Best Nightforce Scope for Elk Hunting
A good scope is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need for a successful elk hunt. A good scope will help you secure a clean kill regardless of the hunting environment or how difficult the shot is. It will also allow you to detect the animal from a distance and take the shot without having to approach it.
However, finding a good elk scope is easier said than done. It’s even more difficult to select the right model when you’re looking for a specific brand of scope.
In this post, we reviewed the best Nightforce scopes for Elk hunting. These scopes are designed with hunters in mind, making them a valuable addition for any elk hunting enthusiast.
Are Nightforce scopes any good?
Nightforce scopes are optically superior, possibly the strongest available, and have the best ergonomics of any scope. These are the reasons why they are good:
- The solid construction of Nightforce scopes maximizes durability. When using heavy recoiling calibers, solid housing provides reliable resistance to shock and recoil. Tubes made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy 6061-T6 that are 2-3 times thicker than industry standards.
- Nightforce rifle scopes are completely waterproofed after being submerged for 24 hours in a pressure tank equivalent to being submerged 100 feet below sea level.
- Nightforce scopes are subjected to 1250 G recoil testing (both positive and negative forces).
- Nightforce scopes’ temperature stability is demonstrated by freezing them to -80 degrees and then heating them back up to 250 degrees in less than an hour! The scope function is tested at both high and low temperatures.
Best Nightforce Scope for Elk Hunting-Our Top Picks
When it comes to dependability, durability, and optical performance, Nightforce scopes speak for themselves. If you’re looking for the best Nightforce scope for Elk hunting, these are the models to consider.
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NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
The NIGHTFORCE SHV is an elevated rifle scope that can meet the needs of any hunter, regardless of skill level or experience. It’s perfect for a variety of hunting situations, and it performs admirably whether you’re hunting elk, deer, or any other large or medium game.
The scope has a zoom range of 5x to 20x, making it very versatile. This makes it suitable for elk hunting at both intermediate and long ranges. It also has a large objective lens, which complements the high optical power by providing a large field of view and brighter target images.
This scope has almost all of the features you’ll need for a more enjoyable hunting trip. It is strong, dependable, and suitable for use with any caliber, including large ones. The sturdy housing ensures that it can withstand any punishment. It also provides consistent performance regardless of the weather.
Every hunter needs an illuminated reticle for accurate aiming in low light situations, and this scope has one. ZeroSet technology, side parallax adjustment, and waterproof and fog proof construction are among the other notable features.
Features
- It features a Forceplex reticle with only the center illuminated.
- Variable magnification of 5-25x.
- Main tube is 30mm.
- Windage and elevation adjustments are 1/4 MOA.
- Excellent clarity of glass.
- There is a lot of eye relief.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Construction is sturdy.
- Fogproof and waterproof
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NightForce NX8 2.5-20×50 mm Rifle Scope
The new NX8 2.5-20×50 F1 hunting scope gives you one hunting scope that can dominate virtually any shooting environment, anywhere on the planet, at almost any distance. Across the entire magnification range, it delivers exceptional clarity, resolution, and brightness at every setting.
These NightForce Rifle Scopes have a standard Power Throw Lever (PTL) that is expertly designed to quickly change between magnifications for the perfect shot every time. This scope features digillum illumination for a brighter, crisper, and clearer view.
It’s a riflescope that’s both small and powerful. In a small package, it provides first focal plane performance with an 8x zoom range. This wide zoom range allows for close-range engagements as well as the detection, identification, and engagement of targets at a distance.
The ZeroStop elevation adjustment for a quick return to zero is another feature. With a parallax adjustment as close as 11 yards, the 50mm objective is optimized for resolution and light transmission.
It also has a large 50mm ED glass objective lens, which provides excellent clarity, contrast, and resolution in low-light situations. With this one-of-a-kind riflescope, you’ll blow the competition out of the water.
Features
- Zoom range of 8x, magnification range of 2.5x to 20x.
- For superior image quality, use ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass.
- For a quick and easy return to zero, use the ZeroStop elevation adjustment.
- PTL Integration (Power Throw Lever).
- Adjustable diopter lock.
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NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope, like the other scopes we’ve listed above, is expensive, but don’t let that deter you. It is constructed with high-quality and shooter-friendly features, making the price worthwhile.
It has a ZeroSet function that allows you to easily return to zero settings, in addition to being intuitive and simple to use. A first focal plane illuminated reticle with 12 brightness settings is also included in the scope. It is suitable for use in various lighting situations due to the numerous brightness settings.
This F1 rifle scope has a variable magnification range of 4-14x, making it ideal for elk hunting at close to long ranges in a variety of environments. Even at high magnification, it provides a large and clear field of view for easy target identification. It also comes with a power zoom ring with excellent resolving power and a fast focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing.
To top it off, this rifle scope is housed in a sturdy aluminum housing for maximum durability. When you choose the SHV F1 scope, you’re getting an optic that can handle almost any hunting situation.
Features
- 12 different brightness settings for the illuminated reticle.
- Construction is light.
- Tube diameter is 30mm.
- Eyepiece with quick focus.
- Reticle in the first focal plane.
- Aluminum construction.
- Elevation function ZeroSet.
- From 25 yards to infinity, the parallax can be adjusted.
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NIGHTFORCE NXS C437 8-32x56mm ZeroStop SFP .250 MOA Illuminated Moar Reticle Extra-Magnification Hunting Scope
The NXS Rifle Scope is a versatile rifle scope ideal for hunting, long-range target shooting, and tactical use. It is designed to deliver superior precision at all ranges and has a high-powered zoom range of 8x to 32x for shooting versatility at different distances.
This rifle scope is designed to last for many years. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum that’s built to last. It is also recoil and impact resistant, as well as weather resistant, so you can use it in any weather.
This rifle scope’s exceptional optical integrity makes it a favorite among elk hunters looking to up their game. Even in low-light situations like dawn or dusk, it provides incredibly bright and clear views. Furthermore, it has a wide field of view, which is important for quick and easy target scanning.
Above all, the scope provides accuracy and speed in all situations.
Features
- Main tube 30mm
- Reticle with a second focal plane
- Magnification range: 8-32x
- Excellent speed and accuracy in all circumstances
- Parallax can be adjusted from 50 yards to infinity.
- Outstanding optical integrity
- Waterproof and recoil-resistant.
- Aluminum body of aircraft quality
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NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Rifle Scope
Another excellent Nightforce scope for elk hunting on our list is the NXS 2.5-10x42mm Compact Rifle Scope. On our list, it has the tiniest scope. Despite its compact size, it is packed with high-quality and advanced features that will meet and exceed your expectations.
The scope is compact and lightweight. It will be easy to carry in the field, weighing only 20.5 ounces. Furthermore, even in low-light situations, the scope is designed to maintain optical clarity and performance.
It has an illuminated reticle with brightness settings that can be adjusted for visibility in a variety of situations. Even better, it has night vision compatibility for added versatility, as well as a large 42mm objective lens for optimal light collection.
The scope is well-built and will last a long time. It is constructed from high-quality materials that increase its rigidity and durability. Aside from that, it is designed for ease of use.
A side parallax adjustment knob and a power throw lever make magnification adjustment as simple as a five-finger exercise. Above all, it’s a great scope for tactical applications, hog and predator hunting, and not just elk hunting.
Features
- Main tube: 30mm
- Variable magnification of 2.5-10x
- Reticle in the second focal plane
- Adjustment of side parallax
- Throwing force lever
- Larger objective lens (42mm)
- Reticle with red and green illumination
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Compact and ultralight
See Also:
- Best Lightweight Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Vortex Scope for Elk Hunting
- Best Binoculars for Elk and Deer Hunting
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Nightforce Scope For Elk Hunting
- Magnification
The magnification of Nightforce scopes varies greatly to meet the demands and needs of different hunters and shooters.
Choose a scope with a medium optical power if you plan to use it at close and medium ranges. Avoid high-powered scopes for such distances because they can be overkill.
If you know you can hit a target at a long distance or want to improve your long-range hunting skills, opt for a scope with a high magnification power.
- Objective Lens
A large objective lens is required in the best Nightforce scope for elk hunting. This is especially important if you intend to hunt at dusk or dawn. Thanks to its large objective lens, the scope collects as much light as possible for brighter image views. A large objective lens will give you a wide and crisp field of view.
- Weight
If you will be trudging for miles in search of game, choose a scope that is light and compact in size as it will be more portable. Another benefit of using a light weight scope is that they are more accurate and easier to mount and use.
- Budget(Price)
Nightforce scopes tend to be more on the pricey side, but don’t let that put you off. Get your finances in order, then look for a model that fits your budget and hunting requirements. In the long run, these scopes provide exceptional hunting performance as well as excellent value for money.
- Eye Relief
Another feature to consider is the scope’s eye relief. The larger it is, the better. For starters, having a large amount of eye relief will protect your eyes from heavy recoiling rifles. Furthermore, it will prevent fatigue when hunting for extended periods of time and allow you to aim comfortably from various shooting positions.
- Sturdy Construction
You’ll need a scope that can withstand whatever you throw at it. Choose a scope made of high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, magnesium alloy, or better to achieve this. Choose a scope that will perform well in foggy, misty, and rainy conditions in addition to quality construction.
In Conclusion
Which Nightforce scope is best for your elk hunting expeditions will depend on your preferences, skills, and hunting style. After reading this guide, hopefully you will be able to make an informed decision. With any of these high-performing rifle scopes, you can rest assured that you’ll get it right on the hunting field.