Rifle Scopes 50mm nightforce or 56mm

[mdh21225]

I need some opinions. I have a guy willing to trade me a 5.5x22 50mm nightforce w/ mildot, for a rifle I have. I can get the same with 56mm, but he wants $180 more. My question is:
Is there that big of a difference between the two?
Is it worth $180 more?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[DocV]

Re: 50mm nightforce or 56mm

It depends on what you want. With the 56mm, you're suppose to be able to pick up more light especially at dusk and dawn, but having run both I didn't notice too much of a difference. I'd give a very slight edge to the 56mm, and that's being nitpicky

It's odd that they're asking for extra since they retail for the same price.

-V-

 

[michael_aos]

Re: 50mm nightforce or 56mm

Somewhere along the line I got it in my head that the scope should be mounted as close to the barrel as possible.

With that in mind, I've always leaned towards the x50mm version.

I got a good deal on a used x56mm though, and it still fits using the same "low" Seekins 30mm rings.

My thinking now is "can't hurt, might help", so I tend to lean toward the x56mm.

 

[head2h2o]

Re: 50mm nightforce or 56mm

It completely depends on when you are shooting. If you are shooting mostly during the day, you are not going to notice the difference. If you are shooting around dusk or dawn, then you will see a difference. I went with the 50 an dhave not been the slightest bit disappointed. When I ordered mine, the gentleman I spoke with told me there was about 15% more light transmission with the 56mm. The other consideration is mounting. If you go with the 56mm objective, it will place the center of the scope higher above the action. Not ideal for a solid check weld unless you do something to compensate for it.

 

[michael_aos]

Re: 50mm nightforce or 56mm

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you go with the 56mm objective, it will place the center of the scope higher above the action. Not ideal for a solid check weld unless you do something to compensate for it. </div></div>

That was always my concern as well.

Since we wind up using the same rings with either version though, I think this is a non-issue.

 

[csgw]

Re: 50mm nightforce or 56mm

Go with a 50mm and get the scope lower.

Mike