A Comparison of the Nightforce SHV vs NXS Scope Models

Founded in 1992, Nightforce Optics quickly established itself as a well-known manufacturer of higher-end rifle scopes and spotting scopes. The company originally started out marketing spotlights (for night hunting) and corresponding rifle scopes that would work well in conjunction with the spotlights for night hunting. Nightforce later began to focus more on the riflescope market and has been a player in the U.S. sporting industry ever since.

The topic of Nightforce scopes is a common one at my day job, and I spend a significant amount of time each week answering (or at least trying to answer) questions about the different Nightforce scope models, the pros and cons of each, and making suggestions as to which Nightforce model might be the best fit for a particular need.  One of the more commonly asked questions about Nightforce Optics is: Can you compare or speak to the differences between the Nightforce SHV vs NXS series?

First, let’s do a quick overview of the two Nightforce scope series:

Nightforce SHV Rifle Scopes

Nightforce introduced the first SHV scope model (a 4-14X56 configuration) in January of 2014 at the 2014 SHOTS Show. The SHV portion of the model name stands for “Shooter Hunter Varminter,” and that scope series was designed to be an affordable and versatile riflescope for shooters and hunters. Many people in the rifle scope industry have labeled the SHV series as Nightforce’s version of an “entry level” scope, but I’ve never believed that to be an accurate description as SHV models are far from being entry-level.

The success of the initial 4-14 SHV model led Nightforce to expand the SHV line by adding additional models to the line and expand on the number of reticle options available in the series. Today, the Nightforce SHV line of scopes consists of 4 different power range models, and each model, within each power range, is available in 3-5 different reticle options. All the SHV scope models are built on a 30mm tube, and 3 of the 4 power ranges are built in a second focal plane configuration. Only one of the SHV models is built on a first focal plane set-up.

With the SHV series, the 3-10X42 and 4-14X56 feature capped turrets, while the 4-14X50 F1 model and the 5-20X56 model feature exposed turrets with Nightforce patented ZeroSet feature. Note that the 3-10X42 and the 4-14X56 models do NOT have the ZeroSet functionality.

All the SHV models feature a side parallax adjustment that goes down to 25 yards. The one exception to that rule is the 3-10X42 model with the illuminated reticle feature, which has a fixed parallax that is preset to 125 yards.

Nightforce NXS Rifle Scopes

Nightforce introduced the Nightforce NXS scopes in 1999, and it was a much beefier, upgraded version of the Nightforce’s Varmint scope model. The NXS name is short for Nightforce Extreme Scope, and this model is really the one that established Nightforce as a high-end, precision scope manufacturer. The NXS was the first Nightforce model that was ever submitted for a military contract and was later selected for use by a number of specialized military units, including the Navy SEALS.

Today, the NXS series is still a premier seller for Nightforce and is still a favorite scope model for military and law enforcement users around the world. Built like a tank, all the NXS models are designed on a 30mm tube, and most NXS models feature a parallax adjustment that adjusts down to 50 yards. The lone exception to that is the NXS 2.5-10×42 COMPACT model, which has a parallax that focuses all the way down to 25 yards.

The NXS series currently consists of five (5) scope models that start with a power range of 2.5-10 (the Compact model) and top out with a power range of 8-32. Like the SHV scope series, the NXS series is available with many reticle options within each power range. Each of the NXS models is available in at least one illuminated option, and some models offer more than one illuminated reticle option.

All the Nightforce NXS models feature exposed turrets and are equipped with Nightforce’s patented ZeroStop functionality, which is different from the ZeroSet functionality found on the Nightforce SHV models. The NXS series of scopes are only built in a second focal plane configuration. Nightforce currently does not offer any first focal plane versions in the NXS scope line.

While the NXS scopes are still very much in use with both military and law enforcement, they are also very popular for other shooting activities, including long-range competition, long-range hunting, precision bench rest, and general hunting uses.

Let’s start talking about the differences between the NXS scopes versus the SHV scopes:

Glass Comparison

This will be a short and sweet comparison as the glass that Nightforce uses on the NXS series of scopes is exactly the same glass used on the SHV models. Looking through both models, I always had the opinion that they were the same, but then I confirmed it with Nightforce staff.

Power Range Comparison

First, let’s look at each family in a side-by-side comparison:

While both scope series have very similar power range options, there are a few slight differences. The lowest power range on the SHV series is 3-10, while the lowest power range on the NXS series is 2.5-10.

The SHV series offers two (2) 4-14 models, with one being a second focal plane and the other model being a first focal plane (the F1 designation is an FFP scope). In comparison, the NXS series does NOT offer a first focal plane (FFP) option (at least, not yet), and the closest power range to 4-14 in the NXS series is a 3.5-15.

Within the SHV series, the highest power range currently offered is 5-20, while the NXS offers two (2) models in a 5.5-22 configuration and one in an 8-32 configuration.

As far as objective size, the smallest object size in the SHV and the NXS models is 42mm. Comparing the largest object size, both scope families offer a 56mm objective as the largest available.

The power ranges for each scope series are fairly diverse and offer enough options to meet almost any shooting need.

Turret Comparison

From a turret standpoint, it’s not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison as the SHV scope series has a few scopes that have capped turrets and a few others with exposed turrets, while the NXS series only has exposed turrets.

Within the SHV and NXS models with exposed turrets, the real comparison conversation has to do with the different turret stop functionality offered on each model.

The SHV series uses Nightforce’s ZeroSet functionality, while the NXS series uses Nightforce’s ZeroStop functionality. While those two turret reset options function in a similar manner, they are also very different.

The SHV ZeroSet functionality works like this:

You zero the scope in at whatever your preferred distance is, usually 100 yards; then, you remove the top turret cover. You then re-position the turret cover back in place using the 0 mark on the turret cover as a re-zero point.

The NXS ZeroStop functionality is a clutch-based system that works more like a traditional zero stop that you find on other scope brands. Once you set the zero stop, you can dial the elevation turret up as much as you like, and then when you dial back down to zero, the turret clicks into place when it hits the zero stop.

The ZeroSet feature on the SHV models isn’t really a traditional zero stop as the shooter can dial the turret back down to the zero mark but can also move on past the zero point. This means that the shooter has to watch the turret as he or she dials down to manually stop it on the 0 mark.

With the ZeroStop feature on the NXS models, the turret stops at the zero stop point. In order to dial down past the zero stop point, the shooter has to physically disengage the zero stop. This feature allows the shooter to dial down by feel, and he or she doesn’t have to physically watch the dial down process as the turret automatically stops as the zero point. And, the turret cannot be turned down past zero (commonly called a “sub-zero” point).

While the turrets on the SHV are positive and audible, they almost feel a bit soft compared to the turrets on the NXS scopes. The turrets on the NXS are most definitely more heavy-duty and feel substantially solid.

Now I’ve used the SHV scopes, and the ZeroSet feature is easy to set up, easy to use, and accurately tracks. I like its simplicity and ease of use.

To me, the NXS ZeroSet is a little bit more tedious to set up, but the dialing feels far more substantial compared to the SHV turrets. And the NXS ZeroSet functions flawlessly and tracks flawlessly.

So, which one is better?

Both turret systems are very good and function as advertised. I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot with both, and neither turret set-up will be a letdown.

Weight Comparison

If scope weight is not a concern or the weight variable between the two Nightforce models isn’t important, then I’d skip this portion completely. However, if you are weight conscious, then this part might be worth a read.

For me personally, scope weight doesn’t really play a role except for two situations:

1. On a dedicated hunting rifle
2. When I’m trying to make overall rifle weight within a competition setting

Since Both the Nightforce SHV and the NXS series could very well be used for a hunting scenario or a competitive shooting scenario, I’m including a commentary about weight.

Although the power ranges between the two Nightforce scope family’s don’t exactly match up exactly, if you look at the specs of each comparable SHV model in comparison to the closest NXS model, you’ll find that the NXS series tend to weight a few ounces more on average. If you factor in an illuminated reticle option, then the average difference goes up even more.

Typically, the non-illuminated NXS scopes end up weighing about 3 ounces more than their SHV counterpart, and the illuminated models end up weighing about 4-5 ounces more (when you’re comparing an illuminated SHV to an illuminated NXS model in a similar power range).

The additional weight of the NXS series makes perfect sense as they were originally built to hold up in combat conditions and feel like they could survive most anything that might commonly happen during a hunt or shooting trip.

However, if weight is a consideration that you might be considering above another feature or function, then the SHV scope series would be a lighter option.

Reticle Comparison

For the most part, the Nightforce reticles offered for the SHV and the NSX series overlap, but there are a few reticle options that are limited to one or the other.

Nightforce SHV reticles

Nightforce NXS reticles

So, from a reticle standpoint, where are they different?

Well, for starters, if you are a hunter and prefer a more traditional duplex-style reticle, then you’ll want to look at Nightforce’s Forceplex reticle. It comes in a non-illuminated and illuminated version and is one of the more simplistic reticles that they offer. However, if you prefer this reticle, then you’ll want to only shop the SHV series as the Forceplex reticle is only available in the SHV scope models.

If you’re a long range shooter, then you’ll have plenty of options as Nightforce offers a number of long range (both MOA and MIL-based) reticle options in both the SHV and NXS series. As a matter of fact, all the reticle options in the NXS series are more long ranged based in a MIL or MOA configuration. Again, given what the military and law enforcement role that the NXS was originally intended for, those reticle options make perfect sense.

If you’re a benchrest shooter who wants a more benchrest-friendly reticle in the NXS line, then you may want to check out the Nightforce NP-2DD reticle that is only found in the NXS series on the NXS 8-32X56 scope model. Keep in mind that Nightforce also offers a dedicated Benchrest scope series with a few other benchrest friendly reticle options.

Cost Comparison

As the SHV series was introduced to the market as a more budget-friendly Nightforce rifle scope, it stands to reason that the SHV models are less expensive than the robust NXS rifle scope series, but how much less?

Again, keeping in mind that these two scope series don’t exactly match up in terms of power ranges, the NXS series of scopes tends to cost around $600 or more than a comparable SHV model (on average). And in some cases, the cost difference between a comparable SHV and NXS model can be closer to the $1000 mark (depending on factors like power range, features, and reticle choices).

Obviously, if you shop around and find a sale or a killer deal, the cost difference between the two scope series might be less, but, on average, the NXS series of scopes tends to cost a significant amount (at least its significant to me)  more than the SHV models.

As the glass is the same, and the features set between the two series are close, the cost difference makes the SHV series look like a deal and a half, which is one reason that the SHV series has been such a good seller for Nightforce.

Between the Nightforce SHV and the Nightforce NXS scopes, what do you recommend?

Choosing between these two excellent series of riflescopes is a challenge, and I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either.

Personally, I’d start by figuring out features, power ranges, or reticles that you DON’T need or want, and then start shopping based on what’s left within your budget.

Here are a few general suggestions that may help in your decision-making process:

• If you’re on a strict budget, then the SHV models are absolutely the way to go.
• If you’re a hunter who wants a duplex-style reticle, then the SHV models are your best option.
• If you’re on an unlimited budget, then the NXS series is a good choice.
• If you’re weight-conscious, then the SHV series is a better choice.
• If you’re really hard on your gear or need something that is darn near bullet-proof, then the NXS is a better choice if your budget allows it.
• If you are a competitive long range shooter and want the best gear for the money, then the NXS series might be for you.

Here are a couple of other frequently asked questions that I see and hear when comparing the Nightforce SHV versus the NXS series:

Are all Nightforce NXS illuminated?

All the Nightforce NXS scope models are available in an illuminated reticle version.

Can you talk about the Nightforce SHV Zero set?

As I mentioned above, not every Nightforce SHV is equipped with the ZeroSet option. Only the SHV 4-14X50 F1 and 5-20X56 models have exposed turrets and are equipped with the ZeroSet.

The Nightforce ZeroSet is a very well-thought-out alternative to a traditional zero stop, and it functions well. It’s easy to set up and easy to use. I’m a fan of its simplicity and functionality.

What do you think of the Nightforce SHV turrets?

While the turrets on the SHV series don’t feel as stout or robust as the turrets on the NXS, they are positive, and you can definitely feel the clicks as you dial. They are not loose or “mushy” feeling at all.

Are Nightforce NXS first focal plane?

No. All the current Nightforce NXS scope models are only available in a second focal plane (SFP) configuration. Nightforce is not currently offering any first focal plane models in the NXS line. Obviously, that could very well change in the future, given the growing popularity of FFP scopes.

Do all Nightforce NXS scopes have zero stop?

Yes, all the current Nightforce NXS line scope models feature exposed turrets with the Nightforce ZeroStop functionality.

Are Nightforce SHV scopes any good?

Personally, I think the Nightforce SHV series of scopes are very, very good and offer tremendous value for the money, especially compared to the normal costs of the other scopes in the Nightforce line.

Is the Nightforce SHV zero stop any good?

The Nightforce SHV scope models do not come with the Nightforce ZeroStop option. The ZeroStop option is only found on the following Nightforce scope models: all the NSX models, all ATACR models, The B.E.A.S.T. scope, and all the Nightforce Competition scope models.

If I was shopping for a Nightforce scope in the SHV line or the NXS line and wanted a first focal plane model, which one would you recommend?

If you wanted an FFP scope in either the Nightforce NXS or the Nightforce SHV lines of scopes, you’ll only have one option, and that’s the NXS 4-14X50 F1 scope. The F1 model is, currently, the only FFP scope that is available in either of those two Nightforce scope lines.

I’ve seen a Nightforce model called the Nightforce nxs compact? Which NXS model is that?

Nightforce does offer a model in the NXS series, which they call the NXS Compact. It’s a 2.5-10×42 model, and the official name is NXS 2.5-10×42 COMPACT. That scope can be seen here: Nightforce 2.5-10X42 Compact on Amazon.

I’ve read about occasional problems with Nightforce scopes? Do the Nightforce SHV scopes have any known problems?

Even scopes as well built as the Nightforce models occasionally have an issue, so I’m not surprised that you might see reports of a problem or two with a Nightforce scope here and there. However, I have not heard anything about or am aware of any known issues with any Nightforce scope line.

Two things about Nightforce that I know to be true in relation to your question:

• Nightforce takes its reputation very seriously and will go above and beyond to stand behind its products.
• Nightforce has one of the best warranty programs in the optics industry and will resolve almost any issue as quickly as possible.

Case in point: I purchased a used Nightforce Varmint scope off eBay several years ago. Now the Varmint series is no longer in production and was basically phased out in 2000, so the scope I bought was at least 10 years old when I purchased it.

When it arrived to me, I noticed that the windage adjustment seemed to be locked up after only a few turns, and I wasn’t able to get the scope on paper. I snagged it at such a great price that I decided to speak with Nightforce customer service about it before taking the issue up with the seller.

Even after I explained that I wasn’t the original owner and had purchased it used off eBay, Nightforce support suggested I send it in to be inspected, and they would contact me if there was any cost involved.

Three or four weeks later, it showed back up at my house with a note explaining that a part in the erector system had failed, and it was repaired at no cost to me. To fix a used scope off eBay is a pretty impressive warranty.