Which NightForce for 500 yard 308?

[firefighter37]

Looking into my first long range (for me) bolt gun. I only shoot to 500 yards because thats the longest range I have nearby. I'm settled on NightForce as a brand, but not sure which model I should go with. I was looking at an NXS 3.5-15x50 with .25 MOA adjustment and Mil-Dot recticle. Is that enough magnification for 500 yards? The FOV at 15x is 7.3 ft. Is this enough or should I look for a scope with a wider FOV? When it comes to long range shooting, I don't know my ass from my face, so please help me with recommendations. I am willing to spend $$$ for quality, but don't want to go crazy ($3000+ is out of the question.) Also, would first focal plane be better? Like the ATACR 5-25x56? Where is the best place to buy?

Thank you

[markm]

3.5-15 is perfect. You can dial it back to 10 or 12 if you want a wider FOV or if you're getting a lot of mirage.

[Eurodriver]

500 yards is really not that far, and if you have a quality scope like a NF you would be fine with 10x.

However, everything you asked depends what kind of shooting you are doing. FFP for 500 yard paper punching is a little unnecessary. Mixing MOA adjustments and mil reticles is usually a bad idea. Not that it's "wrong", but it's kind of like driving a car on KPH roads with a MPH speedo. You can do it, but you'll be doing a lot of math either in your head or with a calculator.

[rcoodyar15]

500 yards is really not that far, and if you have a quality scope like a NF you would be fine with 10x.

However, everything you asked depends what kind of shooting you are doing. FFP for 500 yard paper punching is a little unnecessary. Mixing MOA adjustments and mil reticles is usually a bad idea. Not that it's "wrong", but it's kind of like driving a car on KPH roads with a MPH speedo. You can do it, but you'll be doing a lot of math either in your head or with a calculator.

my .308 is really set up more as a hunting rifle than a tactical rifle. Used the mcmillian edge stock, had the 700 action trued and a bartlein #3 contour barrel installed. Gun weighs only 6#11oz without the scope. I used a leupold VX6-2X12. only weighs 17 oz. 500 yds is no problem.

[MBtech]

The 3.5-15 NXS would be perfect. That is EXACTLY the scope I am looking into for my 700 .308 my local range is 600m I have had the chance to shoot a rifle with that very scope and it is more than enough. Crystal clear quality and I am sold on it. Likewise mine is going to be a deer/elk rifle along with range shooting and to me that scope will be perfect. Check out euro optic and optics planet. Also advice I was given in a thread is to keep an eye out on used scopes as people are getting the latest and greatest.

[Pappabear]

3.5-15 is fine and I think they are selling their new ACTAR in 4-16. That would be my choice, but you can't go wrong with tried and true NXS 3.5-15 FFP or 2nd FP. Either will be fine to 500. I like their MLR reticles, or any of the new reticles that give half mil marks for windage.

Sport optics is very competitive. Ask for Jay. No tax , no shipping and fair prices.

[MBtech]

Sport optics is very competitive. Ask for Jay. No tax , no shipping and fair prices.

Excellent, thank you for that info. No tax no shipping? That's very cool.

[CRT2]

I have a 3.5-15 X50 F1 Nightforce on my Remington 700 (McMillan A-3 and Timney Trigger) and my LMT MWS - both 308. My use is multi-purpose and the FFP has its uses. Nightforce has discontinued the F1. If funds permit, you may want to look at the Nightforce ATACR F1, 4-16 X42. Supposed to have exceptional glass. Their 3.5-15 X50 second focal plane are excellent also. For paper punching you might also consider the ATACR 5-25 Second focal plane.

General rule of thumb for magnification is 1X for each 100 yards; however, some say better to have more power and dial back then to need higher magnification and not have it.

CSTactical (Mike Cecil 916-670-1103), Sport Optics, Euro Optics and Mile High Shooting are all good about dealing with you.

[waveslayer]

Great suggestions, but have you said to yourself, "man my car has too much horse power! "

So don't just get hooked on 500, if you one day decide to take it out long distance then you won't need a new scope. Go big or go home. 5.5x22x56 will be plenty and very versatile

[MBtech]

But no need to build a drag car when all you plan on doing is to go to work and back.