NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Review

When I decided to mount serious glass on my custom .338 Lapua build eighteen months back, the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm wasn’t just a choice – it was the obvious answer. This scope has been riding hard through everything from precision rifle courses to backcountry elk hunts, and after logging over 800 rounds of punishing magnum loads, I’ve got some real insights to share about what this legendary optic can actually deliver.

Time to dig into the details of what makes this scope tick, and more importantly, where it might let you down.

Why You Should Trust Me?

I’ve been wrestling with long-range optics for over 25 years, from my early days shooting benchrest competitions to recent adventures hunting everything from whitetails to brown bears across North America. My experience spans the full spectrum – from budget scopes that barely hold zero to premium European glass that costs more than most cars. What sets me apart is that I don’t just test optics on sunny range days; I push them through the real conditions you’ll face in the field.

These days I spend more time training shooters than competing myself, which means I see firsthand how different optics perform under stress, in bad weather, and after getting knocked around. I’ve learned that fancy specifications don’t mean much if a scope can’t deliver when the stakes are high. That’s the perspective I bring to every review – practical, no-nonsense evaluation based on real-world performance.

How I Tested the NightForce NXS

This NXS found its permanent home atop my custom .338 Lapua Magnum built on a Surgeon 591 action with a Bartlein barrel. I’ve been feeding it a steady diet of 300-grain Berger Hybrids pushed by Retumbo powder, a load that consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy when I do my part. Over eighteen months of testing, this combination has seen action at ranges from 100 yards out to 1,400 yards, including several multi-day precision courses where equipment reliability matters as much as shooter skill.

My testing focused heavily on durability and consistency rather than just optical quality. I wanted to know how this scope would perform after getting bounced around in truck beds, exposed to temperature swings from 15°F winter hunts to 95°F summer range sessions, and subjected to the brutal recoil of a .338 Lapua that generates over 40 foot-pounds of energy.

NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Review

NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Specs

Specification	Value
Magnification	5.5-22x
Objective Lens	56mm
Eye Relief	3.9 inches
Field of View	17.5-4.7 ft @ 100 yards
Tube Size	30mm
Click Value	1/4 MOA
Elevation Adjustment	100 MOA
Windage Adjustment	60 MOA
Parallax	50 yards to infinity
Length	15.2 inches
Weight	32.0 ounces
Focal Plane	Second (SFP)

My Test Results

Field Test	Measurement	Notes
100yd Group Size	0.4 MOA	Average of 6 five-shot groups
600yd Group Size	0.7 MOA	Average of 4 five-shot groups
1200yd Group Size	1.1 MOA	Average of 3 five-shot groups
Tracking Precision	0.2 MOA	Over 60 MOA elevation range
Low Light Performance	8/10	Usable 30+ min after sunset
Zero Retention	Excellent	No shift after 800+ rounds
Recoil Test	Pass	Withstood 40+ ft-lbs repeatedly
Temperature Cycle	Pass	-10°F to 100°F with no shift

Testing conducted using custom .338 Lapua Magnum with handloaded 300-grain Berger Hybrid Target ammunition.

Optical Performance & Reticle

Here’s where the NXS shows both its age and its strengths. The glass quality sits firmly in the “very good” category – not spectacular by today’s standards, but absolutely functional for serious precision work. The MOAR reticle in my sample is well-designed with useful holdover points and wind references, though I wish the center crosshair was slightly finer for precision work beyond 1,000 yards. Colors are true and contrast is solid, making it easy to distinguish targets against varied backgrounds.

During extended shooting sessions, I can comfortably spot .338 caliber holes in paper at 600 yards on overcast days. The 56mm objective does its job in marginal light conditions – I’ve successfully taken game during the last 30 minutes of legal shooting light when smaller objectives would have left me straining to see. Image quality stays consistent across the magnification range, though it’s noticeably sharper at moderate powers than when cranked to maximum.

Turret System & Tracking

This is where the NXS truly separates itself from the competition. The turrets are built like small tanks – positive, distinct clicks that you can feel and hear even with heavy gloves on. Each 1/4 MOA adjustment is precisely that, and I’ve yet to find any tracking errors even after extensive dial testing. The ZeroStop feature works exactly as advertised, giving you confidence to dial up for long shots knowing you can return to zero with certainty.

I’ve run this scope through multiple tall target tests and box tests, including one session where I tracked through the entire 100 MOA of elevation adjustment. Deviation from perfect tracking never exceeded 0.2 MOA, which is exceptional performance. The turret markings remain clearly visible even after hard use, and the positive detents prevent accidental adjustment during transport or field use.

Magnification Range & Parallax

The 5.5-22x range hits the sweet spot for serious long-range work. At minimum magnification, you get adequate field of view for target acquisition and spotting impacts, while 22x provides enough detail for precise shot placement at extended ranges. I spend most of my time between 12x and 18x for targets beyond 600 yards, finding this range offers the best balance of image stability and detail resolution.

The side focus parallax adjustment is smooth and intuitive, with yardage markings that prove reasonably accurate in practice. Critical parallax adjustment becomes important beyond 400 yards with this scope, and I appreciate that the adjustment range starts at 50 yards rather than the 100-yard minimum found on some tactical scopes. Fine-tuning parallax at long range is straightforward and stays put once set.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The 3.9-inch eye relief proves adequate for most applications, though it can feel tight when shooting heavy-recoiling rifles from awkward positions. With my .338 Lapua, I need to be conscious of proper scope mounting height and cheek weld consistency to avoid scope bite. The eye box is reasonably forgiving at moderate magnifications but tightens up noticeably above 18x, requiring more precise head position for a full, clear sight picture.

During field courses where you’re shooting from barricades, improvised rests, and odd angles, the eye box can be unforgiving compared to some modern designs. It’s not a deal-breaker, but shooters coming from more forgiving optics will notice the difference. The upside is that once you’re positioned correctly, the sight picture is stable and consistent.

Build Quality

Simply put, this scope is built like military hardware – which makes sense given NightForce’s history. The 30mm tube feels solid enough to use as a club, and every component exudes precision manufacturing. After eighteen months of hard use including several hunting trips where the rifle got banged around in ATV scabbards and pack frames, the scope shows minimal wear and zero functional issues.

I’ve subjected this scope to temperature extremes that would challenge any optic. From predawn elk hunts in sub-zero Montana cold to afternoon prairie dog sessions in 95°F heat, internal adjustments have remained consistent. The waterproofing has proven itself during several all-day hunts in steady rain, and I’ve never experienced any internal fogging even when moving between drastically different temperature zones.

Mounting & Accessories

My current setup includes these essential components:

• NightForce X-Treme Duty 30mm rings (high profile)
• Badger Ordnance 20 MOA rail
• NightForce lens caps with tethers
• Anti-cant device (critical for long-range accuracy)
• Scope coat for weather protection

Performance Scores

Category	Score	Notes
Optical Quality	24/30	Good clarity, adequate for precision work
Durability	25/25	Exceptional build quality, bombproof
Usability	17/20	Excellent turrets, eye box could be better
Value	11/15	Premium price, but justified performance
Features	9/10	ZeroStop and illumination add utility
Total Score	86/100	Premium tactical scope with proven reliability

Scoring based on extensive field testing and comparison with similar tactical optics. Learn more about my testing methodology

Advantages:

• Exceptional tracking precision and repeatability
• Bombproof construction handles extreme conditions
• ZeroStop provides operational confidence
• Proven reliability in military and law enforcement use
• Excellent low-light performance with 56mm objective

Drawbacks:

• Glass quality lags behind modern premium optics
• Heavy at 32 ounces – not ideal for lightweight builds
• Eye box can be unforgiving at higher magnifications
• Premium pricing puts it out of reach for many shooters
• Second focal plane limits some tactical applications

How It Compares Against Similar Optics

Model Comparison	Magnification	Optical Quality	Build Quality	Tracking	Value	Overall Rating
NightForce NXS	5.5-22×56	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	86/100
Leupold Mark 5HD	5-25×56	Very Good	Good	Good	Good	82/100
Schmidt & Bender PMII	5-25×56	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Poor	88/100
Vortex Razor HD LHT	4.5-22×50	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	84/100

The Leupold Mark 5HD offers notably superior glass quality and a more user-friendly design at a similar price point. The image is crisper, colors more vivid, and the eye box more forgiving. However, I’ve seen enough reliability issues with Leupold’s tracking consistency to question their suitability for mission-critical applications. If you’re primarily punching paper or hunting where a missed shot isn’t life-threatening, the Mark 5HD might be worth considering.

Schmidt & Bender’s PMII 5-25×56 represents the gold standard in tactical optics, with glass quality that makes the NXS look dated and tracking that’s equally precise. The German engineering shows in every detail, from the buttery-smooth turrets to the crystal-clear optics. The downside is a price tag that approaches $3,500, making it accessible only to serious professionals or dedicated enthusiasts.

The Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 offers an interesting middle ground with excellent glass quality, reliable tracking, and significantly lower weight. The image quality rivals much more expensive optics, and Vortex’s warranty coverage is hard to beat. The main trade-offs are slightly less robust construction and a smaller objective lens that limits low-light performance compared to the NXS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to the newer NX8 line?

The NX8 offers better glass quality and more compact dimensions, but the NXS maintains advantages in eye box forgiveness and proven durability. For hunters who prioritize weight savings, the NX8 makes sense. For tactical applications where reliability trumps everything else, I’d stick with the proven NXS design.

Is the weight penalty worth it for hunting?

At 32 ounces, this scope adds significant weight to any hunting rifle. For backcountry hunts where every ounce matters, lighter alternatives make more sense. However, if you’re hunting from fixed positions or vehicles where weight isn’t critical, the NXS’s durability and low-light performance justify the extra mass.

How important is the ZeroStop feature?

For serious long-range shooting, ZeroStop is invaluable. It provides confidence to dial large elevation corrections knowing you can return to your original zero without counting clicks. Once you’ve used it, going back to scopes without this feature feels like a step backward.

Will it handle .50 BMG recoil?

Absolutely. NightForce built their reputation on scopes that survive military sniper rifles, including .50 caliber platforms. The NXS has been proven on everything from .338 Lapua to .416 Barrett without reliability issues. Just ensure your mounting system is equally robust.

Final Words

Eighteen months behind the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm has convinced me that this scope represents old-school American engineering at its finest. Yes, the glass quality has been surpassed by newer designs, and the weight penalty is substantial. But when absolute reliability matters more than having the latest features, the NXS delivers without compromise.

This isn’t a scope for casual shooters or those chasing the latest optical innovations. It’s purpose-built for professionals who need equipment that works every time, regardless of conditions or abuse. The tracking precision is exceptional, the build quality is bombproof, and the track record speaks for itself across military and law enforcement applications worldwide.

If you’re building a rifle system where failure isn’t an option – whether for professional use, serious competition, or once-in-a-lifetime hunts – the NXS deserves serious consideration. Just understand that you’re paying premium prices for proven reliability rather than cutting-edge optical performance. For many applications, that trade-off makes perfect sense.