequate. For 400 yards, scopes with the power of 3-9X or 4-12X will get the job done. For long-range shooting, a specialty of the best Nightforce hunting scopes, a magnification range of 15x to 35x will suffice.
Construction
The tube housing the optics should be constructed of high-quality material. Durable and resilient riflescopes have their tubes crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum or titanium. Both materials are of exceptional strength and so the scopes made from these materials are robust and can be put with the harshest conditions.
The best Nightforce hunting scopes have a five-star rating when it comes to durability. This is because the tubes are completely sealed and purged with dry gases making them waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. This helps ensure reliable performance for many years.
The other aspect of the scope’s construction to focus on is the optical system. The best hunting scope should have lenses built with high-quality glass for bright and crisp images. Lenses coated with proprietary coatings are very resourceful.
They augment light transmission which helps improve image brightness and color fidelity. What sets apart the best Nightforce hunting scopes from other hunting scopes is the optically indexed lenses that transmit light spectacularly for the crispest images possible.
Type of Reticle
Reticle refers to the crosshairs seen when looking through a scope. The reticle used on the scope will determine its application. If you intend to shoot distant targets, go for a reticle specially designed for long-range shooting. The Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle can estimate bullet drop and is best suited for long-range shooters.
For general hunting applications, riflescopes fitted with a duplex reticle will get the job done. The other common reticle is the Mil-Dot. It’s more advanced as it can estimate the distance of the target based on its size.
This is mostly used by the military and in law enforcement. When selecting the reticle, choose a reticle you are familiar with and you can use it effortlessly.
In a riflescope, the reticle is either found on the front or rear of the magnification lens. In the first focal plane, the size of the reticle changes with change in magnification while in the second focal plane, the reticle’s size remains static across all magnification settings.
Which is the best focal plane? This is more of a personal preference. However, for long-range shooting, go for an FFP reticle because ballistic and range increments on the reticle are true at all magnifications and the zero doesn’t change making shooting easier.
Windage and Elevation Turrets
At the heart of long-range shooting are the vertical and horizontal adjustments achieved through knobs attached to the scope’s main tube. The best Nightforce hunting scopes excel in long-distance shooting making the turrets an integral part of these scopes.
When choosing the best scope for your hunt, make sure the turrets make audible clicks when dialed. Besides the turrets should be capped to prevent accidental dials which may throw you off. For precise adjustments, the turrets should be easily read and repeatable.
Besides windage and elevation knobs, the best Nightforce hunting scopes have a third knob called the parallax adjustment turrets for parallax removal. Parallax is when your eye and the reticle are not on the same plane and it can throw your shot off. It’s mainly a concern when taking long-range shots and correcting it helps shooters take accurate shots.
Eye Relief and Field of View
The duo is often overlooked when people are choosing a hunting scope. Eye relief is the distance between your eyebrow and the scope’s eyepiece lens. It’s paramount you choose a scope with sufficient eye relief to protect your brow from the rifle recoil.
Most scopes come with an eye relief distance between 3 to 4.5 inches. If you hunt a high recoil rifle, go higher with the eye relief. A minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief is recommended.
Field of view measures the distance seen through the scope. In any shooting situation, a better field of view is mandatory. Riflescopes with larger lenses have a good field of view even at higher power.
To enhance your shooting experience, the best Nightforce hunting scopes have larger objective lenses to provide a large field of view for different shooting situations.
Convenience Features
Whether you are hunting or shooting at the range, you would want to hit the target with utmost precision. To give you the much-needed competitive edge, Nightforce hunting scopes feature convenience features such as the ZeroStop function, Power throw lever, reticle illumination, and fast focus eyepiece.
- The ZeroStop feature facilitates a speedy return to zero regardless of the elevation adjustments made. This helps with quick target acquisition.
- The power throw lever allows for smooth and swift magnification changes.
- Reticle illumination is not mandatory but it helps when focusing on small targets at long distances and when hunting in low-light environments.
- A fast-focus eyepiece aid in the quick and effortless focus of the reticle.
Conclusion
Tough, durable and relentless. That’s what you want in a hunting scope. Fortunately, you can get that more in a Nightforce hunting scope. Before investing in a hunting scope, evaluate the pros and cons to see if your investment will be worth the money.
We hope our review was insightful and you are better placed to make a wise purchase decision. Which of the above best Nightforce hunting scope will you be trying first?