Benchrest or NXS – Which one to Buy?

This article will try to find out differences between two exceptionally good riflescopes from Nightforce Optics – NXS and Benchrest (BR). Writing this article has become an absolute necessity because many users get baffled while making decision of buying a great scope. The most common question that amateur shooters ask while buying a high quality riflescope is whether to buy a Nightforce Benchrest or NXS riflescope?

It needs to be reiterated that both the models have different benefits as well as features, dependent on the nature of shooter's application. Benchrest is best used for long range precision shooting, especially in controlled conditions including variant field and rifle range. However, NXS is ideal for field applications and is well known in withstanding rigorous conditions, much more than any other scope available in the market. Though the functions are categorized properly, still there is a need of mentioning the price differential between the products. NXS is 40 per cent costlier than BR. When it comes to features there are some basic differences too. BR has adjustable front objective to correct parallax but NXS riflescopes have side parallax adjustment. While the latter comes with a click value of 1/4 MOA clicks, the former comes with 1/8 MOA clicks.

NXS models solely come with "zero-stop" feature that cannot be found at BR models. This feature helps shooters to spin the elevation turret quickly back to a close range zero (which is generally hundred yards), without the requirement to count clicks.

1/8 MOA vs 1/4 MOA Click Value

1/8 MOA click value are tighter and more desirable because they allow shooters in allowing shooters adjust Point of Impact more precisely than 1/4 MOA clicks. F-Classers have been found to prefer eighth-minute clicks over fourth minute ones. The diameter of F-Class X-ring is only 5. While dialing 3-5 inch X-Ring or 10-Ring, it is easy to find why 1/8 MOA click value are more preferable. At 1000 yards, 1/8 MOA click will move POI by 1.3, but 1/4 MOA clicks by 2.6.

BR models come with 1/8 MOA clicks. NXS models also come with 1/8 MOA clicks, offered with 8-32X and 12-42X. In case of the latter model 1/8 MOA clicks are ideal for those shooters who prefer more precise click values as well as side-parallax control. When scopes come with MLR reticle, "Mil" clicks are desired. Users can find Mil clicks at Nightforce NXS scopes.

Front Adjustable Objective against Side-Focus Parallax

Whether you would choose a side-focus parallax or front adjustable objective depends upon your personal preference. While the former can be found at NXS, the latter is found at BR models. Nightforce NXS therefore comes with an extra lens that reduces light transmission potential by 1.0 to 1.5 per cent when compared to Nightforce Benchrest rifle scopes. Overall resolution remains virtually the same and the difference is not noticed by most human eyes. BR comes with finer adjustment. However, at NXS the users will get quicker adjustment. This means to dial-in minimal parallax, shooters will require less movement.
 
Conclusion

Whether a shooter will buy NXS or Nightforce Benchrest scope will depend upon three features - field hardiness, focus/parallax adjustment, and definitely price. Which one you go for depends upon your discretion and preference.