Nightforce 2.5-10x32 Zero Stop

I like my hunting scopes simple in terms of features. Yes I do have illuminated models, something that can have its uses, though not truly essential. But for me it’s all about top quality glass, bomb-proof construction and a decent reticule, my preference being the generic #4-type – three thick outer posts at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock with a fine inner crossing coming down from 12 o’clock. This gives the ability to bracket close-in targets, a decent aim point for precision and an un-cluttered, 180° view in the top half of the lens.
In keeping with this I do not favour exterior dialling turrets, preferring to work out my drops in 25-yard increments past my zero point (normally 175-yards) and using eyeball holdover to achieve the hit. As once you know the range and size of the animal it’s very easy to estimate your aim point with good accuracy. A definite case of - keep it simple stupid and it works well.

Varmints

However, for varmint shooting, where targets are much smaller and ranges generally longer you tend to have more time for the shot. Here I do favour a more target-orientated set up with dialable turrets and side focus. So winding in corrections is not a problem and produces excellent results. To this end I have been long term testing Nightforce’s NXS 3.5-15x56 with Zero Stop. I use it on my 223 Rem barrel on my Mauser M03. Using 40-grain Hornady V-MAX ammo I set zero at 200-yards and can reach out to 500. Here I set 10-yard increments and in conjunction with my Ballistic FTE programme on my I-phone the hit rate is good.
Ok there are a number of high spec scopes of this nature, but what sets the Nightforce apart is Zero Stop. Essentially you set your base zero then unlock the elevation turret and wind it down to that position then re-lock it. This means you can never get lost in elevation, as if you do you just rotate the turret back until it stops and you’re back at zero.

Compact

However, Nightforce has now added this facility to what I rate as one of their best all-round hunting scopes the NXS 2.5-10x32. Having tested this model before with their Velocity Reticule, I was unsure if Zero Stop though a great idea on a big tactical or varmint model would suit this sort of glass!
The 2.5-10x32 is a cracking design and though only showing a 32mm objective there are no real issues on low light ability. Weighing in at 19oz and 12” long with its 30mm body it’s a semi-compact style and will mount to pretty much anything due to its 33mm maximum diameter. In terms of build it differs slightly to the 3.5-15x56 in that it has a separate magnification ring, as opposed to the whole eye piece bell turning, which is a bit annoying.
Focus is by a lock ring and the magnification ring is heavily slotted and gives a secure grip in any weather even with gloves on. The movement here is firm but smooth. Unlike the standard version the Zero Stop has un-capped, external dialling turrets.

¼ MOA & .1 Mil-Rad

Click values are ¼ MOA (.1 Mil-Radian) with a top to bottom and side to side of 100 MOA/27.3 Mil, so pretty generous. The elevation drum is marked with 10 divisions (1 MOA) and 1/4 increments giving 40-per turn. Windage with five in each direction, as suits this plane. On the left of the saddle is the rheostat, which and unlike most other illuminations systems comes on at maximum and also lights up the whole reticule.
Typically Nightforce offers a choice of reticules for this model, this example came with the NP-1 Hunter, which is different! This floating three-plex design utilizes all the functional elements of a duplex without unnecessary obstructions of your field of view at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. A fine crosshair with a .080 M.O.A. subtension extends 4 M.O.A. from centre and is bracketed by heavy bars at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The idea is to direct your eye to the middle, which it does, however if you are used to a full cross it initially feels odd.

Lock Up

Zero Stop is easy to set up as it consists of a rotary plate that screws down on the central elevation shaft. All you do is zero as normal then remove the drum that’s held by a single Alan screw. You will see the plate that is also secured by a screw. Undo this and wind it anti-clockwise until it stops then re-tighten it – you have now set your base zero. Easy, though I would say you might run out of elevation, if so repeat the above and screw the plate clockwise to get a bit more movement before zeroing.
On that point when I was zeroing I thought I had run out of windage as the turret only appears to give one turn. This is not the case as the drum has an integral limiter lug, which reduces the movement to one rotation. This is easily sorted as you just remove the drum (as the elevation) lift the lug over the stop and you have another complete turn. Yes a pain for zeroing, but once set up – no chance of being out. Plus winding in a windage correction will require far less movement, so a half-turn either way (5 MOA) is quick, simple and more than enough.

Is It Worth It?

Without a doubt Zero Stop does add a dimension even to a hunting scope, due to its ease of use and 100% repeatability. Whether or not you need it is debatable, but it would allow me to stop guessing holdover and dial in an exact range correction. Likewise on windage too in the sure knowledge I can quickly return to base zero.

PRICE: £1440