Nightforce Optics in the Airgun World

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NL-Law

NL-Law

Member
Nov 11, 2017
159
10
Newfoundland, Canada
Hey All

After spending years as a dedicated powder burner, I have come to see Nightforce as the eminent optics company. At any competitive rifle meet, you will see a large percentage of people using Nightforce products. This is especially true in the US.

While I love Leupold and Vortex, their optical clarity doesn’t stand up to Nightforce. I own a few NXS, SHV and even a BEAST scope. They aren’t cheap but they are by far my favourite scopes. 

With models like the SHV having a parallax adjustable down to 25 yards, (closer to 15 yards in practise), it seems they are perfect for high-end PCP rifles. Despite this, you hardly ever see Nightforce optics used by recreational or competitive airgun shooters. 

I guess I’m wondering why you think Nightforce hasn’t really taken off in the the high-end PCP world?


 
Most people use their PCPs at relatively short range compared to a powder burner. The scopes geared towards airguns are designed as such. They can be focused down to 5 or 10 yards. You do not need the clarity or the subtension accuracy of a $1000 plus scope when you are shooting sub 150 meters with a very light recoiling gun. There are plenty of options in the $200-$500 range that are designed for the needs of airgunners and reliably meet all performance requirements of a PCP user. I am not saying the cheaper scopes are better than nightforce scopes for airguns. It is just that they are sufficient.
 
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"Grin_Reaver"Most people use their PCPs at relatively short range compared to a powder burner. The scopes geared towards airguns are designed as such. They can be focused down to 5 or 10 yards. You do not need the clarity or the subtension accuracy of a $1000 plus scope when you are shooting sub 150 meters with a very light recoiling gun. There are plenty of options in the $200-$500 range that are designed for the needs of airgunners and reliably meet all performance requirements of a PCP user. I am not saying the cheaper scopes are better than nightforce scopes for airguns. It is just that they are sufficient.
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That makes a lot of sense. Until I started Airgunning I didn’t realize how many good airgun scopes were out there.

There isn’t much in the powder burning world to compete with the MTC Viper or Hawke Airmax 30 in terms of features and clarity for $500. Most of my rifle shooting buddies that handle them are amazed at the value MTC and Hawke represent. 
 
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So aside from Nightforce, which makes represent some of the best clarity and overall performance (maybe two questions there) for PCP air rifles? I have a Hawke 8-32x56 Sideinder 30 with the SR-Pro reticle and am wondering if I should be looking at other scopes for the future (my gun collection will grow at some point, or I will add guns for my kids).
 
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"SMH77"So aside from Nightforce, which makes represent some of the best clarity and overall performance (maybe two questions there) for PCP air rifles? I have a Hawke 8-32x56 Sideinder 30 with the SR-Pro reticle and am wondering if I should be looking at other scopes for the future (my gun collection will grow at some point, or I will add guns for my kids).
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I really like SWFA SS scopes due to their super high bang for the buck score. However most makes have exceptional scopes at their top end. There are just too many choices. I believe we should help the companies with transferable no questions asked lifetime warranties.
 
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