2.5-10 magnification, or close to it. What do you pick?

[PNorris]

I am looking for a scope in that magnification range. It will sit on top of a SCAR 17. I want a little more than 8X magnification. What would you choose. Budget is around $2k max.

[themonk]

Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm - a little older but an awesome optic right in your budget.

[themonk]

If you want to go lighter weight (given the SCARs lightweight) but probably not as durable, leupold makes the VX-6HD 2-12x42 that's only 16oz.

[gunnerblue]

NXS 2.5-10x24/32/42. The 42mm model has adjustable parallax if you’re going to be doing more long range precision work.

[pointblank4445]

Just FYI on optic quality, I've had high-end 8x's match the capabilities of decent 10x's and sub-par 12x's. So thinking you'll go lower quality but with higher mag won't net you much in the long run. 8x in the right package gets me out to 800m with my spr just fine.

Regarding Nightforces and the 2.5-10's...
The x24 is very restricting with poor transmission, but dang if it ain't small
The x32 not even sure if you can still get these...not much point when you can go x42 and get more
The x42 is a neat little optic, and runs like a big scope but is under 21 oz. Liked mine a lot, but got more out of a 1-8x FFP.

I've watched too many Vortex PST's crap out and not track in classes to recommend any Vortex that doesn't have "Razor HD II" in it's name...and even then I'm not a huge fan.

The problem is this niche' of 30mm tube 20-23oz top end 10-12ishx42mm (or less) optics is lacking for decent tactical style optics. Most companies step up the tube size and objective and you're up to a full-power precision optic that weighs an ounce or so under 2 pounds. I wish they'd try and crack that nut rather than the other boundaries they're constantly pushing

[RHINOWSO]

I have the NF 2.5-10x24 on my SBR'ed 13" SCAR 17. One of the 'limited release' MOAR models from a couple of years ago.

It's a great scope as long as you understand what it's strengths are (small size, NF bomb proof construction / tracking) and weaknesses (light transmission, FOV / eyebox at high power).

For me with the SCARs higher top rail, I see 20-ish oz. as being the heaviest optic I want, or it seems to get a bad case of the leans with the high CG when doing lateral transitions.

With all that beings said, I'm tempted to move my NF 2.5-10x24 to an 5.56 AR SPR rifle and get a NF 1-8x for the SCAR 17.

[Vegasshooter]

Just FYI on optic quality, I've had high-end 8x's match the capabilities of decent 10x's and sub-par 12x's. So thinking you'll go lower quality but with higher mag won't net you much in the long run. 8x in the right package gets me out to 800m with my spr just fine.

Regarding Nightforces and the 2.5-10's...
The x24 is very restricting with poor transmission, but dang if it ain't small
The x32 not even sure if you can still get these...not much point when you can go x42 and get more
The x42 is a neat little optic, and runs like a big scope but is under 21 oz. Liked mine a lot, but got more out of a 1-8x FFP.

I've watched too many Vortex PST's crap out and not track in classes to recommend any Vortex that doesn't have "Razor HD II" in it's name...and even then I'm not a huge fan.

The problem is this niche' of 30mm tube 20-23oz top end 10-12ishx42mm (or less) optics is lacking for decent tactical style optics. Most companies step up the tube size and objective and you're up to a full-power precision optic that weighs an ounce or so under 2 pounds. I wish they'd try and crack that nut rather than the other boundaries they're constantly pushing

There is SO much yes in this post! You literally wrote my exact thoughts on the matter here.
I completely agree with the take on fantastic 1-8’s that outdo mid tier 10X’s. It’s been said before, but quality in glass far outdoes quantity of X’s. I would walk over a handful of Vortex Viper 2.5-10’s to get my ATACR 1-8, and, I’ve had two of the Vortex 2.5-10’s. One FFP and one SFP. I think the NF 2.5-10 is sorta dated now, but for its size, weight, and role, it’s still hard to beat I think.

[jesuvuah]

My honest feeling is, unless you really really need more than 4x, it is very hard to beat an acog. The size and weight are hard to ignore.

But I guess that is a different discussion

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[CCK]

Kevin B at Q went on an on about the new Eotech Vudu 5-25 last week on instagram. They have a 2.5-10 as well.