Do you want the best Nightforce scopes for AR15? We will review some of the top options to help you narrow your search.
Nightforce Optics produces high-quality scopes designed to perform in demanding conditions. When selecting a Nightforce scope for your AR-15, there are a number of factors to consider, including your intended use, budget, and personal preferences.
Why Nightforce Scopes
Nightforce Scopes are highly regarded in the shooting and hunting community for their superior quality and precision. Here are a few reasons why Nightforce scopes are popular among shooters and hunters:
Optical Quality
Nightforce Scopes are known for their exceptional optical clarity and brightness, making it easier for shooters to acquire and track targets even in low-light conditions.
Durability
Nightforce scopes are built to last. They are made from high-quality materials that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, making them reliable even in harsh weather conditions.
Precision
Nightforce scopes are known for their precision and accuracy. They offer fine adjustments for windage and elevation, allowing shooters to make small changes to their aim without losing sight of their target.
Range
Nightforce Scopes offer many magnification options, making them suitable for long-range shooting and hunting.
Reputation
Nightforce has a strong reputation in the shooting and hunting community for their quality, durability, and precision. Their scopes are used by military and law enforcement personnel, hunters, and competitive shooters.
What Makes a Good AR 15 Scope
Several factors contribute to a good AR-15 scope. Here are some key considerations:
- AR-15 scopes are typically used for mid to long-range shooting, so a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x or an LPVO is a good choice.
- A good AR-15 scope should have a reticle that is easy to see and use, even in low-light conditions. Popular reticle options include crosshairs, duplexes, and BDC reticles.
- An AR-15 scope should be built to withstand the rifle’s recoil and be durable enough to handle rough use in the field. Look for scopes with high-quality materials, shockproof construction, and waterproof/fog proof coatings.
- A good AR-15 scope should be easily adjustable for windage and elevation, with clear markings and tactile feedback for precise adjustments.
Types of Nightforce Scopes AR15
There are different classes of scopes made by Nightforce. They are classified according to their construction, time of manufacture and uses. These include;
- ATACR Riflescopes
- NX8 Riflescopes
- SHV Riflescopes
- NXS Riflescopes
- Competition Riflescopes
Best Nightforce Scopes for AR15
Here are the best Nightforce scopes for AR15:
1) NightForce NX8 1-8x24mm FFP Rifle Scope
The NX8 riflescopes are the newest class of riflescopes by NightForce. The U.S. Military, hunters, and competitive shooters under the most demanding conditions have proven these scopes for over two decades.
They are made with new technology and a remarkable 8x zoom range providing razor-sharp images at every setting. The NightForce NX8 1-8x24mm F1 Rifle Scope is the perfect choice for short to mid-range missions that require superior optics with a small size and weight.
The riflescope has a revolutionary center dot visible in the daylight allowing for rapid target acquisition and engagement. It also features a built-in power throw lever to help the shooter in fast magnification changes.
Moreover, the rifle scope is constructed of top-quality materials, with a 30mm body tube that creates the perfect platform for superior strength and durability. It can easily be mounted on your ar-10 with the Nightforce mounts.
Pros
- ZeroStop elevation adjustments
- Comes with a two-piece locking diopter
- Features capped windage adjustment
- Integrated power throw lever
- The reticle is daylight illuminated
- Off settings between brightness settings
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Expensive
2) NightForce ATACR 1-8x24mm FFP Rifle Scope
These riflescopes fall under the class often referred to as professional riflescopes. The ATACR riflescopes are made for the military, law enforcement, and anyone who needs to shoot like a professional. They combine fine materials, engineering expertise, mechanical reliability, and optical performance.
The ATACR 1-8×24 Rifle Scope is the ultimate low-power variable riflescope. It has great features, including pristine ED glass, bright daylight illumination, an intelligent reticle, low-profile adjustments, and bomb-proof reliability. It has a field of view at 1x equivalent to open sights.
The riflescope is easy to handle, with a length of just over 10 inches and a weight of just 21 ounces. The scope features a daylight visible, center red dot that allows for rapid engagements like a red-dot sight. The 1-8x, however, provides up to 8x zoom, making it easy to locate, identify and engage targets at the maximum effective range of most rifles.
This riflescope has an intelligent FC-DM first focal plane reticle that offers precise hold and hold-off points. It also comes with low-profile turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustment and offer true .1 Mil-Radian adjustment.
Pros
- Integrated Power Throw Lever (PTL) for easy adjustments
- Features a First Focal Plane Reticle
- 8x Zoom
- Bright daylight illumination
- 34mm strong and durable tube
- Intelligent reticle
- Very low-profile adjustments
- Objective lens diameter: 24mm
- Bomb-proof reliability
Cons
- Quite expensive
3) NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Hunting Rifle Scope
When hunting, having the right scope can make all the difference. The NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Hunting Rifle Scope is an excellent choice for AR15 enthusiasts who want optimal low-light performance without compromising weight and size.
The 42mm objective maximizes light transmission. This makes it perfect for low-light conditions.
This scope is among the only 10x scopes on the market with adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity. This provides you with unparalleled accuracy and precision.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the power throw lever. You can easily change the magnification, even if you’re wearing gloves, in a fraction of a second. The scope arrives with a flush insert, which you can replace with the threaded PTL knob.
The scope is also night vision compatible, with multiple intensities of reticle illumination designed specifically for use with NVDs. You can choose from red/green illumination, from very dim to very bright, for use in normal conditions.
Pros
- Optimal low-light performance
- 42mm objective lens
- Adjustable parallax from 25 yards
- Power throw lever
- Night vision-compatible settings
- Digillum illumination
- Rugged and reliable construction for long-lasting use
- Hand-checked for tracking accuracy
- 25 yds to infinity Parallax
- Side parallax adjustment
- Lightweight at 20.5 oz
- Great for Hog and Predator Hunting
Cons
- Only Standard accessories are included
4) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope is a game-changing optic perfect for hunting and shooting enthusiasts. This scope is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile scope that offers exceptional clarity, precision, and performance.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the first focal plane. This allows for precise elevation and wind adjustments at any magnification setting. This feature is designed to give the shooter the intelligence they need to make accurate shots, even at long ranges.
The other unique feature is the 4-14x magnification range. It offers an excellent combination of field of view and resolving power at higher magnification.
In addition, the 50mm objective lens provides excellent light transmission at any time of day. This is why it is ideal for use in low-light conditions.
Pros
- First focal plane
- Power zoom ring
- 25 yards to infinity parallax adjustment
- 12 illumination brightness settings
- Magnification range of 4-14x
- Large 50mm objective lens
- 30mm main tube
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Nightforce ZeroSet feature
- MOAR reticle offers an intuitive and versatile aiming solution
Cons
- Analog Illumination
5) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is a top-of-the-line option for hunters and shooters who demand the best performance and versatility. This scope is designed to perform beautifully at both close and extended ranges. This makes it ideal for varmints, big game, and making tight groups on paper.
The unique feature of this scope is the full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment. It allows for precise aiming and target acquisition even at long distances.
In addition, the side parallax adjustment and ZeroSet technology ensure a quick return to your initial zero setting, regardless of how many elevation adjustments you’ve made.
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope has various reticle options to suit your preferences. The reticle delivers outstanding clarity, crispness, and color contrast at every magnification setting.
At 29.1 oz, this scope is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver. It is compatible with rifles and mounts using the Picatinny Mount system.
Pros
- Highly versatile and performs exceptionally well
- 80 MOA of elevation adjustment
- Side parallax adjustment
- Available in First or Second Focal Plane
- Ideal magnification range for hunters
- 25 yds to infinity Parallax
- Ring attachment
- Outstanding and incredible precision
- Offers outstanding clarity
- Relatively lightweight at 1.91 pounds
- Weatherproof caps
Cons
- Not ideal for close-range shooting
6) NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Rifle Scope
Looking for a reliable and high-performing rifle scope for your AR15? Look no further than the NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Rifle Scope.
This scope is designed for practical applications such as target shooting, big game hunting, and varmint hunting. It offers a magnification range of 3-10x and a 42mm objective lens diameter.
The unique feature of this scope is its reticle options. You can choose between the Forceplex and intelligent MOAR reticles, allowing you to tailor the scope to your specific shooting needs. This flexibility makes it a great choice for various hunting and shooting scenarios.
Despite its compact size and affordable price, the NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Rifle Scope doesn’t compromise on quality. You can expect the same premium quality and absolute precision that Nightforce scopes are known for.
In addition, your purchase comes with a range of helpful accessories, including rubber lens covers, a cleaning fob/cleaning cloth, an owner’s manual, and other tools like loose Allen keys.
Pros
- Versatile magnification range
- Multiple reticle options
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Compact and affordable
- 25 yds to infinity Parallax
- Comes with helpful accessories
- Side parallax adjustment
- Capped and finger-adjustable elevation
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Wide range of applications
Cons
- Analog illumination
Advantages of Using the Best Nightforce Scope for AR15
Quality
The professionals at NightForce factory pride themselves in producing some of the best optics in the market. Their products are made with great care and are equipped with tons of features to make them the best there can ever be in the market. They have won world awards and remain at the top of the list of quality optics in the market.
Versatility
The best NightForces scopes have different features that make them adaptable to almost any shooting environment. They are waterproof, for example, meaning that you do not have to worry about rain or accidentally dropping the rifle scope in water when in the field.
Affordable
Unlike other brands, which are overly priced, NightfOrce scopes are very affordable and offer greater performances than some scopes of higher prices.
Accessories
In case of loss or malfunction, NightForce Inc. has ensured that you can get a replacement for your rifle scope parts with ease. Their accessories include wedge prisms, rings, mounts, bases, and top-half ring accessories.
FAQs on the Best Nightforce Scope for AR15
1) Does Nightforce make good scopes?
Nightforce scopes are optically on the top list. They have great ergonomics and are complex because they’re designed for precise shooting at long distances. They are reliable in medium-long-range shooting for a wide range of applications.
2) Is Nightforce that much better than Vortex?
It is hard two compare the two giants. The Vortex PST, for example, is lighter than the Nightforce. The Nightforce SHV is a tough riflescope with a mount made from magnesium alloy material and weighs around 6 pounds with the attached scope. The two scopes are made to be highly durable and can therefore withstand whatever is thrown at them.
3) What is the difference between FFP and SFP?
The main difference is that an SFP reticle will appear to be the same size in different magnification settings. In contrast, an FFP reticle changes in size as the scope’s magnification is adjusted.
Conclusion
There are many options in the market if you are simply looking for a good scope for your rifle. However, if you want the best performance with your ar-15, choosing the best scope is paramount in making precise and accurate shots.
The Nightforce scopes, as discussed in this article, are made of high-quality materials that offer nothing but the best performance. They are reliable and easy to use. They are also affordable, with access to accessories being very easy. We hope you like them.