I've been thinking about dropping some coin and getting a Nightforce scope for my new SPRish build.

I've pretty much settled on the 2.5-10 magnification range. Nightforce offers two, 2.5-10x24 and 2.5-10x32. Which one would you suggest for this build and why?

My only assumptions at this time is that the 2.5-10x32 is brighter, but also longer and heavier than the 2.5-10x24. Price difference is $100-$200 between the two. Anyone with actual experience with either or both of these scopes who can spare a little info would be greatly appreciated.

I went with the 32 for a wider field of view. I would also assume that it has better light gathering then the 24. one thing that you can cut is mrad knobs and zero stop if you are trying to save a couple bucks.

Pearson

I have no problems with the brightness or FOV on my 2.5-10x24mm

The x32's fov is no different than the x24.

Then what are the advantages of the 32 over the 24, if any?

Oops I thought that I read it was somewhere. Oh well I am still very pleased with it.

tag

SPECIFICATIONS

2.5-10x24 NXS

Magnification:
2.5-10x

Objective Diameter:
24mm

Exit Pupil Diameter:
10.1mm @ 2.5x 2.5mm @ 10x

Field Of View:
44ft @ 2.5x11ft @10x

Eye Relief:
3.7in (95mm)

Internal Adjustment Range:
100moa elev. 100moa wind.

Click Value:
.250moa

Tube Diameter:
30mm (1.18in)

Ocular Diameter:
33mm

Mounting Length:
6.6in.

Weight:
17oz (2.5-10x)

Overall Length:
9.9in

Reticles:
NP-1, NP-R2, FC-2, Mil-Dot

________________________________

SPECIFICATIONS

2.5-10x32 NXS

Magnification:
2.5-10x

Objective Diameter:
32mm

Exit Pupil Diameter:
2.5x: 13.3 mm/10x: 3.3 mm

Field Of View:
2.5x: 44 ft/10x: 11 ft

Eye Relief:
3.7in (95mm)

Internal Adjustment Range:
100moa elev. 100moa wind.

Click Value:
.250moa (1/4 moa)

Tube Diameter:
30mm (1.18in)

Ocular Diameter:
33mm

Mounting Length:
5.7in.

Weight:
19oz

Overall Length:
12in

Reticles:
NP-1, NP-R2, FC-2, Mil-Dot

I don't really undrstand the reasoning behind the small objective on a 10x scope.

What is wrong with a 40mm objective on a 10x scope?

The larger exit pupil is just more comfortable to sit behind for long periods.

Weight is the only reason to use a smaller objective. Well that and a small exit pupil will make you r sight picture disappear if you are off axis and these optics dont have adjustbale parallax so being centered is important. Still, Id pick the 32 over the 24 every time for the larger exit pupil. 2.4mm exit pupil IS going to be more tempermental in bright light and WILL cause darkening of the image before the 32mm objective will. That said the 24 is a fine optic and I dont have problems shooting it.

I have the 24mm with NP-R2 reticle, and it is surprising bright for an optic with such a small objective / EP. I am thinking about getting another one, and will probably go with the 32mm for variety. You won't be disappointed with either.

One thing worth noting is that vendors seem to typically stock the 24 with the covered turrets, and the 32 with the exposed zero stop turrets, although both are available either way.

Well, despite your advice I just bought the 2.5-10x24 model with MOA adjustments and NP-R2 reticle slightly used for $999 shipped off of Ebay. I think I did OK, saving about $200 over new which will be enough to buy a Larue mount. I would have liked to get the other model, but it would have been about $400 more and I was really trying to stay below $1000. Besides, if the 24mm model is good enough for Navy SEALS to use (as pictured in the Mk12 thread) then it should be more than good enough for me.

This one has the enclosed turrets. I read on the Nightforce web site that existing scopes can be retrofitted for the zero stop. Anyone have any idea how much this costs and how long it takes?

i had the 32 and sent it back for the 24

i like the smaller size of the 24 much more (2" shorter length)

IMHO, you didn't go wrong at all with your purchase, assuming the eBay thing works out. That is the exact scope that I have, and again, it is suprisingly bright....on par with a TA-11F and 50mm objective Leupy VX-III's by my subjective assessment. I do a fair amount of reduced light shooting.

I am "on the fence" so to speak regarding the covered versus exposed turrets, while the zero stop would be nice. The stadia lines of the NP-R2 reticle offer 30 MOA of holdover, which is well beyond the external ballistics of 5.56. If you prefer to DOPE, then just put the elevation cap in your pocket, and don't go swimming with the rifle/optic. It should be relatively easy to keep track of revolutions, as <400m is zero revs, 400-600m +1 rev, and anything beyond that is +2 revs.

I suspect that the 24's will be "bargains" these days as folks feel the need to "upgrade" to the 32. To me, the former is a pretty dandy piece of gear. Good luck with you nice new optic.