Anyone have experience with the NF SHV 4-14x56? I know nightforce is renowned by almost everyone, but curious as to how their entry level scope compares with other vendors mid-higher end glass...I have a VX3i on a deer rifle now and am thinking of upgrading to the SHV. Thoughts from the OB? Worth it?

Very curious about this also. I remember looking at this same model and was very curious on thoughts other than opinions on Night force in general.

I have the 5-20x56 and love it, it is on my Bergara HMR. I am a leupold fan and own many VXiii, I also have a VX-6 3-18 and the nightforce SHV blows it outta the water.

cledus6150 said:

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I have the 5-20x56 and love it, it is on my Bergara HMR.

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How does it compare to other scopes you have or have used. Is there a clear noticeable difference between it and other good scopes you've had?

Very noticeable between the VX-6 and the SHV, to me the SHV blew it outta the water on clarity as well as tracking with the turrets. The VXiii is half the price and it is noticeable with clarity and light gathering in low light well as clarity at high magnification.

I also compared it to my Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP, the comparison wasn't even close. I sold the vortex after mounting the Nightforce.

cledus6150 said:

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Very noticeable between the VX-6 and the SHV, to me the SHV blew it outta the water on clarity as well as tracking with the turrets. The VXiii is half the price and it is noticeable with clarity and light gathering in low light well as clarity at high magnification.

I also compared it to my Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP, the comparison wasn't even close. I sold the vortex after mounting the Nightforce.

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Exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated!

If your in CS I can let ya take a look at it this weekend sometime.

VX6 and SHV glass is toe to toe.

Tracking and return to zero - the SHV wins.

But if you're buying the SHV for glass and low light, you're over paying. JMO

cledus6150 said:

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If your in CS I can let ya take a look at it this weekend sometime.

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Thanks for the offer! I'm in Houston and not sure when I'll be up that way again. Thanks again for the info!

PFG said:

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VX6 and SHV glass is toe to toe.

Tracking and return to zero - the SHV wins.

But if you're buying the SHV for glass and low light, you're over paying. JMO

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what do you recommend as a good alternative PFG?

Alternative to the SHV for a scope to twist turrets?

"Glass and low light"

Something from Swarovski or Leupold's high end.

At one time I had a Z3 and VX6. The VX6 glass was better. Brighter, crisp - super impressed.
Might need to step to Swarovski Z5 line and see how it compares.

Here is the SHV mounted on my bergara.


Here is a photo of a hog I shot between 100 and 200 yard (don't remember exact distance), this is taken through the SHV at 5:48pm in January.



Here is a photo of a hog I shot right at about 100 yards, this is taken through the PST at 1:10pm in December.

Very nice.

The SHV is a great scope, no doubt. The glass is great, but if the OP is looking to upgrade from a clarity/resolution/low light perspective, the SHV would do the trick - but comes at a cost. There is equal or better glass at lower price points. Some of the SHV expense comes from the rock solid erector system.

TLDR: Yes the SHV is a worthy upgrade from the VX-3. Especially if you plan to shoot further and dial turrets.

I have the SHV 5-20x56 on a .260. It's a great choice, reliable tracking and very sturdy. This year I dinged up the scope during a deer hunt. It was still ringing steel at 800 yards no problem. My only complaint is max FOV at 5X, but honestly I didn't buy this scope for 60 yard off-hand shots (which I had this year).

As far as glass, I've done direct comparisons to the Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40, Leupold VX-6 4-24x52, Leupold VX-6 7-42x56, and the Swarovski X5 5-25x56. The X5 was the clear winner, but isn't even close to the same price range. The VX-6 glass is very comparable to the SHV. When compared to the VX-6 4-24, the SHV may have got me a few extra minutes at low light. The extra light could be due to the 56 vs 52 mm objective (we were testing all these scopes at the same magnification). Both showed significant chromatic aberration on a 500 yard target compared to the Swaro.

Recently I purchased a VX-6HD 2-12x42 for a lightweight 30-06. I haven't had a chance to do a side-by-side with the SHV, but I think the glass is better. To my eyes the VX-6HD has a nice warm hue, which I prefer in low light. The jury is still out on the new ZL2 turrets. I really like the way they work, I just haven't had a chance to test tracking.

For various reasons I plan to return or sale the VX-6HD 2-12. I may go with the VX-6HD 3-18 or VX-5HD 3-15. I'm also looking at the new Zeiss V6 and Sig Sauer Whiskey 5. I wish Swarovski had better reticle options and upgraded turrets for their Z5 and Z6 lines. I love Swaro glass, but the X5 is too big and heavy for this mountain rifle.

Arrow - have an email I can reach you at?

arrow said:

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TLDR: Yes the SHV is a worthy upgrade from the VX-3. Especially if you plan to shoot further and dial turrets.

I have the SHV 5-20x56 on a .260. It's a great choice, reliable tracking and very sturdy. This year I dinged up the scope during a deer hunt. It was still ringing steel at 800 yards no problem. My only complaint is max FOV at 5X, but honestly I didn't buy this scope for 60 yard off-hand shots (which I had this year).

As far as glass, I've done direct comparisons to the Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40, Leupold VX-6 4-24x52, Leupold VX-6 7-42x56, and the Swarovski X5 5-25x56. The X5 was the clear winner, but isn't even close to the same price range. The VX-6 glass is very comparable to the SHV. When compared to the VX-6 4-24, the SHV may have got me a few extra minutes at low light. The extra light could be due to the 56 vs 52 mm objective (we were testing all these scopes at the same magnification). Both showed significant chromatic aberration on a 500 yard target compared to the Swaro.

Recently I purchased a VX-6HD 2-12x42 for a lightweight 30-06. I haven't had a chance to do a side-by-side with the SHV, but I think the glass is better. To my eyes the VX-6HD has a nice warm hue, which I prefer in low light. The jury is still out on the new ZL2 turrets. I really like the way they work, I just haven't had a chance to test tracking.

For various reasons I plan to return or sale the VX-6HD 2-12. I may go with the VX-6HD 3-18 or VX-5HD 3-15. I'm also looking at the new Zeiss V6 and Sig Sauer Whiskey 5. I wish Swarovski had better reticle options and upgraded turrets for their Z5 and Z6 lines. I love Swaro glass, but the X5 is too big and heavy for this mountain rifle.

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Very informative. Thank you!

I should add to my chromatic aberration comment above. The SHV and VX-6 did show CA on a 500 yard target. This target is a 12" OD steel plate painted white that is attached to a large steel table top painted olive drab. So this high contrast lends itself to CA. That said, you may never notice it with the SHV or VX-6 unless you are looking for it. When I said significant, I meant significant relative to the Swarovski X5. The X5 shows no CA.

Got it, thanks.

nm