Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 Review – The Best All-Round Crossover Scope?

Last updated on April 2nd, 2025

We’ve used a fair few Nightforce optics over the years and have developed a healthy respect for their build quality and real-world performance. The Nightforce NX8 series has been a standout for us, so when we had the chance to test the SHV 5-20×56 — the more affordable option in Nightforce’s lineup — we were keen to see if it lived up to the brand’s reputation.

Fortunately, a mate picked one up for his Sako 85 Hunter, and we got a solid amount of range and bush time behind it.

What Does SHV Mean?

SHV stands for Shooter-Hunter-Varminter, and that alone tells you the intent behind this optic. It’s designed to sit right in the middle ground — a capable crossover scope that can handle precision target work, hunting trips, and varmint control. The SHV range represents Nightforce’s entry-level price point, and while it’s more affordable than the NX8 and ATACR series, it certainly isn’t lacking in quality.

Magnification

The SHV 5-20×56 offers a very versatile magnification range. At 5x, it’s low enough for most bush stalking and hunting scenarios, and at 20x, it’s ideal for load development, target work, or stretching things out past 600 metres. The scope tracks well throughout the zoom range, and the image clarity holds up nicely at higher magnification.

The magnification ring itself is firm — not overly stiff, but it definitely stays put once set. The numbering is crisp and easy to read, though depending on your scope mount height, you might need to lift your head slightly to check your current setting. For those shooting in cold weather or making frequent changes, we highly recommend adding Nightforce’s aftermarket throw lever — it makes a big difference.

Construction

The SHV scopes are made in Japan and feature the sort of fit and finish you expect from Nightforce. While it’s not manufactured to the same exacting standard as the ATACR or NX8 series, it’s still an incredibly solid optic. The 30mm tube is built from aircraft-grade aluminium, finished in a durable matte-black anodising that looks sharp and resists glare in the field.

It’s a little lighter and more compact than the larger Nightforce models, but still rugged enough to withstand the rigours of bush bashing, alpine stalking, or sustained sessions at the range. Overall length is 386mm, and it weighs in at 865 grams — a reasonable weight considering the 56mm objective and overall capability.

Turrets

The SHV 5-20×56 features exposed elevation and capped target-style windage turrets. The elevation turret has clear, large numbering and offers 10 MOA per full rotation, with 0.25 MOA click values. The feel of the clicks is tactile and precise — exactly what you’d expect from Nightforce.

The scope offers a total internal elevation adjustment of 80 MOA and 50 MOA for windage, giving you ample room to dial for long-range shots. Beneath the elevation turret are horizontal reference lines to indicate which rotation you’re on — handy for avoiding over- or under-dialing.

This model comes with Nightforce’s ZeroSet system. While not quite as robust as their higher-end ZeroStop, it’s a reliable and user-friendly zeroing feature that lets you return to your original zero after dialling up for distance.

On the left-hand side, the scope houses both the side parallax adjustment and illumination controls. Parallax is adjustable from 22 metres to infinity, and the illuminated reticle has 11 brightness settings, lighting up only the centre cross. Nightforce also offers this scope without illumination if you’re looking to save a few bucks.

Reticle

The model we tested came with the MOAR reticle in the second focal plane (SFP). It’s a favourite for those wanting a good balance between a clean hunting reticle and some added functionality for holdovers. The MOAR provides clear 1 MOA hash marks for windage and elevation without cluttering up the sight picture — ideal for both hunting and target shooting.

Other available reticles include the IHR and 4A (for more traditional hunting use), and in the SHV 4-14x F1 variant, you can opt for the MOAR or MIL-R in the first focal plane (FFP). The reticle selection in the SHV line is broader than many other scopes in this price bracket, which is great if you’re trying to match an optic to your specific shooting style.

Optical Performance

The glass quality on the SHV is genuinely impressive, particularly at this price point. The large 56mm objective lens pulls in plenty of light, and the image remains sharp and bright even at full magnification. We saw no signs of chromatic aberration or vignetting, even in difficult lighting conditions. Edge-to-edge clarity was excellent, and the exit pupil of 8.7mm (at 5x) down to 2.5mm (at 20x) was more than adequate for low light shooting.

Eye Relief and Field of View

The SHV provides a generous 90mm of eye relief, which is more than enough for high-recoiling calibres. Field of view ranges from 6.0 metres down to 1.7 metres at 100m, which is in line with what you’d expect for a scope in this magnification range.

Weight

At 865 grams, the SHV 5-20×56 is heavier than the average hunting optic, but it’s lighter than most precision competition scopes. It’s right in the sweet spot for crossover use — light enough to carry in the field, but heavy enough to feel planted and stable on the bench.

Nightforce SHV 5-20×56	29.1 oz / 825g
Vortex HS-LR 6-24×50	22.9 / 652g
Leupold VX-3i LRP	21.7 oz / 615g
Burris Xtreme XTR 5-25×50	32.1 o / 910g

Final Thoughts

The Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 proves that you don’t have to spend top-dollar to get a reliable, high-performance optic. It’s a serious piece of glass that brings Nightforce’s trademark durability and optical clarity to a more budget-conscious shooter. With a robust turret system, crisp reticle options, and excellent glass performance, it’s a true all-rounder suited to both the range and the backcountry.

Whether you’re ringing steel, glassing ridgelines, or zeroing at 100 metres, the SHV delivers consistent results with no surprises. If you’re looking for a crossover scope that handles both target work and hunting without breaking the bank, the SHV 5-20×56 deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Pros

• Value
• Glass quality
• Range of reticles

Cons

• Throw lever doesn’t come as standard, look at adding one

Specifications

Focal Plane	Second
Magnification Range	5-20x
Objective lens diameter	56mm
Tube diameter	30 mm/1.18 in
Internal adjustment range (MOA/Mil)	e: 80 MOA w: 50 MOA e: 21.8 Mil w: 13.6 Mil
Click value	.250 MOA
Calibrated Ranging Power	20x
Parallax adjustment	25 yd–∞
Exit pupil diameter	5x: 8.7 mm 20x: 2.5 mm
Eye relief	80-90 mm/3.15-3.54 in
Field of view @100 yards/100 meters	5x: 17.9 ft 20x: 5.0 ft 5x: 5.46 m 20x: 1.52 m
Objective outer diameter	65 mm
Eyepiece outer diameter	43 mm
Overall length (inches/mm)	15.2 in/386 mm
Weight (ounces/grams)	29.1 oz/825g* 30.5 oz/865g**
Mounting length (inches/mm)	6.5 in/165 mm
Front/Rear Mounting Length	2.81 in/2.04 in
PTL (Power Throw Lever)	Accessory
Reticles available	IHR™ MOAR™
Illumination	Optional
	* Non-Illuminated ** Illuminated
Elevation Feature	ZeroSet™